UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms support for Ukraine, tightens sanctions on Russia, and urges ceasefire – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms support for Ukraine, tightens sanctions on Russia, and urges ceasefire – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that despite claiming commitment to peace, Russia has escalated its military aggression by refusing to engage in peace talks, launching record-breaking drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and continuing to violate international law.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. When Russia initiated its war of aggression on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, there was no doubt about the illegality of this undertaking. The full-scale invasion contravened all the underpinning documents of this organisation to which we are all signatories and violates international law. The responsibility for this illegal military invasion absolutely sits with Russia. However, Russia continues to blame others for prolonging the conflict that they started and continues to accuse others of seeking to ‘gain military superiority’ in a conflict that they initiated.

    The UK’s continued and unwavering support to Ukraine is not about achieving military superiority but about defending a sovereign nation under attack. The UK, along with our allies, has consistently emphasised that military aid is in support of Ukraine’s self-defence and aimed at helping Ukraine uphold its territorial integrity in accordance with international law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reiterated that the UK’s goal is peace, not escalation.

    In contrast, the Russian Federation insist that they remain committed to a negotiated solution, but their actions say otherwise. While President Zelenskyy travelled to Istanbul on 15th May to attend peace talks, supported by the USA and hosted by Türkiye, in good faith, President Putin refused to the same. On the same day President Putin dodged the possibility for constructive negotiations, his Armed Forces launched 112 drones at Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring civilians. On 17th May, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission confirmed that a Russian drone hit a bus evacuating civilians in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing nine non-combatants. On 18th May, Russia launched 273 one-way attack (OWA) drones against multiple targets in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts. This is reportedly the largest wave of uncrewed aerial systems Russia has launched into Ukraine – surpassing the 267 drones launched on 23rd February 2025.

    This is not evidence of a genuine commitment to peaceful resolution. This is fundamentally military escalation and an increase in the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. As a result, the UK is further increasing sanctions on Russia as President Putin further intensifies these strikes on Ukrainian civilians. Yesterday we announced the sanctioning of 100 targets across Russian energy, and financial services sectors, the Russian military industrial complex and its third country suppliers, and malign actors involved in democratic interference and Russia’s information war on Ukraine.

    At the opening session of the FSC on 14th May, The Russian delegation spoke of the ‘need to increase the effectiveness of the FSC’. We couldn’t agree more. The UK supports the opportunity to pursue the politico-military advantages of the FSC, to encourage enhanced implementation of arms control, and of confidence- and security-building measures. But this is impossible whilst Russia continues to violate the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and broader international law. The UK also agrees with another comment from Russia’s opening address last week that ‘the FSC is not a place for hate speech and incitement to confrontation’. And we would encourage Russia to refrain from disrespectful language in the forum, particularly towards Ukraine, and of spreading disinformation about the intentions of the UK and our allies. We look forward to a constructive trimester.

    The UK will continue to play a leading role in accelerating work on Ukraine’s future security, and we strongly urge Russia to commit to an immediate, complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to buy the space and conditions for further negotiations. Europe is ready if President Putin chooses the path of peace. Thank you, Madame Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK will keep supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK will keep supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    We are encouraged to hear about the UN’s progress in strengthening engagement with the new Syrian Government.

    I will make three points today.

    First, we welcome President Trump’s announcement of lifting of US sanctions.

    This positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.

    This follows the UK’s decision in April to lift our own sectoral sanctions on areas including trade, energy production and finance.

    We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and economy.

    Second, whilst economic recovery is vital, it must go hand in hand with an inclusive and peaceful transition that reconciles Syria’s diverse groups.

    The UK was appalled by the attacks this month against the Druze community in Syria.

    There can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition.

    We call on all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and ensure the protection of civilians.

    We note progress in reconciling Syrian groups into centralised structures.

    Existing agreements, including those signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces and with the Druze leadership, should now be implemented in full.

    We also call on Israel to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Third, as the new Syrian Government enters its third month, we look forward to seeing a clear timeline for next steps in the political transition.

    We welcome and stand ready to support the newly announced National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. Both will help Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering.

    This political transition should be inclusive and allow Syrians to have a say in what comes next.

