Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 December 2025.

The Prime Minister co-chaired a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this afternoon.

The Prime Minister updated allies on this week’s engagements with other international partners and on the continued intensive work on the US-led peace plan.

They all agreed this is a pivotal moment for Ukraine, its people, and for the security we all share across the Euro-Atlantic region.

President Zelenskyy updated the group on the continued Russian bombardment of Ukraine, killing innocent civilians and destroying critical infrastructure.

The leaders then discussed the significant progress made in starving Russia’s war machine through coordinated sanctions and enforcement, and in stepping up support for Ukraine. They also discussed the progress made on mobilising frozen Russian Sovereign Assets.

As Ukraine enters its fourth winter of fighting, the leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to fund military support. The Prime Minister underscored that the UK would continue to work closely with partners to maintain pressure on Russia and provide Ukraine with the support it needs for as long as it takes.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln.

Background

The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln, in succession to the Right Reverend Dr David Court following his retirement.

Jean was trained for ministry via the East Midlands Ministry Training Course, accredited by Nottingham University.

She served her title at St George and St Mary’s Church, Gresley, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 2004. Jean served as Interim Minister at St Alkmund’s and St Werburgh’s from 2008 and was appointed Priest-in-Charge in 2013 and incumbent in 2018. Jean served as Archdeacon of Bolton and Archdeacon of Salford, both in the Diocese of Manchester, from 2018.

In 2023, Jean took up her current role as Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned:

Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party:

1. Andy (Andrew) Roe KSFM – Chair of the national Building Safety Regulator and former London Fire Commissioner
2. Dame Ann Limb DBE DL – Former Further Education College Principal and former Chair, The Scouts. Pro Chancellor, University of Surrey, and Chair of City & Guilds Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, and The King’s Foundation
3. Brenda Dacres OBE – Mayor of Lewisham
4. Carol Linforth OBE – Lately Labour Party Chief of Staff – Operations
5. Catherine MacLeod – Former journalist and political adviser, Visiting Professor at King’s College London and Non-Executive Director at the Scotland Office
6. David Isaac CBE – Provost of Worcester College, Oxford, Chair of the University of the Arts London, Chair of the Henry Moore Foundation, and a trustee of Cumberland Lodge
7. David Pitt-Watson – Responsible Investment Expert. Co-founder and former CEO of the Equity Ownership Service and Focus Funds at Federated Hermes
8. Farmida Bi CBE – Chair of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Vice-Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee
9. Professor Geeta Nargund – Founder and former Medical Director of Create Fertility. Founder and Trustee of Health Equality Foundation
10. Katie Martin – Lately, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
11. Joe Docherty – Chair of Northern Powergrid Foundation and Trustee, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, former Chair of Council, Durham University
12. Len (Leonard) Duvall OBE – Chair of the London Assembly and Leader of the London Assembly Labour Group
13. Matthew Doyle – Former Director of Communications to the Prime Minister and for the Labour Party
14. Sir Michael Barber – Chancellor, University of Exeter and adviser to the Prime Minister on effective delivery
15. Neena Gill CBE – Former Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands
16. Nick (Nicholas) Forbes CBE – Chair, Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former Labour Leader, Newcastle City Council
17. Peter Babudu – Executive Director of Impact on Urban Health, former councillor in Southwark
18. Peter John OBE – Former Southwark Leader and former Chair of London Councils.
19. Richard Walker OBE – Founder and Chairman, Bywater and Executive Chairman, Iceland Foods
20. Russell Hobby CBE – CEO, The Kemnal Academies Trust, former CEO, Teach First and former General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers
21. Cllr. Dr Sara Hyde – Fabian Society Chair and Islington council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care
22. Cllr. Shama Tatler – Brent Councillor and Vice-Chair of the London Labour Regional Executive, Patron of the Labour Housing Group and Head of the Labour Group Office at the Local Government Association
23. Dr Sophy Antrobus MBE – Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Freeman Air and Space Institute at King’s College London
24. Tracey Paul – Chief Communications Officer at Pool Reinsurance and former policy advisor
25. Uday Nagaraju – Technology Consultant, Politician and Founder of AI Policy Labs

Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party:

1. Mike Dixon – Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats. Former charity leader and Government policy adviser
2. Dominic Hubbard (Lord Addington) – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for disabilities in the House of Lords and Honorary President of the British Dyslexia Association
3. Rhiannon Leaman – Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats
4. John Russell (Earl Russell) – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy and climate change in the House of Lords
5. Sarah Teather – Charity leader, former MP for Brent East and Brent Central and former Minister of State at the Department for Education

Nominations from the Leader of the Conservatives:

1. Sharron Davies MBE – Campaigner for Women’s Rights & Olympic Swimming Silver Medallist for Great Britain 
2. Simon Heffer – Professor of Modern British History at the University of Buckingham and a historian, journalist, author and political commentator
3. The Rt Hon Sir John Redwood – Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Wokingham

Nominations for Crossbench Peerages:

1. Charles Kinnoull (The Earl of Kinnoull) DL – Convenor of the Crossbench Peers, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, former Chair of the House of Lords European Union Committee

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 December 2025.

