Tag: Downing Street

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.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2025.

The Prime Minister visited the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Ankara today.

The leaders began their discussions by reflecting on the strength of the relationship between the two countries. 

The deal signed today to support Türkiye’s air force with UK Typhoons further underlined that strength, they agreed.

It would boost NATO’s collective defences on the south eastern flank, support highly skilled jobs in the UK, and knit the UK and Türkiye’s air force together for years to come, allowing for greater interoperability, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister then turned to the wider bilateral relationship between the two countries. Both leaders underlined the untapped opportunity to grow the trading relationship between the two countries.

In that spirit, the leaders agreed to relaunch Tatli Dil, the flagship UK-Turkey bilateral forum to bring together government, business and scientists to forge new relationships between the two countries.

Discussing shared challenges, including combatting terrorism and stability in the Middle East, the leaders reiterated the need to ensure the ceasefire in Gaza held and there was an acceleration of aid. They also underlined the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon, and the Prime Minister said he looked forward to visiting again for the NATO Summit in Türkiye next year.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2025.

Thousands of skilled UK jobs have been secured for years to come as the UK and Türkiye sign a deal worth up to £8 billion for 20 UK Typhoon fighter jets – the biggest fighter jet exports deal in a generation.

• £8 billion deal struck with Türkiye for first new orders for UK Typhoons since 2017, as the Prime Minister visits Ankara for the first time. 
• Deal strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and ties between UK and Türkiye.  
• Skilled jobs on production lines sustained across the UK for years to come, including in Warton, Salmesbury, Bristol and Edinburgh, delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

Thousands of skilled UK jobs have been secured for years to come as the UK and Türkiye sign a deal worth up to £8 billion for 20 UK Typhoon fighter jets – the biggest fighter jet exports deal in a generation.

The multi-billion pound deal was signed as the Prime Minister was hosted by the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during his first visit to Ankara today. 

The deal will help to sustain a 20,000 strong UK wide workforce, with production lines in Edinburgh, Warton, Salmesbury and Bristol.  

The Turkish agreement is a major boost for the British order book, representing the biggest fighter jet deal in almost 20 years and saving the Warton production line. 

It will also strengthen Türkiye’s advanced combat capabilities, bolstering NATO’s strength in a key region and enhancing interoperability between both our air forces. 

The deal comes just weeks after the UK’s Type 26 frigates were selected by Norway, adding a further £10 billion to Britain’s economy and securing 4,000 jobs.

Both deals underline the government’s work to make defence an engine for growth, delivering highly skilled jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people through the Plan for Change.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

This landmark agreement with Türkiye is a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security. 

At either ends of Europe, the UK and Türkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time and this will allow our Armed Forces to work even closer together as we deter threats and protect our national interests. 

Delivering highly skilled, well-paid jobs, including in Warton, Edinburgh and Bristol for years to come, this is yet another example of our Plan for Change in action, driving renewal and opportunity up and down the country.

The deal also follows the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signing a new agreement in July to boost world-class UK defence exports such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon. 

During the Prime Minister’s visit today, he also met Turkish military and RAF Typhoon pilots to hear firsthand how the jets will contribute to European security. 

The Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the Anitkabir Ataturk Mausoleum, before finalising the Typhoon deal at the Presidential Palace. 

The Typhoon workshare agreement sees more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft would be produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. The UK jobs include:   

• Nearly 6,000 jobs directly support the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems sites in Warton and Samlesbury, where production and final assembly of each Typhoon fighter jet takes place.  
• The Typhoon programme supports more than 1,100 jobs in the South West region. That includes Rolls-Royce in Bristol producing critical modules and components for Typhoon’s EJ200 jet engines and acting as main hub for maintenance of the engines.  
• The Typhoon programme supports more than 800 jobs in Scotland. That includes Leonardo in Edinburgh manufacturing the fighter jet’s cutting-edge radar for identifying enemies.

Defence Secretary John Healey, who travelled with the Prime Minister to Ankara to finalise the deal, said:  

This is another major export deal for the UK and is the biggest jet exports deal in a generation. It will pump billions of pounds into our economy and keep British Typhoon production lines turning long into the future. This deal goes far beyond the procurement of aircraft. It is the leading edge of the growing defence and industrial partnership between our two nations.

Türkiye is an important NATO ally and the gatekeeper to the Black Sea. By equipping them with top-of-the-range Typhoon fighter jets, this deal will strengthen NATO deterrence and help make us all safer.  

I’m determined this government will make defence an engine for growth across the UK.

The first delivery to Türkiye is expected to take place in 2030.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said:   

Türkiye’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft delivers across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security.

