Tag: Home Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 August 2026.

US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand back a package of UK-led measures to strengthen international action against fraud and online scams.

The UK is joining forces with the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to crack down on global fraud networks and protect the public from scammers.

At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her Five Eyes counterparts backed a package of UK-led measures to strengthen the international response to fraud and online scams, bringing together governments, law enforcement and industry to tackle one of the world’s fastest-growing crimes.

The need for a more co-ordinated international response has grown as organised crime groups become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting global communications networks, digital platforms and financial systems to target victims across borders.

New measures will strengthen partners’ ability to detect and disrupt fraud before more people become victims. This includes faster intelligence-sharing to identify fraud operations spanning multiple countries, including scam centres, and coordinated action between governments, law enforcement and industry to shut down the accounts, services and communications channels criminals use to target victims and move their profits.

As part of this work, recommendations to strengthen industry action against online scams and financial crime will be developed in partnership with telecommunications providers, technology companies and financial institutions.

The focus will be on tackling vulnerabilities in systems and services that criminals exploit to target victims and move illicit funds. By improving collaboration between the public and private sectors, partners will be better able to identify new threats, respond more quickly and make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

Fraud is a scourge on our society, ruining lives and costing victims billions of pounds every year.

Criminal gangs don’t respect borders, so our response can’t be restricted by them. By deepening international co-operation and working more closely with industry, we can track down fraudsters, disrupt their operations, and better protect the public.

Together, we must make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud and easier to bring them to justice.

Five Eyes partners also backed enhanced international support for the UK-backed INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce. Bringing together law enforcement, governments and industry, the taskforce will help map organised fraud networks, generate intelligence, identify links between criminal groups operating in different countries and support international operations to disrupt their activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

As a global leader in the fight against fraud, the UK is driving the international response to a crime which increasingly crosses national borders.

Earlier this year, the government committed £250 million through its new Fraud Strategy to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, tackle scams at their source and improve support for victims.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 26 August 2026.

UK to lead new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub based in the UK.

Action to protect the UK from terrorism is being stepped up with a new international counter-extremism hub to be established in the UK, which will strengthen efforts to stop violent extremism before it threatens British communities.

At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood secured agreement from her Five Eyes counterparts to establish a permanent joint Countering Violent Extremism Hub in the UK capital.

It follows a number of atrocities in recent years, including attacks linked to individuals radicalised online through exposure to harmful content, extremist propaganda and violent networks. Violent attacks and the radicalising effects of new technologies, including AI, are rapidly emerging as threats across the globe.

The hub will bring together counter-terrorism and counter-extremism specialists from across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, creating a dedicated centre for intelligence sharing, collaboration and early intervention.

To tackle the increasing online radicalisation of young people, ministers have also agreed a new diversion programme so authorities can intervene faster when people show signs of radicalisation or develop a fixation with violence.

This will complement the UK’s Prevent programme by helping professionals identify vulnerable people online, connect them with the support they need, and refer them to Prevent where necessary.

As part of this work, Five Eyes partners will work closely with technology companies, industry partners and governments to act faster against harmful content and strengthen protections for users. Acting together means greater pressure to remove content that may not be illegal, but could breach terms of service.

This will make it harder for extremists to exploit online platforms for recruitment, radicalisation and the spread of violent material.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

As we have seen with so many tragic incidents across the world, the threat posed by violent extremists is real and continues to evolve, often fuelled by new technologies.

Bringing together intelligence and expertise from our closest international partners will strengthen our ability to disrupt dangerous networks and prevent violence before lives are put at risk.

The radicalisation of children and young people online is a particular concern across the globe. Our new diversion programme will ensure we act faster to keep everyone safe.

For years, the Five Eyes have worked together to make the citizens of each of our countries safer. This is the next step forward in that shared endeavour.

The new Countering Violent Extremism Hub will identify emerging patterns of behaviour, share lessons from previous incidents and assess risks before they escalate into violence. It will support the development of threat assessments and prevention initiatives, helping intelligence or law enforcement agencies to intervene before harm occurs.

By pooling expertise, intelligence and resources, the hub will reduce duplication, improve coordination and enable partners to learn from each other in real time.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 August 2026.

French police units prevented 185 small boat crossing events in the first 3 months of a new UK-France deal.

