Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government crack down on pension scams [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government crack down on pension scams [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 June 2026.

    Pension savers will be better protected from scams under new plans announced today (Tuesday 9 June 2026), as the Government acts to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters who rob people of their lifetime savings.

    • New safeguard proposed to tackle pension fraud.
    • Targeted safeguard to end misuse of Small Self-Administered Schemes with average losses rising to £38,400 per person.
    • Part of wider government programme to crack down on pension fraud to ensure more can save with confidence.

    Pension scams are among one of the most damaging forms of financial fraud. Fraudsters trick savers into transferring their pension pots into bogus schemes, often leaving victims with no way to recover their losses.

    The new proposals would mean that where there is no clear link between a saver and the SSAS scheme they are transferring into, a new warning flag would be triggered, enabling the transfer to be stopped.

    The consultation also seeks views on cutting red tape that has been slowing down legitimate transfers, making the process simpler for savers who are not at risk of pension fraud.

    Torsten Bell MP, Minister for Pensions, said:

    Pension scams can rip away not just people’s savings, but the retirement they are looking forward to. This Government is determined to stay one step ahead of criminals who seek to exploit savers.

    Too often we see fraudsters trying to trick workers into transferring their savings into bogus pensions. We are stepping in to automatically block transfers where the warning signs are flashing red.

    Today’s consultation is the first step in a wider government programme to tackle pension fraud working with government departments and industry stakeholders, including the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG). Further measures, including potential new legislation, are being developed this year.

    Gaucho Rasmussen, Executive Director of Enforcement & Executive General Counsel at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), on behalf of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG), said:

    Fraud wrecks lives – and tackling it demands strong, coordinated action. Through the Pension Scams Action Group, which TPR leads, we are working closely with the DWP, law enforcement, the pensions industry and other partners to identify emerging threats and stop fraudsters in their tracks.

    The targeted safeguard proposed is an important step forward in protecting savers. We urge trustees and administrators to have their say.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 24 universities and colleges awarded investment to boost student places and strengthen UK defence industry [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : 24 universities and colleges awarded investment to boost student places and strengthen UK defence industry [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 June 2026.

    Universities across England awarded a share of £80 million to offer up to 2,500 student places, as well as help build new facilities to support increased capacity growth over the next decade.

    • £80 million of grants for institutions to offer 2,500 new student places so more young people can land key jobs in defence.
    • Funding will also help build brand new teaching facilities to support the capacity growth over the next decade.
    • Boost to defence-related and technical skills will meet industry needs, bolster national security, and deliver on the Strategic Defence Review and Industrial Strategy.

    Thousands more young people will be equipped with the skills needed for a career in the defence sector as the Government awards £80 million to 24 universities and colleges across England.

    Institutions from Newcastle to Exeter will use the funding to expand the number of places and improve facilities for courses which are vital to national security including defence-focused engineering and computing.

    The grants will help provide the defence industry with the future workforce it needs and give more young people the chance to secure well-paid careers. For instance, workers in the defence nuclear sector earn a wage premium of on average approximately 20% above the national average wage, based on a MOD survey of the main industry organisations.

    The 24 winners – selected from 112 applicants – will receive a share of £50 million to create almost 2,500 new student places over five years starting from this autumn. Funding is focused on engineering and computer science, including cyber security, robotics, autonomous technology, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing, where defence has some of its greatest skills needs.   

    A further £30 million will be invested in projects including building brand new teaching facilities to support the capacity growth over the next decade.

    The announcement delivers on the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendation to boost the pipeline of skilled workers who can contribute to the UK’s national security.

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: 

    We are creating more opportunities for young people across the UK to learn new skills and secure good, well-paid jobs in defence. This funding will see 24 superb universities and colleges offer more students places to learn these skills of the future. 

    We know our outstanding Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them, and through this investment we’re strengthening our national security and helping drive defence as an engine for growth.

    The funding will support the creation of new undergraduate degrees in areas such as Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems and increase defence-related industry placements and projects. In the coming years, this will create a pipeline of skilled graduates in the defence sector and enable more joint projects between academic institutions and defence industries.  

    The MOD is the largest provider of apprenticeships in the UK, supporting over 24,000 apprenticeships last year. This is the largest single investment within the £182 million Defence Industrial Strategy skills package, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to ensuring the defence sector has the workforce it needs for the future.

    Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith said:

    A strong defence sector needs a strong skills pipeline. This investment will help thousands more people gain the qualifications needed for rewarding careers in defence, working to protect our national security and boost our economic growth.

