Tag: Downing Street

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 June 2026.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.

    • Additional funding to strengthen military readiness and accelerate the drone transformation, boost future fighter jets and strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
    • Defence Investment Plan will also create nearly 60,000 extra direct and indirect UK industry jobs by the end of the decade, taking forecasted defence spending related jobs supported in the UK to more than half a million.
    • Nearly £300 billion in funding over next four years to transform the UK military with cutting edge equipment.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.  

    The Prime Minister announced during a major speech at Malloy Aeronautics this morning that the Defence Investment Plan will be backed by £298 billion of investment across the next four years, including £15bn of additional spending on top of last year’s Spending Review.

    It will see an increase in defence funding from £54 billion a year under the previous government to almost £80 billion a year by 2029, and will see the UK’s defence spending increase to 2.7% of GDP.

    This means the proportion of GDP spent on defence will now be higher than at any time during the last thirty years by the end of this decade, and puts the UK on track to meet NATO’s defence spending targets by 2035.

    The major spending uplift will also create nearly 60,000 extra direct and indirect UK industry jobs by the end of the decade, taking forecasted defence spending-related jobs supported in the UK to more than half a million. 

    The Defence Investment Plan set to be published later today will implement the vision set in the Strategic Defence Review, seeing the Armed Forces adapt for the wars of today and tomorrow by investing in new equipment and embracing new technology, such as drones, autonomy and AI.  

    Key funding includes:

    • More than £8 billion in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) over the next four years, progressing the programme which will build a next-generation stealth fighter jet for the Royal Air Force, alongside our close allies Japan and Italy.    
    • More than £63 billion over the next four years to strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent and to fund Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines, a new warhead, and other crucial nuclear work. Additionally, we will also purchase 12 F35As and join NATO’s nuclear mission.  
    • Including elements of the above nuclear investment in the first four years, £26 billion over the next decade in Project Royal Oak – the biggest naval base upgrade for over 45 years, including multi-billion-pound upgrades at Faslane, Portsmouth and Devonport.  
    • Over £5 billion for the next four years to fund a drone transformation for our Armed Forces. As part of this, £650 million will deliver inexpensive expendable autonomous systems including drones and uncrewed ground vehicles to rapidly enhance the lethality of the Army, Commando Force and Special Forces.   
    • Nearly £2 billion to integrate our Armed Forces through a new Digital Targeting Web. This will enable faster decision-making and speed in destroying identified targets and will be underpinned by world leading AI and software.
    • £790 million over the next four years to enhance protection of the UK homeland and overseas bases from air, drone and missile threats. This will revolutionise command and control and buy new radars and sensors. We will also invest in Directed Energy Weapons, upgrade Sea Viper for our Type 45 destroyers, expand counter drone systems, and build a new Integrated Air, Space and Missile Defence Operations Centre.   
    • £11 billion on munitions and weapons to increase UK stockpiles and ensure our Armed Forces have the right mix of capabilities to defeat targets, including long-range strike weapons, low-cost cruise missiles and one-way effectors. By 2030, we will have built at least six new energetics factories and increased our national munitions production capacity. 
    • £900 million investment to drive efficiency and reform procurement, including a £500 million Transformation Fund to deliver productivity improving investments in AI and workforce transformation, as well as an initial £400m contribution to setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism.     
    • £100 million for the Prime Minister’s Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce (RAID) to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled capabilities into the hands of our Armed Forces.

    On top of this, the government is investing £115 million to raise the UK’s defences against the threats from AI, including using AI to improve our biosecurity and mitigate risks posed by autonomous AI agents.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    This record investment puts the security of the British public first, transforming our Armed Forces and giving them the funding and equipment they need to fight and defend our nation.

    The world is a more dangerous and volatile place, so it is only right we are boosting the number of troops on the ground, rebuilding ammunition stockpiles and investing in cutting edge technology to ensure we outpace our adversaries for generations to come.

