UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of Ambassador to the European Union [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of Ambassador to the European Union [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 March 2026.

    Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG has been appointed Ambassador to the European Union in succession to Mr Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Caroline will take up her appointment during August 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Caroline Elizabeth Wilson

    YearRole
    2020 to 2025Beijing, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2016 to 2019FCO, Europe Director
    2012 to 2016Hong Kong, British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao
    2008 to 2012Moscow, Minister Counsellor
    2006 to 2008Cabinet Office, European Secretariat
    2004 to 2006FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
    2001 to 2004Brussels, UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
    1996 to 2000Beijing, First Secretary
    1995Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Tech companies must go ‘above and beyond’ to protect women and girls from online abuse or face further action [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tech companies must go ‘above and beyond’ to protect women and girls from online abuse or face further action [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 March 2026.

    Tech firms must do more to protect women and girls online or face further action, Tech Secretary Liz Kendall warns at major platform roundtable.

    • Government tells tech companies to go further and faster in implementing safety measures to protect women and girls online
    • Warning comes after government takes decisive action to tackle online violence and Ofcom issues practical guidance to tech firms
    • Tech Secretary encourages Ofcom to report on which companies are failing to act soon as possible, to inform women and girls which platforms decide not to protect them

    Major technology companies must use every tool at their disposal to protect women and girls from abuse and misogyny online – or face further action from government, the Tech Secretary Liz Kendall warns.

    Holding a roundtable, on Monday 9 March, with leading companies including Snapchat, Meta, YouTube and TikTok, the Secretary of State urged platforms to go further and faster in implementing safety measures.

    The warning follows a series of robust interventions the government has taken to meet its commitment to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade. Over the past 6 months alone, the government has made intimate image abuse, cyberflashing and choking priority offences under the Online Safety Act – treating this material with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism and placing legal duties on platforms to stop this content before it reaches users.

    In January, the Prime Minister called out Grok for the despicable, illegal sexualised images of women and girls that were being spread on its site, and the government then acted within days to fast-track legislation to ban the creation of non‑consensual intimate deepfakes.

    And new legal requirements introduced by the government mean tech firms must now remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of being flagged, shifting the burden from victims to platforms. This month, an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill also created a new offence criminalising so‑called “nudification apps”, AI tools that generate synthetic sexualised images of women and girls.

    Having taken these decisive steps, the government is now clear that tech companies must match that level of action. Three months ago, Ofcom set out important measures that companies can take to reduce online misogynistic abuse, harassment, stalking and image‑based sexual abuse – including prompts to reconsider harmful posts, limits on pile‑ons, stronger privacy defaults and hash‑matching for intimate images.

    The regulator is expected to report on what platforms are failing to comply and the government is encouraging Ofcom to do so as soon as possible, enabling women and girls – and the wider public – to make informed decisions about where they spend their time online. 

    Tech Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Every woman and girl deserves to be safe online and we will stop at nothing to ensure the digital world is working for them, not against them.

    This government has taken tough action to tackle intimate image abuse, deepfakes and the online harms women and girls face every day.

    Now, tech companies must go above and beyond to use the tools readily available to them to make their platforms safer. If they don’t, these companies are not innocent bystanders – they are enabling abuse to thrive.

    That is why we are asking Ofcom to report swiftly on how companies are complying, because better safety and better accountability go hand in hand.

    Later this week, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will also convene the Women in Tech Taskforce, which is focused on ensuring women are at the table in shaping the technologies of the future – tackling bias in tech design and helping build online spaces that prevent harm to women and girls from the outset.

    Last week, the government also launched a public consultation, calling on parents, guardians, and young people across the UK  to shape the country’s next steps on children’s digital wellbeing.

    The consultation will gather insights from the public on how to keep children safe online across social media, AI chatbots and gaming platforms, and the government will respond in the Summer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government publishes Terms of Reference for Patrick Finucane Inquiry [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government publishes Terms of Reference for Patrick Finucane Inquiry [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 9 March 2026.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today [09 March] announced the Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today announced the Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry, following agreement with the Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Gary Hickinbottom.

    In 2024, the Secretary of State announced the government’s intention to establish an independent Inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s death. The human rights lawyer was brutally murdered in his North Belfast home by the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, in February 1989.

    The Terms of Reference were published by the Secretary of State via a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament.

