Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Reeves to use Parliament to drive through power plants and infrastructure [May 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 May 2026.

Chancellor announces further reforms on judicial review of major infrastructure projects.

The Chancellor is expected to announce sweeping reforms that will give Parliament the authority to approve critical energy schemes and better protect infrastructure projects from judicial review.

The proposed changes – on which a policy note is published today – are intended to reinforce the UK’s energy security, drive down consumer bills and support the government’s central mission of economic growth.

The headline proposal would allow Parliament to designate and approve the most important clean energy projects as being of ‘Critical National Importance’ (CNI), reducing the exposure from judicial review on all but human rights grounds. This would help deliver the government’s commitment to accelerate new infrastructure development and drive growth, including much-needed projects like new power stations and offshore wind farms.

For all other nationally significant infrastructure – including transport and water projects – the government will introduce a fixed legal challenge window, at the end of which the planning consent could be updated to address any legitimate issues.

This would reduce the potential grounds for judicial review – and where any continue to be pressed, courts would be able to make use of existing reforms to deny permission where it was clear the claim was without merit. The law would also be changed to require the courts to refuse permission for a judicial review to proceed on any issues not brought up during the consenting period or in the challenge window – meaning that developers can then proceed with full confidence that no successive spurious challenges can be raised at a later stage.

Taken together the reforms are set to build on protections already passed into law through the Planning and Infrastructure Act, as the government seeks to end the practice of serial meritless legal challenges clogging up the courts. Of 167 Development Consent Order decisions made since 2008, just six were quashed following a challenge – with many more failed processes costing developers, taxpayers and the economy billions in delays and wasted time.

The new CNI route would apply exclusively to clean energy projects, reflecting the national urgency of the UK’s need to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster. All other major infrastructure projects would benefit from the fixed-window route.

The government is also expected to allow promoters of smaller energy projects to apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than having to go through local councils. This will support faster decision-making on important generation and transmission projects that all contribute to our country’s energy resilience.

A Treasury spokesperson said:

For too long, vital infrastructure delivery has been delayed by judicial reviews of projects the country needs. The Chancellor won’t stand for it any longer and is bringing forward bold changes to support delivery.

She is clear that Parliament must take back control – to get Britain building the power plants, wind farms and grid connections that will bring bills down, strengthen our energy security, and deliver growth in every part of our country.

Lord Banner KC, author of the Independent review into legal challenges against Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects said:

I was pleased to see the Prime Minister act on the recommendations of my review into legal challenges of nationally significant infrastructure projects last year, and these reforms are already bearing fruit. It was however clear from the many people I spoke to in the course of that work and since that there is a strong case for going further if we are to meet the scale of our infrastructure challenge.

These proposals, which draw on the democratic mandate of the legislature, are a further bold step, and I look forward to supporting their development ahead of the government bringing forward legislation.

Robbie Owen, Partner, Pinsent Masons said:

This initiative by the government is welcomed and chimes with the case made out during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill last year that Parliament should have a role in relation to the consenting of critical national infrastructure projects. I look forward to seeing the detail but giving Parliament the authority to approve critical energy schemes and better protecting infrastructure projects from judicial review is essential if we are to deliver these much-needed projects within the timescale required.

John Myers, Director, YIMBY Alliance said:

Britain can’t afford to keep losing years to legal challenges that delay clean energy and public transport for working people. These reforms should improve democratic participation and keep the courts open to genuine concerns while stopping spurious suits from driving up costs for the families who need this infrastructure built.

Catherine Howard, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer said:

We’re already seeing results from the Government’s judicial reviews reforms. The dismissal of the Stonestreet Green Solar judicial review in just 4 months based on a court ruling of ‘totally without merit’, and yesterday’s dismissal of the Luton airport judicial review after it missed the new shorter timescales for appeals, have given a real boost to developer confidence. I applaud the Government’s action and ambition on judicial review.

The ability for developers to choose to make applications direct to the Planning Inspectorate is greatly to be welcomed. We know that some councils are consistently making decisions which fail to apply Government policy, however clearly framed. The delay and cost this causes benefits no one. There is already a precedent for direct applications and swift and efficient decision-making by PINS where councils are in special measures. Expanding this right makes sense given the challenges and opportunities in the current political climate.