    President, in conclusion, the UK stands ready to support the Syrian Government in their next steps on the path towards a more prosperous, peaceful and stable future that the Syrian people deserve.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the launch of a High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict Settings [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the launch of a High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict Settings [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

    Joint statement from the Panel co-chairs, Lord Collins of Highbury, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Government of Somalia.

    Joint statement:

    “Today marks the first meeting of the High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings. And the beginning of our six-month mandate.

    Nearly three-quarters of the world’s extreme poor live in fragile settings, where crises are lasting longer, forcing more people from their homes, and contributing to migration.

    When floods, cyclones and droughts hit, when conflict breaks out, when economic shocks destroy livelihoods, social protection can provide a first line of defence, an effective locally led solution that enables the most vulnerable people to withstand, survive, recover from crisis and rebuild their lives at home. One that reduces the need for humanitarian response.

    But despite its proven potential, it is often overlooked in the fragile and conflict-affected settings where it is needed most.

    Over the next six months, the Panel will gather and review lessons from across sectors and regions – including through a forthcoming global public enquiry. As co-chairs, our goal is to come up with bold, practical recommendations that can drive meaningful change.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government Taskforce meets on Merseyside to bolster nation’s flood resilience [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government Taskforce meets on Merseyside to bolster nation’s flood resilience [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 May 2025.

    Bolstering the nation’s resilience to flooding, including in Merseyside, was top of the agenda as the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce convened in Aintree today (Wednesday 21 May).

    The meeting was chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy and hosted by Mersey Fire and Rescue Service at their National Resilience Centre of Excellence, one of the UK’s most advanced emergency service training facilities, used to co-ordinate national responses to large scale incidents and provide firefighters with the necessary training and skills to respond to events such as severe flooding.

    The Government inherited the nation’s flood defences in their worst condition on record. To ensure the country is protected from the devastating impacts of flooding, more than 1,000 flood defences will be built or repaired through the Plan for Change as part of a record £2.65 billion two-year investment.

    Today’s Taskforce meeting brought together partners including Defra, Cabinet Office, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders, the National Farmers Union, and environmental interest groups.

    Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

    The role of any government is to protect its citizens. Having inherited flood defences in disrepair, we are bringing together valued partners through our Floods Resilience Taskforce here in Aintree as we look to speed up and co-ordinate flood preparation and resilience.

    Through our Plan for Change, we’re investing a record £2.65 billion to repair and build more than 1,000 flood defences across the country, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses including on Merseyside.

    The group discussed plans to modernise the UK’s system for flood warnings further, stressing the need for users to understand better how it works for effective decision-making, planning and response. The development of a common warnings framework across the UK will enhance the service and support actions to reduce risks to people, property and livelihoods.

    The Taskforce also confirmed plans to improve the way the government identifies individuals vulnerable to flooding. This includes using the risk vulnerability tool, unveiled last month by the Cabinet Office, which will enable thousands of officials to see how vulnerable particular areas are to risks by mapping real time crisis data such as live weather warnings, alongside demographic statistics.

    The meeting touched upon the flood recovery framework, which through local authorities in England provides government support in the aftermath of flooding in exceptional circumstances. There was also discussion of the Bellwin scheme, which is used to reimburse local authorities in England for the costs of the actions they take in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster that endangers life or property. It was agreed that further work is required to improve public understanding of flood resilience.

    Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

    Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is one of our top priorities as climate change brings more extreme weather.

    By participating in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we’re ensuring we share information and co-ordinate our approach to bolster protection for thousands of homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding, preventing billions of pounds worth of damages.

    Minister Oppong-Asare, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

    The Flood Resilience Taskforce sits at the heart of our work to protect communities from extreme weather and flooding.

    Today’s meeting highlighted how digital tools can strengthen our flood response to identify and support those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of flooding.

    Through the taskforce, we’re continuing to work closely with key partners to keep people, homes, and businesses safe.

    Met Office Services Director Simon Brown said:

    Our observations show that the UK is getting wetter, we are seeing more days with over 50mm rainfall in autumn months. A warmer, moister atmosphere increases the capacity for deluges of rain, which can result in serious flooding. A recent study looking at the storms through autumn and winter in 2023/24 found climate change increased the amount of rainfall from these storms, making them about 20% more intense.

