Tag: Downing Street

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

The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Støre to Liverpool today.

The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Støre for visiting the United Kingdom, and reflected on the strength of the relationship between the two countries.

Both leaders raised the Lunna House strategic defence agreement between the UK and Norway, and how the long term partnership would benefit both countries through good jobs and unparalleled defence cooperation in the North Atlantic.

Norway and the UK were key partners when it came to tackling Russian hybrid aggression, particularly in the maritime domain, both through NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force, they agreed.

The leaders also reflected on their visits to the UN General Assembly (UNGA), and the ongoing international cooperation needed to address the challenges posed by rapidly developing technology. 

The Prime Minister said the UK would use its G20 presidency to bring countries together to ensure greater collaboration and continue to drive forward the discussion on how to harness artificial intelligence for good.

They also welcomed the agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and the United States, signed at UNGA, and the security it brought to the High North.

Both looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 September 2026.

Delivers on the Prime Minister’s promise to put power back in local hands and bring good growth to every postcode.

Derelict high street buildings will be transformed into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs, to bring people back into town centres as part of a £210m package announced today (25 September).

People are proud of where they live, but too many have watched their high streets be hollowed out, with shops shuttered, buildings boarded up and once-busy hubs left empty.

Now the government is putting that right, by revamping vacant shopping centres, disused cinemas and abandoned local eyesores.  

Through the new £125m Derelict Buildings Fund, government will support local authorities to transform these buildings into what their communities need, from health centres to civic spaces.

An additional £65m will be invested in helping communities right across England rescue and revamp beloved buildings and businesses at risk of closure, like pubs and sports clubs. This builds on existing schemes like the Pride in Place programme, which has helped locals take over the youth centre in Ramsgate and redevelop the former Brunswick Shopping Centre in Scarborough.

And a further £20 million will be split equally between High Street Rental Auctions, letting out properties vacant for 12 months or more, and a new Co-operative Development Programme so local people share in their high street’s success.

This drives forward the Prime Minister’s mission to shift power back to communities, from letting mayors keep a share of income tax to reinvest in local priorities, to supporting the establishment of strategic authorities in every part of England. 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

People don’t measure growth by looking at a spreadsheet. They measure it by looking at their local high street. Are shops opening or are the shutters down? Does the place feel like it’s moving forward or being left behind?

The truth is that too many high streets have been left to hollow out, leaving town centres a shell of what they once were. That must change, and today’s funding will help put power back into the hands of locals who know their area best.

That’s how we restore pride and bring hope back. Not by telling people things are getting better, but by giving them the power to see and feel the difference where they live.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, said:

Nobody knows a high street better than the community that it belongs to. That’s why this money puts power directly into their hands.

We’ll see boarded-up buildings that have been left to rack and ruin turned into places people are proud to visit again, the pubs and clubs that mean so much to them thriving once more, and local businesses growing and creating jobs that put money back into their own community.

That’s what this government is about. Backing the people who know their communities best, and giving them the tools to shape their own future and breathe new life into their high streets.

First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh said:

For too long, places in every part of the country have been overlooked by Westminster. High streets neglected, town centres left in decline and local assets left to decay.

This investment will help to regenerate and breathe new life into our communities – giving local people the resources and powers they need to make a real change.

This is what devolution means in practice – empowering local leaders to fix things that are broken and protect the things that matter most to people.

This is what a rewired state looks like: a Government focused on delivering for the people of the country and empowering communities in the hands of the people who live in them.

The £10 million regional Co-operative Development Programme will help mayors and strategic authorities set up more co-operative businesses, owned and run by the staff, customers and communities who use them, so local people share directly in their high street’s success.

Work forms part of a broader programme coordinated through the Place Regeneration taskforce, spearheaded by the First Secretary of State along with departments, ministers and local government to deliver a roadmap to rebuild Britain. This work will regenerate communities, breathe new life into our high streets and deliver maximum benefit to the people who live there. 

Later this year, the government will go further still, publishing a full high streets strategy to transform town centres across England and bring lasting pride back to Britain’s communities.