    Every pound in this plan will work twice, delivering economic growth and opportunity for the British people, and supporting more than half a million jobs by the end of the decade, as well as reinforcing our national security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    I have boosted defence spending to the highest level since the Cold War – and today’s Defence Investment Plan goes further still, committing almost £300 billion over this Parliament to transform our Armed Forces. That’s more money, spent more effectively, to keep the country safe and back British industry, jobs and growth.

    Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

    I know first-hand the importance of our Armed Forces having the kit and technology they need to do the difficult job we ask of them.

    I have secured more money and made different choices for defence. We will invest £298 billion over the next four years. That includes an additional £15 billion, of which most is extra day-to-day spending for training and improving availability of ships and aircraft to increase our war-fighting readiness. 

    By choosing to embrace new technology, I am equipping our forces with the autonomous systems which will give them the edge. 

    This extra money and these choices send a clear signal to our allies and our adversaries alike: Britain is stepping up on security.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

    This plan sets out how and where we will invest in defence over the coming years to deliver the Strategic Defence Review and build the integrated force the nation needs.

    It also reflects both the importance of national defence and the vital contribution our Armed Forces make every day to keeping the country safe.

    Reinforcing today’s additional investment, the Prime Minister also announced this morning a new £50 billion defence export facility established by UK Export Finance to support British defence firms to win contracts across the globe. This will support British defence companies of all sizes and strengthen the UK’s competitiveness in a rapidly growing market. 

    The Defence Investment Plan continues this Government’s delivery of the Strategic Defence Review’s vision for UK defence.  

    GCAP is a groundbreaking collaboration between the UK, Japan and Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, which already supports 4,500 jobs across the UK. The work is deepening our defence, industrial, and technology collaboration with our partners in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.  

    The Defence Investment Plan will include significant funding to renew and maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent, the ultimate guarantor of our security, also declared to the defence of NATO.

    Over the next four years, £20 billion more will be invested into the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, compared to the previous four years. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to fund the nuclear “triple lock” building four Dreadnought submarines in Barrow, sustaining the nuclear deterrent, and delivering future upgrades, including the replacement warhead.    

    This investment will be underpinned by a commitment to drive out waste and inefficiency, including tackling £250 million fraud and error, and accelerating investment in AI and procurement reform.

    The Government has set out details of how the Defence Investment Plan will be funded through reprioritising public spending, acting within our fiscal rules and without taking resources away from day-to-day spending on frontline services.

    This approach will allow the country to continue renewing and rebuilding and ensure that the Armed Forces have the resources they need to meet this new era of threat.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 29 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister hosted the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Downing Street today. 

    The leaders began by discussing the publication of the Defence Investment Plan. The Prime Minister set out how his plan would focus on readiness and autonomous capability, ensuring British forces would have the equipment they need to keep the UK and its NATO Allies safe.  

    The leaders then reflected on their recent diplomatic meetings, including at the G7, the E5 in Berlin and the Secretary General’s visit to the US. They discussed the strong international support for Ukraine and looked ahead to the outcomes of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. 

    Ukraine would form a key part of European security long into the future, with the strongest armed forces in Europe, the leaders agreed. 

    On the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister and Secretary General discussed the need to ensure the safe passage of global shipping and the Prime Minister updated on the UK’s military assets in the region to support a multi-national mission when the conditions allowed. 

    They both looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets hospitality leaders to boost opportunities for young people [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets hospitality leaders to boost opportunities for young people [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 29 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister hosted a roundtable discussion this morning with hospitality organisations working to support those facing barriers to employment, training and education, setting out the government’s ambition to ensure every young person can fulfil their potential regardless of background.

    He set out the government’s focus on technical education and skills, arguing that university should not be seen as the only route to success. He outlined plans to increase participation in high-level skills training, expand technical excellence colleges and prioritise youth apprenticeships to meet the needs of the economy of the future.

    The Prime Minister also set out the government’s wider approach to supporting young people, including action to tackle child poverty through breakfast clubs, expanded childcare and lifting the two-child benefit limit, alongside the Youth Guarantee and a new £3,000 incentive for businesses to recruit young people who have been out of work for six months.

