Tag: Downing Street

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.

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

The Prime Minister met President Erdoğan of Türkiye at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit this afternoon.

The Prime Minister thanked the President for his invaluable role in the process to achieve a ceasefire and bring an end to the war.

Both agreed that now must be a turning point, and we must maintain momentum towards implementation of the peace plan.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK stands ready to play a leading role in the next phase.

They ended the discussion on other shared priorities, including a commitment to collaborate more closely on defence.

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

The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France in Sharm El-Sheikh today.

They welcomed the historic scenes of the last few days, with aid now pouring into Gaza and the hostages finally being reunited with their loved ones after unimaginable suffering. 

Both leaders paid tribute to the vital efforts of President Trump and the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for securing the first phase of peace. They agreed this should mark a turning point for the region, and attention must now turn to the next phase. 

The Prime Minister said the UK stands ready to play a leadership role in the process of decommissioning Hamas, then supporting the reconstruction of Gaza and participating in the ceasefire monitoring mission.

Turning to Ukraine, they discussed continuing the momentum from today to drive towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and looked forward to convening a Coalition of the Willing meeting soon.

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

The Prime Minister met the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit today. 

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the Amir for his personal leadership, alongside Türkiye, Egypt and the United States, in bringing us to this historic day. 

They agreed that this is a turning point for the Middle East, after months of horror and suffering. Seeing the hostages released this morning, and aid pouring into Gaza, is what the world has been longing for, the Prime Minister added. 

Both leaders acknowledged that today must turn into a lasting, sustainable peace. 

The Prime Minister was clear that the UK stands ready to support the next phase. He confirmed that the UK will play a role in the reconstruction of Gaza, participate in the ceasefire monitoring mission and support the process of decommissioning of Hamas – preventing them from ever posing a threat again. 

He finished by saying he looked forward to continuing to work closely with the Amir on delivering a lasting peace and a stable, secure future for the whole region.

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

The Prime Minister met King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit today.

They celebrated the remarkable achievements of President Trump and the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye in delivering a ceasefire, seeing the hostages released and letting aid flow into Gaza. 

They agreed that it was vitally important to seize the moment presented by today to deliver a lasting peace and a stable, secure future for the whole region. 

They planned to co-ordinate closely on the implementation of the next phase of the peace plan. 

The UK stands ready to play a leadership role in the reconstruction of Gaza, participate in the ceasefire monitoring mission and support the process of decommissioning Hamas, the Prime Minister added.

They also agreed on the importance of not losing sight of the West Bank as part of this process.

They agreed to stay in close contact.

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

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this afternoon.

The Prime Minister began by sharing his heartfelt condolences to those impacted by the barbaric Russian attacks overnight.

The leaders discussed how Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure in the lead up to winter further emphasised that Putin was not serious about peace. It was vital Ukraine received the military equipment it needed to defend itself from Russia’s continued aggression, the Prime Minister said.

Reflecting on his discussions with the leaders of France and Germany this morning, the Prime Minister said all three countries were united in wanting to drive progress towards using the full value of the immobilised Russian sovereign assets to end the war and ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Further sanctions in the coming days and weeks would also add to the pressure on Russia, the leaders agreed.

Both looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 October 2025.

The UK’s world-leading higher education sector is set to bring in a £50 million boost to the economy as part of a major expansion of British universities in India.

• Prime Minister confirms UK universities will open new campuses in India as part of trade mission to Mumbai
• Higher education is one of the UK’s greatest exports, and international education was worth £32 billion in export revenue in 2022
• Expansion in India will boost the UK’s soft power while driving millions back into the UK economy – boosting growth and supporting UK jobs as part of the government’s Plan for Change

The UK’s world-leading higher education sector is set to bring in a £50 million boost to the economy as part of a major expansion of British universities in India. 

The Prime Minister has confirmed that the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey have been given approval to open new campuses in India, to help meet their booming demand for higher education places.

Currently, there are 40 million students at university in India, but 70 million places are needed by 2035. The UK’s world-renowned higher education sector is capitalising on that demand by giving thousands of Indian students the chance to study for a UK degree without leaving home – while bolstering our economy by millions of pounds.  