    By expanding access to high-demand courses in the defence sector, we are creating new opportunities for learners across the country while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need.

    This is a clear example of education and industry working together to deliver growth, strengthen Britain’s defence capability and support the jobs of the future.

    The investment comes as part of the government’s Strategic Priorities Grant and boosts places for students from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, helping to build skills and drive growth across the country. Work is ongoing with devolved governments to assess specific skills needs and funding options across the rest of the UK.  

    The competition, run by the Office for Students, was designed to connect education more closely to the defence sector’s skills needs. This is being delivered through the Government’s commitment to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027. 

    The Government’s comprehensive defence skills package also includes £50 million to establish five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Blackpool, Plymouth, Lincoln, Rotherham and Yeovil, training people in the skills needed to secure new defence jobs in this growing industry.  

    CEO of ADS Group, Kevin Craven said: 

    Expanding capacity across universities and colleges will open up more high-quality pathways into well-paid jobs in sectors critical to national security, from engineering to cyber – and is the most recent example of MoD putting people first.

    Our latest data highlights that increases in defence investment could create 50,000 jobs by 2030, on top of the 180,000 high-quality jobs already found across our sectors. Demand is rising for skilled talent in our sectors, and against our wider complex geopolitical backdrop this is a hugely welcome announcement!

    Vivienne Stern, MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: 

    Universities are central to building the skills needed for a new era of UK defence, drawing on their world-leading teaching, research, and partnerships with industry.

    We welcome the outcomes of the £80 million Strategic Priorities Grant competition to strengthen the skills pipeline. With over 100 applications to participate, universities are ready to step up to deliver for the country, providing opportunities for young people and supporting the industry‑aligned talent that the UK defence sector relies on. 

    It is critical that the wider Strategic Priorities Grant continues to support high-cost subjects that are vital to the UK’s needs” 

    Notes to editors

    The 24 institutions which have been awarded funding are: 

    • Bournemouth University Higher Education Corporation 
    • University of Winchester 
    • Lincoln College 
    • City College Plymouth 
    • The University of Birmingham 
    • University of Liverpool 
    • Birmingham City University 
    • University of Durham 
    • University of Lincoln 
    • University of Sheffield 
    • University of Southampton 
    • The University of Surrey 
    • Teesside University 
    • The University of Warwick 
    • The University of Westminster 
    • Yeovil College 
    • Aston University 
    • University of Exeter 
    • University of Newcastle upon Tyne 
    • University of Plymouth 
    • The University of Cumbria 
    • St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London 
    • The University of Bath 
    • New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering
  • PRESS RELEASE : New powers to crack down on hostile foreign state organisations [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New powers to crack down on hostile foreign state organisations [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 June 2026.

    New powers introduced to crack down on organisations carrying out hostile activity on behalf of foreign states, including proxy groups who do their bidding.

    The UK will be better protected from hostile activity by foreign states with new powers to crack down on individuals, organisations and proxy groups acting on their behalf, under landmark new legislation introduced to Parliament today (9 June).

    The government is delivering on its promise to fast-track legislation after the recent wave of alarming antisemitic attacks in the UK.

    The National Security (State Threats) Bill will give the Home Secretary new counter terrorism-style powers to stand up to foreign state organisations and state-linked groups that threaten the UK’s national security and the safety of our communities.

    Subject to parliamentary approval, the new law is expected to come into force as early as next month. The Home Secretary will be able to use these new powers immediately and, if she judges it necessary, will do so without delay.

    The powers will stop foreign states carrying out hostile activity in the UK – such as criminal damage against Jewish communities and targeting dissidents on UK soil. It will give the police and intelligence agencies stronger tools and powers to disrupt and deter those who work on their behalf.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The recent wave of antisemitic attacks has shocked the nation and left British Jews feeling unsafe in their own communities. That cannot stand.

    Where foreign states are found to be engaging in activity that threatens lives or undermines our democratic institutions, we must ensure that such actions have consequences.

    We will not tolerate hostile actors paying petty criminals to do their dirty work.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

    Foreign states are becoming ever more aggressive – attacking our communities, our way of life, and our institutions – and hiding their tracks behind proxies. We must adapt to keep pace.

    Our world-leading police and intelligence agencies do remarkable work every day to keep this country safe, and they will always have the government’s fullest support. That is why we are equipping them with stronger tools to take down these evolving threats wherever they occur.