French units funded by the UK as part of the landmark new UK-France deal have hit the ground running in their first 3 months. 

According to information from the French authorities, officers prevented 185 small boat events between 27 April and 2 August. 

This included action to stop launches, seize equipment including boats, engines and lifejackets, and arrest smugglers. 

This means 61% of all small boat events were stopped across this time, an increase in the event prevention rate of nearly 5% compared to the same time period in 2025. 

French reporting also indicates that in the 3 months since signing the deal, there have been 4 weeks that saw the French intercept every potential crossing event, a prevention rate of 100%. 

Action taken also directly prevented over 4,300 crossing attempts, stopping migrants from reaching UK shores – with potentially hundreds more crossing attempts stopped before they could even reach French beaches. 

French officers deployed a range of tactics and interventions across May, June and July to crack down on the evil smuggling gangs and disrupt migrant crossings. 

This included making direct interceptions on beaches, stopping boats setting off from the shore and preventing migrants from boarding taxi boats. 

In May, French units prevented a potential small boat launch from south of Calais. They identified 3 groups of people totalling nearly 100 migrants, alongside a boat hidden in vegetation, 4 cans of petrol and an engine, and neutralised the crossing.

In the same month, French police dispersed a large group of migrants and apprehended a suspected people smuggler 3 kilometres away from the French coast. 

During another event in July, officers spotted a large group of migrants heading towards Dunkirk. Deploying surveillance technology, officers monitored the group and then swooped in to neutralise the boat being carried, stopping another crossing in its tracks. 

Officers also took action to seize boats and engines from vehicles travelling towards the coast alongside concealed equipment hiding along the shoreline. 

In May, specialist French security officers intercepted a vehicle and discovered a boat with an engine, 3 fuel jerry cans and a fuel tank inside. A suspected people smuggler was arrested, and a crossing attempt was prevented.

In June, officers arrested 2 suspected traffickers for transporting nautical equipment in a vehicle. Inside, they found a boat and 3 jerry cans of fuel.

In July, the Gendarmerie drone detected a group of migrants transporting a boat engine. A sweep of the area was conducted, and a boat was detected and seized. 

Officers are also intercepting boats at sea, using new maritime tactics directly targeting migrant taxi boats. 

Since the first deployment of these new tactics on 3 March, French units have intercepted 12 taxi boats on the water, with 3 taking place in just the last 2 weeks. This prevented them moving further up the coast, loading more and more migrants onto an unsafe vessel. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 

Our new UK-France deal is already having a real impact, stopping crossings before they happen and disrupting the criminal gangs behind them.  

People smugglers should be in no doubt, we’re taking down their operations, seizing their equipment and breaking their business model for good.  

Through our joint work with France, we have stopped over 47,000 small boat crossing attempts since the election and we will not let up.”  

Director of Maritime and Small Boats at Border Security Command, Charlie Eastaugh, said: 

Our partnership with France is stronger than ever. Together, we are piling the pressure on the criminal gangs and preventing these illegal and dangerous crossings. 

French officers are not shy in taking bold action to prevent these launches where it is safe and lawful to do so. They work in difficult and dangerous conditions to stop boats launching, seize equipment and disperse large migrant groups as well as saving thousands of lives at sea.

Our joint efforts are delivering results, and we will go further still to restore control of our borders and put these smugglers out of business.” 

But the focus of French officers goes beyond just preventing launches. 

Under a trial launched on 1 May under the new UK-France deal to remove migrants from French beaches, statistics provided by French authorities show that 119 migrants have been detained in total. 

Of this number, 76 remain in detention, 32 have been released and 40 illegal migrants have been deported from France – either back to their home countries or other EU countries they have passed through – over 33% of the total number of illegal migrants detained so far. 

The trial has been launched while the construction of a permanent Immigration Removal Centre in Dunkirk is ongoing. 

Since the signing of the new deal with France, 2 additional police units are now active on French beaches. This includes a new 50 person riot police unit with specialist skills to contain and disperse groups of illegal migrants on French beaches.

In addition, the French are rolling out millions of pounds worth of drone surveillance, 2 new helicopters and a new camera surveillance system to intercept people smugglers and illegal migrants.  

This month, the Home Secretary announced that a record number of National Crime Agency officers have been deployed to crack down on people smugglers, with the number of dedicated officers doubling since the start of 2025, from 276 to almost 800. These officers are working hand in glove with international partners and have seized over 1,100 small boats or engines since the election. 

