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  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK unequivocally condemns the appalling erosion of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK unequivocally condemns the appalling erosion of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 December 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

    Today, I will focus on three of the key points that were raised by our briefers: first, on the appalling erosion of rights in Afghanistan, secondly, on the dire humanitarian situation, and thirdly, on how the UN process can drive progress. 

    Today, as we observe International Human Rights Day, the promise of universal rights in Afghanistan remains tragically unfulfilled. 

    Over the four years of the Taliban’s rule, repression has intensified. Over a hundred edicts have systematically eroded the rights of Afghan women and girls. Girls cannot attend school after the age of 12, and for more than three months, the Taliban has banned women from working at UN offices.

    The UK Government unequivocally condemns this appalling erosion of women and girls’ rights, and we urge its immediate reversal.

    In October, UK officials travelled to Kabul to press the Taliban to reverse these barbaric decrees.

    The international community must unite against the Taliban’s assault on human rights. We must not abandon half of Afghanistan’s population.

    Second, the humanitarian situation. As winter approaches, the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan remain dire. As today’s briefers set out, in 2026, an estimated 21.9 million people – 45 per cent of the Afghan population – will require humanitarian assistance. 

    The UK continues to work to support the country’s most vulnerable, especially women and girls. We remain a major donor, allocating up to $201 million in the financial year of 2025/26 for vital life-saving and basic services. 

    We are deeply concerned by the deteriorating food security and nutrition situation as evidenced by the recent IPC forecasts. In the context of reducing funding for Afghanistan, we collectively must do everything possible to ensure life-saving assistance is available to the most vulnerable.

    And third, the UN process. The UK continues to engage with the UN-led process, including the “Comprehensive Approach.” Strong UN leadership is essential to drive this process forward, and we therefore hope to see the next SRSG at the earliest opportunity.  

    However, our support for the Comprehensive Approach depends on the Taliban taking meaningful steps and adhering to their international obligations, especially those related to counter terrorism and the rights of women and girls.

    As our Foreign Secretary recently said, ‘there cannot be peace, security or prosperity without women playing their part, free from violence and free from fear’.

    That is the principle which must underpin Afghanistan’s future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Political Peerages [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Political Peerages [December 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

    The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned:

    Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party:

    1. Andy (Andrew) Roe KSFM – Chair of the national Building Safety Regulator and former London Fire Commissioner
    2. Dame Ann Limb DBE DL – Former Further Education College Principal and former Chair, The Scouts. Pro Chancellor, University of Surrey, and Chair of City & Guilds Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, and The King’s Foundation
    3. Brenda Dacres OBE – Mayor of Lewisham
    4. Carol Linforth OBE – Lately Labour Party Chief of Staff – Operations
    5. Catherine MacLeod – Former journalist and political adviser, Visiting Professor at King’s College London and Non-Executive Director at the Scotland Office
    6. David Isaac CBE – Provost of Worcester College, Oxford, Chair of the University of the Arts London, Chair of the Henry Moore Foundation, and a trustee of Cumberland Lodge
    7. David Pitt-Watson – Responsible Investment Expert. Co-founder and former CEO of the Equity Ownership Service and Focus Funds at Federated Hermes
    8. Farmida Bi CBE – Chair of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Vice-Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee
    9. Professor Geeta Nargund – Founder and former Medical Director of Create Fertility. Founder and Trustee of Health Equality Foundation
    10. Katie Martin – Lately, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
    11. Joe Docherty – Chair of Northern Powergrid Foundation and Trustee, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, former Chair of Council, Durham University
    12. Len (Leonard) Duvall OBE – Chair of the London Assembly and Leader of the London Assembly Labour Group
    13. Matthew Doyle – Former Director of Communications to the Prime Minister and for the Labour Party
    14. Sir Michael Barber – Chancellor, University of Exeter and adviser to the Prime Minister on effective delivery
    15. Neena Gill CBE – Former Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands
    16. Nick (Nicholas) Forbes CBE – Chair, Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former Labour Leader, Newcastle City Council
    17. Peter Babudu – Executive Director of Impact on Urban Health, former councillor in Southwark
    18. Peter John OBE – Former Southwark Leader and former Chair of London Councils.
    19. Richard Walker OBE – Founder and Chairman, Bywater and Executive Chairman, Iceland Foods
    20. Russell Hobby CBE – CEO, The Kemnal Academies Trust, former CEO, Teach First and former General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers
    21. Cllr. Dr Sara Hyde – Fabian Society Chair and Islington council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care
    22. Cllr. Shama Tatler – Brent Councillor and Vice-Chair of the London Labour Regional Executive, Patron of the Labour Housing Group and Head of the Labour Group Office at the Local Government Association
    23. Dr Sophy Antrobus MBE – Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Freeman Air and Space Institute at King’s College London
    24. Tracey Paul – Chief Communications Officer at Pool Reinsurance and former policy advisor
    25. Uday Nagaraju – Technology Consultant, Politician and Founder of AI Policy Labs

    Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party:

    1. Mike Dixon – Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats. Former charity leader and Government policy adviser
    2. Dominic Hubbard (Lord Addington) – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for disabilities in the House of Lords and Honorary President of the British Dyslexia Association
    3. Rhiannon Leaman – Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats
    4. John Russell (Earl Russell) – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy and climate change in the House of Lords
    5. Sarah Teather – Charity leader, former MP for Brent East and Brent Central and former Minister of State at the Department for Education

    Nominations from the Leader of the Conservatives:

    1. Sharron Davies MBE – Campaigner for Women’s Rights & Olympic Swimming Silver Medallist for Great Britain 
    2. Simon Heffer – Professor of Modern British History at the University of Buckingham and a historian, journalist, author and political commentator
    3. The Rt Hon Sir John Redwood – Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Wokingham

    Nominations for Crossbench Peerages:

    1. Charles Kinnoull (The Earl of Kinnoull) DL – Convenor of the Crossbench Peers, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, former Chair of the House of Lords European Union Committee

  • PRESS RELEASE : We need a humanitarian system fit for the future: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : We need a humanitarian system fit for the future: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 December 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Humanitarian General Debate.

    Humanitarian needs have reached historic levels: conflict, climate shocks and displacement have left 305 million people in need of life-saving support. 

    The United Kingdom is on course to provide over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance this financial year.

    Yet, as global needs escalate, overall funding falls short, and protection risks continue to rise. 

    Meeting these challenges demands bold and principled action.

    First, we need a humanitarian system fit for the future.

    The UK strongly supports the Humanitarian Reset and the UN80 initiative. 

    Reform must deliver a measurable impact for those most in need.

    We are championing prioritised and localised action, supporting UN humanitarian pooled funds, scaling up cash assistance, and empowering local actors. 

    This includes funding, capacity building and protection; for example, our support to Sudan’s Mutual Aid Movement, including locally led Emergency Response Rooms – a model for the future of locally driven humanitarian response.

    Second, international humanitarian law must be upheld.

    This is essential in protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and safeguarding those delivering life-saving assistance. 

    Last year saw the highest number of humanitarian personnel deaths, the majority of whom were local staff. This is unacceptable. 

    The United Kingdom was proud to co-launch the Political Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel alongside Australia and other partners. 

    We also joined the Global IHL Initiative, spearheaded by ICRC, and are co-leading a Workstream on National IHL Committees.

    In April, we launched a Conflict, Hunger and IHL Handbook. Yet we must all go further. 

    It is appalling that two famines – in Gaza and Sudan – are raging in the 21st century. 

    Third, we must invest in prevention and resilience.

    Well over 90% of global humanitarian resources go to protracted crises. 

    We can and must work across the humanitarian, climate, peace and development systems to build long-term resilience and reduce humanitarian need.

    We must also prepare for foreseeable shocks. The UK continues to champion pre-arranged finance.  

    Following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica accessed $242 million from insurance and catastrophe bonds, as well as anticipatory funding from global mechanisms like CERF and the Disaster Response Emergency Fund. 

    Demonstrating our support for this approach, this year the UK committed $77 million to pre-arranged finance.

    President, we cannot just recommend change, we need to deliver it. 

    We must work together to make sure we have the information and data needed to hold us to account and make sure we are delivering to those most in need.

