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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : London building contractor banned as company director and ordered to repay Covid loan funds with interest [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : London building contractor banned as company director and ordered to repay Covid loan funds with interest [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 1 July 2025.

    Director disqualification and compensation order for Bounce Back loan abuse.

    • Building contractor Tahir Haq overstated his company Integral Maintenance Team Ltd’s turnover by almost £200,000 to obtain a £50,000 Bounce Back loan when it was only entitled to just over £3,000
    • He then failed to provide evidence that all of the funds were used for the economic benefit of his business
    • The High Court banned Haq as a company director for 11 years and ordered him to repay all the money he was not entitled to, plus interest and costs

    A West London building contractor who overstated his company’s turnover by almost £200,000 to secure a maximum-value Covid Bounce Back loan has been banned as a director and ordered to repay the money he was not entitled to.

    Tahir Haq obtained a £50,000 Bounce Back loan for building completion and freight transport company Integral Maintenance Team Ltd, in late 2020.

    However, his company was only entitled to little more than £3,000 under the scheme.

    The 46-year-old, of Norman Avenue, Southall, provided no evidence that some of the funds he received were used for the economic benefit of his business, including cash withdrawals and money which was paid to a housing scheme in Pakistan. Haq supplied no documents which demonstrated that the housing scheme was connected to his company.

    Haq was disqualified as a company director for 11 years at a hearing of the High Court in London on Tuesday 10 June.

    He was also ordered to pay compensation of £46,778, as well as interest on the loan totalling £4,078, and additional costs of £8,107.

    His ban started on Tuesday 1 July.

    Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Tahir Haq overstated his company’s turnover by almost £200,000 to secure the maximum Bounce Back loan available.

    Our investigation revealed he used some of this money for personal purposes, including payments to a housing scheme in Pakistan.

    The 11-year disqualification and requirement to repay all the money he was never entitled to demonstrates our commitment to holding directors financially accountable when they misuse Covid support schemes.

    Haq was the sole director of Integral Maintenance Team Ltd, which was set up in July 2018.

    The company’s trading was described on Companies House as ‘other building completion and finishing’ and ‘freight transport by road’.

    Haq secured the £50,000 Bounce Back loan for Integral Maintenance Team Ltd in December 2020, claiming the company’s turnover was £212,800.

    However, receipts into the company bank account for 2019 were only £12,888, meaning he obtained £46,778 more than he should have.

    Haq also failed to explain how at least £34,777 of the Bounce Back loan funds were used to benefit his company. The remaining funds were found to have been used for his business.

    Liquidators were appointed for Integral Maintenance Team Ltd in November 2021.

    The disqualification order prevents Haq from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    • Tahir Haq is of Norman Avenue, Southall, London. His date of birth is 10 July 1978
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK launches Foreign Influence Registration Scheme [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK launches Foreign Influence Registration Scheme [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 July 2025.

    New measures to protect UK from covert foreign influence came into effect on 1 July, strengthening national security, part of the Plan for Change.

    National security will be bolstered as the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme launches today, one of the foundations of the government’s Plan for Change.

    This landmark measure introduces an unprecedented enhanced tier, protecting our economy and society from covert activities by Iran and Russia. It also introduces a new layer of accountability around political influencing activity shedding light on attempts by overseas powers to shape UK democratic processes.

    As part of the toolkit in the National Security Act 2023, FIRS will provide an unprecedented insight into covert attempts by overseas powers to influence UK democratic processes, help protect our institutions from covert interference and enhance the UK’s ability to understand and respond to threats against its democratic integrity and national security.

    FIRS is a two-tier scheme: the political tier requires registration of any arrangements to carry out political influence activities in the UK on behalf of a foreign power, including political communications or lobbying senior decision-makers, such as MPs and election candidates.

    A more stringent enhanced tier applies to foreign powers considered to pose a risk to the UK’s safety or interests – the whole of the Russian and Iranian states have been placed under this tier, after being approved by Parliament. This was in response to the serious threats they pose to our interests, and reflects the need to ensure transparency over covert influence activity directed by these states.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

    We welcome legitimate engagement with all countries, but we will not tolerate covert attempts to manipulate our political system or society.

    The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the tools to confront growing threats to our national security, one of the foundations of our Plan for Change, without compromising the openness that defines our democracy.

    Designating Russia and Iran under the enhanced tier is a vital step in protecting the safety and interests of the UK. This is about creating accountability and visibility so that covert influence operations have nowhere to hide, and ensuring we have the tools to detect and disrupt them.

