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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany [June 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the NATO Summit in The Hague this evening.

    The leaders reflected on the volatile situation in the Middle East. Now was the time for diplomacy and for Iran to come to the negotiating table, they agreed.

    Turning to Ukraine, the leaders discussed the need to apply more pressure on the Kremlin, including through further sanctions.

    Discussing Gaza, the Prime Minister reiterated that the situation was intolerable and all sides needed to work towards an urgent ceasefire.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again this evening.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Only diplomacy can achieve a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Only diplomacy can achieve a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Security Council resolution 2231.

    Let me start by welcoming the announcement by President Trump of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

    But the situation remains extremely fragile. We call on all sides to respect the ceasefire in full.

    Our priority remains stability in the Middle East, and we are clear that restarting this conflict is in no one’s interest.

    Now is the time for a return to diplomacy.

    We, along with our partners, are clear that only diplomacy can achieve a durable solution to the Iranian nuclear threat.

    We urge Iran to take this opportunity to engage in negotiations now. It is critical that Iran does not miss this window for diplomacy.

    President, as we know, Iran’s nuclear programme has been far beyond any credible civilian justification, including an enriched uranium stockpile 40 times the limit set by the JCPoA.

    It is urgent that the IAEA have full access, especially on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

    We have been clear that Iran cannot develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.

    The UK, alongside our E3 partners, stands ready to support efforts towards a negotiated solution.

    We will use all diplomatic levers at our disposal to support a negotiated outcome and ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

    President, finally, we commend the IAEA and the Director-General for their vital work, including under the mandate of UN Security Council resolution 2231.

    They have displayed professionalism and impartiality, and they have our full support.

    We urge Iran to cooperate with the IAEA in the interests of both safety and diplomacy.

    Colleagues, we urge all parties to urgently pursue a deal that establishes international confidence long term that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

    This ceasefire is the first step towards that.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Schoof of the Netherlands [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Schoof of the Netherlands [June 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2025.

    The Prime Minister met Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague today.

    The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Schoof for his hospitality, adding that he was delighted to return to the city.

    Discussing the significant investment pledge made at this year’s summit, the Prime Minister said it was vital the next generation was able to enjoy the same peace and security that Allies had today.

    The leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed now was the time for diplomacy to prevail.

    On Ukraine, the leaders underscored the need to secure a just and lasting peace, and to step up support through shared industrial capability and defence innovation.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again later today.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 June 2025.

    The UK government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 16th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

    The 16th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 24 June 2025 in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government. Representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance.

    The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under the overall objective of ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the Agreement. The meeting allowed both sides to take stock of progress made and identify outstanding issues that must be urgently resolved to ensure that all beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement can fully enjoy their rights now and in the future.

    On the true and extra cohort issue, the co-chairs reiterated the warm welcome by the co-chairs of the Joint Committee at its meeting on 29 April 2025 of the legislative step taken by the UK Government relating to legal clarity for EU citizens with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and look forward to its practical application.

    The EU noted the work by the UK to automate the process of upgrading Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries from pre-settled status to settled status. In this context, the EU stressed, among others, that the UK measures to curtail residence rights on grounds of absences must be compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement. The EU also raised other issues of concern, such as travel incidents affecting EU citizens who are Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries and NHS charges for those who submit a residence application after the June 2021 deadline, which affects in particular newborn children.

    The UK highlighted that large numbers of UK national Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries would soon transition from temporary to permanent status. In that context, they raised the importance of adequate administrative preparation by the EU’s Member States, as well as clear guidance to beneficiaries. The UK also asked for updates on several implementation issues in certain Member States, including ensuring a proper process is in place to accept late applications, discrepancies in awarding temporary or permanent status and multiple immigration status.

    The EU and the UK also discussed the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), as well as the EU’s European Travel Information and Authorisation Systems (ETIAS) and the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA), from the perspective of their implications on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries. Both sides called on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries concerned to take in good time all necessary measures to facilitate their future travel, recognising the importance of timely communications to beneficiaries by national authorities.

    Representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, attended the meeting and asked questions about the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement in the UK and the EU, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

    The UK and the EU underlined their ongoing commitment to the full implementation of Part Two (Citizens’ Rights) of the Withdrawal Agreement, welcoming the progress made and agreeing to strengthen their ongoing cooperation on all issues. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in autumn.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 59 – UK Statement on Trafficking in persons [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 59 – UK Statement on Trafficking in persons [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Delivered at the 59th HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

    We thank the Special Rapporteur for bringing the important issue of trafficking faced by migrant domestic workers to the Council’s attention.

    Migrant domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to labour exploitation and abuse in destination countries. We must recognise the gendered risks of exploitation for migrant domestic workers and ensure these are considered in our prevention, assistance and protection efforts.

    In the UK, protections are in place for Overseas Domestic Workers to help minimise the risk of exploitation. However, we remain concerned about the links between visa arrangements for private domestic staff and instances of modern slavery. We are reviewing how the Overseas Domestic Worker route operates, and can share more information in due course.

    Internationally, the UK’s Work in Freedom programme has played a crucial role in preventing the trafficking of women and girls along migration routes in South Asia and the Gulf. The programme has supported over 770,000 individuals in local communities. It has worked with governments to shape more than 27 laws and policies aimed at protecting vulnerable migrant workers.

    Special Rapporteur,

    What more can be done to strengthen reintegration for migrant domestic workers who are victims of trafficking?

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 59 – UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Prevention of Genocide [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 59 – UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Prevention of Genocide [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

    UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We thank the Special Adviser for their ongoing contribution to driving an atrocity-prevention approach across the UN system and raising atrocity risks to the Secretary-General and UN Member States.

    Effective early warning systems that escalate concerns before they arise are critical for early action in preventing atrocities. We continue to support the “early warning systems for all” principle laid out in the Pact for the Future.

    However, we also need to act on early warning signs. Atrocities continue to be committed across the world.

    In Sudan, particularly Darfur, the reports of violence are deeply troubling.

    In Myanmar, the military continues to escalate violence, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure. All parties must protect civilians.

    In Afghanistan, the Taliban continue to enforce their inhuman restrictions on human rights, especially for women and girls.

    On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, we urge renewed global efforts to protect civilians and strengthen human rights in environments at risk. UN offices should continue to play a role in enabling the wider UN system in these endeavours.

    What are the challenges to enabling the wider UN system to act on atrocity risks and how can Member States help?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Industrial Strategy to provide over £150m to reinforce UK as services superpower [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Industrial Strategy to provide over £150m to reinforce UK as services superpower [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 June 2025.

    The Industrial Strategy will invest over £150 million in five transformative AI and technology programmes to help UK Professional and Business Services.

    • UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will drive forward 2035 ambition for UK professional and business services to be most dynamic and innovative in world
    • Plan includes five new centres of excellence across country to help services firms grow and adopt new technology
    • New international marketing campaign will also be deployed for UK services through GREAT

    The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will invest over £150 million in five transformative AI and technology programmes to help UK Professional and Business Services (PBS) sectors such as legal, management consulting and accountancy soar.

    The latest step in the Government’s Plan for Change, the funding comes as part of a wider package of commitments in the Industrial Strategy sector plan for the PBS sector, published this week.

    With professional business services worth £300 billion a year and supporting one in every seven jobs, the sector has been put at the heart of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, recognising its critical role in unlocking growth and creating jobs across all UK regions and sectors – and the UK’s place as the second largest exporter of services in the world, behind only the US.

    Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson CBE will visit the University of Edinburgh on Tuesday where she will meet with the Law Society of Scotland to hear more about AI adoption and how Scotland is a hub for world class PBS firms.

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

    The Professional and Business Services sector is the jewel in the crown of the UK economy, worth over £300bn a year and making up one in every seven jobs.

    Our Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change will help the sector soar further through the adoption of new technologies such as AI and increased promotion overseas as we strive to make the industry the most dynamic and innovative in the world by.