    In this regard, we would like to thank Sweden for their facilitation and tireless efforts to maintain consensus on the Humanitarian Omnibus resolution. 

    This resolution is the cornerstone humanitarian text, encapsulating Member States expectations for the UN and partners’ humanitarian operations. 

    We regret actions have been taken to undermine the text, and we support Sweden’s difficult decision to maintain its integrity.

    The UK remains committed to working across the membership to ensure we continue to send a strong, unified message to the humanitarian system at this critical time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement to the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement to the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 10 December 2025.

    A joint statement delivered to today’s meeting of the Justice Ministers of the Council of Europe (Wednesday 10 December), signed by 27 countries including the UK.

    The following States: Denmark, Italy, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom aligned to this Statement reaffirm their strong belief in the Council of Europe and in European values, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. We are committed to international law and to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter “the Convention”) as a cornerstone of this international order, and we reaffirm our commitment to the Convention and our support for the work and independence of the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter “the Court”) and its jurisdiction as defined in the Convention.Recalling the Reykjavik Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to the concept of “democratic security”.

    Our governments have a duty to guarantee our populations’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to live in peace, freedom and security, to preserve the values of our societies, and to effectively protect borders, prevent unlawful border crossings and counter migrant smuggling networks. Yet, the rights and freedoms of our populations are challenged by: people who take advantage of our hospitality by committing serious crime; trafficking in human beings and instrumentalisation of migrants.

    These complex and disruptive challenges – that our societies face and which test the capacity of our current framework – were either unforeseen at the time the convention system and the Convention were drafted or have evolved significantly since then. When addressing these challenges in full compliance with international law, States have a fundamental duty to safeguard national security, protect our democracies, and ensure the security of individuals within our jurisdictions. Failing to recognise and respond to these challenges, we risk undermining the very fundamental rights and freedoms that the Convention protects, thereby eroding confidence in the whole Convention system.

    Noting the letter signed on 22 May 2025 by a group of Heads of State and Government, which initiated this process that has since evolved through broad and inclusive engagement, we are therefore promoting an open and constructive discussion within the Council of Europe and with its Secretary-General to develop an adequate response to protect the Convention system from attempts to distort and weaken it. We appreciate and welcome the Secretary General’s openness and contribution in facilitating this important dialogue, while fully respecting the Convention system and the integrity of the Court.

    In addressing under the Convention, the challenges in expulsion of foreign criminals, migration management and cooperation with third countries regarding asylum and return procedures, as well as removal procedures and instrumentalisation of migration, a right balance has to be found between the migrants’ individual rights and interests and the weighty public interests of defending freedom and security in our societies.

    In this context, States aligned to this statement consider it imperative to ensure that the Convention framework is fit to address today’s challenges, most notably in order to meet the following challenges:

    • Expulsion of foreigners convicted of serious crimes: The clear starting point is that a State Party can expel foreigners convicted of serious crimes even though they have acquired ties to their host Country, e.g. if they have established a family life there. In line with the principles in this statement, it is vital that the balance between individual rights and legitimate aims as per Article 8 of the Convention is adjusted so that more weight is put on the nature and seriousness of the offence committed and less weight is put on the foreign criminal’s social, cultural, and family ties with the host Country and with the Country of destination. The purpose of such a rebalancing is to ensure that we no longer see instances where foreigners convicted of serious crime, including serious violent crime, sexual assault, organised crime and human and drug trafficking, cannot be expelled.
    • Clarity about inhuman and degrading treatment: The scope of “inhuman and degrading treatment” under Article 3, which is an absolute right, should be constrained to the most serious issues in a manner which does not prevent State Parties from taking proportionate decisions on the expulsion of foreign criminals, or in removal or extradition cases, including in cases raising issues concerning healthcare and prison conditions.
    • Innovative and durable solutions to address migration: A State Party should not be prevented from entering into cooperation with third countries regarding asylum and return procedures, once the human rights of irregular migrants are preserved.
    • Decision-making in migration cases: A State Party should not be prevented from applying clear rules and processes to facilitate timely decisions under Article 8 that can then be enforced, and which reflect the appropriate balance between the individual’s rights and the public interest.
    • Instrumentalisation of migration: Recognising the extremely sensitive geopolitical context and the need to properly ensure national security and public safety, including in cases where human rights and fundamental freedoms are subject to abuse and instrumental use by hostile regimes and individual applicants with ulterior motives, with an adverse effect on the Convention system.