    A number of recent Met Office attribution studies have shown that some recent heavy rainfall events in the UK associated with flooding can be linked to human-caused climate change. Since 1998 the UK has seen six of the 10 wettest years on record. Events such as the wettest February on record in 2020, are expected to become more frequent by 2100 due to climate change.

    The Government’s record investment in flood defences includes around £2.5 million in funding for Merseyside across 2024/25 and 2025/26, including £1 million for a flood alleviation scheme to protect communities near the Pool watercourse at Churchtown in Southport.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Waste packaging company director, Shaobo Qin, pays high price in data fraud [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Waste packaging company director, Shaobo Qin, pays high price in data fraud [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 May 2025.

    This follows an Environment Agency investigation into fraudulent entry of waste packaging data.

    At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday 16 May 2025, Shaobo Qin, a director of EDU Case Ltd, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. He was given a 2 year prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

    Qin, age 42, of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was also ordered to pay a Proceeds of Crime confiscation order of £255,057. He must pay within 2 months or face 3 years in prison.

    He was also disqualified as a director for 4 years and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

    His company, EDU Case Ltd of Portway Road, Rowley Regis, was fined £200,000. The Environment Agency were also awarded £21,995 in investigation costs.

    The court was told Qin’s company was a plastics and recycling exports enterprise.  The offences were discovered by the Environment Agency towards the end of 2022.

    The company, orchestrated by Qin, was deliberately and systematically entering false data on to the Environment Agency’s National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) for non-existent waste exports.

    This resulted in Qin receiving a benefit for himself and his company in the sum of approx. £255,000. He was arrested on Wednesday 10 January 2024 where he was interviewed by Environment Agency officers.

    EDU Case were accredited to carry out plastic packaging exports and able to issue “evidence” of that activity in the form of tonnage figures on the database.

    This evidence could be bought by businesses who are obliged to account for their plastic packaging waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007.

    An audit conducted by Environment Agency officers in 2023 and information following that work identified discrepancies between the amount of waste exported and the amount of evidence issued.

    The false entries represented nearly two-thirds of the business’ entire trade in 2022 towards the end of that year.

    As part of that audit, a legal notice was served on Qin and the company in September 2023.

    This notice required the production of their evidence of plastic waste exports.  In response, Qin sent a computer memory stick containing his business’ waste export evidence and a letter explaining a large discrepancy, described as an “overclaim.”

    The letter stated that the company had carried out 1,239 metric tonnes of plastic waste exports in 2022, only 453.60 metric was genuine and that the majority of his trading, 785.40 metric tonnes  was ‘a mistake.’

    In sentencing the judge said this was without doubt deliberate offending and pre-planned. There had been a significant undermining of the regulatory regime.

    He accepted that there had been a guilty plea entered at first opportunity and that money had been put aside to repay the financial benefit made. The company was also fined to mark the seriousness of the offending.

    Sham Singh, Senior Environmental Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

    “This case shows that the Environment Agency will pursue individuals and their enterprises who profit illegally.

    “This was a fraud on a large scale and undermines legitimate business and the investment and economic growth that go with it.

    “We support legitimate businesses and are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.

    “If anyone suspects that a company is doing something wrong, please contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    The Charges

    Shaobo Qin

    Between 1st January 2022 and 31st January 2023 dishonestly and intending thereby to make a gain for himself or another, or to cause loss to another, or to expose another to the risk of loss, made a false representation to the online National Packaging Waste Database which was and which he knew was, or might be, untrue or misleading, namely, that the 785.4 tonnes of plastic waste that he claimed EDU Case UK Ltd had exported over that period, had all actually been exported when it had not, contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

    EDU Case UK Limited (Company No. 08888722)

    Between 1st January  2022 and 31st January 2023 dishonestly and intending thereby to make a gain for himself or another, or to cause loss to another, or to expose another to the risk of loss, made a false representation to the online National Packaging Waste Database which was and which he knew was, or might be, untrue or misleading, namely, that the 785.4 tonnes of plastic waste that EDU Case UK Ltd had exported over that period, had all actually been exported when it had not, contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

    Background Information

    The Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations were introduced to oblige the producers of waste packaging such as plastic, glass and cardboard (e.g. supermarkets) to contribute towards the financial cost of recycling and the disposal of waste. Any large organisation that meets the criteria for this obligation is required to prove they have made such financial contributions by the purchasing of credits known as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) from UK waste reprocessors and waste exporters.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Chair and members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee appointed [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Chair and members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee appointed [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 21 May 2025.

