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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer Meeting with President Begaj of Albania [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer Meeting with President Begaj of Albania [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 May 2025.

    The Prime Minister met the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, in Tirana this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on his visit to the Port of Durrës earlier in the day to see the UK and Albania’s close cooperation to tackle organised crime.

    It was clear that across all areas of the relationship – from defence and security to trade, migration and economic growth – the partnership between the UK and Albania was thriving, the Prime Minister added.

    The leaders discussed their resolute support for Ukraine and the need to uphold peace and security in Europe.

    Turning to the Western Balkans summit being held in London in the Autumn, the Prime Minister said it offered the chance to discuss how the UK could further support the region to tackle shared challenges.

    In a more uncertain world, dialogue and diplomacy needed to be the answer to resolving regional tensions, the leaders agreed.

    Both looked forward to speaking again.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan – UK Statement [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan – UK Statement [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2025.

    Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Office amid a challenging financial backdrop.

    Thank you Mr Chair.

    First, I would like to welcome Ambassador Karttunen to the Permanent Council. Thank you to you and your team for your report, and for your informative presentation.

    Chair, the United Kingdom has continued to build our relationship with Uzbekistan and is committed to supporting the government in carrying out its wide-ranging reforms. Last year our governments signed a joint declaration covering all aspects of the bilateral relationship, and this year we have signed an agreement on expanding our cooperation on Critical Minerals. We look forward to further cooperation in the coming years.

    We welcome the close cooperation between the Government of Uzbekistan and the Project Coordinator and commend the Project Coordinator’s work across the three dimensions.

    In the first dimension, we welcome the work the Project Coordinator is doing on border security. We were pleased to be able to support this effort by facilitating training for the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan last year by Surrey Police aimed at strengthening the capacity of Uzbek instructors to effectively use dogs in detecting drugs, cash, and firearms.

    In the second dimension, we commend the work of the Project Coordinator on climate change and water management, and we are proud donors to the OSCE project on “strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in Central Asia”. We recognise the particular vulnerabilities Central Asian states have to climate change and its consequences. That is why we are funding a regional programme to improve Central Asia’s resilience and sovereignty by strengthening regional cooperation on water and energy to deliver low carbon and climate resilient growth.

    And in the third dimension, we note the positive steps taken – as identified by ODIHR and the RFoM – in the draft information code.  These include a ban on censorship and media monopolisation, and the requirement for free access to and use of information for everyone without discrimination. We encourage the Government of Uzbekistan to address concerns raised about concentrating media regulation under the government rather than an independent regulatory body, and the broad grounds for restricting content and suspending media activities.

    In closing, let me thank you Ambassador Karttunen and your dedicated team in Uzbekistan for their efforts in upholding the principles of the OSCE and ensuring your important work continues – particularly in light of the considerable challenges caused by the continued non-agreement of the Unified Budget.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping operations as Minister announces new funding for programmes [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping operations as Minister announces new funding for programmes [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    More than 250 personnel from the UK Armed Forces are deployed to locations such as Cyprus and Somalia, working to reduce the threat of violence.

    The UK has announced a raft of investment for international initiatives to support UN peacekeeping activity.

    As one of the largest financial contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, the UK has enduring deployments of around 250 military personnel to locations such as Cyprus, Somalia, and South Sudan, which see British troops working alongside peacekeepers from other countries, building their capability and enabling the UN to deliver its peacekeeping mandates.

    Attending the annual UN Peacekeeping Ministerial summit in Berlin today, the Minister for the Armed Forces confirmed more than a million pounds of additional investment in international programmes to make peacekeeping operations more effective, deliver training to partner armed forces around the world, and to enhance accountability.