The Home Secretary is implementing the most sweeping reforms to our immigration system in modern times, removing the incentives that draw migrants to British soil and scaling up the removal of those with no right to be here. This builds on the over 80,000 returned since taking office.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 August 2026.

The new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism will be observed annually on on 21 August.

The nation will come together today to mark the first ever National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, supporting victims and survivors to get access to the help they need to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their stories. 

A ceremony, held in Central London later today to mark the day, will bring together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives.

A 2-minute silence will be observed at the ceremony to remember those lost to and affected by terrorism. The National Day provides an opportunity for people across the country to reflect and commemorate those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.

The new National Day, to be observed annually on 21 August, follows years of campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and to raise awareness of the impacts of terrorism. 

Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said:

I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism.

There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma, there is no return to normality.

Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we mark our first ever National Day.

I know how much this day will mean to people across the country. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.

We will never allow terrorism to divide us.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said:

Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences, their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing in our mission to keep people safe.

It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day. They are remarkable people, who deserve to be recognised for their resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable horror.

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said:

I’m pleased to see this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism come to fruition, after many hard years of campaigning. This should be a date when we come together as a country to remember those affected by terrorism and set our sights to the future, to understand how we can all play our part in preventing further radicalisation and defeating the spread of violent extremism. It is my hope that this event will be one that we can build on in the years to come, demonstrating clearly that the UK stands firm in the face of terrorism.

M. Victoria Cummock, widow of John B. Cummock, killed in the bombing of Pan Am 103 in the skies over Lockerbie, said:

We are profoundly grateful to the government for establishing this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, recognising the experiences of those affected by terror attacks both recent and historic.

Each year, it will enable people across the country to gather in solidarity and fraternity to give voice to the hundreds killed, remember their loved ones, and recognise the survivors and responders whose lives were forever changed.

We take comfort knowing the Support Hub will provide community-wide trauma-informed care, empowering us on our road to healing and recovery. Together we can turn trauma into positive purpose and leave a legacy that teaches the world a lesson in humanity.

This year’s commemorations come following 2 terrorist attacks in the past 12 months at Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green, and ahead of the 10th anniversaries of 5 terrorist attacks in 2017.

The National Day builds on the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by terrorism, following the launch of its new Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism on 1 June. The Support Hub provides specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.

It has already begun to provide support to victims, survivors and those affected by terrorism, including people who have never previously received support.

The new Support Hub operates 24/7, assigning each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support. Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

The government is committed to continuing to support victims and survivors of terrorism and to developing the National Day in the years ahead.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 August 2026.

New AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, while freeing up police to tackle crime and help victims.

New AI software will slash waiting times for reporting crimes to the police, helping to unclog the 101 service amid huge levels of misdirected, nuisance and prank calls. 

The police’s non-emergency line receives 20 million calls each year. Around 20% – four million – of these are for non-policing organisations such as local councils, NHS 111 or the 105 power outage helpline.  

However, the line also receives ridiculous reports on issues from delayed pizza delivery to slow pub service and requests for a lift, wasting vital time that police should be spending tackling crime.  

Backed by a £1.4 million government investment, the new system will get the public to the right organisation faster, while freeing up call handlers to respond to crime reports, safeguarding concerns and victims more quickly. 

It is estimated that the new system will save policing up to £8.5 million each year, releasing funds for local forces to invest in their most pressing priorities. 

Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said:  

Police call handlers are wasting hours fielding calls meant for other organisations. Every minute spent on these calls is time taken away from helping people who genuinely need their support.  

AI is already helping police catch dangerous criminals and speed up investigations. Now, it will help bring control rooms into the 21st century, freeing up time and unlocking millions of pounds. Forces can reinvest those savings into tackling the crime on our streets.

The system has been developed by the Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council, with delivery partner Vodafone Business. It uses an AI model to match why someone is calling 101 to a set of likely reasons, then redirects non-police issues to the correct agency before the caller enters a queue.  

At present, these calls are only identified after someone has spoken to a handler, wasting the caller’s time and increasing wait times for people who need police assistance.  