    Dr David Cooper named as new Chair; Professor Tom Meagher reappointed and Professor Julia Jones confirmed as new member.

    Dr David Cooper has been appointed as the Chair of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The appointment was made in conjunction with the devolved governments and is for a three-year term from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028.

    Professor Tom Meagher has been reappointed as an independent member of the Committee. Tom’s term will run for four years until 3 April 2029.

    Furthermore, Professor Julia Jones has been appointed as an independent member of the Committee. Julia’s term will run for three years until 31 May 2028.

    The new appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    As the UK’s statutory advisor on nature, the JNCC provides scientific evidence and advice to the devolved governments of the UK, the UK government, and the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, to help policymakers turn science into action for nature.

    Biographical details

    Dr David Cooper

    • David Cooper is Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Martin School and Honorary Researcher of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery at the University of Oxford.
    • David has more than 30 years’ experience in international science and policy, including at the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. As CBD Deputy Executive Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary, he was instrumental in facilitating the development and adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and related agreements.
    • David has contributed to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services among other scientific reports and assessments.
    • He has chaired a number of bodies including the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management, the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, and the Inter-agency liaison group on Invasive Alien Species.

    Professor Tom Meagher

    • Tom Meagher has been a member of the JNCC since April 2021. He is Professor of Plant Biology at the University of St Andrews and served as Director of the St Andrews Global Challenges Forum. He was previously a member of the Defra Science Advisory Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
    • Tom leads an international and interdisciplinary initiative developing novel remote sensing technology to aid the assessment and conservation of plant biodiversity. He has also worked with the British Council, the British Embassy Lima, and government agencies in Peru to promote the establishment of a national botanic garden and plant biodiversity initiative.
    • He has been an active contributor to the Scottish Government’s environmental and conservation science strategy, following his former role as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

    Julia Jones

    • Julia Jones is Professor in Conservation Science at Bangor University and currently holds the Prince Bernhard Chair of International Nature Conservation at Utrecht University.
    • She is a trustee of WWF-UK and is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Society for Conservation Biology. She serves on the advisory board of the Sounds Right initiative, a collaboration between the Museum for the United Nations and the music industry to allow nature to collect royalties from her sounds.
    • She has previously served as the Director of the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales, and on the Welsh committee of the RSPB.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency secures over £526K in Proceeds of Crime case linked to Edvars Stancik [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency secures over £526K in Proceeds of Crime case linked to Edvars Stancik [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 May 2025.

    An illegal enterprise in catalytic converters has brought confiscation orders for £526,215.04, at a Proceeds of Crime Award hearing.

    The case led by the Environment Agency was concluded at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 16 May 2025.

    The ruling was made against Long Sutton-based Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd and director Edvars Stancik.

    Recorder John Hardy KC ruled that Stancik, 30, had made a benefit of £4,312,925.70 from his criminal activity while his company made a benefit of £4,344,827.60.

    The court heard assets of £495,280.88 were available from the company made up of cash in a bank account and seized catalytic converters.

    Stancik’s only asset was £30,934.16 from equity in a house he sold before his trial, the court was told.

    Recorder Hardy ordered those amounts to be confiscated and ruled that £100,111.65 should be paid to the Environment Agency to cover costs.

    At a previous hearing (4 September 2024), the company and Stancik were found guilty of running an illegal waste site at Long Sutton.

    The court heard that, between December 2019 and September 2021, Stancik, 30, acted as a director of the company and traded in catalytic convertors on a colossal scale.

    A jury heard that neither Stancik nor his company had obtained an environmental permit before buying and selling thousands of catalytic converters.

    Stancik stored the devices in containers in Long Sutton and were stored in an irresponsible manner giving rise to health risks.

    A warrant for the arrest of Stancik, who is believed to be living in Lithuania, has been issued.  He has been given 3 months to pay or face 5 years in jail.

    The Environment Agency continues to investigate ways of retrieving further proceeds.

    Peter Stark, Environment Agency Enforcement Team Leader, said:

    “Waste criminals should be aware how seriously we take their offending, including the benefit they obtain from their illegal activities.