    Mr Benn said:

    The Terms of Reference have been developed following formal consultation with Sir Gary Hickinbottom, as required by the Inquiries Act. Sir Gary, in turn, consulted the family of Patrick Finucane who provided very helpful feedback and observations. I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement throughout the process. 

    I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one over the course of 37 years and I am pleased that the Inquiry will now finally be able to get underway.

    The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

    Last year, the Secretary of State announced Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the inquiry. Mr Benn also confirmed the appointment of both Baroness Nuala O’Loan, and Francesca Del Mese, as Assessors to the Inquiry. Both will provide advice to the Chair on their relevant expertise in regards to the Inquiry, while also giving further assurance about the Inquiry’s independence. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Weekend voting and shopping centre polling stations to be trialled [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Weekend voting and shopping centre polling stations to be trialled [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 9 March 2026.

    Some voters in England will be able to cast their ballot in a shopping centre and on weekends as part of plans to make voting easier and more convenient for people during May’s local elections.

    The way we vote at the polling booth has not changed since 1872. Four areas are taking part in new pilots which will give people more choice over where and when they vote, by turning popular venues into polling booths and letting people vote before polling day.

    In Milton Keynes, voters can have their say in the city’s main shopping centre – Midsummer Place – rather than being restricted to a single designated polling station. This could eventually be rolled out across the country in future elections along high streets and in town centres.  

    People in Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells and North Hertfordshire will be able to cast their vote in person ahead of the election, including on the weekend. This will stop people being limited to just one polling day.  

    Voters in these places will be able to visit central buildings across their area at a time that suits them, such as the Guildhall in Cambridge’s city centre.  

    This will make voting more convenient, accessible and efficient for local people – and could eventually happen in all UK elections.   

    Minister for Democracy Samantha Dixon said:  

    The way we vote in person has not adapted to people’s busy lives, with voters often given no choice but to cast their ballot at strictly set polling stations within limited hours.

    Our trials will make polling days more convenient and test out the first real changes for over 100 years, bringing our democracy into the 21st century.

    Further plans for future pilots could include mobile voting stations that travel to different locations, potentially including care homes, universities, or community centres. Other plans could include voters casting their vote at any polling station within the local authority area rather than being restricted to a designated location.  

    At the same time the integrity and security of the UK’s voting system will continue to be protected, with participating local authorities using existing safeguards, and robust technology, with strong support from the government throughout. 

    Local authorities will continue to operate traditional polling stations alongside the new options, and people will still be able to vote by post or proxy, meaning voters can choose the method that works best for them. 

    This comes alongside the government’s landmark Representation of the People Bill which reduces barriers to participation including a landmark change to give votes to 16 year olds, along with tougher rules on political donations to tackle risks around foreign interference in our democracy.

    Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said:  

    These pilots are a great start to exploring different ways to offer electors greater choice about when and where they cast their vote. Weekend and early voting, plus voting hubs at places like shopping centres, are used to good effect in many democracies and we hope will also be successful here. Well done to the election teams who have stepped up to take these pilots forward, we look forward to learning from you.

    William Benson, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Tunbridge Wells borough said:  

    I am very pleased that Tunbridge Wells is part of the pilot scheme. It’s important that every eligible elector uses their vote and three hubs in key locations across the borough will make it even easier. 

    Voters can be assured these new arrangements are just as secure as the polling stations they’re used to, and the same helpful staff will be there to guide people through the process.

    Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland said: 

    Milton Keynes is proud to be leading the way as the UK’s first pilot area for a central voting hub, making it easier and more convenient for people to vote. We’re committed to improving democratic participation, and this innovative approach will give residents greater flexibility.

    Melanie Stimpson, Democratic Services Manager and Returning Officer for North Hertfordshire said: 

    We are very pleased to have been selected to take part in the flexible voting pilots. We know that people lead busy lives and face real challenges in finding time to vote.  Being able to explore new approaches is important to understand how we can better support of residents and collaborate our Council priorities of thriving committees and accessible services.

    Robert Pollock, Returning Officer for the City of Cambridge:  

    Cambridge is renowned for science and tech innovation. We want to bring that mindset to test how we can make voting more inclusive and convenient for all our residents. We already have higher than average turnout in Cambridge. I’d really like this trial to help us get to over 40% at the May local elections.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – Panel on disabilities [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – Panel on disabilities [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 March 2026.