    He invited participants to share first-hand experiences of existing schemes and how they could be improved.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [June 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley for a meeting in Downing Street today, during London Climate Action Week. 

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Mottley for her international leadership on climate action, welcoming efforts by the UK and Barbados to tackle super pollutants.

    The leaders also discussed initiatives for combatting organised crime and enhancing regional security in the Caribbean.

    They looked forward to the UK and Barbados continuing to deepen work together through the Commonwealth, including on trade and business opportunities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : E5 Leaders’ Statement [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : E5 Leaders’ Statement [June 2026]

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

    E5 Leaders’ Statement.

    Against the backdrop of the current threats and challenges to the security environment, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and United Kingdom met today in Berlin. The Secretary General of NATO joined the meeting from Washington.

    Leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the transatlantic bond, recognising the vital role the US continues to play in the Alliance. They agreed to collectively work towards a successful NATO summit in Ankara hosted by President Erdogan on 7-8 July 2026.

    They expressed their strong determination to build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO and to pursue their respective defence industrial endeavors in the closest possible cooperation.

    Leaders decided to move forward in five specific areas:

    1. European Leadership and Burden Sharing: Leaders are committed to a stronger European role within NATO with Europe taking greater responsibility for our shared transatlantic security, coordinating closely with the US. Leaders welcome the significant progress made by Allies towards implementing The Hague Defence Investment Pledge and agree to jointly develop avenues to strengthen European contributions to Allied capabilities.
    2. Collective Security: Leaders agree to proactively strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture and increase contributions to NATO’s deterrence activities in order to respond to and deter the most significant and direct threat from Russia and the most direct asymmetric threat of terrorism to Euro-Atlantic security, in line with our 360-degree approach. Leaders reaffirm their fundamental commitment and determination to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and their determination to act timely together should this be threatened.
    3. Defense Industrial Cooperation: Leaders recognise the importance of closer defence industrial cooperation to deliver NATO’s capabilities, warfighting readiness and resilience essential for deterrence and defence at the necessary speed, scale and value. Leaders will further strengthen the defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on air defence, unmanned systems, AI, and other capabilities including long-range firepower. They agree to accelerate their commitment to European joint development and procurement of deep precision strike capabilities. In addition to strengthening European industrial efforts, leaders emphasised the importance of harnessing emerging technologies underpinned by financial mechanisms to unlock capital and investment. This includes extending existing instruments to close critical capability gaps and increase interoperability.
    4. Support for Ukraine: Leaders are committed to further substantially support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, including through sanctions and economic pressure on Russia as well as support for the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector. They support pledges in military support at the NATO Summit and intensified co-operation with Ukraine through NATO initiatives, including JATEC and NSATU. They reiterate their commitment to deepening NATO’s partnership with Ukraine, bringing Ukraine closer to the Alliance and recognizing the vital contribution Ukraine makes to Euro-Atlantic security. Leaders are aligned regarding the conditions for a just and lasting peace and support proposals for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia – with active US and European participation.
    5. United on Iran: Leaders welcomed the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, secured under the leadership of President Trump with the support of mediating countries, and agreed this is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy. Leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting implementation of the MoU as part of urgent and comprehensive follow-up that delivers lasting peace. Leaders underlined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They confirmed their commitment to participate in the UK-France led Multinational Military Mission as soon as conditions allow and in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. It could play an important role in reassuring the shipping industry and re-opening the Strait including through verification of demining.
  • PRESS RELEASE : G7 leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : G7 leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 June 2026.

    G7 leaders’ statement on geopolitical issues.

    Ukraine

    We, the Leaders of the G7, stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian population suffering from attacks on their critical infrastructure and cultural heritage. We commend Ukraine for its resilience and progress on the battlefield in recent months and emphasize there is now a new momentum.

    To support and accelerate this new momentum, we agree to increase the delivery of air defence capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities. We are also ready to consider extending to Ukraine the benefit of licenses to allow for an increase in Ukraine’s military production.

    We stress the importance of energy resilience, on the basis of the needs and priorities expressed by Ukrainian authorities. We agree to provide further support to get the country through next winter.