    “Offenders won’t get away with concealing information or their assets, and due to the EA’s hard work, justice has been served.

    “Waste crime can be a blight on the environment, communities and to legitimate businesses.

    “We will continue to work with professional partners like Lincolnshire Police in this case to prevent, disrupt, investigate, and stop waste offending.

    “If anyone suspects that a company or its directors are doing something wrong, contact our 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    The charges:

    Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd.

    • Operating a regulated facility, namely a waste operation, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton).
    • Operating a regulated facility, namely a waste operation, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
    • Keeping controlled waste contrary to section 33(1)(c) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.) (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
    • Keeping controlled waste contrary to section 33(1)(c) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)

    Edvars Stancik

    • Causing a company to operate a regulated facility otherwise in accordance with an environmental permit contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) by virtue of Regulation 41(1) and 41(3) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
    • Causing a company to operate a regulated facility otherwise in accordance with an environmental permit contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) by virtue of Regulation 41(1) and 41(3) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
    • Causing a company to commit an offence, contrary to section 33(1)(c), 33(6) by virtue of s157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
    • Causing a company to commit an offence, contrary to section 33(1)(c), 33(6) by virtue of s157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)

    Background Information

    Catalytic converters are components in car exhausts.  They contain small amounts of precious metals contained within a metal case making them valuable.

    However, catalytic converters also contain carcinogenic fibres which, if ingested, can cause serious and irreversible lung disease.

    The dangerous fibres can attach to shoes and clothing and be transported from one place to another.

    It is therefore extremely important that catalytic converters are handled only under the strict conditions of an environmental permit, supervised by the Environment Agency.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 21 May 2025.

    The reforms will support the Government’s Plan for Change by boosting economic growth and securing the financial future of millions of UK savers.

    • Funding levels in the Defined Benefit (DB) pension sector have hit a record high, with three in four now in surplus and deficit payments down by over £10 billion a year
    • Increased resilience follows years of businesses creating security for members through building a larger surplus.
    • New freedoms to safely release surplus funding will unlock investments and benefit savers as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Working people, pension scheme members and businesses are set to benefit from record highs in pension scheme funding.

    The majority of DB schemes are now running at a surplus which means the value of their assets exceed that of the promised pension benefits due to members.

    Thanks to the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill – trustees and employers will soon be able to safely release part of this surplus to boost investment and benefit scheme members.

    Funding levels for DB pension schemes, sometimes known as “Final Salary” pensions, are current in their strongest ever financial position with the number of DB schemes sufficiently financed tripling since 2010.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said:

    The record funding levels for Defined Benefit pension schemes is excellent news for Britain’s employers and workers.

    Fast falling deficit payments offer employers a cashflow boost of over £10 billion a year, that can support higher wages and investment.

    And growing scheme surpluses can also be used productively. Currently some trustees are held back from sharing the benefits of a surplus, but our plans will allow all schemes to safely do so, delivering greater investment across firms and benefits for savers.

    In 2019, just 600 Defined Benefit schemes were financed sufficiently, meaning businesses could meet the costs associated with their schemes without dipping into operational budgets – by 2024 that figure had tripled to over 1,800.

    Because of this robust financial position, the additional payments businesses have had to pay to plug pension deficits has fallen from £16 billion in 2010 to under £5 billion in 2024. This is delivering an immediate cashflow benefit to firms and should support higher levels of investment and wages.

    The funding position of schemes in deficit has improved significantly, from a collective deficit of £500bn in 2019 to a deficit of just £140bn in 2024. Schemes running at a surplus have seen their collective surplus now rise to more than £160bn. Currently, many schemes cannot access their surplus – but the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill will allow Pension trustees and the sponsoring employers to safely release some surplus to invest back into their businesses and unlock more money for pension scheme members. The upcoming changes will focus on member protection, and trustees will continue to be required to fulfil their duties towards scheme beneficiaries.

    These changes form part of a package of reforms in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill that will secure the financial future of millions of UK savers and drive long-term economic prosperity.

    Additional Information

  • PRESS RELEASE : 78th World Health Assembly – UK National Statement [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 78th World Health Assembly – UK National Statement [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

    The UK’s National Statement for the WHO’s World Health Assembly. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Vice President,

    The UK is committed to supporting WHO and its critical leadership role across global health. Only the WHO has the mandate to set global standards in health.

