Tag: Downing Street

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Zelenskyy [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Zelenskyy [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister hosted the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at His Majesty’s Naval Base, Portsmouth.

    The Prime Minister began by paying tribute to the Ukrainian people.

    Their resilience and perseverance in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression was inspirational, the Prime Minister said.

    He hoped his decision to host President Zelenskyy as his first international visitor sent a strong signal to the Ukrainian people of his personal commitment to Ukraine, the Prime Minister added.

    The leaders reflected on the situation on the battlefield and agreed Ukraine’s success in the use of rapid innovation to exploit weaknesses in Russia’s offensive operations would also be key to European security in the future.

    The leaders also discussed how further collaboration both between the UK and Ukraine diplomatically and militarily could bolster Ukraine’s defences even further.

    The Prime Minister said he hoped to visit Ukraine soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Unbreakable bond between UK and Ukraine will continue under my government [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Unbreakable bond between UK and Ukraine will continue under my government [July 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.

    • Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosts President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international visitor
    • New British innovation set to bolster Ukrainian defences on the front line before being rolled out to UK long range missiles
    • Prime Minister vows to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes

    The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.

    The Prime Minister will use the visit to underline to President Zelenskyy the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, both through the war and beyond.

    The visit coming just a week after the Prime Minister took office illustrates the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ukraine, and the Prime Minister will vow this morning during a military visit to continue the unbreakable beyond between the two nations.

    The leaders are expected to meet at a naval base before hearing first-hand from Ukrainian and British personnel how the training Ukraine’s armed forces are receiving in the UK is making a real difference on the front line.

    The visit comes as the UK announces the sharing of intellectual property with Ukraine for a new British capability dubbed Stone Cloak.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering.

    Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not backdown until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine.

    Stone Cloak is the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting our security in both our countries.

    The electronic jammers are the size of a tablet computer and hinder Russian air defence systems from tracking and targeting the drones they are fitted to.

    The device illustrates the ongoing rapid innovation being developed between the UK and Ukraine under the 100 Year Partnership.

    Following the roll out in Ukraine, it is expected Stone Cloak will be built into the next generation of UK deep-strike capabilities, boosting national security and providing vital enhancements to UK capability, including Project Brakestop the UK’s new low-cost cruise missile.

    By sharing the intellectual property, Ukraine can now mass produce Stone Cloak themselves, strengthening front line defences and European defence.

    Thousands of these electronic jammers have already been gifted to Ukraine by the MOD helping its armed forces maintain drone operations and knocking Russia a step back in their illegal invasion on Ukraine.  

    During the visit today, the leaders will meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have been in the UK for the past three weeks to take part in Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime security and counter-mine exercise to prepare for future missions in the Black Sea.

    The exercise builds on the full spectrum of support the UK provides Ukraine, including £3 billion a year to Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK’s total support for Ukraine has reached £25 billion, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.

    Through investing in defence, the government is committed to driving economic growth and opportunity in every postcode.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Amir of Qatar [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Amir of Qatar [July 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday (26 July 2026).

    The Prime Minister began by offering his heartfelt condolences to His Highness after the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad. He spoke of his father’s respected leadership and all he did to strengthen relationships between the UK and Qatar.

    Turning to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Prime Minister thanked His Highness for his continued efforts to mediate between sides and restore peace to the region.

    The two leaders shared their deep concerns about the crisis in Gaza and agreed their teams would work together to help achieve long lasting peace between Palestine and Israel through a two-state solution.

    Following the successful deployment of the Joint Typhoon Squadron in supporting Qatar’s defence during the conflict, the Prime Minister underlined his interest in strengthening the two nations’ defence partnership.

    On Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Prime Minister reiterated the need to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    Both leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President of the UAE [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President of the UAE [July 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday (26 July 2026).

    The Prime Minister began by thanking His Highness for his country’s investment into Manchester and the incredible impact it has had on the city.

    The two leaders discussed their ambitions to step up collaboration on technology and AI. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of harnessing the latest technology to drive growth and opportunity, adding that was why he had appointed a Minister for AI in his cabinet.

    Turning to the conflict in the Middle East, the Prime Minister shared his deep concern about the ongoing Iranian attacks on the Gulf and thanked His Highness for his country’s protection of British nationals living in the UAE. He also welcomed His Highness’s continued efforts to support negotiations between the US and Iran.

    Moving on to trade, the Prime Minister shared his desire to strengthen trade between the two nations to drive growth and create jobs in every postcode in the UK.

    The two leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to support evacuated residents in Coalsnaughton [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to support evacuated residents in Coalsnaughton [July 2026]

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

    UK government to support residents of evacuated homes in Coalsnaughton.