International education brought over £32 billion of export revenue to the UK in 2022, with nearly £1 billion of that coming from international campuses – showcasing its power as a growth market. 

Thanks to the new campuses announced today, the UK is set to become the country with the biggest higher education footprint in India – in a major boost for the UK’s reputation abroad. 

The UK’s network of international campuses in India is growing – the University of Southampton opened a campus in Delhi earlier this year. The University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Coventry will open campuses from as early as next year. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the milestone in a meeting with UK Vice Chancellors in Mumbai today. 

The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Our great British universities are admired all over the world for their teaching excellence, high-quality research and commitment to innovation. 

“I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future – strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home.” 

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“British higher education is world-leading – and this expansion shows its global appeal.  

“Opening new campuses in India will give more young people the chance to benefit from a UK education, while delivering real returns for our universities at home. 

“As we prepare to set out our International Education Strategy, these new campuses are a marker of our ambition: building long-term partnerships that deliver growth, innovation and opportunity for both countries.” 

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement for the University of Southampton, said: 

“The University of Southampton was proud to become the very first international university approved by the University Grants Commission to establish a campus in India thanks to our reputation for excellence in education, research and enterprise.

“Our first students are already benefiting from this flagship initiative and this week’s UK delegation offers further opportunities for our university to further strengthen our links with India. 

“Led at the most senior level in the UK government, the visit is a powerful commitment to India-UK relations.

Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said:

“Through Surrey’s new International Branch Campus at GIFT City, we’re proud to be part of a new wave of British university partnerships with India, using higher education as a powerful skills and research accelerator for UK and Indian economic and trade relationships. As part of this ambitious new Universities in India Alliance, our nine universities can work together to realise the enormous potential of UK higher education combined with India’s remarkable talent and ambition.”

Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global, said:

“Lancaster has always believed in the power of education to transform lives. As a research-intensive University and a sector leader in Transnational Education, we are boldly and purposefully outward looking in our ethos and approach, committed to building academic bridges across the world to make a positive impact. 

“By opening a branch campus in the city of Bengaluru, a vibrant hub of technology, education, and enterprise, Lancaster University aims to partner with Indian businesses, industry and local universities to collaboratively spark growth, generate opportunity, and ensure above all that Lancaster University students across the globe are empowered to succeed and to make a difference to India and the world.”

By enabling Indian students to access UK-quality education at home, the UK enhances its global influence and soft power without adding pressure to domestic migration figures. 

British Council research shows that students who experience UK education retain positive views of the UK for decades. 

This growing network of UK-India higher education partnerships also lays the groundwork for deeper ties in science, technology, and innovation – nurturing the next generation of global talent and training the CEOs of the future. 

Joint campuses, dual degrees, and collaborative research will mean UK and Indian universities can co-develop and commercialise cutting-edge technologies – from AI and semiconductors to biotechnology and quantum computing. 

Deeper engagement with India offers a sustainable funding stream for UK higher education institutions, bolstering their financial resilience.

Notes to Editors:

Other top UK universities are also expanding in India through exciting new partnerships, including Imperial College London.

Imperial College London will join forces with Science Gallery Bengaluru – a pioneering hub for innovation and public engagement – to drive growth through discovery and scientific collaboration. The tie-up will initially see dozens of scientists join a groundbreaking fellowship programme in an exchange of talent and knowledge, as well as the development of new research facilities. The partnership will combine Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise with the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s unique lab and convening space in Karnataka to help deliver solutions to global issues.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said:

“This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered.

“Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”

Further quotes from Vice Chancellors on the trip:

Professor Tim Jones, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool said: 

“We are proud to be playing our part in the Indian government’s visionary plans to significantly increase enrolment in higher education. Higher education is one of the UK’s greatest export success stories and we are excited to continue to contribute to this through opening the University of Liverpool, Bengaluru next year. 