David Lawrence, Co-founder, Centre for British Progress said:

Judicial reviews to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects have driven up the cost of building Britain’s energy infrastructure and delayed vital clean energy projects. The Chancellor’s reforms tackle these rising costs, protecting consumers from higher bills and accelerating the transition to British-made clean energy.

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive, Energy UK, said:

Planning reform for clean energy is critical and still needs to strike a balance between a process that allows proper scrutiny of applications without unduly restricting the country’s ability to build the infrastructure necessary to strengthen our energy security, boost our economy, and help stop energy bills being at the mercy of global events.

We warmly welcome today’s announcement that builds on earlier pledges of reform in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Planning and Infrastructure Act, and the Fingleton Review. Judicial Review will still have a vital role to play but in its intended purpose of ensuring the right legal process has been followed – rather than to re-examine the whole application again. These reforms will ensure fairness remains within the planning process while enabling the much-needed roll-out of clean energy infrastructure to be accelerated.

More information

Today’s announcement builds on a series of decisive steps the Government has already taken to reduce the scope for meritless legal challenges to delay critical infrastructure projects:

The Planning and Infrastructure Act reduced the number of attempts a claimant can make to bring a legal challenge from three to one for meritless claims.

Amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules, which came into effect in October 2025, tightened procedural requirements for nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) cases.

Further procedural reforms announced in October 2025 set clear target timescales for NSIP cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal, with cases heard by judges with appropriate planning expertise.

In response to the Fingleton Review, the Government has also committed to two further areas of reform: developing a government-backed indemnification scheme to give developers greater financial certainty when facing legal challenge; and extending NSIP judicial review reforms to other major planning regimes, including those under the Town and Country Planning Act.

May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor protects drivers and businesses from rising fuel costs [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Treasury on 20 May 2026.

The Government has announced a support package for motorists.
- Costs lower for millions of drivers as government holds pump prices down, extending the 5p fuel duty cut until the end of year
- Hauliers get a 12-month road tax holiday saving up to £912 per vehicle, red diesel slashed to its lowest rate in over 20 years until the end of the year
- Chancellor keeps taxes down for drivers after strong growth at the start of the year, showing government has right economic plan.
Britain’s motorists and businesses will get help with rising prices at the pumps with a targeted package to keep taxes down and support people with the impact of war in Iran.

The Government  has today (May 20) announced, the 5p cut on fuel duty will be extended for the rest of the year.

In total, by the end of this year the cut will have saved the average driver £120 since 2025. This ensures fuel duty on petrol and diesel remains at its lowest rate for over 16 years.

The conflict has also pushed up costs for hauliers who keep Britain’s shelves stocked and its economy moving. The Chancellor is giving them a 12-month road tax holiday – meaning they will pay £1 at renewal, saving £600 for a typical heavy lorry and £912 for the biggest vehicles on the road.

Farmers, rail freight, and other red diesel users will also see their fuel duty cut by over a third until the end of the year. This is the lowest rate in over 20 years, helping to keep the cost of doing business down at a difficult time when red diesel prices are around 50% more than their pre-crisis levels.

Since the start of the Iran conflict, the government has been clear that it will not make kneejerk decisions that could impact on financial stability. The package of support brought forward is timely and targeted.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

I know many are feeling the pressure of energy and fuel costs, and are worried about how the conflict in Iran will affect their finances. Because when global events drive up prices, it’s working people who feel it first.

That’s why this government is stepping in to keep fuel costs down for millions of drivers and putting money back in the pockets of working people.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

I’m keeping taxes down for drivers and businesses – putting money in the pockets of millions of workers and cutting costs for farmers and hauliers.

The war in Iran is pushing up fuel prices here at home but after strong growth at the beginning of the year, I am stepping in to protect people at the pump

By protecting households and businesses we are building a stronger and more secure economy for Britain. That is the right economic plan.
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Fixed sum appeals and Shortfall Evidence processes to launch for postmasters who suffered Horizon shortfalls [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 May 2026.