The new system has been subject to rigorous training and testing by the Home Office and police to ensure its performance is not affected by factors such as callers’ accents and phrasing. During pilots in 15 police forces it successfully diverted non-police issues including damage-only road traffic incidents, fly tipping and noise complaints to the right agencies. 

There are strong safeguards in place to ensure that no one in need of police assistance is ever accidently diverted. Callers are told how the system has understood their reason for calling and must accept or reject this.  

Where the reason for calling falls into a broad category, additional safeguarding questions are asked. If the system is in any doubt, the call is passed directly to the police without delay. Callers will always be able to speak to a handler if they wish.

The use of the system may vary by force, depending on what telephone menu services they already have in place. The current 999 system has not changed.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Contact Operations, A/Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, said: 

This innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in public contact by using AI to triage and redirect non-police calls. It’ll help forces manage demand more effectively, freeing up call handlers to focus on those who genuinely need police support. 

By reducing unnecessary call handling, this system marks a major step forward in modernising how the public interacts with policing – making services more efficient, responsive, and easier to navigate. 

We’re extremely grateful to our partners at the Home Office and Vodafone, whose work and vision have been essential in designing and delivering this capability.

Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree, said:  

The 101 service plays a vital role in connecting people with the police when they need them, but not every call requires police intervention. By using AI to understand the reason for a caller’s contact and help direct them to the right service, we can reduce unnecessary demand and help police teams focus their time and resources where they are needed most. This is a practical example of how technology can support public services, making it easier for people to get the help they need while helping to protect valuable police resources.

As part of its landmark police reform initiatives, the government is investing a record £16.5 million to modernise how the police and public interact. Alongside the new 101 triage system, this will include AI that transcribes 999 and 101 calls, and links crime reports to identify patterns in demand.   

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO, Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: 

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and supporters have long fed back on the delays and poor service from the overloaded 101 service reported to them from local members of the public. This new AI call-routing system is a practical step towards a faster, smarter and more responsive 101 service. By directing non-policing calls to the right organisation at the start, it will help reduce waiting times for the public, protect vital police resources, and ensure officers and call handlers can focus on tackling crime, safeguarding vulnerable people and supporting victims. Neighbourhood Watch fully support this government initiative and hope it can be implemented quickly.

Al Murray, Interim Director at PoliceAI, said: 

Every minute spent dealing with a misdirected call is a minute that could be spent helping a victim or responding to a crime. This initiative shows how AI can better redirect non-police related calls from the system, get the public to the right service faster and free police officers to focus on the work only they can do. At a time when policing is facing growing demand, that matters more than ever. It is a powerful example of how technology can improve the public’s experience, strengthen support for victims and make better use of valuable police time.  

When introduced responsibly and with the right safeguards, AI has the potential to transform public services. This investment will help policing work more efficiently, deliver better value for taxpayers and allow officers and staff to spend more time protecting communities and tackling crime. It’s exactly the kind of practical, people-focused innovation that PoliceAI exists to support.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 August 2026.

Individuals with no right to be in the UK will be able to be deported faster as the government looks to cut waiting times for asylum and immigration appeals by over a third.  

As of 12 August 2026, the First-tier Tribunal will be expected to hear new asylum and immigration appeals from non-detained foreign national offenders (FNOs) and individuals in receipt of asylum support and accommodation within 24 weeks of being received by the tribunal. Currently, the average wait time for a case to be decided by a judge is 67 weeks.  

This will speed up the removal of those who are unsuccessful at appeal and have no right to be in the UK, free up space in accommodation and cut costs, contributing to taxpayer savings of an estimated £6.9 billion. 

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Anna Turley, said: 

For too long, asylum and immigration appeals have been plagued by delays, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill while cases drag on for months and sometimes years. 

This new 24-week target will see cases resolved faster, reduce reliance on taxpayer-funded accommodation and speed up the removal of those with no right to be in the UK.

The 24-week target will apply to in-scope cases submitted to the First-tier Tribunal from 12 August. But, despite the work of the judiciary, over 150,000 appeals are still waiting to be heard. Wider reform is therefore needed to ensure that the system can deal with cases more quickly and prevent it from becoming a barrier to removal.  

The Immigration and Asylum Bill, which passed its second reading earlier this month, will create a new Independent Immigration Appeals Authority (IIAA)  to provide a simpler, faster route for deciding appeals.  