    The plan sets out the sector’s ambition for the UK to be the most trusted adviser to global industry, with the most dynamic and productive PBS sector by 2035, whilst remaining the world’s second largest exporter of professional business services after the US.

    The five programmes will be focused on building on the already high levels of AI adoption in the sector, with major spends on launching a new PBS adapted Made Smarter digital adoption programme and enhancing Innovate UK’s Next Generation Professional Services programme which advises firms to adopt new technologies and support research.

    From Birmingham to Glasgow, this will be accompanied by new PBS centres of excellence in five city regions to offer firms advice, with a new national AI skills hub to offer wider support, alongside a new research programme to tackle barriers to innovation – starting with real estate.

    By placing innovation at the heart of the plan, it aims to increase business investment in the PBS sector and ensure the UK will not just be an AI taker, but an AI maker in delivering modern Professional and Business Services.

    Other measures to boost the UK’s PBS sector in the plan include:

    • A new marketing campaign for PBS through GREAT + and more opportunities for PBS firms to join government trade missions.
    • Expanded support for regulators to negotiate mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements, especially with the EU, US, and other key markets.
    • A Trade Digitalisation Task Force to advise PBS firms and clients on the productivity and growth benefits of digital trade documents and processes and to break down barriers to adoption.
    • UK Export Finance to provide guarantees to PBS firms securing early-stage overseas project contracts for the first time, strengthening the UK’s position as the world’s second largest PBS exporter.
    • A new PBS AI Champion by summer 2025 to identify growth opportunities, address adoption barriers, and deliver sector-wide AI Adoption.

    Iain Wright, Chief Policy & Communications Officer, ICAEW, PBSC Business Co-Chair, said:

    The launch of the Industrial Strategy marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between business and government to enable the UK economy to grow and we were pleased to work with the government to develop the ambitious sector plan to make the UK the most trusted economy for PBS by 2035.

    With targeted support, the plan sets the stage for a more innovative, competitive and growing sector which underscores our position at the heart of the economy. I strongly welcome this renewed partnership, and we see today’s launch as the start of a long-term collaboration with government to turn this vision into reality.

    Kirsty Newman, Deloitte UK Market Chair, said:

    The PBS sector plan represents an important moment for our sector and sets out a bold and exciting vision for the future. It recognises our impact as a major employer and economic contributor in our own right, but also how we drive growth, innovation and resilience across the economy.

    The sector plan will help to ensure PBS is underpinned by the right skills and regulatory framework, is at the forefront of technological innovation and grows its presence internationally and in all regions and nations of the UK.

    The commitments from government and long-term engagement with the sector can solidify the UK’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for PBS.

    Tamzen Isacsson, Chief Executive of the Management Consultancies Association (MCA), said:

    Consulting is one of the UK’s great economic success stories, with firms helping clients to grow, innovate, and tackle complex challenges. The Industrial Strategy and PBS sector plan is a blueprint to go further – accelerating tech adoption, opening procurement to SMEs, upskilling our workforce, and cementing the UK’s global leadership in services.

    As a sector with over 300 offices across the UK, we look forward to supporting the regional agenda of the Government as well as partnering with it to promote the skills and expertise of UK consulting globally.

    Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, said:

    The government’s new Industrial Strategy can be a game-changer for the UK economy and the legal sector. Putting legal services at the heart of the country’s economic engine will fuel sustained growth.

    Our legal industry is the second largest in the world, the biggest in Europe and brings all other sectors together. By opening global markets for UK lawyers, investing in our courts’ infrastructure, supporting technology in legal services and upholding the rule of law, we ensure the UK remains a global jurisdiction of choice. The Law Society looks forward to working with the government to deliver its long-term vision for growth in our sector.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £1.6m lost to gig ticket scams as public urged to take caution [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1.6m lost to gig ticket scams as public urged to take caution [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 June 2025.

    Gig-goers have been urged to be wary of scams when purchasing last-minute tickets on social media after £1.6 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2024.

    On the eve of Glastonbury, British music lovers are being urged to take caution over last-minute tickets for sale on social media, after new figures revealed that the amount lost to ticket fraud more than doubled to £1.6m in 2024.