    In addressing these challenges, the States aligned to this Statement refer to the importance of the following key principles in the interpretation and application of the Convention:

    • The States’ right, as a matter of well-established international law and subject to their Treaty obligations, to control the entry, residence, and expulsion of foreigners from their territories, which should guide the interpretation of the Convention;
    • The principle of subsidiarity, by which the primary responsibility for ensuring the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Convention and its Protocols lies with the States Parties to the Convention, which enjoy a margin of appreciation in doing so;
    • The principle of shared responsibility by which it is primarily for the State Parties themselves, through their national courts and within the margin of appreciation defined by the Court, to ensure compliance with the guarantees of the Convention and to prevent the Court from becoming a fourth instance;
    • The principle of proportionality, by balancing the protection of rights with safeguarding national security and protecting public safety and order, ascribing adequate weight to these values;
    • The de minimis principle, which must be given uniform effect;
    • The “living instrument” doctrine taking appropriate account of the developments, both factual and legal, that have evolved significantly in recent decades and were unforeseen at the time the Convention was drafted;
    • The concept of “democracy capable of defending itself” preventing abuse of fundamental rights and freedoms by hostile regimes or individual applicants with ulterior motives.

    The States aligned to this Statement welcome the 4-point proposal by the Council of Europe’s Secretary-General including to adopt a declaration on migration and the Convention at the Foreign Ministers’ meeting on 15th May 2026 in Chișinău (Moldova) and remain ready to work constructively with the Council of Europe, and in the case of EU Member States, whilst paying due consideration to the implications in relation to EU initiatives and applicable EU law.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom supports efforts, led by the US, to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom supports efforts, led by the US, to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    Yesterday, my Prime Minister hosted President Zelenskyy, President Macron and Chancellor Merz in London for talks in which we recommitted our support to safeguarding Ukraine’s long-term security, sovereignty, and prosperity. The United Kingdom supports efforts, led by the US, to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, including robust security guarantees, in line with the principles of the UN Charter. 

    This is a war that President Putin started and could, if he wished, end at any time by ceasing his full-scale invasion. We continue to hope that Russia will engage seriously with peace talks. But, despite the genuine efforts of partners to mediate, Russia’s campaign against Ukraine has only intensified in its brutality.

    The facts speak for themselves. Between 18 November and 4 December, Russia launched nearly 3,000 drones and over 110 missiles at Ukrainian cities. This is a repeated pattern of Russian behaviour, while President Putin claims he is engaging in good faith in peace talks.

    Since rejecting Ukraine’s offer of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on 11 March, Russia has killed over 1,850 Ukrainian civilians. And since peace talks began in May, Russia has launched the largest air attacks of the entire war.

    These are not the actions of a country sincerely interested – as President Putin claimed in August – in paving a path towards peace.

    The UN has reported this year that an estimated 12.7 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian support. Russia’s strikes not only directly kill civilians, but worsen a dire humanitarian crisis.

    Since the start of October, Russia has launched nine mass air attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, reducing Ukraine’s energy production capacity by 40% and causing nationwide blackouts lasting up to 16 hours a day. This is a deliberate weaponisation of winter, plunging homes into freezing darkness and putting millions of vulnerable Ukrainian civilians at risk.

    We support President Trump and President Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. How many more civilians have to die before Russia accepts a ceasefire?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Drug dealer sentenced for terrorising neighbour and driver [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Drug dealer sentenced for terrorising neighbour and driver [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 9 December 2025.

    A violent drug dealer who terrorised his neighbour and driver had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

    Dale Hamilton (30), from Middlesbrough, had his sentence increased by three years after the Solicitor General referred his case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that during 2024 Hamilton ran a drugs line supplying cocaine. When he became aware his neighbour was a former police officer and recovering addict, Hamilton posted cocaine through their letterbox, so he would relapse and order more.