The £210m package confirmed today is from MHCLG funding already earmarked for high street support and regeneration.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 September 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this afternoon at the UN General Assembly.

The two leaders discussed the importance of working towards a successful outcome for the next EU-UK summit later in the year.

They also reflected on the challenges the EU and UK face in responding to the threats from Russia in Ukraine and in relation to hybrid warfare and disinformation.

They emphasised the importance of working together to meet the common security threats faced by Europe, to reduce illegal migration and to respond to unfair competition and overcapacity in global markets.

Finally, the leaders also discussed the initiatives underway to address AI safety, including in relation to the UK’s Presidency of the G20 in 2027.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Manchester next year.

They agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 September 2026.

The Prime Minister met the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, at the United Nations General Assembly today. 

The leaders began by emphasising the value of the closeness of the relationship between the UK and the US, noting their warm and constructive phone calls since the Prime Minister took office. 

They welcomed the importance of trade between the two countries, with the Prime Minister noting how existing agreements brought clear benefits to British people back home. He said he was committed to making Britain feel good about itself again, through setting a clear direction and reindustrialisation, and making sure this was a draw-a-line moment for the country. 

The leaders discussed migration, with the Prime Minister setting out how summer small boat crossings were at the lowest in six years and net migration is also down, while noting the valuable contribution made by those who came legally to Britain.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders spoke about the importance of reopening global shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and how Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, with the Prime Minister noting how the conflict clearly impacted the cost of living at home. The leaders also discussed the importance of securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, with the President recognising the strength of the UK’s support for the Ukrainian people since the war began. On Diego Garcia, the Prime Minister said he was committed to working with all parties to find a solution. On the Falkland Islands, the Prime Minister set out that Britain would stand firm in the face of threats. Finally, the leaders discussed the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, with the Prime Minister reiterating the need for his immediate release.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

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

The UK has fired a US torpedo from a Plymouth-made undersea drone in a major boost for Euro-Atlantic and maritime security, as both countries join forces on rapidly developing technology to keep people safe.

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN General Assembly today to discuss tackling major global challenges with international partners to deliver breathing space and boost security for people at home
• UK will use the New York summit to drive forward work on some of the most difficult issues of our generation, including harnessing AI for good, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and climate change
• Comes as the Prime Minister confirms the UK hosted G20 leader’s summit will be held in Manchester 
• Prime Minister also announces UK and US have for the first time fired a US torpedo from a British undersea drone as both countries prepare to go further on next generation technology collaboration with new AI and autonomy partnership

The UK has fired a US torpedo from a Plymouth-made undersea drone in a major boost for Euro-Atlantic and maritime security, as both countries join forces on rapidly developing technology to keep people safe.

It comes as the Prime Minister travels to New York today to attend the UN General Assembly and hold his first meeting with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Major global challenges such as AI, the conflict in Ukraine and security in the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda of the Prime Minister’s meetings in New York over the next 24 hours, as world leaders converge on the city.

The Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to drive forward global work on AI, both to ensure it is being used as a force for good and to maximise opportunities to use the technology to deliver safety and security for people at home.

His speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening is expected to focus on AI, making the case for the international community to harness the technology for good to drive down the cost of living and support a more stable and secure world. 

As part of using AI responsibly to support people at home, the Prime Minister will announce the launch of work between the UK and US on a new AI and Autonomy partnership. This collaboration will help the UK protect critical national infrastructure, from sea lanes to air space – enabling us to detect threats and deter our adversaries using the latest AI technology developed on both sides of the Atlantic.

It will see the UK’s Ministry of Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce and the US’s Department of War Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office work together on artificial intelligence and autonomy, accelerating the delivery of trusted, interoperable capabilities that enhance deterrence and both countries’ technological edge.

This will build on the next generation technology already being developed through AUKUS, the landmark partnership bringing together the US, UK, and Australia to produce a new fleet of cutting-edge attack submarines and undersea autonomous capabilities to deter adversaries long into the future.