    • The Mining Remediation Authority confirms the cause of ground movement in Coalsnaughton is linked to historic coal mining
    • Residents of 97 evacuated homes will now be protected by law, with the UK government to cover costs
    • The Mining Remediation Authority is engaging directly with those affected to provide specialist support

    Residents of the 97 evacuated homes in the Coalsnaughton area will be supported by the UK government, as the Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed the cause of recent ground movement is linked to historic coal mining.

    The UK government has today (27 July) announced that the Mining Remediation Authority will take over management of the incident response – with the priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every resident. Any costs incurred by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority’s remit.

    This follows a thorough eight-week investigation from the Mining Remediation Authority, after reports of ground movement in the Coalsnaughton area led to homes being evacuated in May to ensure their safety.

    All evacuated residents will now be protected by the law – with the government meeting the costs of making homes safe. Where properties have suffered significant damage, alternative support could be made available to residents based on the condition of their home.

    For homes with the most serious damage, residents may be offered an option for the government to purchase their property at its full market value prior to the incident, as well as additional support to relocate if required.

    Ahead of visiting Coalsnaughton and meeting affected residents, Energy Minister Michael Shanks has confirmed that the government will do everything in its power to ensure every household is given a long-term solution as quickly as possible. The Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed households will find out the outcome of their property and the specific options available to them in the coming weeks and months, depending on ongoing investigations.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    This has obviously been an extremely difficult situation for families over the past few months and I want to reassure all those affected that no one will be left to shoulder the burden alone.

    The UK government stands ready to do everything within our power to support those households affected, working side by side with the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council.

    Unfortunately there is no quick fix but the Mining Remediation Authority is providing tailored advice and support for every household and our priority is to provide longer term certainty as quickly as possible.

    My thoughts are with all those caught up in this disruption which I know will be taking a real toll on families in the community.

    The Mining Remediation Authority has contacted all affected households today to put immediate support in place and explain the next steps, depending on their individual circumstances. This includes working closely with Clackmannanshire Council and local partners to meet the residents’ immediate needs, such as appropriate temporary accommodation.

    Each household will be appointed with a named Community Support Account Manager by the Mining Remediation Authority, who will guide them through this process over the next few months and help them access the support available. 

    This service will be made available to those affected for as long as necessary – with residents also able to access information via a dedicated resident website, a community helpline or a by visiting the community hub in Coalsnaughton to meet a member of the team. 

    Carl Banton, Chief Operations Director at the Mining Remediation Authority said: 

    The safety and welfare of residents remain the priority for every partner involved in the response. We are working closely with Clackmannanshire Council and the Local Resilience Partnership to make sure that support remains in place and that everyone has a clear point of contact. 

    We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally, and to talk through the support that is available.

    We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of this recovery phase, and we are working hard to ensure that this community is safe.

    Investigations at the site are ongoing and the Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed there are still signs of ground movement. Once the ground has stabilised, the site will continue to be monitored to ensure it is safe and stable.

    The Mining Remediation Authority operates a 24-hour helpline, year-round service to monitor the safety of historic coal mining sites. However, incidents requiring evacuation are extremely rare.

    Notes to Editors

    Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage, including funding repairs to make homes safe again or, where appropriate, providing alternative solutions.

    The Mining Remediation Authority conducted a thorough eight-week investigation programme including camera scans, underground surveys, geophysical investigations, weekly LiDAR surveys, borehole drilling, and monitoring instrumentation.

    The local council and Scottish Government have been a key part of the incident response. The MRA and UK government will closely coordinate with both to ensure residents are prioritised and receive the support they need.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK pension giants join forces to unlock £1bn to back Britain’s innovators [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK pension giants join forces to unlock £1bn to back Britain’s innovators [July 2026]

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

    Pension fund could be used to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.

    • Major UK pension providers are exploring establishment of a new UK Scale-up Fund of over £1billion to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.
    • The fund aims to increase UK growth capital and give pension savers greater access to returns from successful UK companies.
    • The fund would help the UK’s most promising innovators to scale faster, commercialise breakthrough technologies and create skilled jobs across the country.

    A consortium of some of the UK’s largest pension providers, today (Monday 27 July) announce their commitment to explore the establishment of a first-of-its-kind vehicle dedicated to investing in scaling UK businesses. The ambition is a fund of sufficient scale to target the best opportunities born out of UK innovation in science and technology.

    The fund would seek to deliver strong long-term returns for pension providers and their members by investing in successful UK companies. By helping innovative businesses scale up, commercialise new technologies and create skilled jobs, it would support economic growth while helping pension savers benefit from larger retirement pots and stronger local economies.

    By bringing together major pension investors, the UK Scale-up Fund would help connect institutional capital with the companies, founders and venture managers driving the next wave of British innovation.

    As part of this initiative the British Business Bank is working alongside the pension providers to support the launch of the fund and with the intention of investing in partnership with the group. The Office for Investment is also supporting the consortium as it explores the development of the fund.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    Today sends a clear message: this is a vote of confidence in British business, British talent and British ambition.