    Hamilton threatened his neighbour with a zombie knife demanding money after he destroyed £500 worth of cocaine after police visited the neighbour for an unrelated matter.

    Hamilton convinced his neighbour to give him a key to their flat before using the social accommodation as his own. Efforts were made to remove Hamilton from the victim’s flat, but Hamilton demanded more money and threatened to kill the neighbour before the victim escaped to emergency accommodation.

    A second man, who worked for Hamilton as his driver, was also terrorised. While on bail for robbery, Hamilton accused the driver of stealing before extorting £160. Hamilton also demanded a further £200 while threatening to assault the driver and shoot his children if he didn’t pay.

    In a Victim Personal Statement, his neighbour said the incident left him feeling vulnerable, anxious and living in fear.

    The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 

    Dale Hamilton is a dangerous and violent man, with no consideration of other people. He terrorised his neighbour who was vulnerable and a recovering drug addict before robbing and threatening to kill a second person’s children.

    I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Hamilton’s sentence, keeping this dangerous man off our streets.  I would also like to offer my sincere sympathies to his victims who were brave in coming forward.

    On 11 August 2025 at Teesside Crown Court, Dale Hamilton was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of two counts of robbery, one count of kidnapping, one count of blackmail and one count supplying class A drugs.

    On 9 December 2025 the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 13 years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Partnerships with Azerbaijan and Armenia boosted through Defence Minister Lord Coaker visit [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Partnerships with Azerbaijan and Armenia boosted through Defence Minister Lord Coaker visit [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 December 2025.

    Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker visits Armenia and Azerbaijan, boosting defence ties.

    • Lord Coaker visited Armenia and Azerbaijan this week with engagements focussed around boosting regional security
    • UK opens new Defence Section in Yerevan, Armenia

    The UK’s partnerships with Armenia and Azerbaijan were boosted this week as Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited the region to discuss peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

    The visit by Lord Coaker follows the UK’s commitment in the summer to strengthen our relationships with Armenia and Azerbaijan to Strategic Partnerships, with defence cooperation at the forefront.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

    As the threats we face increase, our partnerships are becoming more important than ever. The UK is working with Azerbaijan and Armenia to support peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

    In an increasingly uncertain world, it is partnerships like these, built on mutual respect and shared values, that will endure.

    This year, the UK appointed its first resident Defence Attachés to Azerbaijan and Armenia and announced the full lifting of the UK arms embargo on both countries.

    In Azerbaijan, Lord Coaker met with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, Minister of Defence of The Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the Minister of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan Vugar Mustafayev. Discussions explored opportunities to further develop the UK-Azerbaijan defence and security partnership.

    Lord Coaker attended the graduation ceremony of a British Military Training Course held at the Azerbaijan Army Training and Education Centre. Participants of the intensive four-week course were coached and mentored by British and Czech instructors in accordance with UK’s approach to ‘Defence Train the Trainer Course’.

    Lord Coaker also visited the Alley of Martyrs and Commonwealth War Memorial to pay his respects to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January 1990 and in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War of 1988–1994.

    In Armenia, Lord Coaker opened the UK’s first permanent Defence Section in Yerevan, demonstrating the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Armenia’s security, sovereignty and defence capabilities.

    Meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Defence Minister Suren Papikyan, Lord Coaker discussed deepening defence cooperation and supporting Armenia’s defence reform and modernisation efforts.

    Lord Coaker also paid tribute at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Memorial and visited the Vazgen Sargsyan Defence Academy, where he met with military instructors and cadets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 December 2025.

    Baroness Anne Longfield CBE has been appointed to chair the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs as part of a 3-person panel appointed under the Inquiries Act, finally getting answers for victims and survivors.  

    Longfield, a former Children’s Commissioner appointed in 2015 under the previous government, will be part of a 3-person panel. The three, appointed under the Inquiries Act, will investigate how young people were failed time and again by the very people who should have protected them. Longfield will work alongside Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panellists.

    Longfield will instigate and direct local investigations in areas where it is suspected serious failures occurred, including Oldham. These will examine the actions of the police, councils, social services and other agencies, both locally and nationally, making sure any wrongdoing or cover-ups are brought to light and holding those responsible to account. Any evidence and findings from the inquiry that could support putting perpetrators behind bars will be passed to the police.  