    These specifications will require the registration of any activities carried out in the UK at the direction of any part of the Russian or Iranian states. This explicitly includes their intelligence services – such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), the Federal Security Service and the GRU – as well as both countries’ armed forces.

    Registering under FIRS does not mean that an arrangement is illegitimate, or the activities are undesirable. In addition, it does not mean that the registrant needs to cease, or seek approval for, their activities. However, those who seek to act covertly for foreign powers will now face a choice – register under the scheme or risk prosecution.

    Registrations under the political tier must be submitted within 28 days of the arrangement being made. For the enhanced tier, registrations must be submitted within 10 days of the arrangement being made and ahead of any activity being undertaken. Failure to register when required is a criminal offence.

    To ensure the scheme is proportionate, FIRS includes exemptions, including for recognised news publishers, legal professionals acting during legal proceedings or providing legal advice, diplomats and their families, and arrangements involving the UK government.

    National Security is at the centre of the UK’s domestic and international policy and is the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. FIRS is a key part of our national security toolkit, and delivers on our ambition to make our country a harder operating environment for hostile actors.

    It puts the UK at the forefront of international efforts to deter and disrupt covert foreign influence, and its world-leading tiers will address wider threats to our safety – strengthening our ability to identify and respond to activity that threatens our democratic integrity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Interim Biometrics Commissioner announced [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Interim Biometrics Commissioner announced [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 July 2025.

    The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention has appointed Francesca Whitelaw KC as the interim Biometrics Commissioner.

    The role of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner has been vacant since August 2024. The government is actively recruiting the next permanent Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, through open competition.

    While this campaign is ongoing, the minister has decided to appoint Francesca as the interim Biometrics Commissioner. Francesca has been appointed in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Francesca will undertake the casework functions of the Biometrics Commissioner set out under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, providing oversight of National Security Determinations and applications made under section 63G PACE by the police.

    Francesca was appointed King’s Counsel in 2023 and is a leading specialist in public law, police, government, information law and human rights. She has expertise in biometrics and national security, working on several inquiries and inquests.

    She will take up her post from today, Tuesday 1 July 2025, for a period of up to 6 months, until the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner is appointed. The Surveillance Camera Commissioner post will also remain vacant until this point.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Norway’s WTO Trade Policy Review – UK Statement [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Norway’s WTO Trade Policy Review – UK Statement [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

    UK Statement at Norway’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    State Secretary, a very warm welcome to you and your delegation both from Oslo and here from Geneva. Thank you for bringing the spark of the land of Midnight Sun, beautiful Fjords and magical Northern Lights.

    Thank you to the WTO Secretariat, as ever, for their report. Thank you, Chair, for your introductory comments. Thank you to our distinguished discussant for his insightful comments. I thought your final point about the value shown by the Norwegian case, but obviously a much broader point about institutions, is a very worthwhile one.

    Thank you, also, to the government of Norway for piloting the new Trade Policy Review portal. We were particularly pleased to see it come to life given that we have our own TPR coming up later this year so we may see it in use again.

    Report Analysis

    1. Chair, the reports highlight Norway’s extraordinary economic resilience, keeping up its very high GDP per capita level despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the rest.
    2. Its transformation into a high-income, knowledge-based economy, for us, reflects the power of open trade and strategic investment. The World Bank says that international trade accounts for over 80% of its GDP, which is remarkable.
    3. Between 2018 and 2024, foreign trade rose steadily. Imports grew from over 700 billion Norwegian Krone to over one trillion Krone, and exports from just over one trillion Krone to almost two trillion Krone. Extraordinary figures. Excluding oil, gas, ships and drilling platforms, traditional goods trade rose by about 50% and services trade by 110%.
    4. Testimony, if I may say, State Secretary, to your commitment to open trade and investment, but also the rewards of that commitment.

    Digitoll

    1. As noted in our Advance Written Questions, we’re particularly interested in the Digitoll customs declaration system, set for full rollout next year.
    2. We very much welcome its aim to automate customs proceedings and speed up clearances, especially given imports represent over 40% of Norway’s GDP.
    3. We look forward to further details and we wish you every success with that rollout.