    This new fund would help unlock good growth in every postcode, connecting pension investment with the entrepreneurs and technologies that will reindustrialise Britain and create the jobs of the future.

    That means more opportunities for working people, stronger returns for savers, and more businesses choosing to start, grow and stay in Britain.

    Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Britain leads the way in science, technology and innovation, and we want to ensure more of our most promising businesses can start, scale and succeed here in the UK.

    The ambition of major pension providers to back the next generation of British success stories is an important vote of confidence in UK innovation. By investing in innovative UK companies, they can help drive long-term growth while helping pension savers share in their success.

    Our message is clear. Britain is open for business, open to investment and determined to put science, technology and innovation at the heart of our economic future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:

    We create great companies in Britain but don’t do enough to grow them with British capital and keep profits in the UK. I want the UK to become the best place in the world both to start and scale a business, with investment, jobs and skills in every region.  

    We have the third largest Venture Capital market in the world and this new £1 billion fund will mean more British money to back British scale-ups and better returns for pension savers.

    Andy Bord, Railpen’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

    Our priority is always to deliver strong long-term outcomes for our members. The UK is a dynamic powerhouse of innovation. The UK Scale-up Fund represents a compelling investment opportunity where disciplined, patient capital can help growing companies scale, provide attractive returns for pension savers and generate lasting economic growth. We are pleased to have helped shape this initiative, which will play a vital role in supporting ambitious companies with global reach to build their future here in the UK, creating a stronger economy for our members to retire into.

    Ian Cornelius, Nest’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

    The UK is home to many innovative, high-growth businesses and has a strong track record of nurturing world-leading science and technology companies, with many of today’s global success stories founded here. 

    As a long-term investor on behalf of more than 14 million members, Nest sees an important role for pension capital in helping successful UK businesses access the funding they need to grow. We believe there can be a strong alignment between delivering attractive long-term outcomes for members and supporting innovation, job creation and economic growth across the UK.

    Chris Rule, Chief Executive Officer at LPPI, added:

    The UK is a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, but it’s clear that many scaling businesses struggle to access the capital they need to reach their full potential. This cross-industry initiative will give pension funds the opportunity to generate sustainable, long-term returns whilst supporting the next generation of British success stories. 

    Collaboration will be central to the fund’s success. The evolution of the LGPS has shown the value of institutions working together to build scale and deliver better outcomes. We’re looking forward to bringing that experience to this initiative, alongside other leading investors, to strengthen the UK’s scale-up funding ecosystem.

    Richard Law-Deeks, Chief Executive Officer, LGPS Central said:

    The UK is home to some outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs. We welcome the opportunity to explore whether the UK Scale-Up Fund can provide a practical route for long-term LGPS capital to support their growth whilst delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns for Partner Funds and members.

    We invest on behalf of millions of scheme members, and every investment decision starts with our responsibility to deliver strong long-term outcomes for them. The proposed fund could help bring together institutional investors at scale and improve access to opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to achieve individually.

    Rachel Elwell, Chief Executive Officer at Border to Coast, said:

    We’re proud to be part of this collaboration to support and scale more of our brilliant home-grown innovative businesses. Through our own UK Opportunities strategy we see the role pension capital can play in backing high-quality UK investment opportunities. By combining scale, collaboration, investment discipline, and a strong pipeline of high-quality opportunities, this initiative can help deliver attractive long-term outcomes for pension savers while enabling more innovative UK businesses to grow and compete.

    Leandros Kalisperas, Chief Investment Officer, British Business Bank, said:

    Today’s announcement is an important milestone in strengthening the UK’s capital formation ecosystem. By bringing together long-term pension capital with the UK’s most ambitious growth businesses, we have the opportunity to create a virtuous cycle—supporting innovation, attracting further private investment, and delivering strong long-term outcomes for pension savers.

    Notes to Editors:

    • The pension providers represent defined contribution, defined benefit and Local Government Pension Scheme funds.
    • A process of market engagement to explore appointment of a manager for the proposed vehicle will begin shortly.
  • PRESS RELEASE : PM puts new offer on the table to businesses in first talks with industry groups [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : PM puts new offer on the table to businesses in first talks with industry groups [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister has held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain’s job creators.

    The Prime Minister has today [Friday 24 July] held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain’s job creators.

    Speaking with organisations including the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Make UK, Small Business Britain, and Startup Coalition, Andy Burnham outlined a fresh partnership between government and business built around a shared ambition to drive investment, create jobs and grow the economy.

    Together, these organisations represent hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country, from major employers and manufacturers to start-ups, high street firms and small businesses.

    Acknowledging that many businesses have felt overlooked by successive governments, the Prime Minister said his government will be a circuit breaker by bringing down costs for business, creating a better environment for firms to grow and invest and delivering good growth in every postcode.