    The statutory inquiry will have full legal powers under the Inquiries Act to compel witnesses to give evidence, require organisations to hand over documents and records, and make recommendations, both locally and nationwide, to make sure nothing like this happens again.  

    It has also been confirmed that the inquiry will focus exclusively on grooming gangs and explicitly ask how ethnicity, religion and cultural factors impacted both the response from authorities and the perpetrators themselves. The government has committed £65 million to the inquiry and it must not take longer than 3 years, putting a stop to victims waiting endlessly for answers. The draft terms of reference will now be consulted on before being finalised by March. 

    Together the 3 panellists have extensive experience in championing children’s rights, holding policing to account and navigating local government systems. These 3 appointments reflect Baroness Casey’s recommendation that the inquiry be led by a panel of experts across the critical disciplines. 

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 

    For years, the victims of these awful crimes were ignored. First abused by vile predators, they then found themselves belittled and even blamed, when it was justice they were owed. 

    Today, I have announced the Chair and panel of an inquiry which will shine a bright light on this dark moment in our history.     

    They will do so alongside the victims of these awful crimes who have waited for too long to see justice done.     

    This inquiry is theirs, not ours. So I call on all those present to put politics aside, for a moment, and to support this Chair and her panel in the pursuit of the truth.

    Baroness Anne Longfield CBE brings 4 decades of experience in children’s advocacy and safeguarding and was recommended by Baroness Casey, who has supported the set-up of the inquiry and has agreed to be an adviser to the inquiry for as long as is needed. 

    Longfield will be supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panellists, who have extensive experience in holding policing to account and local government systems. These 3 appointments reflect Baroness Casey’s recommendation that the inquiry be led by a panel of experts across the critical disciplines. 

    The panellists will work directly with victims and survivors throughout the investigation, ensuring their experiences are at the heart of the inquiry and that investigations are victim-centred and trauma-informed. 

    This comes amid a swathe of other activity announced by the government to tackle grooming gangs, including announcing a further £3.6 million to be invested into the policing response. 

    Baroness Longfield CBE said: 

    I am honoured to be asked to undertake this important role by the Home Secretary. 

    The findings in Baroness Casey’s report were truly shocking, and I recognise that behind every heinous crime is a person, a child, a teenager, a family. I will never lose sight of this. 

    The inquiry owes it to the victims, survivors and the wider public to identify the truth, address past failings and ensure that children and young people today are protected in a way that others were not. The inquiry will follow the evidence and will not shy away from difficult or uncomfortable truths wherever we find them. I am pleased to be working alongside Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as expert panellists in championing children’s rights, holding policing to account and local government systems.

    The scourge of grooming gangs has not been adequately tackled over past decades. That must change and I will do everything in my power to make this happen. I am grateful to Baroness Casey for agreeing to act as adviser during the inquiry to ensure it stays true to this promise. 

    Baroness Louise Casey, adviser to the inquiry, said: 

    Baroness Longfield, Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly have long-standing track records in advocating for children, holding police forces to account and leading on critical social issues. Together, they make a formidable team and have my full support. 

    I will continue to work closely with the government to ensure the successful delivery of all my recommendations. Only by righting the wrongs of the past through the national criminal investigation, delivering this national inquiry and reforming our rape laws to make it unequivocally clear that children cannot consent to their abuse, can we truly draw a line in the sand.

    A statutory inquiry was a key recommendation in Baroness Casey’s recent audit into grooming gangs, which exposed serious failings in how institutions responded to child sexual exploitation. It forms part of the government’s Plan for Change commitment to halve violence against women and girls, ensure safer streets and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.  

    In the 6 months since the government accepted all of Baroness Casey’s recommendations, significant progress has been made.  

    Hundreds of previously closed investigations into abuse and exploitation are being reviewed as part of a national police operation, Operation Beaconport, focused on bringing more perpetrators to justice and getting justice for victims and survivors. The inquiry will also work closely with this police operation and any evidence or findings they uncover that could lead to a criminal charge will be passed to the police.   