    The government has issued the warning as part of its wider crackdown on scammers and online fraud, designed to ensure money is kept in working people’s pockets, as part of the Plan for Change.

    With a host of tours and festivals due to take place this summer, including the Oasis reunion tour kicking off in July, new Action Fraud data released by the Home Office today finds the public lost more than £1.6 million in scams related to concert tickets in 2024 – more than double the figure from the previous year.

    Around 3,700 gig ticket fraud reports were made to Action Fraud in 2024, with almost half of them referring to offers made on social media platforms. The government has called on tech companies to go further and faster to protect the public from the fraudulent offers being advertised on their platforms.

    The data shows that people in their twenties were most likely to become victims of ticket fraud last year, accounting for 27% of all victims, and the government has urged people to follow the government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign advice to ensure they are protected from scams ahead of a busy summer of gigs and festivals.

    1. If you’re offered tickets for something in high demand don’t let the fear of missing out rush your decision. Take a moment to stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.
    2. Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office or an official ticketing website.
    3. Never move away from an official payment platform to make a direct payment via bank transfer or virtual currency. Use the site’s recommended payment methods to stay protected.

    With fraud the most commonly experienced crime in the UK, affecting 1 in 15 adults each year, the government is taking further steps to crack down on the scammers behind the surge in fraud over the last decade, including through a new ban on SIM farms, technical devices which facilitate fraud on an industrial scale.

    The UK is also driving the response to fraud internationally through the adoption of the first ever UN resolution on fraud and has launched the first ever Insurance Fraud Charter to reduce fraud against the sector and consumers. The government will go further by publishing a new, expanded fraud strategy before the end of the year, which will place raising public awareness and working with tech companies at its heart.

    This follows government plans to tackle greedy ticket touts through new measures announced earlier this year which will put a cap on the price of resold tickets for concerts, live sport and other events, to put the power back in the hands of fans.

    Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:

    Fraud is an absolutely shameful crime and today’s data shows that anyone can be a victim.

    While millions of Britons are getting ready to attend concerts this summer, the scammers are getting ready to exploit the desperate search for tickets, posting fake messages on social media sites offering to resell tickets they can’t use, or making last-minute offers from fake ticket companies.

    That is why our campaign is called Stop! Think Fraud, so no matter how real a deal looks, we all need to take a moment to think: am I being ripped off? So, let’s all stay cautious, stay alert, and stay protected from fraud. Don’t let the scammers ruin your summer.

    Tor Garnett, City of London Police Commander for Cyber and Economic Crime, said:

    People go to gigs for that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience – especially at sold out concerts and festivals, where the atmosphere is unmatched. But the excitement can vanish in an instant when fans discover their tickets are fake or they’ve been scammed through social media or resale sites. The loss isn’t just financial – it’s deeply emotional, turning anticipation into heartbreak.

    Criminals are targeting those looking to snap up last minute or resale tickets for sold out and highly in-demand concerts this year, and Action Fraud reporting data highlights this increasing issue. That’s why we encourage everyone to stay alert and recognise the tactics fraudsters use to commit ticket fraud this summer.

    Key signs of ticket fraud include unsolicited messages with ticket offers and deals, or requests for payment via bank transfer. When buying tickets, use a reputable or official ticket-selling site. Always take a moment to double check offers for tickets and pay using a credit card. Follow the advice from Stop! Think Fraud site on how to protect yourself from fraud.

    National Coordinator for the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, Mike Andrews, said:

    Every summer music fans desperate to see their favourite artists at festivals or stadium tours are left distraught and considerably out of pocket at the turnstiles as they discover the tickets they bought in good faith are in fact part of a fraudulent scam.

    Recent National Trading Standards prosecutions have led to serious jail time for ticket touts, which should send a message to all those who choose to engage in fraud that there are severe consequences.

    Fans should avoid buying from unofficial ticket sellers, but we know fans desperate for tickets will try to source them via any means possible. For fans who do risk using secondary sites, always use a credit card and never pay by money transfer or buy tickets on social media channels.