New appeals process to be set up for those who accepted fixed sum offers on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
- Further step towards full and fair redress as new appeal permissions process to be established.
- Change responds to recommendation from Horizon Inquiry chair Sir Wyn Williams, with claimants encouraged to seek legal advice ahead of launch.
- New process for Horizon shortfall cases where records are incomplete or unavailable to also be created following report published today.
Postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal who have accepted a £75,000 Fixed Sum Offer (FSO) and believe they were owed more will be able to seek permission to appeal through a new process set to launch later this year.

This change comes directly in response to recommendations from Sir Wyn Williams in his first Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, where he made the case that claimants should be able to access a fully funded and independent appeals process. In response, the Government promised to deliver this so that those who have taken offers via the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) don’t miss out on the full and fair redress they are owed.

So far, more than £940 million has been paid in redress to over 11,000 claimants on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), with an additional £11 million paid in award uplifts via the DBT-run HSS Appeals scheme.

Those who take part will be able to seek permission from an independent person to appeal their FSO award in the HSS Appeals process. Claimants will be able to receive free legal advice and support, and crucially will not risk being paid less that the £75,000 they have already received.

The process will be as light touch as possible to minimise burden on claimants. Applicants will make their application by submitting a concise explanation in writing and will not be required to submit supporting evidence unless they wish to.

Post Office Minister Blair McDougall said:

Many postmasters lost their livelihoods as a result of this scandal and the least they deserve is to know the redress they received was fair.

This new process gives those who accepted the Fixed Sum Offer a real opportunity to have their case looked at again, with free legal support.

If you strongly believe you’re owed more, I encourage you to seek legal advice.

Alongside announcing this change, Ministers have accepted recommendations from the Independent Senior Lawyer Sir Gary Hickinbottom following his review of Horizon Shortfall Scheme Fixed Sum Offer cases in which there is no ready evidence of a shortfall.

New guidance will also be published, outlining the procedures for managing and processing these cases to ensure claimants have a clear understanding of how their claims will be handled.

To qualify for this process there must be evidence that it is more likely than not that a Horizon shortfall took place. The new process will include guidance to Post Office about how to seek shortfall evidence on a gradual basis and will emphasise that the test might sometimes require less evidence than would be needed in other circumstances.

Notes to editors
- This process responds to Recommendation 9 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry Volume 1 report, published in July 2025, which the Government accepted in its October 2025 response.
- Claimants who want to appeal are encouraged to seek legal advice now, ahead of the opening of the scheme, so they are ready to apply.
- In December 2025, Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed as the Independent Senior Lawyer to the HSS. The Department for Business and Trade and Post Office referred the handling of cases without shortfall evidence to the ISL for review.
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : 79th World Health Assembly – UK Statement for Explanation of Vote [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2026.

UK Statement for the Explanation of Vote on Lebanon. Delivered at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Thank you, Chair.

The UK voted in favour of this decision.

The conflict in Lebanon has had a devastating impact on civilians. We utterly condemn Hizballah and its attacks against Israel, including against civilian areas. These must cease.

And in Lebanon, Israeli military action has had unacceptable impacts on civilians and medical care. The conflict has led to the displacement of over 1 million people and the closure of several hospitals and health facilities. The WHO has reported over 150 verified attacks against healthcare, with over 100 healthcare workers killed.

We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including in relation to the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel. Damage to healthcare facilities not only causes immediate losses of civilian life, but also deprives communities of critical, life-saving services and can exacerbate long-term humanitarian challenges.

We commend the efforts of the Lebanese government and the WHO in this challenging context. The UK has committed £30m in humanitarian support in response to the crisis. The UK also welcomes the further renewal of the ceasefire.

All parties must take every effort to comply with this agreement and must ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities.

May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor commits to new anti-profiteering powers and fights back on rising bills [May 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 May 2026.