The IIAA will run alongside the First-tier Tribunal for several years and will gradually take on new cases to allow the tribunal to clear the existing backlog as quickly as possible. Independent adjudicators working for the IIAA will be able to prioritise the most urgent cases and those in the public interest, such as high-harm FNOs and dubious human rights claims.  

Overall, asylum costs have already fallen by £1 billion since the 2024 general election. The government will also close every asylum hotel by the end of this parliament, with under 170 now in use, down from the peak of 400 in 2023. 

Nearly 10,000 FNOs have also been removed, up 36% compared to the 21 months before the election. Appeals from FNOs who are detained are already prioritised by the judiciary, with the new timeframes ensuring appeals from FNOs who are not held in detention are also expediated.   

As well as the new target, the government is increasing capacity in the appeals system. This year sitting days are due to increase by 19% in the First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber compared with 2024 to 2025, so more cases can be heard and decisions made faster.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 August 2026.

The Bloomsbury Institute, a higher education provider in central London, has had its licence to sponsor international students revoked after failing to meet the Basic Compliance Assessment. 

The Basic Compliance Assessment is an annual check that all sponsors must pass, measuring visa refusal rates, course enrolment and completion. 

At the time of the assessment, sponsors were required to meet three thresholds: a visa refusal rate of less than 10%, an enrolment rate of at least 90%, and a course completion rate of at least 85%.  

The assessment was carried out under thresholds that applied before the compliance standards were strengthened on 1 June 2026.  

The Bloomsbury Institute would also have failed to meet the new, stricter standards. 

Failure to meet these standards represents a serious breach of its duties as an international student sponsor, and as a result, its licence was revoked on Wednesday 5 August. 

Student sponsors must meet the standards required to retain their licence. Where standards are not met, the Home Office will take action to protect students and the integrity of the immigration system.  

The Bloomsbury Institute has been removed from the Register of Student Sponsors and can no longer sponsor new international students under the Student Route.  

Support for existing students 

The Home Office’s priority is to minimise disruption for international students already enrolled at the Bloomsbury Institute.  

Existing students will not be affected immediately, and the Bloomsbury Institute will be permitted to continue teaching its current sponsored students for a short period.  

A small number of students are expected to be unable to complete their course within that window and they will be supported to transfer to another institution. If they choose not to, they will need to apply for another visa route for which they are eligible or leave the UK.  

The Home Office will work with the institution, the Department for Education, the Office for Students, and relevant sector bodies throughout this process. 

Students studying at the Bloomsbury Institute who are not on a Student Visa, including international students with other forms of permission and domestic students, are not affected by the revocation. 

Further advice for affected students will be available shortly and students can also speak to the Bloomsbury Institute directly. 

About the Basic Compliance Assessment 

All institutions licensed to sponsor international students on a Student Visa must pass an annual Basic Compliance Assessment.  

The assessment measures three metrics: the rate at which visa applications from sponsored students are refused, the proportion of sponsored students who enrol on their course, and the proportion who complete it. 

Institutions that fail the BCA face enforcement action, up to and including revocation of their licence. 

From 1 June 2026, the government further strengthened Student Visa compliance standards. Visa refusal rates must be below 5%; course enrolment rate must be at least 95%, and course completion rate must be at least 85%. For assessments submitted from June 2027, the course completion threshold will rise to at least 90%.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 August 2026.

More than 100 innovative research companies can now support the world’s brightest researchers to come and work in the UK through the Global Talent visa.

• Global names like AstraZeneca and JLR, as well as fast-growing innovators, will benefit from a bigger pool of leading scientists and engineers. 
• Move cements Britain as top destination for the world’s best talent, enabling innovative businesses to scale and stay in the UK, and laying the foundations for skilled jobs and economic growth in every postcode. 

An expansion of the Global Talent visa announced today (Thursday 6 August) will give more than 100 of the UK’s most innovative companies the ability to support some of the world’s best scientists and engineers to come to live and work in the UK, unlocking a wave of international talent. 

The move will help secure the arrival of some of the world’s best and brightest to drive breakthroughs in clean energy, life sciences and AI, while helping key businesses to innovate, scale and stay in the UK, in one more step towards reindustrialising Britain.  

For the first time, exceptional researchers coming to the UK to work on funded projects can be supported in their move by UK research intensive businesses thanks to the country’s premier visa route for research talent. 

