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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government honours exceptional exporters with Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government honours exceptional exporters with Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards [June 2025]

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

    Twelve exceptional UK-based SMEs have been named today as winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.

    • Twelve SMEs announced as winners of the 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards
    • Now in their third year, the awards celebrate outstanding small businesses achieving exporting success
    • Winning entries highlight the UK’s strength in sustainability and AI innovation

    From ethical metal recycling to AI-driven edtech and digital identity, twelve exceptional UK-based SMEs have been named today as winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.

    Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the international growth of the UK’s most dynamic small businesses. While the awards naturally reflect the sectoral diversity of British innovation, this year’s winners signal a global appetite for UK leadership in two high-growth areas: sustainability and artificial intelligence. From Osbit’s offshore wind infrastructure to Twin Science’s gamified climate action kits and ubloquity’s AI-enhanced trade platform, British SMEs are exporting solutions to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said:

    The innovation and entrepreneurship shown by the businesses entering the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards demonstrate the best of British business.

    When small businesses export, the whole economy benefits. By celebrating the outstanding international trade achievements of UK SMEs, we hope to encourage more businesses to get on the exporting ladder and take the best of Britain to markets around the world.

    This year’s winners were chosen from hundreds of entries across 12 sector-focused categories, including two new areas—Digital & Technology and Export Services—introduced to reflect evolving global opportunities. Each category includes one winner and up to three highly commended businesses.

    In the Digital & Technology category, Porotech stood out for its AR and AI-powered wearables, with 90% of revenue from exports and partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft and Foxconn. Twin Science & Robotics, winner in Education & EdTech, exports to over 40 countries and has seen 70% annual revenue growth through its STEM kits focused on AI, robotics and climate literacy.

    Sustainability also remains a major theme across the winners. Osbit, winner in Low Carbon Energy, delivers mission-critical offshore wind technology, with 65% of revenue from exports. Meanwhile, Avon Specialty Metals, recognised in Advanced Manufacturing & Construction, recycles high-performance metals and alloys and has grown international sales by 192% over three years.

    Winners like Gerald McDonald & Company (Agriculture, Food & Drink) and LIMB-art (Healthcare) underscore the global demand for British-made, high-quality products. From innovative prosthetics to premium fruit derivatives, these SMEs prove that exporting drives resilience, expansion and innovation.

    This year’s winners will receive a bespoke promotional package, including a one-year membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, a working capital masterclass with Lloyds Bank, an invitation to the winners’ reception in London, professional photography of their business, bespoke promotion on DBT channels and a digital badge, certificate and trophy to commemorate their achievements.

    By creating jobs, driving innovation and exporting world-class British products and services, these businesses are making a vital contribution to the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.

    A key part of this mission is supporting SMEs to grow, scale and enter global markets—recognising that when more businesses trade internationally, the entire UK economy benefits. Exporting supports a fifth of UK employment1, paying on average 7% higher wages2 and delivering 21% higher productivity for goods exporters3.

    To help achieve its mission, the Government recently revamped the Board of Trade to boost SME exports and will soon launch its Trade Strategy. This will set out its approach to maximising export opportunities, including those arising from recently signed agreements with India, the US and the EU.

    2025 Winners of the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards:

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Construction – Avon Specialty Metals (Gloucester): Selling to 20+ countries with exporting accounting for 31% of revenue from sustainable alloy/metal recycling and AI-driven processing
    • Agriculture, Food & Drink – Gerald McDonald and Company Ltd (Basildon, Essex): World’s largest supplier of premium Japanese yuzu juice, exporting to 4 continents
    • Consultancy & Professional Services – Champions Speakers (Loughborough): Exporting to 66 countries, 122% growth in two years
    • Creative Industries – Luminous Show Technology (Exeter): Special effects hardware used in Harry Potter and the Commonwealth Games, with 35% export revenue
    • Digital & Technology – Porotech (Cambridge): 90% export revenue; cutting-edge AR and AI display tech
    • Education & EdTech – Twin Science & Robotics Ltd (London): STEM tools used in 40+ countries, 93% export revenue
    • Financial Services & FinTech – Ozone Financial Technology Ltd (London): Exports to 15 countries; 77% of revenue from international markets
    • Healthcare – LIMB-art (Conwy, Wales): Stylish prosthetics sold in 10 countries; 30% of revenue from exports
    • Infrastructure & Engineering – Maritime Developments Limited (Aberdeen): 92% export revenue from offshore energy tech
    • Low Carbon Energy – Osbit (Riding Mill, Northumberland): Bespoke offshore wind equipment exported to 9 countries
    • Retail & Consumer Goods – Jenolite UK Ltd (Biggleswade, Bedfordshire): Iconic rust removal brand exporting to 50+ countries, with £2.9M in export revenue
    • Export Services – ubloquity (Scarva, Northern Ireland): AI, blockchain and digital identity solutions empowering businesses to scale globally