As part of the AUKUS programme, the UK and US successfully conducted a historic live firing of a heavyweight torpedo – jointly developed by the US and Australia – designed to sink ships and deep diving submarines launched from a 12-metre-long undersea Plymouth-made drone named Excalibur.

The firing, which happened in UK waters last week, was the first time either country had launched a torpedo from an undersea uncrewed vessel, rather than a crewed submarine. This marks a major advance in the future of submarine technology for the UK, US, and Australia, and delivers a significant breakthrough for Euro-Atlantic security and NATO’s undersea advantage.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

We are at our strongest when we work with our partners to tackle the most complex shared challenges we face, driven by our values.

When the global financial crisis hit, the UK brought together the world’s leading economies. As we confront the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, we will show that same leadership, ensuring rapidly changing technology is harnessed for good to make our countries safer and stronger.

That ambition is underlined in our new defence partnership with the United States on AI and autonomy, bringing together the brightest minds to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, deter those who threaten our security, and use the enormous potential of AI to our advantage.

Our work together already shows what can be achieved when our two countries combine our expertise and innovation.

This week I will be making the case for closer international cooperation on AI, a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and renewed efforts to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East because what happens abroad impacts each and every one of us at home.

During the visit to New York, the Prime Minister is also expected to tell leaders the UK will continue his drive to tackle major global challenges, such as AI, through the UK’s hosting of the G20 next year.
He will confirm that the flagship Leaders’ Summit will be held in Manchester next November, convening the major global economic players to deliver on our shared goals, drive global growth, and address the most acute global challenges we face.

After months of scoping host cities, Manchester was chosen earlier this year for its cultural heritage, and preparations will now step up this Autumn, with hundreds of local people expected to be involved in the summit, from showcases to security.

As well as the Manchester Leaders’ Summit, locations across the UK will host events throughout the year – bringing the G20 to nations and regions across the UK and ensuring the Summit and the year-long Presidency benefit people across the UK.

The UK will take over the Presidency from the US following the G20 Summit in Miami in December.

While in New York, the Prime Minister will host US business leaders for breakfast to discuss how his government is making it easier to invest, easier to raise capital, easier to hire the talented people businesses need, and easier to grow.

In addition to President Trump, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet a series of world leaders to advance UK interests from getting closer to the EU to supporting Ukraine this winter, as well as co-hosting a High Level event on the two-state solution in Israel and Palestine with President Macron, Prime Minister Carney, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan and the UN Secretary General.

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

The Prime Minister spoke with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, this afternoon.

The Prime Minister began by setting out his intention for the UK and Mauritius to work closely together.

He noted the clear benefits the two countries could bring to each other across a range of shared objectives, including tackling climate change, combatting illicit finance, and boosting growth and trade, as they looked to create opportunities for people at home.

Turning to the future of the military base on Diego Garcia, the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States on a way forward that secures the operation of the base and protects UK national security.

The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact, with the Prime Minister adding that he hoped the UK Foreign Secretary and Mauritian Foreign Minister Ramful would be able to meet this week at UNGA to further strengthen the relationship between the UK and Mauritius.

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

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, this morning.

The two leaders began by discussing their upcoming visits to New York for the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister said he would use the trip to drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home, including reducing the cost of living through greater global stability and delivering security for people through closer international partnerships.

Turning to defence and security, the two leaders discussed the forthcoming signing of a new deal to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area between the US, Greenland and Denmark this week.

They welcomed the US’ commitment to the region and underlined the strategic and shared importance of the High North for Euro-Atlantic security.

The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Frederiksen and the Kingdom of Denmark on negotiating a deal benefitting the US, Greenland and Denmark, and said he would pass on his congratulations to President Trump.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he hoped to make further progress with partners on stepping up support for Ukraine during UNGA and in the coming weeks.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

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

The Prime Minister spoke to President Xi Jinping of China this morning. 

The Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences for the lives lost in recent floods on the Nepal-China border and his appreciation for the rescue efforts and support for British Nationals affected.