Consumer watchdogs to gain new investigatory powers.
- Chancellor introduces tougher measures to protect people from unjustified price hikes
- Consumer watchdogs to gain new rapid investigatory powers to target firms taking advantage of crises to unfairly raise costs
- Regulators to highlight price gouging firms to customers
Working people will be protected from unfair price rises as the Chancellor clamps down on firms who rip off their customers.

A new framework will give the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) and other regulators stronger, more targeted powers to act quickly to tackle excessive and unfair price rises.

Price gouging is when a company puts prices up to an unfair and unjustifiably high level during a crisis. When a major supply shock hits, these powers will help regulators spot trouble early, move faster, and protect consumers.

Where regulators identify concerning practices, they could ‘name and shame’ by publicly sharing information on how individual firms have changed their margins in response to an economic shock, and the reasons behind this. 

The Chancellor has today confirmed the Government will bring forward these changes to strengthen the current system.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

When global events drive up costs, working families feel it first. I will not tolerate anyone exploiting a crisis to make a quick buck off the back of hard working people.

We are backing families, backing fairness, and building a stronger and more resilient economy through our long-term economic plan.”  

The Chancellor will also make it clear she won’t hesitate to go further if needed. Should the CMA or other regulators observe price gouging in an emergency and conclude that they needed further powers to tackle it to support consumers rapidly, the Government stands ready to act, including with highly targeted enforcement powers to give them the ability to direct firms to stop exploitative pricing practices and where necessary, impose penalties if needed.

The government will bring regulators together regularly through a new working group under the Regulators Council to share intelligence and monitor the response to the conflict. That means faster detection, sharper scrutiny and stronger protection for consumers.  

These actions build on the existing strong powers the CMA and other regulators have to deal with anti-competitive behaviour. The CMA has already stepped up its work on road fuel and moved swiftly to launch a market study into heating oil supplies.  The CMA is examining concerns from consumers and has made clear it will take enforcement action if it finds potential breaches of consumer law.
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Minister Elmore’s speech at the Global Partnerships Conference [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 May 2026.

Opening remarks by Minister Elmore at the Voices of Civic Leadership plenary on Day 1 of the Global Partnerships Conference.

Thank you for having me.

What brings us together today is a simple idea – that development works best when people have power over the decisions that shape their lives.

As we have heard in the previous session, for decades, countries and communities have called to lead their own development, yet progress has been slow and uneven. This conference is a chance to change that.

And we know what works.

When solutions are shaped locally, they are more effective, more trusted, and more likely to last.

That matters more than ever as development shifts and changes.

We’re working in a world of rising inequality, declining trust, and shrinking civic space.

No single actor can tackle that alone.

The answer lies instead in genuine partnership, built on mutual respect, mutual accountability, mutual interest and mutual learning.

The previous plenary highlighted how partnerships between countries can help them shape their own development paths.

But achieving tangible impact on the ground simply isn’t possible without a strong and vibrant civil society.

That’s why today I am pleased to announce on this panel a new programme called ‘Partnering with Civil Society’…
…through which we will invest almost £40m over the next six years.

And alongside this, the UK is committing £21 million over the next three years to support LGBT+ organisations, and those working with them, especially in the most challenging environments.

This is about doing things differently: taking a whole system approach to strengthen the resilience of civil society.

We will deliver better outcomes for local organisations by inviting in networks to lead, coordinate and collaborate.

And over time, this will reduce reliance on external funding by building stronger, more resilient systems.

Put simply, this is about shifting power.

The Partnering programme will build on the UK’s Civil Society Covenant launched last year, which set out a clear principle – that civil society is not an add-on, but central to stronger economies, better decisions, and real accountability.

And it means changing how we work.

Making us more flexible with funding…

More decisions made locally…

Less top-down delivery…

And stronger accountability to the communities which NGOs serve.

But the new Partnering programme is just one step.

The two plenaries this afternoon, and this Conference more widely, is about moving beyond commitments to delivery.

That’s why I’m delighted we have such a distinguished and diverse panel to explore how locally-led action can strengthen systems, build legitimacy, and deliver change at scale.

And I’m also delighted that the panel will be expertly moderated by Aidan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership. Something I’m looking forward to is taking on the role of co-chair in the coming year, we’re looking forward to working closely with Aidan and OGP members – bringing countries, local governments and civil society together to drive openness and accountability.