The King has approved that The Reverend Martin Lonsdale Evans be appointed to a Canonry of Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Background

Martin was educated at the University of Manchester, obtaining an B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies, and trained for Ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.  Ordained as a Priest in 1996, he served his title as Curate in Morpeth in the Diocese of Newcastle. 

From 1998 he served as Royal Navy Chaplain including posts in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Bahrain, and in 2019 he served additionally as Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet with responsibility for the pastoral and professional oversight of 59 chaplains across the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.  In 2022, he took up his current role as Rector of The Parish of St. Saviour, Jersey, in the Diocese of Salisbury.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 November 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this morning.

The leaders began by taking stock of the situation in Ukraine.

Peace talks in recent days had gained momentum, but the focus had to be on securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, both underlined.

The leaders discussed the work being done by the Coalition of the Willing to prepare for a cessation of hostilities and welcomed the close coordination between the grouping and NATO on next steps.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 November 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning, ahead of the Coalition of the Willing meeting this afternoon.

The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences with President Zelenskyy on the appalling Russian attacks overnight, paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught.

Reflecting on the talks in Geneva and the diplomatic discussions that have followed, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Prime Minister said Ukraine could rely on the UK’s support as discussions continued.

Looking ahead to this afternoon’s Coalition of the Willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has been shown in support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for the deployment of the multinational force following the cessation of hostilities.

The Prime Minister and President looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 November 2025.

Anglesey set for thousands of new jobs as Prime Minister confirms Wylfa will host UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors.

• Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales selected as site to deliver the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power station
• Most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation, supporting 3,000 new good jobs in local economy
• Government continues to deliver ‘golden age’ of nuclear, after years of dither and delay, as part of clean energy superpower mission, and will also identify new sites for potential future large nuclear

A generation of young people on Anglesey / Ynys Môn and across North Wales are set to benefit from thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, as the Prime Minister today confirms that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant.

North Wales will become a beacon in the “golden age” of nuclear, delivering the UK’s first ever small modular nuclear reactors built by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR – proving that the UK can still build big projects that stand the test of time.

The confirmation of Wylfa as the host site rights the wrongs of previous failure to bring new nuclear power to North Wales. Sitting on the North Wales coast, Wylfa has a strong nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. The first-of-its-kind project is expected to support up to 3,000 good jobs in the local community at peak construction, underpinned by billions of pounds of infrastructure investment out to the mid-2030s. 

This investment of over £2.5 billion builds on the government’s record of investment into the North Wales economy, including an Investment Zone to boost advanced manufacturing, the Anglesey Freeport and critical rail upgrades to the North Wales mainline.  

The UK’s first small modular reactors – mini nuclear reactors which are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations – are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes as part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission, giving the UK energy independence that will power the NHS, national security and British innovation.

The SMRs will be backed by the British people through Great British Energy-Nuclear, giving the British people a stake in a leading-edge technology that has global export opportunities and builds a vital sovereign capability for the country.

This is part of our modern industrial strategy, directing every lever of the state to win in technologies like SMRs. In the Spending Review, the government confirmed major investment in Sizewell C, which will provide power for the equivalent of 6 million homes and 10,000 jobs, as well as over £2.5 billion funding for the country’s first SMR programme.

The government is working closely with the US on nuclear and recently agreed a major agreement between regulators to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, alongside major commercial deals such as X-Energy and Centrica’s plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.

The Prime Minister said:

Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.

Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.

This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.

That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security.

Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people – creating world-class training and apprenticeships in North Wales for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.

Alongside the siting announcement, to pursue the option of a further large-scale reactor project beyond the current deployments at Hinkley Point C and the recently confirmed Sizewell C, the government is announcing that Great British Energy-Nuclear has been tasked with identifying suitable sites that could potentially host such a project. GBE-N will report back by Autumn 2026 on potential sites to inform future decisions in the next Spending Review and beyond. The Energy Secretary has requested this includes sites across the United Kingdom including Scotland.