Both leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and China. As Permanent Members of the Security Council and major economies, they discussed the importance of pragmatic cooperation in advancing UK and Chinese interests and addressing shared global challenges.

They discussed the opportunities in the UK-China relationship including on economic growth and improving living standards for people in both their countries.

The Prime Minister said that he would engage frankly and constructively on issues that matter for both countries, and raised domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases of particular importance.

The leaders agreed to stay in touch, and that dialogue between their governments on a range of mutual priorities would continue.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 August 2026.

Thousands of young people across the UK will get the chance to gain work experience, build confidence and develop skills to help them get ready for work as Sainsbury’s launches a major new “Modern Work Experience Programme” designed to help more young people into employment.

• Sainsbury’s to offer around 10,000 work experience and skills opportunities to help young people gain experience, build confidence and prepare for work
• New programme launching from October will target schools with higher levels of free school meal uptake and communities where young people face some of the biggest barriers to work
• Latest major employer to deliver a major skills programme following Prime Minister’s education reforms to close the gap between the classroom and workplace

Thousands of young people across the UK will get the chance to gain work experience, build confidence and develop skills to help them get ready for work as Sainsbury’s launches a major new “Modern Work Experience Programme” designed to help more young people into employment.

Starting from October, Sainsbury’s will create around 10,000 work experience and skills opportunities over the next year through a new programme designed to reach young people who may otherwise struggle to access employer networks, work experience and career opportunities.

This follows the Prime Minister announcing a fundamental change to the education system last month, with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes. The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers.

The Prime Minister is determined to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path and to ensure there are ‘no dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system.  Since the launch of his education reforms, the Government has been actively working with major employers to tackle youth unemployment by closing the gap between the classroom and the workplace, so every young person can see a clear route into work and a successful future.

Too often, access to work experience depends on who you know rather than what you can do. This has led to many young people leaving education without access to employers, workplace networks or a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them. At the same time, businesses are in desperate need for people with the skills and confidence to thrive in modern careers.

With over one million young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment, or training – around one in eight young people – the Prime Minister has made clear that tackling the NEETs crisis is a national priority. As one of the UK’s largest employers, with stores and more than 140,000 colleagues in communities across the country, Sainsbury’s is uniquely placed to open up routes into work for young people in every part of the UK.

The programme will be delivered across the UK, including England, Scotland and Wales. It will focus on areas where Sainsbury’s can deliver the greatest social impact, particularly within communities with a high proportion of schools offering free school meals, and young people not in employment, education or training, helping connect education with real-world opportunities.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: 

The youth unemployment crisis has been ignored for too long. This government is making it a top priority and bringing back hope. 

Last month we announced a shake-up of the education system, with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.  Now we’re bringing employers, schools and colleges together to close the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

It’s great to see Sainsbury’s stepping up with 10,000 opportunities to help young people build confidence, gain experience and get a foot in the door. I encourage more businesses across the country to do the same.  Access to opportunity and work experience shouldn’t depend on who you know, it should be within reach for every young person wherever they live – and that’s what I’m determined to deliver.

Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, said:

Like so many of us, I started my working life at 16 and know first-hand how much getting that first job really matters. Few things matter more to us at Sainsbury’s than helping young people get on that first rung on the career ladder. With a quarter of our colleagues under 25, we see every day how much a first job can change lives.

Far too many young people are growing up in the UK today without access to meaningful work experience, often because they cannot find the right connections or network. With nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training, the scale of the challenge facing us has never been clearer.

Our new work experience programme will create around 10,000 opportunities over the next year, reaching the young people who need them most in communities right across the UK and helping them build the confidence, skills and experience to take their first step into work.

Young people will take part in workplace visits, careers sessions, practical work experience and sessions on CVs, interviews and applications – all designed to build confidence, improve communication skills and provide insight into careers across retail, logistics, food, technology and business.

The programme brings together a range of opportunities for different age groups. Younger students will receive a mix of school-based learning and workplace experience designed to introduce them to the world of work, while older young people will receive targeted support with CV writing, interview skills, job applications and career planning. Schools across the country are being encouraged to get involved from September by contacting The School Outreach Company, ahead of the programme starting in October.