    Bilateral Relationship

    1. Bilaterally, Chair, our relationship with Norway is exceptionally close. So close, in fact, that the Norwegian Prime Minister described us as ‘best friends’ during our own Prime Minister’s visit in May. As somebody who has been around in the diplomatic service for a few years, I have never seen it so strong. And we have had several ministerial visits just in the last 12 months.
    2. And this relationship also extends to trade. In 2024, Norway was the UK’s 12th largest trading partner with total trade valued at over £38 billion.
    3. Our UK-EEA/EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2021, is one of the UK’s most modern and comprehensive. This FTA is not only a successful deal for businesses in both countries but also provides our governments with the opportunity for regular dialogue on trade, which we very much appreciate.
    4. Our Strategic Partnership, signed in December last year, adds further depth and breadth, particularly in priority sectors such as energy.
    5. In May, we welcomed our Green Industrial Partnership, which reflects our unique energy relationship across the North Sea. And just last week, in our newly published and elegant Trade Strategy, we committed to build on that bilateral partnership, underscoring its importance for our shared clean energy goals.

    Gender

    1. Chair, our countries also share a commitment to gender equality in trade.
    2. We welcome Norway’s efforts, including through its board composition requirements for limited liability companies. As one of the three co-chairs of our Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender here, let me commend Norway’s participation in that group, and encourage it to continue sharing its valuable practices here at the WTO.

    WTO Engagement

    1. Which brings me last, but by no means least, to Norway’s exemplary commitment to the multilateral trading system and to this organisation.
    2. Like others, I must start by paying tribute to my colleague, true friend of the system and multi-hatted Norwegian colleague, Petter Ølberg. DSB Chair, DS Reform Facilitator, General Council Chair; his personal commitment to this organisation is clear as is his track record of success.
    3. Petter, your leadership as GC Chair was genuinely inspiring. And we agree with your final message to all of us: real dialogue and real reform are essential to the future of this organisation.
    4. So, we are thrilled that you have been appointed as Reform Facilitator. As outlined in our Trade Strategy we remain a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system but we agree there is an urgent need for reform.
    5. And so we welcome Norway’s participation in key WTO plurilateral initiatives, including the JSIs on Services Domestic Regulation, Electronic Commerce, and Investment Facilitation for Development. I think they reflect your forward looking approach, State Secretary, to modernising global trade rules and are a key part of those reform efforts.
    6. We applaud your ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and encourage your continued leadership.
    7. And your leadership on trade and environment is particularly commendable, where you have consistently championed ambitious and constructive engagement.
    8. Like the UK, as you said at the beginning, State Secretary, our two countries see trade policy as an enabler of the vital move to net zero. Our new Trade Strategy supports this, as it underlines that we would like to go further with Norway and others to “go further and faster in the transition to net zero”.
    9. And finally, on trade and development, your leadership and advocacy for the interests of developing countries is appreciated right across this organisation. As fellow donors, we have worked closely together, and will continue to do so, including through our support for the Advisory Centre on WTO Law and as Board members of the Enhanced Integrated Framework, to help ensure the proper participation of developing countries in the multilateral trading system.

    Conclusion

    So, to conclude, State Secretary, keep up the good work! Keep up being an example to all of us.

    As this is my last Trade Policy Review, let me say that it has been a real pleasure to end with such a close trading partner and genuine friend as well as a good neighbour. Trade Policy Reviews, Chair, are fundamental to transparency and the good working of this organisation. And I know my successor, Kumar Iyer, and our team, are looking forward to our own first TPR later this year.

    ‘Tusen takk’ to you, State Secretary, and your team for your full and transparent engagement with this TPR, yet another example of your continued commitment to this organisation. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major immigration reforms delivered to restore order and control [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major immigration reforms delivered to restore order and control [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 July 2025.

    Work to restore control of Britain’s borders has seen the first of sweeping reforms to the immigration system introduced by the Home Secretary today.

    New rules to be laid in Parliament see skills and salary thresholds rise, overseas recruitment for care workers end, and more than 100 occupations no longer granted access to the immigration system.

    These changes, the first to be rolled out from the Immigration White Paper, represent a fundamental shift in the UK’s approach to immigration and restore order to the points-based system, focusing on higher skills, lower numbers and tighter controls. They are an important step in ending the UK’s reliance on overseas, lower skilled recruitment.

    The introduction of an interim, time-limited and conditional temporary shortage list will make sure the immigration system works better for the UK, with international recruitment only providing support where occupations are key to the industrial strategy or building crucial infrastructure.

    Each sector must have a workforce strategy in place to train UK workers, or it will lose access to the immigration system.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years. These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.