    Even amidst our current challenges, there is a clear opportunity for the WHO to emerge more focused, more agile and more effective. We therefore support the WHO’s vital work on its Transformation Agenda and are pleased to endorse the increase in Assessed Contributions.

    Let me thank the DG and WHO staff for their critical work. And let me pay a particular tribute to the staff on the increasingly dangerous front line of health emergencies, from Kyiv to Khartoum, and from Kivu to Khan Younis.

    This week’s adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a truly historic milestone for which we have all worked so hard. We must remain just as committed to tackling Anti-Microbial Resistance, which is already directly responsible for over a million deaths annually.

    Chair,

    The quality of WHO’s scientific and technical expertise is fundamental to its effectiveness. We are proud in the UK to host 48 WHO Collaborating Centres. We call for Taiwan to have meaningful access to all relevant technical WHO meetings, and for it to be allowed to observe the WHA as it did from 2009 to 2016.

    Vice President,

    Stronger health systems are at the heart of delivering health services for all and we can – and must – learn from one another. In the UK, we are on the cusp of launching our 10-year health strategy.

    We are committed to tackling non-communicable diseases, including the challenge of obesity, and creating a healthier, fairer food environment. We look forward to working together at the High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases.

    Vice-President,

    In the UK, we are proud to work as partners of the WHO and with our fellow Member States. Working together, we can, must, and will drive better health across the globe.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Board of Trade meet to help UK exporters take advantage of new trade deals [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Board of Trade meet to help UK exporters take advantage of new trade deals [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 21 May 2025.

    Revamped Board of Trade meet for the first time off the back of trio of trade agreements with India, US and EU.

    • New Board of Trade to meet for the first time to boost exports and grow the economy
    • Comes hot off the heels of three trade agreements in three weeks with US, India and the EU all aimed at supercharging UK exporters
    • Delivering on Plan for Change to fire up small business exporters and grow the economy

    As part of the Government’s plan to boost small business exporters, the newly revamped Board of Trade will meet for the first time today, just weeks after the UK signed two landmark deals with India and the US and a new EU agreement which will boost exports of food and drinks.

    Led by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the Board is poised to become a cornerstone of the Government’s Growth Mission, Plan for Change and the wider modern Industrial Strategy to support British businesses to thrive and grow.

    The Board meet fresh off the back of the third major trade agreement in as many weeks, ensuring the UK is facing out into the world again to boost business, support workers and grow the economy.

    This week’s deal with the EU means a new SPS agreement will make it easier for food and drink to exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border.

    The new deal with India is expected to be a shot in the arm to the UK’s exports of whiskies and gin, cosmetics, medical devices, advanced machinery and lamb and is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion.

    Trading with India will be quicker, cheaper, and easier thanks to improved customs processes and by promoting digital systems, which will be particularly important for SMEs who may have otherwise been unable to break into the Indian market.

    Meanwhile the groundbreaking US deal is expected to help grow on the existing £196 billion in annual exports from the UK, with tariffs slashed on the likes of cars and steel.

    Bringing together a powerhouse of business expertise to drive economic growth – the Board are tasked with supercharging UK exports, delivering targeted support for small businesses across the nation and helping firms utilise the exporting opportunities from the UK’s FTAs.

    The high-profile advisory body includes business leaders like Apprentice star Mike Soutar, BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby, and Small Business Britain founder Michelle Ovens CBE, who will serve as ambassadors and advocates for British businesses.

    The meeting comes on the heels of historic trade breakthroughs with both India and the United States, which are set to deliver billions in economic benefits for British businesses and workers.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for British trade. This Board isn’t just a talking shop – it’s a hands-on, dynamic force that will help businesses of every size access global markets and seize the opportunities created by our landmark trade deals.

    “We’ve already secured the best deal India has ever agreed to, and our US agreement has slashed tariffs for our steel and automotive sectors, protecting hundreds of thousands of British jobs.

    “As part of our Plan for Change, we’re focusing that same determination on helping our small businesses – the beating heart of our economy – to trade more and grow more, supporting good jobs and higher wages across all parts of the UK.”