    Pledges announced include:

    • £150,000 to support the roll-out of a UN reinforcement training package for commanders to help build skills to raise standards of conduct and discipline, while specifically aiming to strengthen leadership and accountability while combatting sexual exploitation and abuse.
    • £200,000 will fund monitoring and analysis of Action for Peacekeeping Plus – a key UN reform agenda – using data-driven insights to enhance and reform international peacekeeping with an evidence-based approach.
    • £500,000 to be invested in the Elsie Initiative Fund, which is co-chaired by the UK and UN Women, that aims to accelerate the pace of change in security institutions to enable more uniformed women to meaningfully deploy to and participate in peace operations.
    • £100,000 of investment will see the UK step up to co-host a peacekeeping course aimed at women alongside Austria and Kenya.
    • £125,000 will be spent on funding for the Peace Operations Training Institute, an NGO focused on delivering training to support peace operations and providing resources to counter disinformation and misinformation.

    Not only will these measures contribute to building effective UN peacekeeping missions, they will also support the UK to ensure its forces have experience working alongside key partners, building their skills, capability and operational effectiveness.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said:

    With the threat of conflict rising around the world, it has never been more important for countries to come together to assess what more we can collectively do to support those who selflessly put their lives at risk in the name of peace.

    The UK has always been a staunch supporter of UN peacekeeping and the multilateral, and with hundreds of our personnel deployed on operations or supporting peace programmes in Europe and Africa, it was a pleasure to reaffirm our commitment today in Berlin to supporting peace processes and reducing the threat of conflict.

    65 UN peacekeepers were killed or lost their lives in the line-of-duty last year. Their determination and sacrifice will be honoured by our reaffirmed commitment to deepening our international partnerships to deliver peace and cease unnecessary conflict.

    Peacekeeping is essential to assisting countries transition from conflict to peace, helping to support stability in some of the most volatile regions the world, in turn positively affecting the UK’s own national security – which is the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. It plays a critical role in preventing the outbreak of larger-scale violence and conflict which would otherwise require greater UK diplomatic, defence or development investment.

    The most prominent UK activity in support of UN peace operations is through Operation Tosca in Cyprus, a reoccurring deployment to maintain 50 years calm, which sees British troops patrolling and maintaining the integrity of the buffer zone that runs between the Republic of Cyprus to the south and the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the north (which is not recognised by the UK as a sovereign territory). It has been one of the UK’s longest-running operations and continues to play an essential part in the peace process between the RoC and the so-called TRNC.

    Lord Collins of Highbury, FCDO Minister for Africa said:

    Peacekeepers are in harm’s way every day to keep the communities they serve safe through courage and determination. In an era of global instability, they need the support of the international community now more than ever.

    That’s why the UK is strengthening its commitment to UN peacekeeping operations through new funding and support, and why we must continue to strengthen our collective will to use peacekeeping effectively for peace and security.

    A small number of British personnel also support a UN peace mission in Somalia, which conducts vital work to reduce the threat from extremist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, by helping to prevent them establishing a foothold in the country.

    More broadly, the UK helps train and support the security forces of many African nations to enhance their peace operations, through the British Peace Support Team (Africa) which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

    BPST(A) conducts around a hundred activities a year across sub-Saharan Africa, working closely with the UN to develop and deliver capacity-building, especially in peacekeeping intelligence, senior leaders’ courses, training to help counter the threat of improvised explosive devices, and combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

    The team delivers these activities primarily alongside the African Union’s Peace and Security Operations Division, with African Standby Forces ,and with training institutions across the continent – training more than 3,000 personnel a year all ranks, from junior soldier to senior mission leader, from police, civilian and military disciplines.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 15 May 2025.

    Schools, community centres and care homes receive new awards to upgrade their buildings and save money off bills in the long term.

    • Local community buildings will benefit from cheaper energy bills in the years to come, thanks to funding allocated by the government
    • schools, community centres and care homes will benefit from upgrades, contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average to 2037

    Pupils at schools, residents at care homes, and users of community centres will all be given a boost today, as the government allocates funding to help cut energy bills for public buildings in the years to come.