    As part of the Plan for Change, we can build an immigration system that serves the needs of the British economy and people – one that values skills, tackles exploitation, and ensures those who come to the UK make a genuine contribution.

    The package of measures includes:

    • raising the skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas, removing 111 eligible occupations
    • closing the social care worker visa route to overseas recruitment in response to widespread abuse and exploitation
    • only allowing time-limited access below degree level through a targeted immigration salary list and temporary shortage list, for critical roles only, with strict requirements for sectors to grow domestic skills
    • commissioning the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of the temporary shortage list including occupations, salaries and benefits

    Workers in occupations on the temporary shortage list will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts. The occupations included on the List are time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain beyond that date if the independent Migration Advisory Committee recommend it.

    In the interim, the government will not hesitate to restrict immigration access further, should there be clear signs of abuse and exploitation in sectors. In time, we will also abolish the previous government’s immigration salary list.  Subject to parliamentary approval, the changes will come into effect from 22 July, and transitional arrangements have also today been set out for overseas care workers already in the UK.

    Next steps

    Further changes to be implemented by the end of this year also include:

    • raising the immigration skills charge
    • uplifting language requirements across the immigration system
    • unveiling a new family policy framework to Parliament

    The Immigration White Paper forms part of a broader programme of immigration and border security reforms, with further measures on asylum and border security to be announced later this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Jobs boost as UK and Kenya bolster economic and security partnership [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Jobs boost as UK and Kenya bolster economic and security partnership [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

    The UK and Kenya have agreed new deals to bolster the economic and security partnership between the 2 countries.

    • trade and investment deals agreed during the visit will contribute over £1bn to the UK economy and create UK jobs in engineering, defence industries, technical and advisory services, and financial services
    • the UK and Kenya will also increase collaboration to tackle organised crime, human trafficking and illicit finance through the UK-Kenya Security Compact
    • the UK and Kenya will commit to a new Strategic Partnership as Kenyan President Ruto visits London

    The UK and Kenya will commit to working together to drive economic growth, protect climate and nature, foster collaboration in science and technology and strengthen regional security.

    During a visit to the UK by the President of Kenya, a pipeline of trade and investment deals worth over £1 billion to the UK economy were agreed which will deliver on this government’s commitment to boost jobs and prosperity back in the UK, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    This includes the launch of a tender for a major urban redevelopment project in Nairobi which has been inspired by the regeneration of London’s Kings Cross.

    The Nairobi Railway City project has already provided opportunities to UK businesses with British architecture firm Atkins UK chosen to design the central rail station and public square.

    The Government of Kenya is exploring funding the project through finance mobilised by the UK’s Export Credit Agency, UK Export Finance, which will create UK jobs in engineering, technical and legal services.

    Both countries also agreed stronger cooperation to disrupt the air, land and sea routes used by organised crime groups to prevent illegal migrants transiting through Kenya in attempts to reach Libya and other countries before travelling on to Europe. Four of the top 10 countries for Small Boat arrivals in the UK are near neighbours of Kenya (Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia).

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Through our shared history and values the UK and Kenya have always had a close connection.

    Now we are building a shared future; a modern, innovative and respectful partnership which is delivering real benefits – boosting growth and creating jobs for both Kenyans and the British people. We’re going far, together.

    The UK and Kenya have also committed to increased defence and counter terrorism collaboration, including joint training and the creation of a new counter insurgency, terrorism and stability operations centre.

    Defence sales worth over £70 million were agreed during the visit supporting manufacturing jobs in County Durham, Northamptonshire and Surrey. Kenya hosts the UK’s most significant military footprint in Africa, including a facility that trains 3,000 UK troops a year.

    The UK’s world leading financial services sector will also benefit. Lloyd’s of London will announce today that they will be joining the Nairobi International Finance Centre, which will deepen the partnership between 2 leading financial centres providing access to up to £500 million of insurance market potential in Kenya and the East Africa region.

    The two countries also committed to explore the potential of a bilateral digital trade agreement. Dubbed ‘Silicon Savannah’, the value of Kenya’s tech sector is projected to reach £11.5 billion by 2032.

    A digital trade agreement will open up opportunities in the sector for UK PLC.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Countdown to Euro 2025 as government gives advice to travelling fans [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Countdown to Euro 2025 as government gives advice to travelling fans [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

    Ahead of Euro 2025 kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign Office is providing fans with the information and advice they need for a safe and enjoyable tournament.