    2025 Highly Commended Businesses:

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Construction – Bespoke Stairlifts (Huddersfield), Delta-Xero Distribution Ltd (Fareham), John King Chains (Leeds)
    • Agriculture, Food & Drink – Evenproducts Ltd (Evesham), PBS International (Crawley), Nourished (Birmingham)
    • Consultancy & Professional Services – Jean Edwards Consulting (Brighton), Landell Mills (Wiltshire), The Config Team (Cumbria)
    • Creative Industries – Jesmonite (Shropshire), Rainbow Productions (London), Wild Creations (Cardiff)
    • Digital & Technology – Hitomi Broadcast (Maidenhead), iLivestock (Dunfermline), uqudo (Manchester)
    • Education & EdTech – Alphablocks (London), Learning Resource Network (London), Lincoln College (Lincoln)
    • Financial Services & FinTech – Bueno Europe (Birmingham), Hoptroff (London)
    • Healthcare – Black Space Technology (Birmingham), Birmingham Biotech (Birmingham), Novocuris (London)
    • Infrastructure & Engineering – Rosehill Polymers (West Yorkshire), Direct Access (Nantwich), Atmos International (Manchester)
    • Low Carbon Energy – Munro Vehicles (Glasgow)
    • Retail & Consumer Goods – RSscan Lab (Ipswich), Dr.PAWPAW (London), The British Hamper Company (Lincoln)
    • Export Services – Intralink (Oxford), Abex Infoway Europe Ltd (London)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Greater security delivered for the British people with record billion-pound investment in new national biosecurity centre [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Greater security delivered for the British people with record billion-pound investment in new national biosecurity centre [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 June 2025.

    Huge investment in new National Biosecurity Centre to protect the British public and the economy from future pandemics.

    The country’s ability to prevent a future pandemic has been significantly enhanced today (Tuesday 24th June) with the announcement of a £1 billion investment in a new National Biosecurity Centre.

    This funding will deliver the next phase of a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UK’s foremost animal biosecurity facility.

    The investment is one part of the new National Security Strategy, to be published today, which marks a step change in this country’s approach to securing British interests whilst also creating jobs, wages, and growth for the British people as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy. Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Furthermore, about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, making the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.

    Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact our farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains. The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth £16 billion per year alone to the UK economy.

    The funding will now enhance the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever, whilst enhancing our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    The first role of any Government is national security.

    That is why we are making a record investment into the nation’s biosecurity capabilities, and in turn our national security, after years of chronic underfunding.

    Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change.

    The new National Biosecurity Centre will play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats we face, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead.

    The high containment laboratories for animal health, run by the Animal & Plant Health Agency at Weybridge in Surrey, urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which are growing in the face of our changing climate. The Government inherited laboratories in poor condition with their long-term future in doubt and the country facing increased risk without action.

    The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy and announced in the National Security Strategy. This new network of government laboratories provides a sovereign capability that keeps the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks.

    The network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between the UK Health Security Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. It will ensure we are better prepared for a crisis, can respond more effectively when an incident does happen and deliver a more holistic approach to biological research.

    Jenny Stewart, Senior Science Director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said:

    This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come.

    Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UK’s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.

    Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.