    The social institutions that allow local communities to thrive, such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, will be given extra help to make energy saving upgrades and tackle costs, allowing more money to be spent on the services that people care about.

    More than £630 million has been awarded for measures including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and double glazing, helping to make Britain energy secure as part of the Plan for Change while contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average over the next 12 years.

    The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been awarded over £30 million to install heat pumps at Queens Park Leisure Centre, Birkenhead Central Library and Chase Heys Home for the Elderly, while the Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust will receive more than £14 million to replace fossil fuel heating at two sites, helping power these pillars of the local community with cleaner, homegrown energy.

    The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will benefit from £1 million to install heat pumps and solar panels at one of its aircraft hangars, and Worcester City Council will receive £90,000 to upgrade the King George V Community Centre, which is used for employability training and youth activities, with new heat pumps, solar panels and double glazing.

    The University of York has been awarded £35 million to capture energy from beneath the Earth’s surface to help deliver low-carbon heat to buildings on campus, while the National Portrait Gallery has been awarded over £5 million to switch to heat pumps in its main public gallery and Orange Street building, which houses the historic archives of the library.

    Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

    Today we are providing even more support for Britain’s buildings – from schools to museums and galleries – helping to rebuild vital public services as part of the Plan for Change.

    This investment will see local communities benefit from our sprint to clean power, with warm public buildings, run more affordably.

    An extra £102 million from the Green Heat Network Fund will help to develop new and existing heat networks in England, including the Hemiko South Westminster Area Network (SWAN), which could help to decarbonise iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament using waste heat from the River Thames.

    This follows Great British Energy’s first major project to put solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, helping them to reinvest savings on their energy bills in teaching and healthcare.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor at the University of York Charlie Jeffery said:

    Our geothermal project will be a powerful catalyst in our journey towards net zero, offering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and a greener future.

    Beyond its crucial environmental impact, the site will serve as a living laboratory that will drive research, educate our students and bring benefits beyond our campus.

    The support from the government is a vital catalyst for this transformative endeavour, which we believe will empower the next generation of sustainability leaders and deepen community understanding of renewable energy technologies.

    Policy Manager at Energy UK Louise Shooter said:

    High energy bills have been a big headache for schools, hospitals, leisure centres and other community facilities in recent years – so it’s great to see them being helped to install energy saving measures and other green technology that will cut energy costs permanently while also enabling them to do their bit to reduce emissions. Energy UK’s members have been helping schools and hospitals across the country do the same and save money which means more funding for the essential services they provide. It’s a very tangible example of the benefits that come from investing in the switch to cleaner energy.

    Head of External Affairs at ADE: Heat Networks Pablo John said:

    Today’s investment in heat networks like the University of York’s geothermal project is a blueprint for Britain’s clean heat revolution. These networks capture every kilowatt of renewable energy and waste heat we produce, turning it into affordable warmth for consumers. York’s 78% cut in fossil fuels proves that when we back heat networks now – even outside of zones – we secure energy independence for good. Let’s build on this momentum by supporting heat network innovation everywhere and stop wasting the heat under our feet.

    Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum Karen Whitting said:

    Warm thanks to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for their investment through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This will enable us to introduce new, low/no-carbon technologies to a historic 1938 Type-C aircraft hangar as part of our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. The re-developed hangar will be used as a Learning Centre and exhibition gallery which will welcome and inspire around 500,000 visitors a year, sharing the nationally important Royal Air Force story. The project will make a major contribution to the RAF Museum’s Strategy including our commitment to achieving Carbon Net Zero.

    Notes to editors

    Decarbonising the public sector with low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures will save the public sector an estimated £650 million per year on average to 2037. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is contributing towards delivering these savings for public sector organisations.

    Applications for Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme opened in October 2024. Funding for this phase is worth approximately £940 million and will run until financial year 2027/2028. Some remaining funding awards will be issued in the coming weeks.