    • with the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro football tournament kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working closely with the Football Associations of England and Wales to provide information and advice to travelling fans
    • ahead of Women’s Summer of Sport, the UK government continues to drive progress in women’s sport to improve access and boost the nation’s economy

    With thousands of supporters expected to follow reigning champions England and major-tournament newcomers Wales when the Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off tomorrow, the Foreign Office has issued top tips to help fans have a safe and enjoyable tournament in Switzerland.

    Advice for fans travelling to the 8 different stadiums hosting matches across the country includes: checking travel advice, signing up to email alerts for the latest developments, ensuring your passport meets entry requirements, and getting travel insurance before you go

    The UK will also have a consular presence in Switzerland throughout the tournament, to support those British nationals requiring help or advice.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    The Women’s Euros promises to be a spectacular event with legions of fans travelling to multiple locations across Switzerland to enjoy the matches. Together with in-country consular support, we’ve put together some practical advice to help people have a safe and enjoyable trip and get behind our home teams.

    Lionesses Head Coach Sarina Wiegman said:

    We know thousands of you will be planning on travelling to Switzerland. Trips like this are a really big commitment and we understand the sacrifices our travelling support will be making. We thank you and please know your loyalty and passion will never be taken for granted by myself and the players.

    We wish everyone a fantastic experience and hope it is a summer to remember.

    Specifically fans travelling to Switzerland are advised to:

    In 2024, UK Women’s Sport attracted audiences of over 44.17 million, an increase of nearly 40% in just 2 years, with global revenues predicted to have risen by 240% in 4 years.

    The government is driving progress across women’s sport, which in addition to improving access for women and girls across the country is also helping to boost economic growth and deliver on our Plan for Change.

    On 21 March, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced an investment of £100 million to fund grassroots facilities throughout the UK. £98 million of this will support projects in 2025 to 2026.

    Wales Office Minister and Equalities Minister Nia Griffith said:

    Along with hundreds of other supporters across Wales I will be travelling to Switzerland this month to cheer on our fantastic women’s team as they take part in a major tournament for the very first time.

    I wish the squad and staff the very best of luck and Wales fans should follow advice and prepare for their trip so they can fully enjoy this historic and ground-breaking moment for Welsh football.

    Fan Engagement Executive at Football Association of Wales, Macsen Jones said:

    As Cymru prepare to make history with our first-ever appearance at the UEFA Women’s EURO, thousands of our supporters will be travelling to Switzerland to cheer them on.

    The FAW has been working closely with the FCDO to provide up-to-date travel advice, helping ensure that our fans stay safe and well-informed while supporting Cymru this summer.

    As a Euro match ticket holder, fans can travel from anywhere in Switzerland to the stadium and back on the day of your match for free, with the offer valid for the entire Swiss public transport network. Additionally, every host city will host a Fan Zone to provide entertainment beyond the 90 minutes of football.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Amnesty launched as part of mission to halve knife crime [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Amnesty launched as part of mission to halve knife crime [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 July 2025.

    Young people across the country are being urged to surrender bladed weapons including ninja swords to help prevent further loss of young lives to knife crime.

    With the support of Word 4 Weapons and FazAmnesty, young people will be able to anonymously hand in any weapons to surrender bins or a purpose-built and fully secure van, across London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands – the 3 highest areas for knife crime in England.

    Part of the government’s most ambitious surrender scheme yet and Plan for Change, the 37 new amnesty bins and the locations of the mobile surrender van will be strategically placed in these high-risk areas throughout July, in partnership with local councils, to provide young people with an accessible, alternative way to hand in weapons without needing to go to a police station.

    Throughout the month the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime and other grassroots organisations will be using their platform as trusted voices in communities to encourage young people to hand in their weapons via these routes, while signposting them to local support services.

    From 1 August 2025, deadly ninja swords will be banned in full – illegal to possess in public or private – and so, in addition to the surrender arrangements across the 3 hotspot areas, people will also be able to hand in ninja swords to designated police stations across the country.

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

    The launch of today’s scheme is a result of months of collaborative working with the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together over the next month and then the years to come as part of our Plan for Change.

    I am incredibly grateful to Pooja Kanda, Sandra Campbell and Faron Paul whose work to tackle knife crime is making a real difference to young peoples’ lives.

    This scheme is just one part of addressing knife crime. We will not stop listening to those who are directly working with those impacted by this crime.