    We commit to increase the pressure on the Russian war economy. In this context, we will strengthen our sanctions, including those on the oil and gas sectors. We consider this the right moment to proceed with additional measures, as President Trump has delivered a deal that we support in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

    Middle East

    We recognize the breakthrough and the opportunity that currently exist in the Middle East.

    We welcome the announcement of a deal between the United States and Iran, secured under the strong leadership of President Trump, with the support of mediating countries, which provides an historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapon and tackling the threats related to its regional and ballistic activities. We support and are ready to contribute to its implementation.

    We reaffirm that the right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls is the bedrock of international trade. We agree that the multinational, independent, and defensive initiative led by France and the UK can play an important role to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by protecting merchant vessels, reassuring commercial shipping operators, and supporting verification that all mines are removed.

    We strongly support a robust and comprehensive diplomatic follow-on agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding secured by President Trump that can bring peace and security for all in the region. We underline the need for the negotiation to this end to address the threats posed by Iran in the region and beyond and ensure that they never obtain a nuclear weapon. We agree that such a negotiation would benefit from the contributions from relevant regional and international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon.

    In Lebanon, we support, through an immediate robust ceasefire, the Lebanese leadership’s efforts to achieve the disarmament of Hezbollah and the monopoly of arms, and to protect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty with the appropriate international security guarantees.

    In Gaza, we will accelerate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and the swift implementation of relevant political and security measures. We call for ending violence in the West Bank.

    We commit to accelerate the diversification of energy supply routes in order to reduce global vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz and to increase our energy stocks. We welcome the potential for Canada to deliver significant additional capacity to global markets in coming years.

    Indo-Pacific

    We highlight the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We reaffirm our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, which should only be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

    We express deep concern about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. We urge North Korea to resolve the abductions issue immediately. We reiterate the need to jointly address North Korea’s cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrimes.

    We welcome the Global Convergence for Growth Summit convened by President Macron on June 11th 2026, with the participation of China. We reaffirm our common interest in converging with other large economies on the causes of large and persistent global imbalances and on the need to address them. We will continue these efforts within the G20 under the United States’ host year and in other relevant fora.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK issues largest penalty for financial sanctions breaches since Russia’s 2022 illegal invasion of Ukraine [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK issues largest penalty for financial sanctions breaches since Russia’s 2022 illegal invasion of Ukraine [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 June 2026.

    The United Kingdom has imposed its largest ever penalty for a breach of Russian financial sanctions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

    • UK travel technology firm fined more than £1 million for breaching UK financial sanctions against Russia.
    • Sabre Global Technologies Limited made funds and economic resources available to a designated Russian airline for seven months in 2022, and tested alternative payment routes to get around UK sanctions.
    • Third penalty issued under OFSI’s new settlement policy, as the UK continues ironclad support of Ukraine.

    The £1 million fine has been levied against a technology firm – Sabre Global Technologies Limited (SGTL) – that repeatedly breached UK financial sanctions.  

    The action by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) – part of HM Treasury – underlines the UK’s increasingly robust enforcement of the Russia sanctions regime in support of Ukraine and sends clear compliance lessons to industry.

    The penalty is also the first issued by OFSI for a circumvention offence, and comes as the UK steps up enforcement action on those seeking to evade our sanctions regime. 

    SGTL, which provides travel technology services, continued to provide Russian carrier Ural Airlines access to its Global Distribution System service for seven months after it was designated by the UK in May 2022. SGTL was notified of the designation on the day it took effect.

    After payments to its UK bank were blocked for sanctions concerns, SGTL explored alternative ways of receiving payments from Ural Airlines.

    This included asking Ural Airlines to send a test payment to a non-UK SGTL bank account, intending for future settlements to be routed through this account. This amounted to circumvention of UK sanctions.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Those who seek to evade our sanctions regime and support Putin’s cronies should be in no doubt, we will come after you.

    It is vital we support Ukraine and continue to ramp up pressure on Russia, as every pound flowing into Putin’s war chest is being used to fuel conflict in Europe and undermine our security.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

    Our support for Ukraine is ironclad.