This move isn’t just about attracting the best researchers from around the world. Bringing in top talent from abroad will enable businesses to undertake cutting-edge R&D projects here in the UK – projects which support jobs for British workers.

Having already helped over 12,500 talented people from more than 130 countries build their research careers in Britain via the endorsed funder pathway, this expansion of the Global Talent visa route means some of the UK’s most innovative companies can now host top researchers alongside higher education, academic and independent research institutes and bodies.

World-leading talent brings the ideas, skills and investment that spark entirely new industries, spin out British companies, and create thousands of skilled jobs for workers across the UK. Welcoming the brightest minds drives good growth and opportunity for people in every part of the country, bolstering this government’s effort to make Britain better off.

The Global Talent visa recognises talented individuals at all career stages who have already proven themselves, including through a number of fast-track pathways – a leading academic appointment, a competitive fellowship, or being named on a funded research grant – so the UK can move quickly to welcome the world’s best. This comes alongside a peer-review pathway for established or potential research leaders who do not hold an eligible appointment, fellowship or research grant.  

Today’s expansion means that talented research individuals can now be supported by over 100 commercial research businesses, alongside the already approved universities and research institutes. This will include global names like AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover as well as fast-growing innovators, including Added Value Solutions (AVS), Denroy Plastics and Ffilm Cymru. 

These are innovators at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies of the future like nuclear fusion, creating life changing medicines, putting Britain at the cutting edge of the car industry, and establishing the UK’s leadership in the use of technology in creative industries. 

Top international talent, whose expertise is recognised through a research grant, will be empowered to boost the UK’s science and tech sector by switching to a new firm, or starting their own spin out. It means more world class researchers choosing Britain to unlock new discoveries in the technologies of the future, from life-saving medicines to quantum computing – supporting the skilled jobs and investment that fuels economic growth in every part of the country. 

Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said:  

The UK is already a magnet for the world’s most brilliant minds – and the discoveries they make here change lives and grow our economy.  

By expanding the Global Talent visa to more than 100 businesses, we’re making it easier than ever for our most innovative companies to recruit eligible researchers who will develop the medicines, technologies and industries of the future right here in the UK, underpinning our industrial strategy, creating skilled jobs and driving growth in the process.

UKRI International, Talent and Skills Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said: 

By providing a route for exceptional researchers to work in and contribute to the UK, the Global Talent visa is playing an important role in our mission to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth. 

The expansion of the Global Talent visa to innovative businesses across the country will ensure these benefits are felt across more of the country and in a wide range of sectors, from medicines and AI to the creative and cultural economy.

The R&D companies covered by the expansion each fall into the eight high-growth sectors identified in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy – including advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, clean energy, life sciences and the creative industries – where access to global talent is critical. 

Today’s expansion to the Global Talent visa is in addition to the change made in April to simplify the visa’s fast-track academic appointments route to cover all roles at approved UK institutions in academic, research or innovation leadership and development, and all PhD-level roles performing research and innovation as a primary function. These changes support our world-leading research base in attracting the best talent at all career stages, including researchers with high potential in the early stages of their career, to come to the UK. 

In a further boost to innovative British businesses, the government is preparing to broaden the Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) scheme. This is a UKRI-run scheme under the Government Authorised Exchange visa route that enables eligible UK companies, working on critical technologies, to host international researchers, scientists, interns and technical specialists for research, training and work placements of up to two years.  

The forthcoming expansion will open FTRI to a wider range of R&D focused businesses, giving more companies in priority technology sectors – like AI, quantum and engineering biology – a way to tap into specialist international expertise. These could be early-career scientists gaining hands-on experience, to seasoned specialists collaborating on cutting-edge projects. 

Faster, more flexible routes for early-career and experienced researchers are part of the wider government strategy to attract the world’s best to UK shores. Through the £54 million Global Talent Fund, we are helping to bring new research group leaders to the UK – driving breakthroughs in clean energy, life sciences and advanced technologies. This has brought 18 leading researchers to the UK so far, each pursuing work key to the UK’s Industrial Strategy.  

This is in addition to launching the Global Talent Taskforce – a dedicated resource to identify and attract top international talent to lay down roots in the UK through a dedicated concierge service. 