    The scheme has been designed to provide people with a range of ways to hand in weapons outside of police stations. Word 4 Weapons and FazAmnesty, both members of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, have a proven track record in supporting young people to surrender dangerous weapons and directing them towards local support.

    Faron Paul, Founder of FazAmnesty said:

    I’m proud to support the extended surrender scheme and the launch of the mobile amnesty van which gives people a safe and easy way to hand in weapons, knives and other dangerous items. By taking this service directly into communities, I hope we can reach more individuals, encourage positive decisions and help reduce the number of harmful items on our streets.

    This initiative is an important step towards preventing violence, building trust and supporting our ongoing efforts to create safer, stronger communities for everyone.

    The ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme will also be running in tandem throughout July in police stations across England and Wales. The ban on ninja swords is a result of the tireless campaigning of the Kanda family, who tragically lost their son Ronan in 2022 when he was killed with one of these deadly weapons. The ban on ninja swords is part of Ronan’s Law which was introduced to Parliament this year and includes measures to stop the illegal sale of knives online. Ronan’s Law will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill.

    Members of the public wishing to surrender a ninja sword in exchange for compensation should take them to their local police station. Ninja swords can also be surrendered in any available surrender bin however this will not result in any compensation. Full details about how to claim compensation for ninja swords can be found on GOV.UK or via local police.

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:

    It has been 3 years since Ronan’s life was tragically taken as a result of the wounds inflicted by a ninja sword. Since then, we have relentlessly campaigned for ninja swords to be taken off the streets as they have no place in society.

    The government has now introduced a much needed ban on ninja swords, and we encourage those in possession to surrender them to make the community a safer place where children can walk home without fear.

    CEO of Word 4 Weapons, Sandra Campbell, said:

    Word 4 Weapons, in partnership with the Home Office, proudly supports the ninja sword ban and the removal of dangerous weapons and knives from public spaces to help build safe communities for all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark Review of Parental Leave Launched [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark Review of Parental Leave Launched [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 July 2025.

    • Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life
    • Review will look at all types of leave – including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave – to make the system fairer and easier to use
    • Part of the Plan to Make Work Pay – boosting growth, improving living standards for working families and ensuring working parents feel supported during this life-changing time

    Millions of families could benefit from a better start for their children as the government launches a major review of the parental leave and pay system – the first of its kind in Britain.

    As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, this review will look at how to modernise parental leave to support today’s families and help grow the economy.

    The review will look at the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.

    Right now, the system is complicated and doesn’t always give families the support they need. One in three dads don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave remains very low.

    This is a unique moment in family life – the arrival of a child is joyful, but also physically and emotionally demanding. It’s a time when new mothers need rest and recovery, and when both parents need space to bond with their baby and adjust to a new way of life.

    That’s why it’s so important that fathers and partners are able to be present – not just to support their partner’s recovery, but to play an active role in caring for their child from day one.

    Research shows that better parental leave can help close the gender pay gap and boost the economy by billions of pounds.

    The review will gather views from parents, employers and experts across the country and will end with a roadmap for possible reforms.

    This delivers on a key pledge in the Plan to Make Work Pay and supports two of the government’s core missions – growing the economy and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    “Those early years are the most special time for families, but too many struggle to balance their work and home lives.

    “Supporting working parents isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s vital for our economy.

    “Through our Plan to Make Work Pay, we’re already improving the parental leave system with new day 1 rights. This ambitious review will leave no stone unturned as we deliver for working families.”

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “The arrival of a child, whether through birth or adoption, is a life-changing moment. We want to make sure parents get the support they need to balance work and family life.

    “Campaigners have long called for change, and this Government has listened. This review is our chance to reset the system and build something that works for modern families and businesses.”

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    “Every parent should have the chance to spend time with their children during those precious early years.

    “This review delivers on our Plan for Change to support families and give children the best start in life.

    “By listening to parents and employers across the country, we’ll build a system that works for today’s working families.”

    Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families:

    “We’re pleased to see the Government take this important step forward and welcome the Terms of Reference set out in the parental leave review. It’s encouraging that several of the key asks in our open letter, signed by 22 leading organisations and 16 academics, have been taken on board, particularly the commitment to deliver a comprehensive review, which considers statutory pay levels and will consult the public.

    “Backing up the Government’s findings, our own research shows the current system is falling short, with one in five fathers having no access to parental leave at all, and many others unable to take what they’re entitled to due to financial pressures. This review is a vital opportunity to build a parental leave system that supports the needs of families today.”