    Founder of face-value ticket resale platform Twickets, Richard Davies, said:

    We’ve seen firsthand how fraudsters attempt to exploit high-demand tours. In recent weeks alone, we’ve had to warn fans about multiple fake Twickets accounts and websites set up to trick Oasis fans into handing over money for non-existent tickets.

    Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking trusted resale platforms like ours or creating convincing social media profiles. It’s vital that fans stop and think before making a purchase. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always check that the platform is an official resale partner, never buy tickets from unofficial sellers on social media or marketplaces and avoid anyone asking for payment via personal bank transfer.

    Twickets was created to give fans a safer, fairer way to buy and sell tickets at face value, and we’ve already helped thousands of Oasis fans do just that ahead of the band’s upcoming tour. We’re committed to protecting fans and will continue to work hard to ensure ticketing remains transparent, trustworthy and scam-free.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 June 2025.

    Up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost British exports across key industrial sectors as part of new growth measures spearheaded by UK Export Finance (UKEF).

    • Multi-billion-pound direct lending by UK Export Finance will help boost orders for British exporters across key industrial sectors, including defence
    • Export credit agency to introduce new product to secure critical minerals supply and plans to legislate to increase its statutory commitment limit to support even more businesses
    • New measures announced as part of Industrial Strategy published yesterday

    Through its Direct Lending Facility, UKEF – the government’s export credit agency – provides loans to overseas buyers, allowing them to finance the purchase of capital goods and services from UK suppliers.

    Outlined in the Industrial Strategy, UKEF now has greater flexibility of direct lending powers to support all eight Industrial Strategy sectors, from clean industries and life sciences to advanced manufacturing and defence.

    The £13 billion marks a £3 billion uplift in UKEF’s facility. Of this £13 billion, at least £3 billion will be used to stimulate defence exports, demonstrating the growing importance of this sector to economic and national security.

    Recent direct lending deals include a £18.8 million equivalent loan for an Angolan clean water project delivering up to approximately £6.8 million of supply contracts for British exporters, and a £23 million equivalent loan to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 UK-made fire-fighting vehicles.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    UKEF plays an instrumental role in delivering our Industrial Strategy – providing the essential support that British businesses need to compete internationally.

    By unlocking export opportunities and supporting innovation across key sectors through mechanisms like direct lending, UKEF is helping to drive sustainable economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and strengthen Britain’s place as a go-to trading partner.

    Our commitment to backing British exporters forms a vital part of this government’s Plan for Change which will raise living standards in every part of UK.

    Following on from the announcement of UKEF’s Critical Minerals Supply Finance product in the Autumn Statement, the department is going further to secure industry access to critical minerals by launching a new loan guarantee scheme for UK-based suppliers that sell critical minerals, or products that contain critical minerals, to UK exporters.

    UKEF also plans to legislate to have its statutory commitment limit – the entire amount of support that the department can have on its books at any one time – increased which will enable it to support more businesses of all sizes across the UK. The department will review its operating mandate to consider taking on a broader trade and investment finance remit.

    To encourage growth at a local level, the department plans to expand its network of 24 local export finance managers to give focus on city regions and clusters where key sectors have a presence. Export finance managers provide free and impartial guidance to businesses on their export finance needs.

    UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid added:

    UKEF is well positioned to drive exports across high-impact industry sectors and create economic growth. We look forward to playing a key role in driving delivery of the Industrial Strategy, using our increased capacity and flexible product range.

    Backed by our comprehensive five-year business plan that will reach businesses of all sizes across every region and nation of the UK, we’re laying the extra foundations to enable thousands more British businesses to take their products and services to global markets.

    The measures are announced ahead of UKEF’s 2024/25 annual report & accounts which will be published shortly. The results are expected to show it was a record-breaking year for the department.

    It will build on the results of the 2023/24 financial year in which UKEF provided over £8.8 billion of support to 650 businesses of all sizes and types, supported up to 41,000 jobs in communities around the whole UK and the contribution of up to £3.3 billion to the overall economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Delivery For Britain – PM Hails £40 Billion Amazon Investment Set To Create Thousands Of Jobs [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Delivery For Britain – PM Hails £40 Billion Amazon Investment Set To Create Thousands Of Jobs [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 June 2025.