    This largest ever penalty for breaches of financial sanctions since Russia’s 2022 illegal invasion sends a clear message – we will take decisive action against those who break UK financial sanctions and help fund Russia’s war machine.

    The UK alone has sanctioned more than 3300 individuals, businesses and ships under the Russia sanctions regime.

    This latest action follows sanctions packages in May which targeted the infrastructure underpinning Russia’s war economy, including crypto exchanges and maritime services.

    SGTL has been fined a total of £1,000,920.59 for breaches of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leaders’ declaration on tackling migrant smuggling [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leaders’ declaration on tackling migrant smuggling [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 June 2026.

    Leaders’ declaration on tackling migrant smuggling.

    We, the Leaders of the G7, reaffirm our enduring efforts to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants. Taking stock of the G7 Leaders’ statements adopted in Apulia in 2024 and Kananaskis in 2025, we renew our commitment to preventing, countering and dismantling organised criminal networks that profit from the smuggling of migrants, the trafficking in persons and other related crimes, as well as to disrupting the business models of organised criminal enterprises. Partner countries of the G7, Kenya and the Republic of Korea, also support this declaration.

    Migrant smuggling and human trafficking constitute serious transnational crimes that erode the sovereign right of States to control their borders and expose smuggled and trafficked persons to life-threatening risks. We are committed to tackling organised illegal migration. We remain committed to fight against all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons.

    Accordingly, we task our relevant Ministers to continue taking robust action to further deliver on the G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants.

    We recognise ongoing work to adopt targeted sanctions and other restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in migrant smuggling, including online, where consistent with our legal systems. In that regard, we recall our determination, expressed under the Canadian presidency, to intensify our cooperation with online platforms and relevant actors for them to detect, prevent and remove online content used to conduct smuggling operations.

    We will also deepen cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle smuggling and trafficking networks, and to prevent organised illegal migration by strengthening our efforts to build stability in order to enable all individuals to live and thrive in their own countries, safeguarding their safety, rights and dignity, including through improved economic conditions.

    We note the obligations on States to accept return of their own nationals and to enhance processes to ensure timely, safe, lawful and dignified return of those with no legal right to stay in our territories. Respectful of national competences, we take note of new lawful approaches explored by some members with third countries to strengthen migration management.

    This declaration reflects the outcome of the discussion between G7 members, benefiting from productive exchanges of views with partner countries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leaders’ declaration on the fight against drug trafficking [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leaders’ declaration on the fight against drug trafficking [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 July 2026.

    Leaders’ declaration on the fight against drug trafficking.

    We, the Leaders of the G7, are committed to intensifying our fight against drug trafficking. Partner countries of the G7, Brazil and the Republic of Korea, also support this declaration. Global drug trafficking has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by record levels of production, the adaptability of organised crime groups and the rise of global demand. It constitutes a major and increasing threat to national security fuelling corruption and violence.

    We recognize that tackling this transnational organised crime is fundamental for safeguarding our societies, the health of our populations, our economic prosperity and global security. These sophisticated illegal networks recognise no borders. They exploit international vulnerabilities – siphoning vital resources from our economies and weakening the democratic institutions upon which our free societies depend. International cooperation is key to support national efforts to address this threat.

    We reaffirm our determination to have joint and ambitious solutions to disrupt drug trafficking networks, with an evidence-based whole-of-government approach that includes the reduction of drug supply and demand, consistently with our shared values, norms and standards. We are committed to scaling up coordinated actions to prevent, investigate and prosecute all organised criminal groups, and to strengthening the resilience of our systems, in a comprehensive approach. In that regard, we emphasise the continued need to strengthen the global anti-money laundering architecture to prevent financial crime and improve enforcement and asset recovery outcomes, in line with the Financial Action Task Force standards.

    We are committed to taking action to:

    Strengthen maritime and port security to combat drug trafficking

    We recognise that maritime transport is the primary vector for global drug and precursor chemical trafficking. Building on the progress achieved during the Canadian presidency, we commit to strengthen our efforts to intensify our maritime cooperation in order to intercept more shipments of illicit drugs and to further strengthen the resilience of maritime ports and the whole global supply chains against drug trafficking and precursor flows.