Oliver Buckley-Mellor, UK Competitiveness Senior Policy Manager at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said:  

The UK’s Global Talent visa is one of the most globally competitive routes of its kind, but its potential to boost British science and economic growth was not being fully realised.  

By opening the endorsed funder route to research-intensive businesses, including several ABPI members, the government is helping to address a key gap in our global talent offer.  

We were glad to work with UKRI on this expansion, which is a welcome first step that should be built on enable more exceptional global talent to come to the UK.

Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director, UKQuantum, said: 

Attracting world‑class international talent is critical to sustaining the UK’s momentum in quantum. UKQuantum is delighted to have worked with UKRI to expand the Global Talent Visa scheme to the high‑growth quantum companies operating in the UK, strengthening the sector’s ability to attract world‑class expertise.

Kate Barclay MBE, Skills Consultant, BioIndustry Association, said: 

Our sector thrives on world‑class talent, and the UK’s ability to compete globally depends on attracting and retaining the very best. By supporting our members to take part in this Global Talent visa expansion with UKRI, we are helping innovative life sciences and biotech companies directly access the specialist skills and international experience they need to scale.  

This expansion is a vital, practical opportunity for BIA members to help shape a more agile, responsive immigration system that reflects the realities of a fast‑moving, high-growth industry.

Steve Brierley, CEO and founder of Riverlane, said: 

Riverlane is a Cambridge-born company solving one of the hardest problems in computing today: making quantum computers reliable enough to be useful. Building the team to do that means competing for a small pool of world-class talent across borders.  

The Global Talent visa gives us a fast, flexible route to bring the best people to the UK, and that speed matters when the field is moving as quickly as quantum is right now.

Notes to editors 

• The expansion of the Global Talent visa has been delivered with UKRI’s Visa Advisory Board, with the input of the following membership organisations: AIRTO, BioIndustry Association, BioNow, British Plastics Federation, Composites UK, Creative UK and UK Quantum. 
• This latest expansion to the Global Talent visa UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway builds on the initial expansion in May to cover the remaining Association for Innovation, Research and Technology Organisation members (including IBM). 
• The full list of approved host research organisations, including the new businesses, is available here: UKRI list of approved research organisations – GOV.UK
• Details of eligibility criteria can be found here: Work in the UK as a researcher or academic leader (Global Talent visa): UK Research and Innovation endorsement – GOV.UK
•  In April, the Home Office simplified the Global Talent visa’s fast-track Academic Appointments route, making all R&I leadership roles and PhD-level research/innovation roles at approved UK institutions eligible for fast-track endorsement, a key commitment from the Immigration White Paper. 
• The Academic Appointments route provides fast-track endorsement for individuals who have accepted an eligible academic or research position at an approved UK higher education institution or research institute. It is administered by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society on behalf of the Home Office. 
• It is one of four endorsement pathways open to academics and researchers under the Global Talent visa, alongside Individual Fellowships (fast-track), Endorsed Funders (fast-track), and Peer Review.
• Alongside the Global Talent visa and other talent mobility routes, ARIA continues to attract world-leading research talent to the UK, with 16 Programme Directors now in post and a further open call for a third cohort due to launch in August 2026. 
• Those interested in nominating their research intensive organisation to support those on the Global Talent visa can register their interest by completing this form: Register your interest – UK Research and Innovation – Citizen Space
• The government keeps the UK’s visa and immigration offer, including the Global Talent visa route, under review to ensure the UK can access the high-skilled global talent to drive growth in priority sectors.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 5 August 2026.

Knife-related homicides have dropped to their lowest level in 35 years as the government’s surrender drive takes more than 15,000 knives off Britain’s streets.

Knife-enabled homicides have fallen to 26% while knife crime overall has dropped by 11% under this government.

More than 14,500 knives and weapons including ninja swords, zombie-style knives, machetes, swords and kitchen knives have been taken out of circulation through Home Office funded surrender bins since July last year.

The bins managed by the charity Word 4 Weapons are located in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. A further 783 knives and weapons were handed in at a mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty, which supported the Home Office’s dedicated surrender scheme last summer. Blades like those surrendered have been used in violent crimes and caused devastation to communities across the country.

Building on last year’s success, the government is now making it possible for more people to surrender their weapons by providing new bins across South and West Yorkshire.

The mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty will also visit a series of locations across the West Midlands before travelling to London – where it will stop off at 24 boroughs, providing another trusted route for people to anonymously surrender their weapons this month.