    These new powers should send a clear message to anyone doing the dirty work of a foreign state – we will come after you and you will face the full force of the law.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    In recent years we have seen an increase in state backed threats on UK streets. Eighteen months ago, I commissioned the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation to examine the gaps in our national security legislation, and consider what changes we would need to allow counter terrorism-style powers to be used effectively to counter state threats.

    As a result of that work, the new law we are introducing today will enable us to take the strong action required against those foreign adversaries seeking to undermine the UK’s security, interests, and values through covert means.

    Our duty is to defend ourselves from these threats, protect our national security, and keep the British people safe.

    A new criminal offence will apply to anyone who expresses support for a designated organisation – criminalising the glorification of activities which threaten the UK.

    It will also be an offence to assist or receive payment from a designated organisation. This will crack down on foreign states hiding their involvement in hostile activity by outsourcing it to proxy groups, such as organised crime groups.

    The bill mirrors these offences from the National Security Act 2023, meaning designated groups can be treated in the same way as a ‘foreign intelligence service’ so harmful acts conducted through proxies can be disrupted.

    Collectively, these new measures will make it easier to prosecute perpetrators, deter those who might be susceptible to doing the bidding of a hostile state-linked actor, and mean that anyone convicted could face the severe consequence up to 14 years behind bars.

    The new powers come in the wake of a concerning rise in state-backed aggression on UK soil with MI5’s state threats investigations increasing by 35% as of last year – with 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots tracked by MI5 last year alone – and diversifying, as we see more threats to life and increased use of proxy groups.

    The Home Secretary confirmed the legislation would be fast-tracked after the recent wave of antisemitic attacks. Whilst a number of these have been claimed by a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin, there are a number of live investigations and criminal proceedings.

    The National Security Act 2023 provided the police and intelligence agencies with extensive new tools to detect and disrupt hostile activity, and a record £600 million additional funding is being invested, however the government must keep pace with the growing scale and increasing complexity of the threats the UK faces.

    The government has already brought forward some of strongest measures yet to protect the UK’s national security from state threats. The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme increases transparency of covert influence in our democracy and state threat offenders now face longer behind bars under a tougher sentencing regime. We’ve rolled out new training for front line police officers to increase their understanding and ability to respond to state-directed incidents, and a number of convictions in the past year will continue serve as a reminder to anyone considering acting on behalf of a foreign state that there will be severe consequences.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

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

    I will make four points focused on: the Ebola outbreak, climate security, the situation in Cameroon, and the impact of the Sudan conflict.

    The UK is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries. The conflict in eastern DRC makes the Ebola response harder. We urge all parties and the international community to work together to curb the outbreak.

    The United Kingdom has allocated over $26 million in new funding for the World Health Organisation, the UN and other international partners to strengthen disease surveillance, support frontline health workers, improve infection prevention and control, and help affected communities access lifesaving care.

    Second, the United Kingdom welcomes the launch of UNOCA’s Climate, Peace and Security Strategy. Climate change continues to compound insecurity and displacement in the Central Africa region.

    We welcome UNOCA’s cooperation with ECCAS and the UN Climate Security Mechanism to develop a new strategy for addressing the impact of climate change. We urge swift implementation of the strategy to improve early warning and conflict-sensitive responses.

    Third, we encourage greater efforts to address violence and terrorism in the region. The United Kingdom is concerned by continued violence and insecurity in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.

    We welcome UNOCA’s efforts to support dialogue and urge sustained engagement towards a peaceful, Cameroonian-led solution.

    We also encourage further regional cooperation to tackle threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin. We note the work of the Multinational Joint Task Force in improving security in Cameroon’s Far-North.

    Fourth, as the Secretary-General’s report made clear, the Sudan conflict is having a destabilising impact on the Central Africa region. This includes driving displacement and humanitarian need. We particularly commend Chad’s efforts in hosting refugees fleeing violence. 

    At the recent international Sudan conference, the UK announced 146 million pounds to support frontline aid workers providing life-saving support to the Sudanese people. 

    The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Central Africa region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New safety measures introduced to protect children around banned dog breeds [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New safety measures introduced to protect children around banned dog breeds [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 June 2026.

    Public protection against banned dog breeds such as XL bullies will be strengthened.

    Children will be better protected from dangerous dogs in the home under a new government measure introduced to Parliament today (June 9th) to strengthen safeguards around banned breeds, including XL Bully types.  

    From 1 November 2026, owners must not leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity to a banned breed dog in a domestic setting or other private settings place without adult supervision. This will be a condition of the Certificate of Exemption, which allows owners to legally keep a banned breed. 

