Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson this afternoon.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kristersson for Sweden’s strong and consistent support for Ukraine and highlighted the need to collectively go further to support their resilience, energy security, and air defence.

They underlined the importance of ensuring Ukraine has the long‑term security assurances and continued international support it needs to secure a just and lasting peace.

The leaders then reflected on the strength of the wider UK-Sweden defence relationship. They agreed on the need to step up security in the High North and across Europe to deter threats posed by adversaries such as Russia.

They agreed to speak again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 January 2026.

Millions of leaseholders across England and Wales are set to benefit from a major shake-up of the outdated leasehold system – with ground rents set to be capped at £250 a year, changing to a peppercorn cap after 40 years.

Making the announcement in a video on TikTok this morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer sets out how the cap will save some families hundreds of pounds as the cost of living is the single most important issue across the country.

New leasehold flats will also be banned and homeownership strengthened thanks to groundbreaking legislation that will give people control over their homes and calls an end to the feudal leasehold system which dates to medieval times.

Over 5 million leaseholders and future homeowners will benefit from stronger control, powers and protections, through the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill published today (Tuesday 27 January), which will fundamentally rewire homeownership across England and Wales.

It will cap ground rent at £250 a year before ultimately reducing it to a peppercorn after 40 years – marking the end of residential leaseholders paying over the top bills for no clear service in return.

This move will ensure leaseholders keep more of their hard-earned cash, with many seeing savings of over £4,000 over the course of their lease, improving cost of living for millions. This will also unlock house sales for leaseholders whose lives have been put on hold because of ground rent terms that make their homes hard to sell.

In a video on TikTok making the announcement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Good news for homeowners, we’re capping ground rent at £250. That means if you are a leaseholder, and your ground rent is more than £250, you’ll be paying less.

And I’ve spoken to so many people who say this will make a difference to them of hundreds of pounds.

That’s really important because the cost of living is the single most important thing across the country.

So this is a promise that we said we’d deliver and I’m really pleased that we’re delivering on that promise.

Secretary of State for Housing Steve Reed said:

If you own a flat you can be forced to pay ground rents that can become completely unaffordable. We said we’d be on the side of leaseholders – which is why today we are capping ground rent – helping millions of leaseholders by saving them money and giving them control over their home.

The leasehold system has tainted the dream of home ownership for so many. We are taking action where others have failed –strengthening home ownership and calling time on leasehold for good.

Forfeiture, whereby leaseholders can lose their home and the equity they built up by defaulting on a debt as low as £350, will also be abolished and a new enforcement regime will rebalance the system – making it fairer between landlord and leaseholder.

A new process to make it easier for existing leaseholders to convert to commonhold will also be introduced under a revamped commonhold model where  homeowners will receive a stake in the ownership of their buildings and be given a stronger say in the issues that affect them, with greater control over how the building is managed and the bills they pay.

The reinvigorated commonhold system will ensure it works for all types of developments, as well as mortgage lenders, with strong management rules in place around repairs and leadership, and greater rights for homeowners.

Those living in the building will have a say in the annual budget and how the building is run, and new protections when things go wrong. Current leaseholders will also be given the opportunity to switch to commonhold, where the majority of residents agree to it.

The reforms build on action currently being undertaken by the government to implement the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, including increased transparency over service charges so that leaseholders can better hold their landlords to account.

This comes as the government passed through its landmark Renters’ Rights Act, delivering the biggest boost to renters’ security and protections in a generation – ending unfair ‘no fault’ evictions, multiple rent hikes and bidding wars, and giving millions more stability and control over their homes.

Supportive stakeholder comments

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA said:

CMA action has freed thousands of homeowners from doubling ground rents, and we have long supported a cap on ground rents to make sure all leaseholders get the fair deal they deserve. The CMA welcomes the government’s proposals so people won’t have to struggle against these rising fees anymore – particularly when many are already grappling with high costs elsewhere.

RICS Chief Executive Justin Young said:

Today’s announcement offers greater certainty and clarity on the Government’s proposed reforms to the leasehold system, including long-awaited action on ground rents. The publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill is a critical step in this process. RICS looks forward to working with members, MHCLG, and other key stakeholders to deliver the best outcomes for consumers and the market”.