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said:

Every dangerous weapon that has been surrendered so far is a weapon off our streets and a community made that little bit safer.

That’s why we’re going further and making it easier for more people in more places to do the right thing and hand over their knives.

Knife crime is down by 11% since the general election but we will not stop until we meet our commitment of halving knife crime in a decade.

The location of the 45 surrender bins, including the 8 new ones, and the stop off points for the mobile surrender van have been agreed with local violence reduction partnerships, policing and community safety partners. This helps ensure support is focused in areas most affected by knife crime and serious violence.

The surrender bins and van operate on a ‘no questions asked’ basis in order to encourage people who may otherwise be reluctant to hand over their weapons in fear of the consequences. The weapons, which must be wrapped and sealed in a box or bag, will be disposed of safely and securely.

Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, survived a knife attack in which he was stabbed 18 times. He has now turned his experience into a mission to prevent others suffering similar harm. Through FazAmnesty, he works with communities across the country to encourage people to safely surrender weapons and has become a leading voice on tackling knife crime and preventing violence.

Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty and member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, said:

We are proud to continue supporting the Home Office’s National Surrender Scheme and to play our part in removing dangerous weapons from our streets. Every weapon surrendered is one less weapon that could be used to seriously harm or take a life.

The introduction of our mobile surrender van has given direct surrender opportunities into some of the hardest-to-reach communities. By engaging with residents, we are helping to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent someone from surrendering a knife.

Seeing more than 15,000 weapons removed through the government’s surrender bins is a significant milestone and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, policing and community organisations work together with a shared purpose.

The surrender activity also builds on the wider action being delivered through Ronan’s Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed in 2022 with a ninja sword bought online.

Following campaigning by his mother, Pooja Kanda, the government introduced tougher measures to restrict access to dangerous weapons and close loopholes in online sales.

Weapons surrenders have played an important role in supporting those changes.

Pooja Kanda OBE, founder of the Justice for Ronan Kanda campaign and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:

Every knife handed into a surrender bin is one less weapon that could end a life or devastate a family like mine. I lost my 16-year-old son, Ronan, in a mistaken identity knife attack. He paid the ultimate price because someone else chose to carry a knife. There are no winners in knife crime.

The removal of more than 15,000 knives from our communities is a significant achievement and demonstrates what can be accomplished when government, charities, police and communities work together.

As we mark one year since the introduction of Ronan’s Law, this surrender scheme is another important step in preventing dangerous weapons from causing further harm. It provides young people, and anyone else carrying a dangerous weapon, with a safe and anonymous opportunity to surrender it.

Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word4Weapons and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, said:

We are proud to work in partnership with the Home Office and our wider coalition partners to help remove knives and other dangerous weapons from our streets and communities. Every weapon safely surrendered is one fewer weapon that could be used to destroy lives.

Everyone can choose safe disposal through our Home Office-funded surrender bins, alongside Word 4 Weapons’ established network of bins, which has quietly served communities since 2007.

The government continues to push forward with its mission to halve knife crime in the next decade. Knife crime hotspots will see a dramatic surge in police activity to catch knife criminals, including increased police patrols, new CCTV cameras, live facial recognition deployment and the installation of knife arches.

Action is also being taken to stop young people from ever picking up a weapon in the first place and creating safer environments in which they can grow up. Through initiatives such as Young Futures hubs, mentoring and targeted support for at-risk children, alongside work with schools, youth services and local partners, the government is helping to create safer environments where young people can thrive and reach their full potential.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 July 2026.

Today (17 July), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps have formally been designated under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 after Parliament approved an order laid by the Home Secretary on Monday (13 July), in order to protect the safety of the UK.

It is now a criminal offence to express support for these bodies – meaning anyone who glorifies or encourages their activity which threatens the safety of the UK can be prosecuted. It is also now a criminal offence to assist or to accept or obtain a material benefit, such as payment, from any of these bodies. Anyone found guilty of these offences could face up to 14 years imprisonment.

Anyone committing other acts, such as sabotage, on behalf of these groups could be prosecuted for other offences under the National Security Act 2023, in which they could face life imprisonment.

All 3 groups are the first to be designated under these landmark new powers, and they have now been added to the list of designated bodies in the UK.