    The new safeguard will reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments, while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is in place.  

    As with other conditions of exemption, failure to comply with this requirement may result in enforcement action. This can include seizure of the dog and potential prosecution, in line with existing powers under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.  

    Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman said:   

    Any attack on a child by a dangerous dog is unacceptable.

    The safety of children must always come first, and this new measure will strengthen protections in the home by ensuring young children are not left unattended around banned breed dogs, including XL Bully types.  

    While many owners are acting responsibly – those that don’t should face the legal consequences.

    While this measure applies specifically to banned breed‑type dogs, young children should be supervised around all breeds of dog.  

    Further guidance will be published ahead of implementation on 1 November.  

    Also being introduced are changes to the insurance requirements for owners of exempted banned dog breeds. The requirement for third-party public liability insurance will be removed from July 1st. This reflects the withdrawal of the only available provider and the absence of any suitable alternative products in the market.  

    All other legal requirements remain in place, including requirements for exempted dogs to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. Owners remain fully responsible for any harm caused by their dogs.  

    Responsible dog ownership continues to be encouraged across all breeds of dog and Defra keeps current dog control rules under review to ensure they are sufficient to ensure communities are protected.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

    Joint statement from Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.

    In response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, we the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have taken coordinated action to introduce sanctions and other measures to hold extremist settlers accountable for the horrific levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians.

    Extremist violent settlers, with the backing of their supporters, continue to attack Palestinians and abuse their human rights. They use violence to displace Palestinians, destroy property and perpetuate the illegal settlement enterprise, undermining the viability of the State of Palestine and the prospects for peaceful coexistence.

    For too long, violent settlers have been able to act with near impunity, and settlement expansion and creation of outposts continue with the support and facilitation of the Government of Israel.  In some cases, settler violence takes place under the protection of Israel’s security forces. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to take action to ensure meaningful accountability for violence in the West Bank. The Government of Israel should ensure every attack is swiftly and thoroughly investigated, take action against the outposts and organisations that allow violence to flourish, and stop the incitement of violence.

    We believe that peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution. Together, we will continue to work towards this goal.

    We Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, we are acting together again in support of the same objectives.

    We stand ready to take more action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies sanction networks enabling settler violence in the West Bank [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies sanction networks enabling settler violence in the West Bank [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces co-ordinated sanctions with international partners targeting individuals and entities involved in financing and enabling settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

    • Foreign Secretary to set out tougher UK action in response to record settlement expansion and rising settler violence in West Bank, and push for urgent implementation of the 20 Point Peace Plan
    • UK brings together Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Norway to deliver co-ordinated sanctions against networks financing and enabling settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, and firmly advises British businesses against activity in illegal Israeli settlements 
    • UK takes further action to support recovery in Gaza, including providing £1 million for humanitarian demining, and at least £10 million supporting the PA to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain critical services

    In a statement to Parliament today, the Foreign Secretary will announce that the UK, alongside partners (Canada, France and Norway) is imposing new sanctions. The UK will impose sanctions on 6 entities and one individual involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Australia and New Zealand published co-ordinated sanctions last week.   

    Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, they are acting together again in support of the same objectives. 

    Those designated will face asset freezes and, where appropriate, travel bans and Director Disqualifications. These sanctions will disrupt the flows of finance that have allowed extremist settler groups to act with impunity in the West Bank and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution. 

    The UK position remains clear: settlements are illegal under international law, they undermine international efforts to secure a just, lasting peace in the Middle East, and they risk doing permanent damage to the prospects of a secure and viable Palestinian state being able to live in peace alongside a secure Israel.  

    For the first time, the Foreign Secretary has also announced that the UK’s official guidance will explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. The UK continues to support trade with Israel within 1967 lines, but states that there should be no economic involvement in illegal settlements.  

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to say: 

    Today we are acting with our international partners to sanction those who support and sponsor violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

    Settler expansion and violence is illegal and a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution, and to long-term peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

    These measures show the UK is leading with our partners to target those who are fuelling this violence.

    These steps come against a backdrop of continued illegal settlement expansion including the E1 project, which further undermines the viability of a two-state solution, and record levels of settler violence designed deliberately to destroy Palestinian homes and livelihoods in the West Bank. 

    The UK continues to urge the Government of Israel to end settlement expansion, clamp down on settler violence, prosecute those responsible, and lift ongoing restrictions on the functioning of the Palestinian economy. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if the situation does not improve. 