    UK Statement for panel discussion on the rights of persons with disabilities. Disability-inclusive infrastructure, including transport and housing.

    Thank you, Mr President. 

    The United Kingdom thanks the panellists for their contributions to this important discussion. We fundamentally agree that disability-inclusive transport and housing plays an important role in realising the rights of disabled people, particularly in enabling independent and community living.  

    On housing, the Disabled Facilities Grant, administered by local authorities in England, helps to meet the cost of adaptations for disabled people to make their homes safe and suitable for their needs. 

    With regards to transport, our goal is for disabled passengers to travel confidently, easily and with dignity. The new Bus Services Act includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve accessibility, including helping local authorities to deliver safer, more accessible bus stations and stops as well as mandating more streamlined disability training for bus drivers and frontline staff.  

    We are also glad to be working closely with disabled people, operators and regulators to develop an Accessible Travel Charter, to embed accessibility across the transport system.  

    Mr President, how can States further utilise assistive technologies to enhance accessibility and service delivery across transport and housing infrastructure?

  • PRESS RELEASE : We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan – UK statement at the UN Security Council [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan – UK statement at the UN Security Council [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 March 2026.

    Statement by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

    Colleagues, let me first begin by expressing the United Kingdom’s deep concern at the intensification of the Taliban’s repression. 

    We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan, including the ban preventing Afghan women from accessing UN spaces. 

    Millions are being systematically excluded from society. 

    As we heard from Afghan student, Sunbul Reha, in the opening session of the Commission on the Status of Women this morning, this is not an abstract concept. But a devastating infringement of women’s rights, opportunities, and dreams.

    And it cannot continue.
    As we mark the beginning of the Commission on the Status of Women here at the UN, the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, who deserve full, meaningful, and equal participation in all areas of life.
    We are dismayed by the Taliban’s new criminal procedures directive, which legitimises domestic violence, embeds religious discrimination, and targets women and minorities. 

    These oppressive measures must be rescinded.

    As my Foreign Secretary has said, the rights of all Afghans must be protected.
    Second, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

    We call for de-escalation and re-engagement in mediated dialogue.
    Finally, the United Kingdom is a longstanding and major donor to Afghanistan, providing over $200 million this financial year for vital life-saving and basic services support to the country’s most vulnerable people, especially women and girls. 

    We are therefore deeply dismayed by the Taliban’s refusal to allow essential health and nutrition supplies over the border into Afghanistan. 

    This is having a severe impact on the delivery of aid. It is vital that these goods are allowed to enter Afghanistan without obstruction and without delay. 

    22 million people across the country remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
    Colleagues, progress in Afghanistan requires the Taliban to engage meaningfully in the UN process. 

    This is the path towards the goal which we collectively agreed in resolution 2721, of an Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbours, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting its international obligations.  

    The United Kingdom supports the efforts of UN leadership and UNAMA in this regard, and looks forward to continuing to work together with our international and regional partners to this end.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Action plan launched to build stronger communities [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Action plan launched to build stronger communities [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing on 9 March 2026.

    The government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom.

    Millions of families, friends and neighbours will feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride thanks to renewed efforts to stamp out extremism, hate and division announced today.

    Today the government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom – a place where neighbour continues to look out for neighbour and people come together with a shared sense of values, pride, and belonging.  

    The action plan follows decades of rapid change – technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services. This has caused a strain on social cohesion. Bad actors, including from abroad, have sought to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities. 

    Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed will tell the House of Commons:   

    Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us.

    This publication – Protecting What Matters – puts the emphasis on healing divided communities, setting out clear expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society, tackling those trying to subvert our shared values and ultimately promoting pride, unity and tolerance.   

    This comes as the latest statistics show that hate crime is rising, with Jewish people disproportionately more targeted by hate crime than any other group.  

    To tackle antisemitism head on, the government is investing at record levels to scale up security at synagogues and schools, clamping down on antisemitic extremism, and rolling out training on antisemitism in the workplace.  

    Religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims are also at record levels, with almost half of these crimes targeted towards the Muslim community and many living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from.  This government has a duty to act but cannot tackle something that has not been defined.  

    The government is taking the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.   

    Crucially, this definition protects the fundamental right to freedom of speech while protecting people from unacceptable abuse and violence. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.   