    Prime Minister welcomes a £40bn investment plan by Amazon over the next three years in show of confidence following Industrial Strategy launch.

    • Amazon confirms £40bn investment plan for the UK over the next three years in vote of confidence following the Industrial Strategy
    • Investment goes towards four new fulfilment centres in Hull, Northampton and East Midlands creating over 4,000 jobs across the sites
    • Business Secretary visits Amazon’s HQ to welcome news as further proof Britain is the best place to do business as Government’s Plan for Change delivers for working people

    Thousands of new jobs are set to be created across the UK, as Amazon today (Tuesday 24 June) announces a landmark £40 billion investment over the next three years.

    This investment – announced the same week as the Government’s transformational Industrial Strategy – includes building four new fulfilment centres and new delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades and expansions to its existing network of over 100 operations buildings across the country.

    The investment will create thousands of new permanent, full-time jobs in the UK, with the vast majority outside of London and the South East.

    These include 2,000 jobs at the previously announced state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Hull and 2,000 jobs at another in Northampton, plus additional positions at new sites in the East Midlands and at delivery stations across the country.

    The investment also includes part of the £8 billion previously announced in September 2024 for building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This will support the UK’s ambition to increase AI compute capacity and meet the growing demand for cloud and AI technologies, while creating thousands of skilled jobs in the tech supply chain.

    Alongside the planned creation of the new operations facilities, the investment will also go towards the redevelopment of the historic Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, continued investment in multimillion-pound skills and training programmes, and landmark original TV and film productions.

    This announcement is the latest sign that the government’s Plan for Change is working – making Britain the best place to do business, creating jobs, and putting more money in working people’s pockets.

    It follows the publication of the modern Industrial Strategy, which marks a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries slashing energy bills for industry, increasing skills, and boosting investment to unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met Amazon’s CEO last week ahead of the announcement, said:

    Amazon’s £40 billion investment adds another major win to Britain’s basket and is a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.

    It means thousands of new jobs—real opportunities for people in every corner of the country to build careers, learn new skills, and support their families.

    Whether it’s cutting-edge AI or same-day delivery, this deal shows that our Plan for Change is working—bringing in investment, driving growth, and putting more money in people’s pockets.

    Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:

    This investment is a powerful endorsement of Britain’s economic strengths.

    The world is changing, but this Government is working hand in hand with businesses to navigate that change to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of the country.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit Amazon’s HQ in London to mark the announcement. There he will meet apprentices to talk about the importance of backing British skills just days after the Government announced a £275 million skills package to boost training and build a skilled workforce of the future.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, and seeing massive international firms like Amazon bank on Britain shows we are on the right track.

    This investment will create highly-skilled jobs and boost living standards across the country, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Amazon are offering 1,000 new full-time apprenticeship roles this year, and already employs more than 75,000 people in over 100 sites across the UK. This new investment will supercharge its impact on local economies. The data centre investment alone is expected to contribute £14 billion to the UK economy over 5 years (2024-2028) and support 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs each year – many of them in small and medium-sized businesses.

    Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, said:

    Amazon has been proud to serve our customers in the UK for the past 27 years. Thanks to their support, we’ve grown to be part of over 100 communities nationwide, from developing drone technology in Darlington to producing world-class entertainment at our studios in Bray. We now employ over 75,000 people and have become one of the UK’s largest private sector employers and taxpayers.

    When Amazon invests, it’s not only in London and the South East – we’re bringing innovation and job creation to communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, strengthening the UK’s economy and delivering better experiences for customers wherever they live.

    The announcement comes as UK business confidence hits a nine-month high, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, with optimism boosted by falling interest rates and new trade deals with the EU, US and India – cutting costs for businesses and protecting jobs.

    Since the government was elected, interest rates have fallen four times, and the UK started the year as the fastest-growing economy in the G7. The government has also secured three major trade deals with the EU, US and India, which will cut costs for businesses, protect jobs and attract further investment.