    Preparatory work at the Weybridge site is already underway. Planning Consent has been secured, and a contractor has been appointed to build the main new facilities. The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027, with the full NBC live and operational in 2033/34.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK partnership brings new 250-bed Islamabad hospital closer to opening [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK partnership brings new 250-bed Islamabad hospital closer to opening [June 2025]

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

    The first NHS Trust partnership with a Pakistani hospital will focus on sharing clinical best practices and staff development.

    London’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will provide specialist knowledge and advice on hospital planning, staffing and training to Novacare. In turn, affiliate fees from services will be reinvested back into Imperial’s NHS services.

    The hospital is designed to offer comprehensive care across 28 clinical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and maternal health. It is set to open in 2026 and will feature advanced infrastructure such as smart building management systems, AI-optimised vertical transportation, and infection control and fall prevention technologies.

    British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

    This agreement is bringing the UK’s world leading healthcare expertise to Pakistan, and in turn support the UK’s NHS. Through sharing the NHS’s cutting edge clinical best practices, and through helping to develop staff, this agreement will directly help to save lives.

    This partnership strengthens the UK’s global healthcare leadership by exporting NHS clinical standards and expertise. It includes opportunities for Novacare clinicians to observe multidisciplinary team meetings, receive second opinions from UK specialists, and undergo training aligned with NHS protocols. Complex cases may also be referred to Imperial’s private facilities in London, enhancing revenue for UK healthcare institutions.

    Her Excellency visited the construction of the hospital with the UK Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Mohammad Yasin MP, who is on a 3-day visit to Pakistan. Following a tour of the site, she met with:

    • Johannes Kedzierski, CEO, Novacare
    • Faraz Minai, Director, Novacare and CEO, Andalus Holdings
    • Ghalib Hafiz, Director, Novacare and Partner, Andalus Holdings
    • Mustafa Hassan, Director, Novacare
    • Qaiser Rafiq, Project Director, Novacare

    The Novacare Islamabad site, based in DHA Phase V, will be a 15-minute journey from the Blue Zone by the time the hospital opens.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by recent violence in Tripoli – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by recent violence in Tripoli – 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 Libya.

    President, I will make three points today.

    First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by recent violence and clashes in Tripoli.

    We urge all parties to exercise restraint and engage constructively in mediation efforts to prevent further escalation.

    The clashes underscore the fragility of Libya’s security landscape and the urgent need for sustainable political progress.

    Second, I want to echo the SRSG’s remarks and welcome the renewed commitment shown at the International Follow-up Committee on Libya in Berlin on 20 June.

    We are concerned at Libya’s trajectory, particularly the worsening political and economic conditions.

    And these trends threaten the country’s stability, sovereignty and unity.

    We therefore fully support UNSMIL’s efforts to improve international coordination in support of the UN-facilitated political process.

    Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the valuable work of the Advisory Committee on technical options for elections pathways.

    Now, as SRSG Tetteh engages stakeholders to devise a political roadmap, we call on all Libyan actors to engage meaningfully with UNSMIL as it moves into the next stage of the process.

    Our message is clear: now is the opportunity for Libyan actors to shape the future of the political process, towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Libya.

    In closing, we recognise the importance of creating conditions that ultimately enable national elections to be conducted safely, inclusively and credibly.

    Forthcoming municipal elections provide an opportunity for Libyan institutions and security actors to demonstrate their commitment to this goal.

    This is an opportunity for Libyans to exercise their democratic rights and shape local governance.

    It is essential that all actors work to foster an environment in which democratic practice can take root and be sustained.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Home testing kits for lifesaving checks against cervical cancer [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Home testing kits for lifesaving checks against cervical cancer [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 June 2025.

    Government to offer home testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme under the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan.

    • Under-screened women to be offered convenient human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits under new 10 Year Health Plan
    • Home kits offered to those who have missed their invite, making care more convenient and supporting our shift from treatment to prevention
    • New initiative builds on the NHS’s personalised approach to cervical screening

    Women and people with a cervix across England who haven’t come forward for vital health checks will be offered home testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme under the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan.

    The ground-breaking initiative aims to revolutionise cervical cancer prevention rates by tackling deeply entrenched barriers that keep some women away from potentially life-saving screenings, including a fear of discomfort, embarrassment, cultural sensitivities and the struggle to find time for medical appointments.