    To that end, we will create a G7+ Ports Network to Combat Drug Trafficking to reinforce cooperation between G7 members and their partners’ main maritime ports in coordination with the European Ports Alliance, the European Coalition Against Drugs and similar initiatives. This G7+ initiative will aim to better coordinate, share information and implement best practices, including through possible joint field visits to port authorities and law enforcement agencies, building on international regulations, such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security of the International Maritime Organization and G7 initiatives. To this end, we will set up an Inventory of G7 Initiatives and Best Practices to Counter Drug and Precursor Chemical Trafficking in Ports.

    We task our relevant Ministers to implement the Network by November 2026 and to further strengthen the security of our ports against drug and precursor chemical trafficking, with a particular focus on broadening cooperation with the private sector and enhancing port and shipping security standards.

    Counter the infiltration of legitimate public and private institutions by criminal networks

    The infiltration of legitimate public and private institutions by criminal networks to facilitate international drug trafficking poses a real threat to our societies. It is becoming a central component of the economic model often employed by transnational organised crime groups.

    We are committed to decisively counter any attempt by criminal networks to infiltrate legitimate public and private institutions. We task our relevant Ministers to develop, by November 2026, a comprehensive G7 Action Plan against the infiltration of legitimate public and private institutions by drug trafficking networks and organised criminal groups.

    Support international and regional partners to combat drug production and transportation

    We commit to working together with international and regional partners to strengthen our collective approach to tackling drug use, production and trafficking. This includes working with partners to establish or strengthen national drug observatories, or similar entities, and early warning systems on drug consumption and trafficking, contributing to preparedness and evidence-based responses.

    Recognising that we must counter the production and the transportation of drugs, we welcome the organisation of the Regional Security Conference in the Caribbean in Martinique. We encourage participants to take concrete and ambitious enforcement actions to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking and arms trafficking networks.

    We will support relevant multilateral agencies and processes to further enhance global counternarcotics, including Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Narcotics Control Board, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the European Coalition Against Drugs.

    Enhance policy measures for reducing the demand and minimising the consequences of drug use on our communities

    We will spare no effort to reduce demand and minimise the adverse public health and social consequences of drug use. We will do so by adopting a comprehensive approach that includes awareness-raising and health measures for prevention, treatment, risk reduction and recovery. We will enhance awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing on emerging drug threats, support effective law enforcement and public health responses, and strengthen national drug observatories, or similar entities, and early warning mechanisms on new substances and consumption patterns, with a particular focus on those especially exposed.

    Tackle other forms of transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows associated with drug trafficking

    We recognise that drug trafficking networks perpetrate and profit from other forms of cross-border organised crime – including human trafficking – as well as fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing and related illicit financial flows. These criminal networks also often thrive from crimes that affect the environment, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

    We commit to disrupt the economic infrastructure enabling these illegal activities by strengthening financial investigations to trace, freeze, seize and confiscate associated proceeds and assets, including virtual assets. The follow-the-money approach must be systematically applied, supported by robust and secure information exchange between our respective law enforcement, judicial authorities and financial intelligence units. We will strengthen our collective actions to curb illicit finance, in line with the G7 Financial Crime Call to Action.

    This declaration reflects the outcome of the discussion between G7 members, benefiting from productive exchanges of views with partner countries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister secures major jobs and energy investment at G7 to deliver growth and security at home [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister secures major jobs and energy investment at G7 to deliver growth and security at home [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 June 2026.

    Prime Minister secures major jobs and energy investment at G7 to deliver growth and security at home.

    • £1.3 billion in new investment secured from leading companies in France and India to back clean energy and AI projects in the UK
    • More than 1,400 new jobs to be created in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham
    • Major new battery storage and clean power projects to boost energy security and help bring down bills for working people

    The Prime Minister will unveil a major package of international investment into the UK economy at the G7 Summit, delivering more than a thousand jobs, strengthening energy security and helping to bring down costs for working people.