Because ultimately, fundamentally this comes down to one question – how do we turn the idea of shifting power into real change on the ground?

That’s the challenge for all of us today, and I look forward to working with you to tackle it together.

May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary launches new International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2026.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to lead UK-convened international coalition to tackle global emergency of violence against women and girls.
- mirroring the UK Government mission to halve VAWG in a decade, the Coalition announced at the Global Partnerships Conference will see countries across the globe share expertise and scale up prevention work
- eight countries have signed up to this new Coalition, driven by the Foreign Secretary
Women and girls across the globe will be better protected from violence and abuse, as the UK spearheads a new international effort to drive progress, to be announced by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper today at the Global Partnerships Conference in London.

The new coalition brings together eight countries to work together to prevent violence so that women and girls can live free from fear, no matter who or where they are. Member states will drive practical action to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, which affects 1 in every 3 women globally, as well as tackling online abuse, which is on the rise around the world.

Founding members are the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia.

As the world faces increasing conflict, the International Coalition will also look to strengthen global efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict and other forms of violence in humanitarian crises.

Next year, the UK will convene a major summit on tackling violence against women and girls where countries can set out further commitments and report on progress.

The Government has already pledged the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history, committing to halve these horrific crimes within a decade and introducing lifesaving policies like Raneem’s Law, which has seen domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms.

The Foreign Secretary has exported her domestic experience into foreign policy, declaring women and girls a departmental priority at the FCDO and protecting central spending on tackling violence against women and girls in a challenging fiscal context.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, said:

Violence against women and girls is a global emergency not just a national emergency. We are determined to work across borders to ensure women’s safety is a world wide priority. I visited the Sudanese border in February, and I heard girls speak of rape, abduction and abhorrent sexual violence. I will make sure their voices are heard and fight to end violence for every single one of them – and for the 1 in 3 women globally who will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime.

I’m delighted to launch this Coalition with countries around the world that share our ambition. Because from the UK, to Brazil, to South Africa and beyond, women deserve to live free from fear of violence. And because there can be no peace, security, or prosperity for any of us until they do.

Through the Coalition, countries will share expertise in tackling the issue and develop national action plans to scale up work to prevent violence, protect women and girls, and hold perpetrators to account.

Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Lewisham Police Station, alongside the UK Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet and Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation. They spoke to Met police officers and saw demonstrations of their V100 programme – a pioneering digital risk assessment using counter-terrorism tactics to identify, target and manage the most dangerous VAWG offenders in London.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Natalie Fleet said:

Violence against women and girls is a global emergency and tackling this issue requires more than warm words.

To create a world where women and girls feel safe from harm, we must build a united, global front and I’m proud to stand alongside international partners today who committed to doing just that.

But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the UK state to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

The launch comes alongside the publication of the UK’s new International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, which sets out how the UK will defend the rights of women and girls across the world, embedding this across diplomacy, trade, security, and development, using UK partnerships and resources to drive progress.

The Framework outlines the UK’s increased ambition to ensure women and girls are placed at the heart of everything we do, and includes a commitment that at least 90% of FCDO bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) will have a focus on gender equality by 2030.
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies down by more than a fifth [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 May 2026.

Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect.

Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.

New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.

The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.

The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue. It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.

I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.

I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.

Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.

Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said:

Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.

Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.

We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.

The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.

This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:

These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.

However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.

The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.

Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said:

The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.

While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.

Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.

Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.

Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.

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

It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024. We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations. The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.

May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Regional funding to train next generation of construction workers [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 20 May 2026.

£96 million to be allocated to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites across the country to plug skills gaps and boost housebuilding.

Tens of thousands of placements will be created for aspiring construction workers in a £96 million boost to train new talent and build more homes.

Funding is set to be allocated across the country on Friday (22nd) to provide hands-on learning and boost employability for learners who start their construction courses from this September.

The construction industry is facing significant shortages, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing that there are over 35,000 job vacancies – over half of which are due to a lack of required skills.