    Women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening will be offered a self-sample kit to complete at home. The kits are then sent out in discreet packaging and returned via pre-paid mail in the local postbox.

    Participation in cervical cancer screening currently sits at just 68.8% – well below the NHS England target of 80%. This means over 5 million women in England are not up-to-date with their routine check-up. But experts believe this targeted approach could increase participation in the screening programme that saves approximately 5,000 lives a year across England.

    The initiative is part of the government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan – due to be published in the coming weeks – which sets out how the government plans to tackle the challenges facing the health service and build an NHS that is fit for the future by doing more to prevent ill health in the first place.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people’s lives, not the other way around. They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.

    Our 10 Year Health Plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts.

    We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances are of survival. By making screening more convenient, we’re tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.

    The self-testing kits, which detect HPV, a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer, allow women to carry out this testing in the privacy and convenience of their own homes.

    Michelle Kane, NHS Director of Vaccination and Screening Delivery and Transformation, said:

    There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them.

    I’d encourage anyone who gets an invite for a cervical screening, either from their local GP practice or the NHS App, to attend and if you have any worrying symptoms, please contact your GP. It could save your life.

    The programme specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments, with younger women, ethnic minority communities facing cultural hurdles, people with a disability and LGBT+ people all set to benefit.

    Anyone testing positive for HPV through self-sampling will be encouraged to attend a clinician-taken follow-up cervical screening test to check for cervical cell changes.

    Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive of the Eve Appeal, said:

    There are so many different reasons why those who are eligible aren’t responding to their cervical screening invitation letter.

    HPV self-testing will be a step change for some. Being able to do the test in their own time and following simple instructions is what many people want and need. Ensuring that the under-screened and never-screened know about this new test is vital for Eve.

    As the leading gynae cancer prevention charity, we know how vital it is to address health inequalities and make sure that everyone knows that this test is available to them and why it’s important.

    Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

    Screening is a powerful tool to prevent cervical cancer and save lives, but we know it isn’t always easy for everyone to take part. For some, the test may seem uncomfortable, embarrassing or simply hard to fit into their lives. That’s why we welcome the UK government’s decision to roll out cervical cancer home screening kits in England – to help remove barriers and make cervical screening more accessible.

    The gold standard way to test for HPV is still a sample taken by a clinician and this will be suitable for most people. But beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, and this move helps to bring us closer to that goal. It’s important to remember that cervical screening is for people without symptoms so, if you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.

    This approach builds on the NHS’s recent announcement to make cervical cancer screening more personalised. From July, women aged 25 to 49 who test negative for HPV in a clinician-taken test will be invited for their next test in 5 years rather than 3, following a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee. The programme is in line with major clinical evidence that shows if a person tests negative for HPV they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next decade. Anyone whose sample indicates the presence of HPV will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings.

    Digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening were also recently rolled out as part of the NHS App’s ‘ping and book’ service to make screenings even more convenient, boost uptake and save lives.

    Through our Plan for Change, the government is cutting waiting times for cancer patients, with 99,000 extra patients having had cancer diagnosed or ruled out since July than in the previous year. In February, the highest ever proportion of patients had a diagnosis or an all clear within 4 weeks.

    Dr Anita Lim, Chief Investigator of the YouScreen trial and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London, said:

    This is a significant step forward for cervical cancer prevention and brings us closer to the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040. The YouScreen trial, which provided self-sampling HPV kits to under-screen women in London, demonstrated that self-sampling could reach people who find it difficult to attend traditional screening, including those from diverse and underserved populations.

    It’s hugely positive to see this now reflected in national policy, helping more people get protected from this highly preventable cancer.

    Gem, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015, said:

    My cervical cancer was picked up during a routine screening by my GP. I was referred for surgery to remove the cancer cells, as well as lymph nodes from my abdomen and pelvis.

    It took me about 6 weeks to recover, and because it was caught early and hadn’t spread, I was told at my follow-up appointment that I was cancer-free and didn’t require further treatment.