Martin Boyd, Chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service said:

This is a significant milestone for leaseholders and marks the beginning of the end for the leasehold system as we know it. The draft Bill tackles some of the most damaging features of leasehold, including high and escalating ground rents and the threat of forfeiture, which has left some leaseholders at risk of losing their homes over relatively small debts.

More fundamentally, the Bill signals a decisive shift away from leasehold as the default form of home ownership. Moving towards commonhold, and making it easier for existing buildings to convert where leaseholders choose to do so, has the potential to give homeowners genuine control, security and long-term certainty over their homes.

Chris Norris, Chief Policy Officer for the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said:

Around one in four leasehold homes are in the private rented sector. Given this, the greater certainty provided by today’s announcements is welcome.

In particular, the cap on ground rents will enable landlords to plan more effectively for future expenditure and business costs.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 January 2026.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sarah Clark, Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow in the Diocese of Durham, for election as Bishop of Ely, in succession to The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, following his translation to the See of Lincoln.

Background

Sarah was educated at Loughborough University and prior to ordination worked as a civil servant within the Department of Employment. She trained for ministry at St. John’s College, Nottingham.  She served her title at St. James Porchester, in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, and was ordained Priest in 1999.

In 2002, Sarah was appointed Rector of the United Benefice of Carlton-in-Lindrick and Langold with Oldcotes and, from 2009, she served as Team Rector of the Clifton Team Ministry in Nottingham. In 2011 Sarah became an honorary Canon of Southwell Minster and took on the additional role of Dean of Women’s Ministry. From 2014 she served as Archdeacon of Nottingham.

In 2019, Sarah took up her current role as Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow and, since 2024, she has additionally served as Acting Diocesan Bishop of Durham since The Right Reverend Paul Butler’s retirement from that See.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council António Costa this evening. 

Discussing events of recent days, he reiterated his position that the future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. 

He reiterated that the UK is prepared to play its part to protect Arctic security, alongside NATO.  

They agreed on the fundamental importance of continued defence and security co-operation in these volatile times.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister hosted the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at Downing Street today.

The leaders welcomed the strong progress on the Strategic Partnership between the UK and Indonesia, which they had committed to pursuing in 2024 and formally agreed today.

It was a clear example of how the UK and Indonesia’s relationship continued to go from strength to strength, and deliver for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said.

The £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme agreed between the UK and Indonesia in November underlined that, supporting thousands of jobs in Rosyth, Bristol and Devonport, and across Indonesia, while also boosting regional and food security, the leaders agreed.

Both leaders also welcomed the strong education links being formed between the two countries.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and their strong continued support for a two state solution.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 January 2026.

The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, for his first visit to Downing Street today.

The leaders began by reflecting on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Poland. They agreed that both countries would deepen that relationship even further, from defence and security, to trade, commerce and education.

The increasingly close cooperation on the defence projects was good for both the bilateral relationship and European security, the Prime Minister added.

Thanking the President for hosting a UK squadron as part of forward land forces in Poland, the Prime Minister welcomed the agreement for Polish helicopter pilots to begin world-class helicopter training in the UK in the next few months, integrating the British and Polish Armed Forces even further.

Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and that President Putin could not be trusted.

The Prime Minister thanked President Nawrocki for Poland’s ongoing involvement in the Coalition of the Willing and discussions around security guarantees.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 January 2026.

New day one rights to parental leave set to enter force from April.

• Over 18 million workers across the UK to benefit from stronger protections at work, with most insecure workers set to gain the most.   
• New day one rights from April confirmed for parental leave, whilst bereaved partners set to gain further rights to paternity leave. 
• Changes create more secure jobs and raise living standards, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of the UK.   

Millions of workers who were previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for new day one rights to parental leave from April, through measures being laid in Parliament today (Monday 12 January). 

The changes, which stem from the recently passed Employment Rights Act, will see parents no longer be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between being there for the first weeks of their child’s life or going back to work to avoid losing their job.  

An additional 32,000 more dads per year will be able to access Paternity Leave immediately, as a mother would with maternity leave.  

This comes as the Government continues its Parental Leave and Pay Review, which will assess the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.  