Any further large-scale project, subject to future policy decisions, would be similar in scale to the Hinkley Point C or Sizewell C projects, with the potential to power the equivalent of 6 million homes. Alongside SMRs and other advanced nuclear projects, this could further deliver the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, boosting the country’s energy security, securing the next generation of good, skilled jobs and protecting billpayers.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

This landmark investment proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time.

A generation of young people across North Wales will benefit from the good jobs, homes across Britain will get clean power and we will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK.

This is the government’s clean energy mission in action – driving for energy sovereignty and abundance to take back control of our energy.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said:

This is the moment Ynys Môn and the whole of Wales has been waiting for. New nuclear is a step into the future with secure jobs and secure energy guaranteed for the next generation.

We have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site and I warmly welcome this major decision to invest in north West Wales. Wales is once again leading the way.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

This is huge news – one of the largest public investments in Welsh history that will bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the local economy.

We said we would deliver new nuclear where other governments dithered and delayed and we said we would deliver growth and prosperity across Wales. Today we are doing just that.

It comes after the government announced there will be 400,000 extra jobs in clean energy by 2030, including 15,000 extra jobs in Wales, with 31 priority occupations such as plumbers, electricians and welders particularly in demand. GBE-N will start activity on the site in 2026. The initial project will be for 3 SMR units, but Great British Energy-Nuclear assesses the site could potentially host up to 8 mini reactors. The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to be supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s.

There is also strong export potential for small modular reactors, after the UK and Czechia signed a deal to cooperate on civil nuclear. It comes after Rolls-Royce SMR and Czechia’s largest public company, ČEZ, agreed last year to partner on SMRs, with ČEZ acquiring a 20% stake.

Great British Energy-Nuclear also owns the Oldbury nuclear site in Gloucestershire. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, it also has great potential for new nuclear, including the potential to support the privately-led projects being developed by the nuclear industry.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:

This is a historic moment for the UK, and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.

This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.

We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

The nuclear renaissance can bring clean, reliable energy and good, secure jobs to all corners of the UK and it is welcome that government is pressing ahead with the SMR programme that will play a crucial role in the future of our energy mix.

Wylfa has a proud nuclear past and a bright nuclear and is uniquely placed to play a key strategic role in the mission to become a clean energy superpower.

Nuclear can support thousands of well-paid jobs and sustain local economies, and this announcement is the first page of the next chapter for Wales’ Energy Island.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

Bringing nuclear back to Wylfa is a historic moment for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future. Wylfa’s revival offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, reliable power for decades to come, create thousands of skilled jobs, attract major investment, and revitalise North Wales’s proud industrial heritage.

With Great British Energy-Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way, the project will bring lasting economic and social benefits to the communities that have long been at the heart of our energy story. We look forward to working with government, local partners and industry to make Wylfa’s return a lasting success.

Ben Martin, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

Nuclear power is critical to supporting the UK’s energy supply, powering homes and businesses, strengthening energy security and providing essential back up to renewables. Expansion of the nuclear sector also offers significant opportunities to support skills development and SMEs across its supply chain.

News that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK’s first small modular reactor plant will bring investment and thousands of jobs to North Wales and beyond, supporting wider economic growth.

Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:  

The announcement that Wylfa on Anglesey will host the UK’s first small modular reactor marks a transformative moment for North Wales.  

This project represents not just a huge investment in clean, secure energy but also in the long-term prosperity of our region.  

Thousands of skilled jobs, billions in infrastructure investment, and the opportunity to further establish North Wales as a hub for low-carbon innovation will create ripple effects across our business community for decades to come.

Notes to editors

Great British Energy-Nuclear is the UK government’s nuclear delivery body.

Rolls-Royce SMR was announced in June as Great British Energy-Nuclear’s preferred bidder to partner with to build the UK’s first small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature, expected later this year.

Earlier this year the government announced a shake-up of planning rules to allow new nuclear projects including SMRs to be built in a range of sites across England and Wales.

Following a fair and open competition, Simon Bowen has been appointed as Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, following his tenure as interim Chair since 2023. This appointment marks a key step as the organisation moves into the next delivery phase of the SMR programme, which Simon will oversee.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen this evening.

They discussed the ongoing progress to implement the ambitious package agreed at the UK-EU Summit in May.