    I’ve been cancer-free for years now, but I still live with the aftermath of my diagnosis. I hope that one day we live in a world where cervical cancer is eliminated. With advances in vaccines and screening, I believe that day is getting ever closer.

    For many, though, there are barriers to attending screening. Our everyday lives are busy juggling jobs, family life and more, which can make attending appointments difficult. But feelings of embarrassment, fear or unease can also prevent people from going.

    Making it easier for people to access screening they can do at home removes some of those barriers and will, I’m sure, save lives.

    If I hadn’t attended screening when I did, I’m certain I would have been facing a very different outcome. I will always be thankful that I went when I did and now try to use my experience to help others.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend [June 2025]

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

    The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.

    • The UK will purchase 12 F-35As and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change
    • Biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, complementing the UK’s existing sea-borne deterrent
    • Order will support 20,000 jobs across the UK, with over 100 UK-based suppliers contributing to the F35 programme

    The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.

    The Prime Minister will announce at the NATO summit tomorrow [Wednesday] that the UK intends to buy at least a dozen of the dual capable aircraft, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.

    The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the F35 programme in the UK, with 15% of the global supply chain for the jets based in Britain, supporting highly skilled jobs and opportunities for working people and delivering a defence dividend across the country.

    The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, with the Government expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the programme. The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package will deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft for the taxpayer.

    The purchase represents the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation. It also reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War.

    The UK will deploy the jets as part of NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission, strengthening NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.

    “Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies.

    “The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.”

    From Samlesbury to Stevenage, UK based firms such as BAE Systems, Cobham, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, Martin Baker, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls Royce, Leonardo UK , Ultra Electronics and EDM Limited all play a vital role in the supply of stealth fighter jets.

    The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the UK is confronting a new era of threat, including rising nuclear risks. It recommended that the UK further strengthen our commitment to effective deterrence and our partnership with our NATO Allies, building on our unique role as the only European power to pledge our nuclear deterrent to defend our NATO allies.

    The DCA mission is a critical part of NATO’s nuclear deterrence, helping to keep people across the alliance safe.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said:

    “The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, ​and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.

    “This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.

    The UK has always supported NATO’s nuclear mission, by providing conventional capabilities and resources such as aircraft and airspace to its annual exercises.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    “The Strategic Defence Review confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. And it recommended a new UK role in our collective defence and deterrence through a NATO-first approach.

    “This commitment is an embodiment of NATO first, strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across in the UK.”

    Our commitment to Britain’s nuclear deterrent is absolute, underpinned by our ‘triple-lock’: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.

    This announcement further underlines the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO, and the principle of collective defence under Article V.

    The UK remains committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and upholds all our obligations under the NPT.

    This announcement follows the SDR’s commitments to deliver up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and £15bn this parliament to deliver the sovereign nuclear warhead programme.

    Additional information

    • Alongside the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture also relies on the United States’ nuclear weapons forward-deployed in Europe, as well as on the capabilities and infrastructure provided by Allies.
    • A number of NATO countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance. These aircraft are central to NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission and are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness. In their nuclear role, the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear weapons in a conflict, and personnel are trained accordingly.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Making the UK the best place to do business – Modern Industrial Strategy set to deepen global collaboration [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Making the UK the best place to do business – Modern Industrial Strategy set to deepen global collaboration [June 2025]

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

    Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business, delivering on the Plan for Change.

    • Strategy developed in partnership with business, marking a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries.
    • New Industrial Strategy to unlock billions in investment and support 1.1 million new well-paid jobs over the next decade. *New Global Talent Taskforce and £54m fund will attract world-class researchers, top talent and their teams to the UK.
    • Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%.

    The plan focuses on 8 high growth sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services and Life Sciences, where there is potential for faster growth.

    The Modern Industrial Strategy unveiled on Monday 23 June sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.