    Today’s measures form part of a wider UK effort to advance peace and security in Israel and Palestine. This includes action to support implementation of the 20 Point Plan for Gaza and protect and strengthen a viable Palestinian state.  

    The Foreign Secretary is also expected to announce today that the UK will provide an additional £1 million for humanitarian mine action in Gaza in addition to the £4 million already contributed. She will call on the Government of Israel to open all crossings and remove arbitrary restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid and equipment to ensure that UK aid can reach all those who desperately need it.

    She will also announce that she will travel to Paris this week in advance of the Peace Building Conference, which is bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society, and international partners dedicated to advancing the two-state solution.

    In addition, the Foreign Secretary will confirm at least £10 million in financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority in 2026, including support to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain frontline services such as healthcare. 

    Background 

    Sanctioned individuals and entities include: 

    • The Farms Association: provides financial and organisational support to Israeli settler farms and outposts in the West Bank, including those associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
    • Ahavat Gilad: serves as a financial conduit for the Farms Association, channelling donations to settler outposts including those associated with violence against Palestinians 
    • Ari Yshag: fundraises for illegal settler outposts associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
    • Artzenu: promotes, finances and resources settler farms and outposts associated with violence against Palestinians, including fundraising for tactical military equipment for armed settler squads 
    • Shivat Zion Lerigvey Admata: the registered legal vehicle through which Artzenu’s financial activities are conducted, channelling donations to outposts linked to serious human rights abuses 
    • Eyal Hari Yehuda: construction and demolition company that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians
    • Itamar Yehuda Levi: owner of EYAL HARI YEHUDA COMPANY LTD (also designated today) that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians
  • PRESS RELEASE : Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 June 2026.

    Raised standards for recruiting foreign students come amid continued visa abuse. Student asylum claims already down 30% as government action delivers results.

    Universities will be stripped of the right to recruit international students if too many drop out, as the government tightens the screws on visa abuse. 

    New sponsorship rules will introduce a sliding scale of penalties for higher education institutions that fail to recruit responsibly. 

    It comes after asylum claims from work, study and tourist visas more than tripled under the previous government – reaching 37% of all claims, with foreign students accounting for the largest share.  

    Asylum claims by students have since fallen by 30% in the past year alone following tough action taken in partnership with the sector. 

    The Home Secretary has also imposed a first-of-its-kind visa brake on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan following a surge in asylum claims. 

    These reforms build on that progress, raising the pass marks of the annual test used to monitor visa sponsors – across all three of its metrics: 

    • Visa refusal rate: must remain below 5% (previously 10%) 
    • Course enrolment rate: must reach at least 95% (previously 90%) 
    • Course completion rate: must reach at least 90% (previously 85%) 

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said: 

    The UK will always welcome genuine international students, and our universities are rightly admired around the world. 

    But our visa system must not be used as a backdoor to asylum and illegal working. 

    Student asylum claims are down 30% in the last year. I thank the sector for their co-operation in achieving this, but we must go further. 

    Those seeking to game the system should know we are watching – and won’t hesitate to act.

    High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants. But from summer 2027, a new traffic light rating system will make clear to regulators, and the public, which institutions are recruiting responsibly.  

    Those rated red will face restrictions on the number of students they can recruit and must fund a 12-month action plan to fix failing practices.  

    Those that don’t improve face losing international student recruitment rights altogether.

    The changes were announced during a visit to Manchester Metropolitan University by Home Office Minister Mike Tapp, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press and Universities UK.  

    Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, President of Universities UK said: 

    UK universities are one of our greatest success stories, and we should be proud that people from around the world aspire to study here. We are fully committed to protecting the integrity of the visa system and working in partnership with the Home Office. 

    International students bring significant economic and soft power benefits, contributing £37 billion in export earnings. We want the UK to remain open and welcoming, but that depends on responding quickly to any risks of abuse. 

    What universities need from government is policy stability, transparent visa decision-making, and real-time data to act on emerging concerns. The sector relies on international student income, and recent sharp declines have led to substantial cost-cutting and job losses. It is essential that we build a fair, stable, and transparent system that works in the national interest.

    The Home Office is actively exploring new ways to share data with the education sector, within a robust data protection framework.  

    Education institutions also hold valuable data of their own, and the government continues to urge them to work together to share intelligence across the sector and crack down on abuse wherever it occurs.   

    Since last summer, the Home Office has contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire – warning that meritless asylum claims will be swiftly refused and those without the right to remain must leave or face removal. 