It comes as the government hits a major milestone in helping to bring vocational education on par with academic. It has published a plan to support schools and colleges to transition from legacy qualifications at the same level, including BTECs, to a  clearer  system of V Levels, T Levels and A Levels from 2027 as options after GCSEs, along with two new qualifications for lower attaining students to support them to progress beyond GCSEs.

New subjects have been announced for the second year of delivery in 2028 that will help to address skills shortages and boost key industries such as housebuilding. These subjects include construction design, bricklaying and plumbing. The plan also includes detailed rollout timelines, and advice on content development to help providers transition.

Together, these plans  are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two thirds of young people are in a gold standard apprenticeship, higher  training or university by the age of 25, boosting priority sectors including housebuilding, and driving economic growth as part of national renewal. 

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: 

We’re removing the snobbery from hands-on learning and putting it on par with academic to break down barriers for young people to get rewarding jobs.

Our landmark vocational  qualifications and placements  will  create  a strong pipeline of workers  by  equipping  young people with the real-world skills that employers need and that will fuel the jobs of the future.

Announced in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, V Levels will sit alongside A levels and T levels. Equivalent to one A Level, they will allow students to mix and match academic and vocational subjects if they do not yet know where they want to specialise.

For 16-year-olds who are not ready to progress beyond GCSEs due to lower attainment, there are two new qualifications:
- Occupational Certificates: two-year courses for those who want to get into work or an apprenticeship but need support to achieve English and Maths GCSEs.
- Foundation Certificates: one-year courses for students who want to progress to A-Levels, T Levels or V Levels but need extra support to pass their GCSEs.
New subjects available from 2028 include:
- V Levels in construction design, engineering design and engineering manufacturing.
- Two new T Levels in sport and social care – part of the largest expansion for students who want to specialise in sector-facing studies since the qualifications began.
- Occupation Certificates in bricklaying, painting, plumbing, accounts and finance, and adult care worker.
- Foundation Certificates in engineering, health, legal services, and social care.
A new sector-led group, ‘Qualification Practitioners’, has been created to lead the way for the sector, shaping and sharing best practice as providers transition to the new qualifications. Providers will be required to have robust transition plans to support staff, students, and employers through the change.

New guidance has also been published removing the red tape around T Level industry placements. This includes scrapping the limits on the percentage of remote hours a student can do or how many employers they work with. This helps more young people to access premium placements and empowers businesses to offer placements that work for everyone.  

East Lancashire Learning Group is one of the Qualification Pioneers. Principal and CEO Lisa O’Loughlin said:

These Post 16 qualification reforms are one of the greatest steps forward our sector has seen in decades, and I am incredibly proud that we are helping to lead the way as a Pioneer college.

I believe these reforms will be transformational. They will create clearer pathways, stronger links with employers and a far more responsive education system that reflects the needs of our economy and communities.

Most importantly, they will give learners the confidence, skills and opportunities they deserve to succeed.

Post-16 and Skills Specialist at ASCL Claire Green said:

We welcome this implementation plan which provides colleges and sixth forms with much-needed detail in preparing for these major changes to the qualification system over the next few years.

We’re very pleased that the new system retains vocational qualifications – now clearly badged as V levels – alongside A levels and T levels. This was vital in providing students with a choice of pathways and maximising post-16 opportunities.

The timelines outlined bring valuable clarity as the sector navigates the transition to the reformed system and signal the government’s commitment to working collaboratively with providers and sector experts. The challenge now is to make sure that the new system works well for all our learners, fills skills gaps, and ultimately reduces the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training.

Chief Executive of Land based Colleges & Universities Aspiring to Excellence Alex Payne said:

We welcome the timetable set out for the development of these ambitious reforms. It is positive to see the breadth of engagement with the sector and to see views shared by members reflected in this document.

We look forward to continuing to work with the department to deliver a robust offer for the sector.

CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company John Yarham said:

We welcome the Government’s implementation plan, which provides vital clarity and direction on 16–19 qualifications. Careers education is the gateway to the skills system, and the plan rightly recognises the fundamental importance of ensuring that educators and careers professionals are equipped to support young people in understanding, engaging with, and confidently pursuing the opportunities available to them.