    This sits alongside a new suite of measures to bring communities across the country together:  

    • Tough action on extremism with stronger powers to shut down charities promoting extremism and transformed capability to disrupt extremists, including stopping hate preachers entering the UK, and an annual State of Extremism report.   
    • Clear expectations will be set around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.   
    • A £500,000 investment in community-led school linking projects will bring children from different backgrounds together, helping them forge friendships and understand what they have in common. And tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school – will ensure no child misses out on the shared values and experiences that bind communities together. 

    This all builds on the £5.8 billion committed to hundreds of areas through the Pride in Place programme, with power put in the hands of local people.  

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government plans new powers to close down charities peddling extremism [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government plans new powers to close down charities peddling extremism [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 March 2026.

    Powers are in addition to an imminent consultation that will road-test plans to ban leaders who use their positions to promote violence or hatred.

    The Government has announced plans to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers to close down charities that promote extremism and protect the vast majority of the sector delivering positive work. 

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has asked officials to work with the regulator to speed up the process for investigating charities suspected of engaging in extremist behaviour, including strengthening its powers to close them down if needed. This includes processing decisions more quickly and reviewing the appeals process.  

    Further measures under consideration include mandatory trustee ID verification, the digitisation of charity accounts, and a strengthening of local authority powers to issue fines and take other enforcement action to tackle unlicensed street fundraising. 

    The measures are in addition to a new consultation launching shortly, which will road-test plans to automatically ban individuals with a criminal conviction for hate crime from serving as charity trustees or senior managers. It will also consult on plans to strengthen the Commission’s powers to disqualify individuals where there is evidence they have promoted violence or hatred. 

    This work forms part of wider government plans – which will be announced later today – to actively renew the UK’s social contract by promoting national pride, establishing clearer expectations around integration, and taking action to bring communities together. 

    Since October 2023, the Charity Commission has opened over 400 regulatory cases for hate speech, and made around 70 referrals to police where criminal offences may have been committed. 

    The government recognises that robust action is necessary to ensure that those with extremist agendas cannot exploit charitable status and undermine public trust in the sector. 

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Charities are the lifeblood of our communities, and we will not allow extremists to hijack their good name. 

    By giving the Charity Commission the teeth it needs to act fast and decisively, we will close the door on those who exploit charitable status to spread hate, and open a new chapter that gives the sector the protection it deserves.

    This is a vital step in our ongoing work of national renewal and a Britain built for all.

    These measures build on the Civil Society Covenant launched last summer, which is harnessing the collective power that charities play in bringing communities together and supporting Britain’s most vulnerable people. 

    ENDS

    • The Charity Commission regulate charities in England and Wales, to ensure that the public can support charities with confidence.
    • Today, the Government will set out an initial plan to improve social cohesion, recognising how social cohesion in the UK has come under strain from widespread challenges like economic insecurity, foreign interference, migration pressures and extremism. It will set out plans to actively renew the UK’s social contract by promoting national pride, establishing clearer expectations around integration, and taking action to bring communities together.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan – Duncan Norman [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan – Duncan Norman [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 March 2026.

    Mr Duncan Norman MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan in succession to Mr Fergus Auld OBE.

    Mr Duncan Norman MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan in succession to Mr Fergus Auld OBE. Mr Norman will take up his appointment during May 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Duncan Charles Norman

    YearRole
    2023 to 2024National Security Secretariat, Deputy Director, Joint Funds Unit
    2022 to 2023FCDO, Deputy Director Ukraine Recovery Conference Unit
    2021 to 2022Home Office, Deputy Director, International Criminality Directorate
    2016 to 2021Tirana, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2015 to 2016Pre-posting training (including Albanian language training)
    2013 to 2015FCO, Head of Afghanistan Unit
    2010 to 2013FCO, Head of HR Services Unit
    2007 to 2010Dhaka, Deputy Head of Mission
    2006 to 2007Dhaka, First Secretary Political
    2004 to 2006Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Head of the Governor’s Office
    2000 to 2003FCO, Middle East Department
    1998 to 2000Yerevan, Deputy Head of Mission
    1994 to 1997Riyadh, Vice Consul
    1993 to 1994FCO, Research Dept
    1990 to 1993FCO, Finance Dept and Joint Assistance Unit
    1990Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2026.

    Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe.

    • Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe. 
    • Upgraded deal makes Yeovil the global centre for Leonardo’s military helicopter production and exports, and sets up the UK as a leader for uncrewed and autonomous systems, a key frontier technology in the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.  
    • International orders for Leonardo’s military helicopters built in Yeovil could see over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years.

    Thousands of skilled British jobs have been secured with a major helicopter deal that will boost the UK Armed Forces’ battlefield kit and makes Britain Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production and exports – worth a potential £15 billion over the next decade.   

    The £1 billion deal will also make Yeovil the centre of excellence for military helicopter autonomy, as the Ministry of Defence invests further in Proteus – the UK’s first autonomous uncrewed air system which is built by Leonardo and recently undertook its first flight. The development of uncrewed and autonomous technology in the UK is at the heart of the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy and could offer the opportunity to make platforms such as NMH optionally-crewed. 

    The new deal secured by the Government with Leonardo will provide the UK Armed Forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – and paves the path for future military international orders to be built in the UK, with an increased workshare for the UK above 40%. There are around 20 countries with requirements for new medium-lift helicopters. Together with Leonardo’s other helicopters, international orders for NMH could generate over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years.  

    The agreement secures the future of the UK’s sovereign helicopter production and Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset, sustaining 3,300 jobs. This includes 650 people working directly on NMH and more involved with autonomous systems and providing ongoing support and manufacture of the Merlin and Wildcat helicopter fleets. With a UK supply chain of nearly 70 companies, the programme also secures sovereign defence skills and expertise for decades to come.    

    The deal represents a major investment into the UK’s industrial base – a key pillar of delivery for the Defence Industrial Strategy and other growth driving sectors like Advanced Manufacturing and Digital and Technology.   

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    This defence investment works for Britain on every level. It strengthens our Armed Forces, secures thousands of skilled British jobs, and sets up big export opportunities. It is a major vote of confidence in British industry, British workers and British innovation.    

    This Government’s broad deal makes Yeovil the proud home of Leonardo’s global military helicopter production, building world-class helicopters for our forces and allies around the world for many years to come.  It backs British jobs and security today and makes the UK a pace-setter in uncrewed, technology and innovation for tomorrow. 

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

    In an uncertain world we are backing Britain’s world‑class defence sector to both keep Britain safe and drive economic growth.

    This historic partnership not only supports British jobs and security today, but positions the UK and its allies at the forefront of the next generation of defence and autonomous systems tomorrow.

    The upgraded deal is the result of the government’s commitment to a new partnership and new ways of working with industry as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – and makes the MOD’s relationship with Leonardo even stronger.   

    In a major backing for Britain, the partnership will see the UK lead the world in helicopter innovation and autonomy, with Leonardo setting up Yeovil as a future centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters. Proteus, which undertook its first flight at the end of January, is being developed to conduct a range of missions, including aspects of anti-submarine warfare.   

    The agreement paves the path for future export orders of the AW149 helicopter to be built in the UK, significantly expanding the UK’s workshare for the aircraft and growing the local workforce in the South West, with a potential to sustain 3,900 jobs – a 20% increase.  

    Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Helicopters UK, Leonardo said:

    We welcome the decision to award the New Medium Helicopter contract to supply medium lift helicopters to the Ministry of Defence, as well as the continued investment in Proteus – our autonomous rotary wing uncrewed air system in development with the Royal Navy. 

    Leonardo is committed to providing the UK Armed Forces with a world-class medium lift helicopter based on our leading AW149 platform that will serve our military personnel for many years to come.   

    The Government’s procurement of the AW149, as well as the continued investment in autonomy, will support more than 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, as well as 12,000 across the UK supply chain.

    As the nature of warfare changes, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the continued importance of helicopters on the battlefield – transporting forces, kit and capabilities in complex environments. The NMH is capable of operating in all environments in support of defence operations around the globe, from warfighting to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.   

    The AW149 NMH will deliver multiple rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means that the platform will be able to undertake defence tasks that were previously delivered by three different aircraft types, streamlining our capabilities – improving efficiency and operational flexibility now and in the future.   

    The new deal delivers on the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – improving warfighting readiness, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, and making defence as an engine for growth. The Ministry of Defence spends nearly £7 billion with the defence industry in the South-West, which supports more than 37,000 jobs.    

    The procurement is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 with £270 billion this Parliament.