    The deal includes major investments from French and Indian firms into Britain’s clean energy infrastructure and AI sector – backing high-skilled jobs in cities including Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham while helping deliver more stable and affordable energy.

    At a time of rising global instability, including conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Prime Minister is using the summit to work with partners to reduce pressures on household bills, strengthen supply chains and unlock new opportunities for British workers.

    Today’s investments come as the Prime Minister meets world leaders to drive growth and security at home in an increasingly uncertain global context. They include:

    • £25 million investment from Indian based tech firm Hexaware Technologies to expand its UK operations, creating around 1,200 jobs in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham in AI, digital services and quantum technologies
    • £1 billion from InfraVia to invest in a pipeline of battery storage and flexible energy projects across the UK — helping ensure electricity remains available when demand is high, and keeping the grid stable and affordable
    • More than £300 million from Atri Energy Transition to develop large-scale battery storage and advanced manufacturing creating more than 100 jobs and supporting the UK’s clean energy future

    Together, these investments will support high-skilled jobs, strengthen the UK’s energy independence, and help protect households from volatile global energy prices.

    The government is determined to accelerate the shift to homegrown power, reducing reliance on international fossil fuel markets and helping deliver more stable, affordable energy for families and businesses over the long term.

    Today’s announcement cements the UK’s leadership in clean energy, with the government having secured £90 billion in private investment into renewable projects since taking office.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The world is more dangerous than it has been for a generation, with conflict abroad washing up on our shores.

    That’s why I’m focused on making the UK the best place to do business by offering global investors the stability and competitive environment they need to grow, even in the face of global uncertainty.

    These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs, back British innovation and strengthen our energy system so families are better protected from global shocks.

    The announcements also underline the UK’s standing as a leading destination for investment, particularly in new and emerging industries such as AI and clean energy and build on the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

    Hexaware Technologies, which is based in India, is set to expand its presence in the UK through the expansion of its delivery centre in Birmingham and establishment of its R&D Centres in Manchester and Leeds. The investment will support innovation at scale in new and emerging technologies including AI and quantum computing and is expected to create around 1,200 jobs over the next three to five years, supported by £25 million in capital investment.

    Atri Energy Transition – an India-based clean energy investor – will invest more than £300 million in the UK to develop large-scale battery storage and advanced manufacturing. This includes new facilities supporting more than 100 jobs and helping store energy so it can be used when demand is highest. This will strengthen the UK’s energy security and help protect households from spikes in global energy prices.

    InfraVia’s £1 billion investment will fund a pipeline of projects across the UK, including battery storage and a flexible energy platform that can be switched on to boost supply when renewable energy is low. In practice, this means a more reliable electricity system that can keep the lights on during periods of high demand, helping to stabilise energy prices and reduce the risk of sudden spikes in household bills.

    CEO of Hexaware Technologies Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan said:

    Hexaware has worked alongside businesses in the UK for more than three decades. We have very high ambitions for our growth, creating impact in the UK and proudly supporting the Government’s inclusive vision for AI. 

    Our investments are focused on developing young talent, working with unique published datasets, and collaborating with government at all levels across the country to create a positive impact for the citizens of the UK. These investments in AI research, digital innovation for citizen services, and talent incubation will create meaningful social impact while fuelling and accelerating the UK’s long-term economic growth.

    CEO & Founder of InfraVia Capital Partners Vincent Levita said:

    We believe the launch of Supernova Power is the kind of investment the UK needs as it moves towards a more electrified, digital and low-carbon economy. 

    As digital infrastructure, EV and the wider electrification of industry increase pressure on power systems, flexible generation and battery storage will be essential to maintaining energy security, strengthening grid resilience and enabling more renewable power to come online. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s energy infrastructure market and testimony on the stability of its regulation and commitment towards renewable energy.

    The Prime Minister is working with G7 partners to ease pressures on global energy markets, including efforts to stabilise key shipping routes and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East to help bring down costs for households.

    By securing investment through international engagement, the Government is delivering tangible benefits at home – from new jobs and investment in communities to stronger energy security and lower household bills.