    The Board will advise on the delivery of the forthcoming Trade Strategy and Small Business Strategy, ensuring both align with the Government’s commitment to nationwide economic growth that raises living standards in every region and nation.

    It comes after the UK and India agreed a landmark trade deal worth £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion to wages every year and slashed tariffs across the board including on whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices.

    It comes also hot on the heels of the historic deal signed with the US, protecting jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors – sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK.

    In addition, an estimated 260,000 jobs are supported by the auto industry in the wider economy and British farmers now have a major opportunity to sell their high-quality beef to a market of over 300 million people, helping farmers grow their businesses.

    The agreement laid the groundwork for greater trade in the future as we continue talks for a wider deal which will look to increase digital trade, better access for our world-leading services industries and improve supply chains.

    The first meeting of the Board comes as part of a wider series of measures to boost the number of high-growth SMEs across the country.

    The Government has already announced that it will launch a major consultation to tackle the scourge of late payments, while the Budget protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases, extended business rates relief and announced a new Business Growth Service to make it easier and quicker for SMEs to access and benefit from the right government advice and support for their business.

    Board of Trade Advisers

    Omar Ali, Board of Trade Adviser and Global Financial Services Leader at EY, said:

    “Global trade is fiercely competitive, and UK businesses that sell products and services to the world – especially small, entrepreneurial firms – must be supported as they contribute to the international market. Whether it’s UK financial services firms enabling better access to finance or improving digital infrastructure that protects trade, in today’s challenging economic climate, policies and action that enhance productivity and remove friction for SMEs are essential to boost exports and drive growth.”

    Catherine McGuinness CBE, a leading voice for financial and professional business services, said:

    “This is an auspicious time to meet, following the India and US trade agreements and the EU reset. I look forward to working with the Secretary of State and my fellow advisers to encourage the government to use trade levers to drive growth and help businesses to prosper across the UK.”

    Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:

    “I am excited to work with the Board of Trade as it accelerates its vital work to boost exports and grow the economy. It is encouraging to see new deals struck in recent weeks and a real boost to energy and ambition. Almost all businesses in the UK are small businesses, and they have a major impact on the economy, employing millions and creating and supporting communities. I am really honoured to contribute to this mission and look forward to working together with all the Board Advisors and entrepreneurs themselves to show the world what the UK’s small business community has to offer.”

    Business reaction to the recent trade agreements:

    Bill Winters CBE, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered and Co-Chair of the UK-India Financial Partnership, said:

    “The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor. We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.”

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

    “The US deal was met with a huge sigh of relief by many British businesses.  The reduction in the 25% tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the removal of levies on steel and aluminium were the biggest wins.

    “These sectors had been left reeling as jobs, investment and sales were all cut or put on hold. The framework agreement will give them some much needed certainty. They will be keen to see it quickly enacted so they can swiftly re-establish orders and supply chains.

    “With the India trade deal and the UK-EU Summit agreement also being recently agreed, the government should be congratulated on its recent achievements, but our economy still needs more. Global trading conditions remain precarious. Government must continue to pursue a bold trade agenda and help UK companies seize the opportunities in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region.”

    On the UK-India FTA, Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation, said:

    “We’re delighted the government has finalised its new Free Trade Agreement with India, which is testament to the hard work of the negotiating team. This is very welcome news for UK food and drink manufacturers, particularly for soft drinks, chocolates, biscuits, crispbreads and crackers, which will now all benefit from tariff-free access to one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The UK exported nearly £300m worth of food and drink to India in 2024, so this FTA represents a significant opportunity for British food and soft drinks.

    “The FTA will also provide UK manufacturers with greater access to ingredients produced in India, strengthening the supply chain resilience and competitiveness for our sector. We look forward to working with government to ensure that the full benefits of the agreement are realised across a wide range of UK food and drink manufacturers.”

    On the US deal, Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:

    “This is very positive news for the UK economy, and to be welcomed. There is obviously still the question of the 10% tariff that continues to apply to food and drink exports.  We hope that this deal creates the space and momentum for continued discussions about removing those tariffs too.

    “The US is UK food and drink’s third biggest export market, with £2.7bn worth of goods exported there in 2024, many of which are produced by small and medium sized businesses. Government can make a real difference here by providing greater practical guidance and support to help more food and drink businesses find new customers abroad.”