    The new offer is centred on greater certainty, clearer long-term direction, faster decision-making and a stronger business voice in shaping policy. At a time of heightened global uncertainty, this government will provide the stable foundations businesses need to plan for the long term, invest with confidence and help deliver good growth in every postcode.

    This week the Prime Minister promised to give breathing space to people and businesses. As one of the Prime Minister’s first promises delivered in his first week in office, he announced 20 per cent relief for pubs, clubs and music venues. This will bring down costs for town centre businesses, support the places people value in their communities and sends a strong signal of intent that this government is on the side of Britain’s businesses.

    The Prime Minister also set out his ambition for a more agile state, with more decisions taken closer to communities, employers and investors. Over-centralised decision-making has too often slowed investment and held back regeneration, while devolving power to those closest to opportunities can cut unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure working people see the benefits in their local communities more quickly.

    Alongside a stronger and more constructive partnership with business, the Government will take a much more active role where markets and regulators are not delivering for working people. Whether on energy, water or other essential services, the government wants to ensure every family gets a fair deal and to crack down on businesses who fail to deliver the standards that the public deserve. 

    The PM underlined his commitment to reduce the frictions that make doing business and hiring people more difficult. In return, he expects businesses to take seriously their responsibility to deliver good growth right across the country, and to take care of their employees and the communities in which they operate.

    He also invited employers to work closely with the Government on some of the biggest challenges facing the country, including youth unemployment, tackling skills shortages and improving living standards. The PM acknowledged that too many young people are not leaving school ready for the workplace, making it harder for businesses to recruit the talent they need and exacerbating the youth unemployment crisis.

    Tackling youth unemployment head on will be a key test for the new partnership between government and business. The PM will ask employers to work alongside Government to support more young people into work, while helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need to grow.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    “For too long, businesses have been carrying the burden of rising costs while working people have paid the price.

    “We’ve all seen the consequences on our high streets with boarded-up shops, struggling local businesses, and employers feeling like they haven’t been heard across Whitehall. Every business that closes its doors means fewer jobs and fewer opportunities for young people to get into work.

    “Britain has enormous strengths and too often we talk ourselves down. We are a global powerhouse in science, technology, manufacturing and innovation. We just need to do a better job of turning that success into jobs, investment and opportunity that everyone can feel in every part of the country.

    “That’s why I’m putting a new offer on the table. We’ll bring down costs, reform business rates and use the power of government to back British business. We’ll listen, we’ll act and we’ll give firms the backing they need to reindustrialise Britain. In return, I want businesses to invest in their people, back their communities and help us give every young person a fair chance to find a good job.”

    The Government will continue to work with international partners to deepen trade relationships and strengthen our economic security. To kickstart that effort, the Prime Minister has been speaking directly with world leaders this week to discuss how we can strengthen trade ties and unlock new opportunities for British businesses here at home. 

    Despite a new round of global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place, which has led to an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology. This demonstrates the value of active engagement with international partners to protect British interests, support jobs and give businesses the certainty they need to invest and grow.

    Ministers are also determined to deliver workers’ rights reforms in partnership with businesses, trade unions and workers, making sure the changes support higher living standards, stronger businesses and good growth in every postcode.

    The Government will also use the power of public procurement to back British business by default to ensure public investment support jobs, apprenticeships, innovation and skills across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk this evening.  

    The two leaders began by acknowledging the important partnership between the UK and Poland, particularly on security and defence, and the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s steadfast commitment to the Northolt Treaty to strengthen cooperation in both areas.

    Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tusk for Poland’s leadership and support, adding that his Government stood four-square behind Ukraine and securing a just and lasting peace.

    Setting out his ambition to build a closer relationship with the EU, the Prime Minister said he wanted his government to continue the momentum to build a strengthened relationship for the benefit of people and businesses on both sides.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Taoiseach of Ireland [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Taoiseach of Ireland [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

    The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and welcomed the continued close cooperation, particularly through the annual UK-Ireland Summit. 

    The leaders agreed on the need to continue to work together across shared priorities, including security, energy, and both countries’ enduring commitment to the Good Friday agreement.

    The Prime Minister then congratulated the Taoiseach on the launch of Ireland’s EU Presidency. He reiterated the UK’s commitment to strengthening relations with the EU, to deliver opportunities for normal people across the UK. 

    The Prime Minister and Taoiseach said they looked forward to meeting in person soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with First Ministers [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with First Ministers [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister had calls with the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today. 

    The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics – rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the Heads of the Devolved Governments. 

    Working in partnership, the Prime Minister said together they could drive deeper devolution to all parts of the United Kingdom to get growth going. 

    The Prime Minister added he was focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums, to give families more breathing room by helping them with the cost of living, which he had done today by helping millions of households with their energy bills. 

    The Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting with the Heads of the Devolved Governments soon and visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland shortly.