    These measures form part of the government’s broader drive to restore order and control to the immigration system – under which net migration has now fallen by 74%.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Lex Greensill to be disqualified from acting as a company director in the UK for nine years [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Lex Greensill to be disqualified from acting as a company director in the UK for nine years [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 4 June 2026.

    Financier to be banned until June 2035.

    • Lex Greensill was a director of three companies within the Greensill Group, which collapsed in 2021 with combined liabilities of more than £1.6 billion
    • In late 2020, he caused the companies to enter into a series of transactions with US construction company Katerra that removed legal protections from a Credit Suisse fund’s investment
    • The Australian businessman also caused or allowed $440 million received in November 2020 to be used for purposes other than repaying the fund

    Lex Greensill will be banned as a company director in the UK for nine years after agreeing to be disqualified following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

    The 49-year-old was a director of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited, Greensill Limited and Australian parent company Greensill Capital Pty Limited, all part of the Greensill Group.

    Before its collapse in 2021, the Greensill Group provided accounts receivable financing.

    The financing was funded through the creation and sale of security-backed ‘notes’ – financial instruments similar to bonds.

    The Credit Suisse (Lux) Supply Chain Finance Fund purchased a series of notes backed by receivables (similar to payment obligations) relating to US construction group Katerra.

    The notes also benefited from trade credit insurance.

    Lex Greensill caused the three Greensill companies to enter transactions that removed the legal protections underpinning the Credit Suisse fund’s investment in late 2020.

    The transactions meant that the receivables no longer required payment, security held against those receivables was released, and the payment obligations supporting the fund’s trade credit insurance were cancelled. The transactions were entered into without the written consents required.

    Lex Greensill also caused or allowed Greensill Capital (UK) Limited to use $440 million received in November 2020 for purposes other than redeeming the notes owed to the Credit Suisse fund.

    The notes all defaulted when they fell due, resulting in a loss of $440 million to the Credit Suisse fund.

    His conduct breached his legal duty under the Companies Act 2006 to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence as a company director.

    A six-week trial was due to begin on Monday 8 June, but Lex Greensill signed a disqualification undertaking – a legally-binding agreement where directors do not dispute certain facts (for the purposes of the disqualification proceedings only) to end court action.

    The disqualification undertaking was accepted by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on Tuesday 2 June and his ban comes into effect on Tuesday 23 June.

    Duncan Beach, Chief Executive at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Director disqualifications exist to protect the public from those who have demonstrated they are unfit to run companies. A nine-year ban is a significant period – above the average for director disqualifications – and reflects the serious nature of Lex Greensill’s conduct.

    The Insolvency Service has ambitious plans to be recognised as the UK’s leading authority in enforcing corporate and insolvency standards. Director disqualifications are an important tool in helping us achieve our goals.

    Through securing more impactful disqualifications in the months and years to come, we will continue to protect the public and safeguard the marketplace from those directors whose conduct makes them unfit to be involved in the management of companies.

    Greensill Capital (UK) Limited collapsed into administration in March 2021 with liabilities of more than £1.6 billion.

    Greensill Capital Pty Limited entered administration in Australia in the same month, before going into liquidation in April 2021.

    Greensill Limited went into liquidation in July 2021.

    Insolvency Service investigations began in May 2022, and the agency announced it had commenced disqualification proceedings against Lex Greensill in March 2024.

    The businessman unsuccessfully applied to temporarily pause part of the claim in May 2025.

    He then unsuccessfully applied to strike out the entire claim in March 2026, and the Court of Appeal refused to give him permission to appeal against that decision.

    Lex Greensill’s disqualification prevents him from acting as a director or being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    • Lex Greensill’s date of birth is 29 December 1976
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Djibouti – David Hall [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Djibouti – David Hall [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2026.

    Dr David Hall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, in succession to Mr Vinay Talwar, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Dr Hall will take up his appointment during October 2026.

    Curriculum vitae 

    Full name: David Ian Hall 

    DatesRole
    2022 to 2025MOD, Deputy Director, Counter Proliferation
    2021FCDO, Head of Security Policy
    2017 to 2020Vienna, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to IAEA/CTBTO
    2015 to 2017Vienna, Deputy Permanent Representative, UKMis
    2012 to 2015Nairobi, Political Counsellor
    2009 to 2012FCO, Counter Proliferation Department
    2007 to 2009FCO, Africa Directorate
    2003 to 2007Brussels, First Secretary (Nuclear Policy, NATO)
    1993 to 2003MOD