They reaffirmed their commitment to moving forwards rapidly, as it is in the UK and the EU’s interests to have a broad and constructive relationship that delivers for both sides.

The Prime Minister was clear that any deals must result in tangible benefits to the British public and strengthen wider European security.

They agreed to stay in close contact.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2025.

UK government investing up to £557 million in tournament, which will deliver £3.2 billion socio-economic boost for the UK, promoting growth and creating jobs across the nations.

• Prime Minister, Culture Secretary and England international Tyrone Mings host event at 10 Downing Street to mark UK and Ireland hosting UEFA EURO 2028, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin
• Government hails the tournament as an unparalleled opportunity to bring millions of people together from all backgrounds
• £45 million social impact fund to spark community activities from 2026 through to 2030

A special event has been hosted at 10 Downing Street today, as the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary hailed the UK and Ireland hosting the UEFA European Football Championships in 2028 (UEFA EURO 2028) as a unique opportunity to bring the nations together, unite communities and generate a significant boost to the economy.

The event, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and England international Tyrone Mings, coincides with UEFA today announcing the tournament match schedule with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium hosting the opening match and Wembley hosting the final. At the event school children had the opportunity to play football in a venue like no other when they played in the No.10 garden.   

The tournament will be the biggest sporting event the UK and Ireland have ever jointly hosted and world-class football is expected to create shared experiences in packed stadiums, fan zones in city centres, pubs and living rooms.

The UK government is investing up to £557 million into hosting the tournament, which will generate significant socio-economic benefits across all UK nations. Following an updated and upgraded independent assessment, UEFA EURO 2028 is now predicted to deliver £3.2 billion of socio-economic benefits across the UK – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and bringing a surge of international visitors whose spending will boost local economies.

To coincide with this, the Governments and football partners across the UK and Ireland have committed around £45 million to a social impact fund for UEFA EURO 2028, with the UK Government contributing £23 million to deliver initiatives. This investment will fund programmes that will have ‘togetherness’ at its heart, directly supporting the Government’s mission of patriotic renewal by creating a more socially cohesive country with an inclusive national story. 

It will be the first international men’s football tournament to be fully hosted in the UK and Ireland since UEFA EURO ‘96 when England staged the competition.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

UEFA EURO 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland and, as a lifelong football fan, I know how much international competitions like this matter. 

This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

The summer of 2028 will be a massive moment for the whole of the UK and Ireland as we welcome football fans from across Europe. Football reaches people like nothing else – it crosses every boundary, speaks every language, and has the power to bring together communities in ways that other things simply cannot.

We are poised to do all we can to make this an unforgettable experience. The legacy starts now, not in 2028. We will be launching activities years before the tournament that will continue long after the final whistle – creating new opportunities for children to get active and healthy in safe spaces, generating exciting moments for communities to unite around their shared excitement, and maximising the potential to boost economies in host cities and far beyond.

From independent cafés to major suppliers, local businesses and communities across the country will reap direct economic rewards. Dedicated volunteering initiatives will enhance skills development and open exciting pathways into employment across the regions, creating opportunities that last long after the tournament ends.

Today the UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock also chaired a meeting attended by Ministerial representatives from the Government of Ireland, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government and Welsh Government as well as UEFA to discuss the successful delivery of the tournament and how plans are progressing. 

UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said:

UEFA EURO 2028 is a fantastic opportunity for governments across the Devolved Administrations to work together closely to put on the best football tournament in a generation that benefits people right across the UK and Ireland.

Major sporting events like this unite communities, giving them something to be proud of. I am pleased to work with my inter-governmental colleagues to deliver the best, most inclusive tournament that we can, across the UK and Ireland.

Although the host nations may end up competing against each other on the pitch, off the pitch we will be working as one team to make the tournament a roaring success, whether that be encouraging engagement in sport, bringing communities together, or growing our economies.

The tournament builds on the UK’s proud tradition as a world-leading host of major sporting events. Over the next decade, the UK will welcome the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and UEFA EURO 2028. The UK also has strong ambitions to secure the World Athletics Championships in 2029 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035. 

Alongside our EURO 2028 impact programme, the government has also committed approximately half a billion pounds investment into grassroots community sport from 2025 to 2030, ensuring sport is accessible at every level –  from local playing fields where tomorrow’s champions take their first steps, to world-class tournaments that capture the imagination of the nation.

Notes to editors: 

Of the UK Government’s investment of £557 million, £195 million will be channelled through UK Sport to support tournament delivery and host city responsibilities.