    It includes targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.
    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. The includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.
    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.
    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.
    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce. The Taskforce and a £54m Global Talent Fund will support top talent to relocate to the UK.
    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.
    • Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations, removing burdens on businesses as well as accelerating house building.
    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.
    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more.
    • Upskilling the nation with an extra £1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29, and delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses in relevant skills funded by the Growth and Skills Levy and skills packages targeted at defence digital and engineering.
    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Five sector plans have been published in tandem:

    Advanced Manufacturing

    Backing the Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

    Clean Energy Industries

    Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

    Creative Industries

    Maximizing the value of the UK’s Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

    Digital and Technologies

    Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland.

    Professional and Business Services

    Ensuring the UK’s Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long-term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Regarding the launch of the New Industrial Strategy, British Ambassador to Chile, Louise de Sousa, said:

    The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy is our ten-year plan to strengthen infrastructure, reduce costs for businesses and simplify regulation.

    With a highly skilled workforce and unrivalled global business connectivity, the UK provides an ideal location to scale, invest and grow business, by accessing the G7’s lowest corporation tax and a generous R&D tax.

    International from the start, this plan provided businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators the stability and ease needed to make long-term investment decisions, which, in turn will help strengthening the already strong economic ties between UK and Chile.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar [June 2025]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this evening.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Qatar and underscored his deep concern at the volatile situation in the region.

    He paid tribute to Qatar’s Armed Forces for their response to Iran’s attack yesterday.

    The leaders agreed it was now vital all sides seized the opportunity presented by the ceasefire to secure a diplomatic way forward.

    Turning to Gaza, the Prime Minister and His Highness discussed the horrific situation on the ground and the need for all sides to agree an urgent ceasefire.

    The Prime Minister then updated on his discussions at The NATO Summit in The Hague.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foster + Partners to design national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foster + Partners to design national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II [June 2025]

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

    Foster + Partners is the winner out of five finalists in a competition to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’ Park.

    • Their design proposal was selected from a shortlist of five concepts by acclaimed teams.
    • Includes a new bridge inspired by the late Queen’s wedding tiara, a Prince Philip Gate and new gardens.
    • Final plans for the memorial in St James’ Park will be announced next year.

    Foster + Partners has won the competition to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.

    Five finalist teams were asked to create a masterplan that would honour and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary life of service and provide the public with a space for reflection.

    Foster + Partners’ winning design concept celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s life through a time of great change, balancing tradition and modernity, public duty and private faith, the United Kingdom and a global Commonwealth. The design concept illustrates how she brought these dualities together: two gates, two gardens, joined by a bridge and unifying path.

    Foster + Partners’ design concept features figurative sculptures and a new Prince Philip Gate. It also features gardens – dedicated to the Commonwealth and the communities of the United Kingdom – to create spaces for reflection and coming together. Artistic installations will celebrate the nation’s diversity. A new bridge, replacing the existing Blue Bridge, will feature a cast-glass balustrade that recalls Queen Elizabeth’s wedding tiara.

    This design concept will be subject to change as it undergoes refining.

    The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee’s selection panel found Foster + Partners’, design, balancing formal and informal elements, impressive and capable of creating an engaging landmark to endure for generations to come. The panel also valued Foster + Partners’ artistry, use of space, technical skills and their sensitivity to the memorial’s location.

    The winning team includes artist Yinka Shonibare and celebrated landscape designer, Michel Desvigne.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    Queen Elizabeth II was admired around the globe. Foster + Partners’ fantastic design concept will be a beautiful memorial to Her life and legacy of public service. Situated in the heart of our capital, it will be a space to reflect on and celebrate our longest reigning Monarch for centuries to come.

    The panel selected Foster + Partners’ design concept from a shortlist of proposals by five leading multidisciplinary teams. During the competition the public were encouraged to give their views on the design concepts to commemorate the UK’s longest reigning Monarch.

    The Committee also consulted experts in arts, heritage, architecture, structural engineering, placemaking and accessibility to find the best concept to honour Queen Elizabeth.

    Committee Chair Robin Janvrin said:

    Selecting the winner was no easy task. All five of the shortlisted teams produced creative designs of the highest quality.

    Foster + Partners’ ambitious and thoughtful masterplan will allow us and future generations to appreciate Queen Elizabeth’s life of service as she balanced continuity and change with strong values, common sense and optimism throughout her long reign.