Around 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work due to caring responsibilities but want a job, including parents. The reforms to parental leave include the right to take Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job, giving a further 1.5 million parents more flexibility to share caring responsibilities. If even 1% of those out of work were able to take up a part-time job as a result of this move, it could boost economic output by around £150m a year. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.

The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.

We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:   

No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.   

Our improvements to sick pay and parental leave are about giving workers and their families the security they deserve. They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most.

Following campaigning from individuals such as Aaron Horsey, a new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave will also be introduced from April, providing up to 52 weeks of leave for fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child’s first birthday. This fixes the previously unfair system where bereaved partners had to rely on the compassion of an employer in order to be granted time off to grieve and care for their child. 

Aaron Horsey, campaigner for Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, said: 

Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave ensures that new parents and their employers have a clear route for support at one of the most difficult moments imaginable. It gives them the time and space they need to grieve, care, and begin to rebuild their lives with dignity. 

By embedding this protection in law, it shows how listening to lived experience can lead to practical, compassionate change that will support families for generations to come.

Analysis published last week showed that over 18 million workers are set to benefit from the Government’s wider Plan to Make Work Pay, with it particularly supporting the lowest-paid workers, those in insecure jobs, and people facing unfair treatment at work.   

The benefits in the Employment Rights Act significantly outweigh the costs. By restricting exploitative practices like unscrupulous fire and rehire, and giving more workers access to flexible working and guaranteed hours contracts, this country will see improved worker wellbeing, boosted productivity, and a more level playing field for employers. This is all worth billions of pounds per year and is expected to deliver a small yet positive impact on economic growth. 

The government is also bringing in changes to ensure up to 1.3 million additional employees in lower-paid or part-time roles are able to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and make sure everyone can access it from the first day of illness.   

This is a substantial shift from the former three-day wait for SSP to kick in, which left people working whilst ill risking increased long-term sickness, one of key factors draining British businesses and the wider economy. 

By improving the quality of work and ensuring that everyone has job security when it matters most, the Government is delivering on its mission to drive growth that is felt by everyone. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common-sense reforms for millions of people across the country – including sick pay for all workers and better leave for parents.  

Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections. And crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.  

Good employers will also welcome these changes – the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.” 

Simon Kelleher, Head of Policy and Influencing at Working Families, said:

Day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave are a positive step forward. Removing the 26-week qualifying period means parents can change jobs without losing essential leave entitlements, something we know has held many people back and can trap families in roles that no longer work for them. 

To build on this progress, we are looking forward to continuing our engagement with the Government’s ongoing Parental Leave Review to ensure all parents can access a meaningful period of leave.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

It can be hugely stressful if a worker is not paid during an illness or dealing with a major life upheaval like a birth or bereavement.  

These new measures give greater protections for working people that get ill, and create capacity to handle unpredictable moments when they need it the most. Reducing stress and anxiety for staff can also help support good relationships with employers and support business growth.

Notes to editors:   

• The following Statutory Instrument will be laid in Parliament on Monday 12 January, in order for the parental leave measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 to take effect:  
• The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Parental and Paternity Leave) (Removal of Qualifying Periods etc.) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 
• The following Statutory Instruments will be laid in order to allow Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave to take effect: 
• The Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave Regulations 2026  
• The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Parental Order Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2026  
• The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Adoptions from Overseas) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 
• Statutory Instruments for the Statutory Sick Pay changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will follow in the coming months, ahead of implementation in April. 

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 January 2026.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointment:

• Josh Simons MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He will remain Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

The leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security and agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North.

European Allies had stepped up in recent months to defend Euro-Atlantic interests, but more could be done to protect the area, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

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

The leaders began by paying tribute to the UK personnel involved in operations in the the North Atlantic and Syria in recent days to protect UK and Euro-Atlantic security.

Turning to the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday, both leaders welcomed the strong commitments by all participants in Paris. It was vital that the security guarantees for Ukraine ensured Russia was never able to invade again, the leaders reiterated.

The Secretary General then updated on the North Atlantic Council meeting this morning. They agreed that more needed to be done to deter Russia in the High North and welcomed discussions on how Allies could further protect the region from increasing Russian threats.

Both agreed to stay in close touch.