Alongside this, Sainsbury’s will work with The Careers & Enterprise Company as well as other industry partners to test new approaches to modern work experience, helping develop a model that can be expanded across more stores and communities in the years ahead.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 

I know from personal experience, that work experience is often the first taste of the world of work for a young person, and everyone should be able to access placements, regardless of their background or circumstances. With around one in eight young people not in education, employment or training, I’ve made tackling youth unemployment a top priority, by investing in skills training and mentoring. As one of the country’s largest employers, with hundreds of branches across London, it’s great to see Sainsbury’s stepping up and launching 10,000 work experience opportunities for young people. My first experience of work was in retail. Programmes like this are vital for breaking down the barriers to work and building skills and confidence to thrive, as we continue to build a better, more prosperous capital for everyone.

Alan Milburn said:

For too long work experience has been treated as an afterthought. Yet 6 in 10 young people who are NEET have never had a job. 

Employers say lack of experience is the single biggest barrier to hiring young people – and young people say exactly the same. It’s a vicious cycle and it’s holding Britain back.

Sainsbury’s is helping break that cycle, reaching the communities where young people face the biggest barriers. It’s exactly the kind of practical action employers can take now, while we build the fuller response this problem demands.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said:

As the largest private sector employer, retail is a first step on the career ladder for thousands of people every year, building confidence, skills and experience that shapes their futures. Helping more young people be work ready and those who need help breaking out of the no-experience, no-job doom loop is critical to addressing the NEETs crisis. This great initiative is just the start as more retailers scale up the opportunities the industry can provide.

Today’s announcement from Sainsbury’s is one of the first major employer commitments since the Prime Minister unveiled reforms to expand technical education, work experience and routes into skilled work, following National Grid’s £5 million programme announced earlier this month to help 5000 young people into work.

Rather than designing new technical pathways from Westminster, the government will shape them around the industries driving growth in local communities supporting its mission to reindustrialise Britain and create opportunity in every part of the country.

The government will continue working with employers, schools, mayors, and local leaders to expand work experience, skills support and routes into work for young people.

Additional information

• Sainsbury’s will create around 10,000 work experience and employability opportunities, with activity beginning in October 2026.
• The programme combines Sainsbury’s own workplace scheme, KickStarter with a pilot delivered in partnership with The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD). Together, they will help more young people access meaningful work experience and better understand the opportunities available to them:  

KickStarter Explore (14–18 years) – A blend of in-school learning and practical work experience, co-designed with The School Outreach Company. The programme will help young people build confidence, develop workplace skills and discover the wide range of careers available at Sainsbury’s and the wider retail sector.

KickStarter Insights (16–24 years) – Regional employability workshops delivered by Sainsbury’s Early Careers team and specialist partner Aim a Little Higher. These sessions will help young people strengthen communication skills, prepare for interviews and applications and take their next step into work.

New work experience pilot – Alongside its own programme, Sainsbury’s is working with The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) and other employers to test new approaches to work experience for young people aged 14 to 18. The pilot will help develop a model that could be expanded across more Sainsbury’s stores from 2027, making it easier for young people to access meaningful work experience opportunities in their local communities.

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

The Prime Minister met the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv today following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

The Prime Minister started by thanking President Zelenskyy for the warm welcome he had been given by the Ukrainian people on his first visit.

It had been an honest and productive conversation during the Coalition of the Willing, the leaders agreed, and it was clear the international community needed to step up and ensure Ukraine got the support it needed to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric attacks going into the winter.

The Prime Minister emphasised the strength of unity among coalition members and reiterated that there would be no change in the UK’s steadfast support.

That was further symbolised by the announcement that the UK had agreed that defence firm MBDA could release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, the Prime Minister said.

Turning to the economic situation, the leaders discussed the need to work with the insurance industry to support the resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and businesses.

The leaders also welcomed the new AI partnership between the UK and Ukraine, which would bring opportunity and potential to revolutionise aspects of public life in both countries.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.