    Committee member Valerie Amos said:

    Foster + Partners’ design brings to life Queen Elizabeth’s many contributions to the lives of people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Their ambitious design will create a beautiful space for people to come together, reflect on her legacy and share stories for generations to come.

    Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners Norman Foster said:

    It is an honour and a privilege for our team to be awarded this project. Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James’s Park by Sir John Nash. Some of his principles have survived, whilst others have been lost and will be restored, creating a family of gardens joined by gently meandering paths.

    I knew The Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit. We have sought to reflect these qualities of the formal and informal in our design, with an appeal across a wide range of ages and interests. To these ends, we have discreetly stretched the boundaries of art and technology with a deliberately gentle intervention. Our design will have the minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the Park and it will be phased to ensure that the precious route across it will never be closed.

    At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces.

    Foster + Partners will now develop its initial concept in close partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. They will work together to select a sculptor to design the memorial’s figurative element. The Committee will announce the sculptor later this year.

    The memorial will be located in St James’s Park, an area of historical and constitutional significance, which also has a personal connection to Queen Elizabeth II. It will include an area of the Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, an area adjacent to Bird Cage Walk and replace the existing bridge between the two with a new crossing.

    The final design will be formally announced in April 2026, alongside a legacy programme, to coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government supports research into Ukraine soil pollution [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government supports research into Ukraine soil pollution [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 June 2025.

    Royal Agricultural University to benefit from Defra funding to research the impacts of pollution on Ukraine’s arable soil due to the war with Russia.

    New research into the impacts of war on Ukraine’s farmland is set to launch with £500,000 funding from Defra to the Royal Agricultural University.

    Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner today set out how this research will support Ukraine’s farmers – guardians of the breadbasket of Europe. The research will fund UK researchers to analyse the impact of the war on Ukrainian soil, establish bespoke facilities in Ukrainian laboratories, and train specialists in Ukraine.

    Soil pollution caused by Russia’s illegal invasion is a pressing issue for Ukraine. Ukraine’s farmland has suffered significant damage from Russian bombardments and other war-related toxic pollutants, as heavy metals and chemicals are leached into the earth, leading to the degradation of soil health.  This damage to Ukraine’s soil presents real, and potentially long term, risks to the food production, yields and farmer safety.

    This research is vital to understanding the impacts of this pollution, as well as potential solutions. It is crucial to help develop Ukraine’s capacity to analyse and address soil health in the long term, strengthening the food security of Ukraine.

    The work will also support Ukraine and its crucial role in wider global food security. Before Russia’s illegal invasion, Ukraine was one of world’s top grain producers – the largest global exporter of sunflower oil, fourth largest exporter of maize, and the fifth largest exporter of wheat – with a significant portion of these exports going to developing countries that are dependent on global grain imports. Helping support Ukraine’s soil health, therefore plays an important role in supporting wider international grain food security.

    Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said:

    The UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad.

    This research is vital, helping Ukraine in understanding the impact the pollution from war has had on its soils and give them vital tools to recover farmland.

    This funding forms part of our commitment in 100-year partnership with Ukraine to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their farmers to deliver food production and environmental protection for the nation.

    Professor Mark Horton, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the Royal Agricultural University, said:

    The war in Ukraine has severely damaged soil health across bombarded agricultural regions, threatening future food production and the country’s long-term recovery. This research will enhance Ukraine’s capacity to restore and manage its soils, laying an early groundwork for a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agriculture.

    With this funding, the Royal Agricultural University will work closely with our Ukrainian partners to train local experts, establish state-of-the-art soil laboratories, and analyse thousands of soil samples across key farming regions.

    These efforts are essential to building the tools and capacity Ukraine needs to safeguard its soil, ensure food security, and support national regeneration.

    The Royal Agricultural University will work with Ukraine’s Sumy National Agrarian University in training experts in the country, establishing soil analysis functions in laboratories, and analysing over 8,000 soil samples across five regions, including Sumy and Kherson.

    This funding follows the launch of the UK’s Grain Verification Scheme, announced earlier this year alongside the 100 Year Partnership, to help track grain stolen from occupied areas of Ukraine.