    George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift:

    “The Government’s review of parental leave is the best chance in a generation to improve the system and make sure it actually works for working families.

    “When the last Labour government introduced paternity leave it was groundbreaking. But that offer, unchanged since, is now the least generous in Europe. Our broken parental leave has been overlooked for years, and finally sorting it out would be good not only for parents and children but for businesses too. The tens of thousands of mums, dads and future parents that make up our campaign are delighted the Government is delivering its promised review, and ambitious for the change to come.”

    Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant then Screwed:

    “It is great to see this long overdue review of the parental leave system. It’s time for the voices of mums, dads, parents and carers everywhere to be heard.

    “After 6 weeks mothers are forced to survive maternity leave on 44% less than the National Minimum Wage, and dads are forced to suck up the same benefits for their 2 weeks. Yet we know improving parental leave helps children get the best start in life, as well as being better for parents’ heath and equality at home, and closing gender pay and participation gaps in the workplace too. Investing in parental leave will pay back above and beyond, to the bottom line and to society: it really is a no-brainer.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 July 2025.

    Innovative technology will reach the hands of military personnel faster, as the work of the new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) organisation kicks off today with its formal establishment.

    • UK Defence Innovation begins work today to streamline delivery of innovative technology to Armed Forces personnel.
    • £400 million annual budget will help create high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector and turbocharge growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
    • UK Strategic Command will be renamed Cyber & Specialist Operations Command to reflect its evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR.

    UKDI will be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence, backed by a ringfenced annual budget of at least £400 million – supporting the government’s Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for UK growth and creating high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector.

    It follows the government committing to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.

    The new body will simplify and streamline the innovation system within MOD – as outlined in last month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It will take a new approach by moving quickly and decisively, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly, by setting out a clear pathway, working with the rest of government, from initial production to manufacturing at scale.

    UKDI will make the UK a defence innovation leader, funding and supporting firms of all sizes to take state-of-the-art technology from the drawing board to the production line, and into the hands of our Armed Forces. It will ensure cutting-edge innovations get into the hands of our Armed Forces faster, enhancing military capability while driving economic growth.

    This announcement comes alongside another significant development, with UK Strategic Command being renamed as the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) from 1 September 2025. This change reflects the Command’s evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR, particularly its leadership of the cyber domain, which the SDR demanded a greater focus on across defence and government as a whole. It also follows the MOD having to protect UK military networks against more than 90,000 ‘sub-threshold’ attacks in the last two years.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    Defence is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it and through UKDI we’re putting innovation at the heart of our approach.

    This shift represents a crucial part of our commitment to change defence, backing the high-growth UK firms developing pioneering technology of the future to boost our national security and make defence an engine for growth – fundamental to our Plan for Change and delivering on the SDR.

    The new name firmly places leadership of this crucial domain for defence and the Armed Forces with the new Command. It also better represents CSOC’s ‘Lead Command’ responsibilities for those specialist capabilities critical to operational success, including Intelligence, Special Forces, deployed medical capabilities, and Command and Control through the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander, UK Strategic Command – soon to be Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, said:

    The transition to Cyber & Specialist Operations Command is far more than a change in name – it is a clear statement of purpose. It reflects our leadership in the cyber domain, the integration of specialist capabilities, and our commitment to delivering effects across Defence. This new identity captures the essence of who we are: a community of experts, united by mission, operating at the forefront of modern warfare.

    The defence sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, with the industry supporting over 430,000 jobs nationwide – equivalent to one in every 60 UK jobs.

    As part of UKDI’s launch, two key initiatives have been established:

    • A new Rapid Innovation Team (RIT) enabling innovation at ‘wartime pace’ by utilising commercially available dual-use technology to address the most urgent operational problems.
    • Regional Engagement Teams across the UK to identify and support dual-use innovation from SMEs and academic spin-outs, delivering targeted outreach and business development support.

    The SDR highlighted the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the critical need for the UK to maintain its technological edge. UKDI will play a pivotal role in implementing the SDR’s recommendations by breaking down barriers between defence and commercial innovation, ensuring that game-changing technologies can be rapidly identified, developed, and deployed to the front line.

    The organisation has been formally established today and will develop over the next 12 months, with further design, transition and implementation work, while determining the optimal workforce structure needed to achieve its long-term ambitions. UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026.