It is also important to recognise the vital role employers play in shaping these reforms and in inspiring young people to take up different pathways. We look forward to continuing to work with Government and partners nationally and locally through our network of Careers Hubs to help ensure every young person can take their best next step.

Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges David Hughes said:

It’s good to see this plan offer a lot of detail about the implementation of the new qualifications system for young people.

It’s a complex change process for colleges and their staff over the next few years, and this plan will help colleges to make more informed decisions about what is right for their students and communities.

We all want to make this new system work for every young person, giving them the choice of options which motivate and inspire them and lead onto further learning and great lives and careers.
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Heat network upgrades to lower bills for families and businesses [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy and Net Zero on 20 May 2026.

Lower bills for families, hospitals and charities through energy efficiency improvements to heat networks.
- £15.6 million to upgrade old and inefficient heat networks, lowering energy costs for communities
- Four projects in England handed a share of £25 million for new, cleaner heating systems
- Funding from the government’s Warm Homes Plan is helping families cut energy bills and tackle fuel poverty
More than 10,000 residents, alongside hospitals and charities, will benefit from lower bills thanks to upgrades to old and inefficient heat networks.

Backed by £15.6 million, 94 heat networks across England and Wales will see a host of improvements to make them more energy efficient and help lower bills.

Improvements will include replacing leaky pipes, insulating pipework to reduce heat loss and replacing interface units in homes so residents have better control of their heating.

Four heat network projects across England will also receive a share of £25 million to provide clean, affordable and reliable power.

In Bristol, £13.5 million will be used to expand the Bristol City Leap heat network, which will use heat pumps to deliver fossil fuel free heating to more homes and businesses, and will lead to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, apprenticeships and work placements.

In Rochdale, £1 million will go towards building a heat network which takes heat from a sewer going through the town to provide low carbon heat to public buildings such as colleges and schools, Rochdale Infirmary, businesses and residential buildings, including social housing.

Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said:

The conflict in the Middle East has shown once again why we must get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and onto clean, homegrown power we control.

Heat networks will play a crucial role in that shift, lowering bills for whole communities while strengthening our energy security.

That’s why we’re upgrading old and inefficient systems and investing in modern, low-cost networks fit for the future.

The funding announced today (20 May) is part of the government’s mission to upgrade the nation’s homes through the Warm Homes Plan, helping families to cut energy bills and tackle fuel poverty.

It follows the government’s commitment in January to allocate £195 million a year for the Green Heat Network Fund and £15 million a year for the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme to 2029/30 in the Warm Homes Plan.

Heat networks are a way of heating multiple buildings from a central heating source – such as taking excess heat generated from a data centre or factory.

These systems provide communities with low-cost and efficient heat and will play a key role in the government’s mission to achieve clean power by 2030.

To ensure homes and businesses continue to receive a good quality service, government has committed funding to improve underperforming heat networks.

The latest round of funding through the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme will upgrade 94 of these systems across England and Wales, including:
- £1.2 million to improve the older heating system of three 1960s high rise blocks in Salford
- £2.1 million to upgrade five heat networks in Solihull, serving 484 residents
- £2.1 million for efficiency upgrades on two heat networks in Camden, London, improving the service for 358 residents
Meanwhile, the Green Heat Network Fund will help the development of the following schemes:
- £8.6 million to support the next phase of the King’s Cross Heating and Cooling Network in London, which serves more than 1,700 homes and 44 buildings using heat pumps
- £2.2 million to build a heat network in Atherstone, Warwickshire, taking waste heat from the Baddesley Energy from Waste facility to supply low-carbon heating to 1,700 homes
Chris Unsworth, Head of ADE: Heat Networks, said:

Low-carbon heat networks work, they work for hospitals, they work for charities and they will work for over 10,000 residents who will now see lower bills. This funding will reach the strongest anchors in our communities – the places that can’t afford to be left behind. We now need to go further to fix every legacy heat network, connect every public institution that could benefit and unlock the full potential of heat networks.
May 20, 2026