Typhoon is an export success story and demonstrates how investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK. Today’s announcement extends Typhoon production and preserves crucial sovereign skills which underpin the UK’s defence and security.

Typhoon jets continue to demonstrate their formidable capabilities as the mainstay of RAF combat air operations. Deployments include:   

• NATO Air Policing: Securing NATO’s eastern border and reinforcing collective defence.   
• Quick Reaction Alert: Providing 24/7 protection of UK airspace for homeland security.   
• Operation Shader: Supporting counter-Daesh operations in Iraq and Syria.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 October 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, European leaders and the NATO Secretary General this evening following President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House today. 

The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. A just and lasting peace for Ukraine was the only way to stop the killing for good, they agreed.

Further discussions about how they could support Ukraine in the lead up to, and following, a ceasefire would continue this week, including in a Coalition of the Willing call on Friday, the leaders agreed.

Following the call with world leaders this evening, the Prime Minister then spoke to President Zelenskyy bilaterally to underscore the United Kingdom’s resolute support for Ukraine.

Russia’s stalling tactics ahead of peace talks had shown Ukraine was the serious party of peace, the Prime Minister told the President.

The UK would continue to step up its support and would ensure Ukraine was in the strongest possible position going into the winter through ongoing humanitarian, financial and military support, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 October 2025.

Security around synagogues and Jewish schools will be ramped up thanks to record levels of funding to protect communities and help targeted groups feel safe, the Prime Minister has announced today.  

• Jewish communities will receive up to £10 million in an emergency cash injection to scale up security at synagogues and schools, taking funding to protect faith communities to record levels
• The announcement follows the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester two weeks ago, and latest statistics showing that Jewish people are more targeted by hate crime than any other group
• Prime Minister pledges to go further and leave no stone unturned to keep Jewish people safe in all parts of life 

Security around synagogues and Jewish schools will be ramped up thanks to record levels of funding to protect communities and help targeted groups feel safe, the Prime Minister has announced today.   

Up to £10 million will be dedicated to paying for more security staff and equipment around Jewish sites, such as CCTV, alarms and floodlights. 

The emergency cash injection, which will be available immediately, comes two weeks after the horrifying terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. 

Statistics out last week also show that religious hate crime is at the highest ever levels and Jewish people were more targeted than any other group.  

Following this attack, many Jewish leaders have already taken steps to increase security and protect their communities, measures that will now be supported by the government.    

Local police forces have also stepped up patrols in at risk areas, and deployed more officers to manage violent protests, investigate hate crimes and support communities who feel targeted.     

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

I was in Manchester the day after the horrific terrorist attack and saw first-hand the fear that many Jewish people are facing. Not just on that terrible day, but every day, and in every part of their lives. The devastating truth is that antisemitism is on the rise in Britain, and we must defeat it.  

In the days after the attack, I promised to do everything in my power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve, and this work has already begun. We are giving record levels of funding to scale up security at synagogues and faith schools, and we are giving the powers they need to tackle protests that cause repeat disruption to communities and intimidate worshippers, but more must be done.  

Tackling this hatred will not be solved with quick fixes. It will take work across communities and in every part of our country and every part of our society. It is a national effort that I am determined this government will lead.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism, and who will administer the funding.  

Mark Gardner, CST Chief Executive said:

This is a vital emergency boost for security measures at a crucial time for the Jewish community, as we confront the aftermath of the appalling Islamist terrorist attack in Manchester.

This fund will strengthen the security infrastructure protecting our synagogues, schools, and community buildings, at a time when Jews remain, proportionally, the most likely victims of hate crime in the UK.

We are grateful for this announcement and will continue to work closely with the government and community partners: but the root causes of antisemitism and extremism must be acknowledged and tackled if long term change is to occur.

Today’s announcement also builds on action already taken to help clamp down on hate crime and antisemitism including empowering the police to put conditions on repeat protests and ordering a review of all protest legislation to make sure the police have the powers they need to tackle intimidation, incitement and keep communities safe.  

The latest statistics also show that the Muslim community has faced an increase in vile hate crime over the past year. The safety and security of all our communities is of the utmost importance, and the Government is also looking at how best to support them. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

The sickening attack in Manchester was an assault on the safety, dignity and peace of mind that every Jewish person deserves.

We are providing record funding to help protect synagogues and Jewish schools – but this isn’t just about cameras and alarms, it’s about restoring that peace of mind, and sending the message: Britain stands with its Jewish community, always.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

Our Jewish community shouldn’t have to choose between worship and safety. No one should be forced to live a smaller Jewish life in our country. 

Hatred and violence seeks to divide us. But we choose the path of solidarity. We stand with the Jewish community, and with all communities, who have been forced to live in fear.