    The government will also bring in an automatic disregard scheme for “child prostitution” convictions and cautions, so that survivors can get on with their lives free from unjust criminalisation and stigma.

    A further almost £3.75 million will be invested into the policing response, support for survivors and research into how to stop grooming gangs, with: 

    • nearly £1 million for the National Crime Agency to support Operation Beaconport, with a further £2.6 million for local police forces to review closed cases identified
    • £146,000 for a rapid assessment of Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVAs) services, to identify any gaps in services for supporting child victims of grooming gangs and technology-assisted sexual offences

    The Home Secretary has commissioned new research from UK Research and Innovation to rectify the unacceptable gaps in our understanding of perpetrators’ backgrounds and motivations, including their ethnicity and religion.

    This investment shows the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling group-based child sexual exploitation on multiple fronts – investigating past crimes and cover-ups, finding and prosecuting offenders, and preventing future abuse. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint G7 Finance Ministers’ Statement [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint G7 Finance Ministers’ Statement [December 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 December 2025.

    The G7 Finance Ministers met virtually on 8 December 2025.

    We, the G7 Finance Ministers, held a virtual meeting on 8 December 2025, together with the Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Financial Stability Board (FSB). We were also joined by Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Finance Ministers, or their representatives, from Australia, Chile, Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea for parts of the meeting.

    We welcomed the recent announcements at the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting that seek to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals. Stable and reliable supply chains are essential to drive economic growth and security, and we will continue to collaborate with international allies and industry partners to reduce single-source dependencies and strengthen our economic resilience. We look forward to further discussions on how we can create a high standards market that will secure our supply chains.

    We agreed that the use of non-market policies and practices to disrupt critical minerals supply chains can have significant negative global macroeconomic consequences. They can increase price volatility and undermine global growth prospects and stability, competitiveness and national and economic security. We expressed deep concern with the application of export controls on critical mineral supply chains and committed to work together to diversify and derisk supply chains.

    Reaffirming the G7’s unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist and its freedom, sovereignty and independence, we welcomed an update from the IMF on the situation in the country and the newly announced Staff Level Agreement. We will continue to work together to develop a wide range of financing options to support Ukraine, including potentially using the full value of the Russian Sovereign Assets, immobilized in our jurisdictions until reparations are paid for by Russia, to end the war and ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Our action will remain consistent with our respective legal frameworks. We will continue to support the Ukrainian authorities’ commitment to implement reforms, notably addressing informality, tackling corruption, and improving governance including in the state-owned enterprise sector. Together with other partners, we stand ready to support a new IMF program. We also stand ready to amplify the pressure on Russia should peace talks fail. We agreed on the importance of maintaining Ukraine at the top of the G7 agenda under France’s upcoming G7 presidency.  

    We agreed on the importance of strengthening G7 coordination with international partners and will continue to enhance our collective security and resilience.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE appointed Vice Chair of the Parole Board [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE appointed Vice Chair of the Parole Board [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 9 December 2025.

    The Secretary of State has approved the appointment of Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE as the Vice Chair of the Parole Board.

    The Secretary of State for Justice has approved the appointment of Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE as a judicial member of the Parole Board for a 5-year term from 6 December 2025. In addition, the Chair of the Parole Board, Alexandra Marks CBE, has designated Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE as the Board’s Vice Chair.

    The Vice Chair will be expected to share in the leadership and governance of the Parole Board.

    The Parole Board is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). It works with its criminal justice partners to protect the public by risk assessing prisoners to decide whether they can be safely released into the community. It was established by the Criminal Justice Act 1967.

    Appointments and re-appointments to the Parole Board (with the exception of Judicial members) are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Biography

    Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE was a Circuit Judge from 2007 to 2017; a Senior Circuit Judge, Central Criminal Court, from 2017 to 2022; and a Deputy High Court Judge, from 2013 until 2022. She also sat as an Additional Judge in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division. She was admitted as a solicitor in 1983 and was a Recorder from 2000 until 2007. In 2024 she was appointed as a trustee and member of the Board of the Access to Justice Foundation as the nominee of the Lady Chief Justice. She was an Independent member for the Parole Board (2003 – 2007) and later a Judicial member (2010 – 2019).