“Here we will be building on our long-standing research and industrial partnerships in the region, with companies such as Hindustan Unilever, through collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharma India, Wipro, Axis Bank, Dream 11 and others. We look forward to educating the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow, providing talented students with access to an exceptional learning experience and a range of fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and employability.”  

Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery said: 

“The India-UK Vision 2035 opens an exciting new chapter in a relationship defined by shared values, talent, and ambition. Education and research are among the most powerful bridges between our two countries – enabling us to tackle global challenges together and drive inclusive, knowledge-led growth.

“Our partnerships in India are already delivering real impact – from advances in health and food security to breakthroughs in climate resilience and green innovation.

“With the University of York Mumbai campus, we are building on this momentum, placing research and collaboration at the heart of our engagement and supporting India’s ambitions in sustainability, future technologies, and the creative industries.”

Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal Global Engagement at the University of Aberdeen,

“We were delighted to gain approval from the Indian Government to progress our proposal for a campus in Mumbai. As the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world with an international presence in higher education, becoming the only Scottish university to be part of the UK Universities in India Alliance represents another step forward in our global ambitions. 

“As a country of over 1.4 billion people with half of them under the age of 25, India has long been a priority area for our global engagement strategy focusing on educational partnerships, research collaborations and alumni networks.” 

Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“We are delighted that Queen’s University Belfast is the first Russell Group institution to establish a campus at GIFT City, bringing the tradition of world-class research, academic excellence and industry engagement directly into India’s leading financial and technology hub. This initiative creates a bridge between India and the world, where excellence meets innovation.

“At GIFT City, Queen’s students will learn from academics who are leaders in their fields, ensuring exposure to the latest innovations.  They will be equipped to lead, innovate and shape the future, creating a global hub of excellence where India and the UK co-create solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.  

“Queen’s campus will offer opportunity and potential for a diverse range of students whilst also delivering social value and economic impact to the region. With a focus on fintech, artificial intelligence, health, sustainability and smart cities, the campus aligns closely with India’s national priorities and Queen’s global strengths. 

“We look forward to offering a transformative learning environment that connects global expertise with local relevance.”

Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University and Group CEO, said: 

“It is a huge honour to be invited by Sir Keir Starmer to be part of this major delegation to India.

“Higher education links between the UK and India are an important part of the bond between our two great countries, which continues to go from strength to strength.

“India is a key part of Coventry University Group’s strategy to expand our global footprint and the launch of our Hub in New Delhi last year enables us to build stronger relationships and intensify our research, academic and industry links in India.

“We are the first English university to win in-principle approval for a campus in GIFT City, giving us the opportunity to make a real difference for the next generation of learners and workforce in India – leveraging our gold-rated teaching and track record creating career-ready graduates. 

“This is just the beginning of our journey in India.”

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said:

“The University of Bristol has always had strong and long-standing relationships with India. We also have several prestigious research partnerships with some of the leading universities and research institutes in India, including a recent agreement to develop new working initiatives aligned to areas such as translational research, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay – one of India’s most highly ranked universities.

“Earlier this year we announced our intention to establish a new campus in Mumbai which marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we’re proud to build in partnership with colleagues in India. When our Mumbai Enterprise Campus welcomes its first students in summer 2026, we will be the highest ranked university in the UK delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to students in India. We will offer a wide range of subjects drawing on our reputation as a leader in artificial intelligence, data science, and areas like computational biomolecular and bio-systems design – accelerated by Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful supercomputer.

“Mirroring the University’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in Bristol, which opens in a year’s time, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will bring together industry, academics, students and local community partners within a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem to deliver impact on a truly global scale.”

Dr Michael Spence, UCL Provost said:

“India is a vital part of UCL’s global community – past, present and future. Today, we’re working with Indian partners to pioneer MedTech research, and the UK-India Free Trade Agreement has real potential to facilitate the development and deployment of cutting-edge medical technologies being developed by UCL researchers with Indian counterparts that will transform lives. By deepening UK–India ties, we’re driving inclusive growth, advancing innovation, and tackling shared global challenges. Together, we’re building a future defined by openness, excellence and impact.”