    As of May 2025, the regional breakdown for Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 funding is as follows:

    • North East: £65,191,456
    • Yorkshire and the Humber: £81,262,778
    • North West: £116,815,617
    • East Midlands: £73,405,602
    • West Midlands: £84,306,700
    • East of England: £29,149,553
    • South East: £35,720,404
    • South West: £30,002,246
    • Greater London: £113,914,685
    • Wales: £2,500,000
    • Across Regions: £1,325,000

    The Green Heat Network Fund supports new and existing heat networks in England to adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps, recovered heat, geothermal and energy from waste. A total of over £484 million in awards to 40 projects has been made public since the launch of the scheme in 2022.

    The projects included in this announcement, which have been awarded a total of over £102 million in grant funding are:

    • Derby Energy Network (Derby Energy Ltd): £23,240,000
    • Bristol City Centre (Bristol Heat Networks/Vattenfall): £21,300,000
    • SWAN (Hemiko): £21,000,000
    • Lincoln (Hemiko): £15,508,000
    • East London Energy (Bring Energy): £8,813,120
    • Trafford Civic Quarter Heat Networks (Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council): £5,750,000
    • West Bromwich Heat Network (Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council): £4,939,421
    • Mersey Biochar Heat Network (Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd): £1,728,890
  • PRESS RELEASE : New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    The UK and Germany will confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km.

    The United Kingdom and Germany will today (Thursday 15th May) confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km, as both countries step up on European security and drive economic growth at home.

    This comes following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation in October in London – the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany.

    German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will host his counterpart Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council today in Berlin, where they will discuss how the agreement is already delivering real benefits, from deterring threats on NATO’s eastern flank, to creating skilled jobs and driving investment at home.

    The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors.

    Discussions will focus on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing the UK and Germany’s ability to counter the latest underwater threats, boosting national security for both nations.

    A new commitment will also see Germany procure advanced British military bridges, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by supporting jobs in the North-west.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy. This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.

    In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united. Together with Germany, we’re leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.

    Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet play a crucial role tracking Russian vessels near UK waters.

    The Defence Ministers will meet again tomorrow (Friday 16th May) alongside their Polish, Italian and French counterparts in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence ministers in Rome.

    The UK and Germany will meet again in June alongside more than 50 nations and partners, when they jointly host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Since the UK took the chair, nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

    The Trinity House Agreement is delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by stepping up national security whilst strengthening our industrial base and boosting skilled jobs at home.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 May 2025.

    Environment Agency sampling of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored beaches has started and will run through until the end of September.

    A beach or river on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is routinely tested. Water samples will be taken at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bad bacteria found in sewage and other waste.

    The results of these samples will inform a dedicated group of scientists and officers who are on standby 24/7 to respond to any reports of problems found at beaches and other bathing waters. The results will also be catalogued on the Swimfo website which also contains a lot more information about each bathing water – its history, a description of the surrounding area as well as several years of results.

    The results, taken over four years, give the Environment Agency great confidence when deciding upon what classification a beach will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is safe to swim in. Out of 155 monitored bathing waters, there are only 2 beaches in Devon and Cornwall – Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary and Porthluney – with results tipping them into the ‘Poor’ classification. This doesn’t mean they are dirty. A ‘Poor’ classification means that very high standards are not consistently met, and the Environment Agency is actively investigating why.

    Bruce Newport of the Environment Agency said:

    Over a third of England’s bathing waters can be found in Devon and Cornwall and over 98 per cent of them meet the very high levels of water quality expected for safe swimming.

    We also publish a daily water quality forecast on many of our beaches which can be found on our Swimfo website. This service is a great asset, especially after heavy rainfall which can temporarily cause a dip in water quality.

    Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.
    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.
    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.
    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.
    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.
    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2025.

    Ambassador Holland welcomes talks in Istanbul and urges Russia to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and show it is serious about peace or face further sanctions.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Ukraine has agreed, in-principle, to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Because only when missiles and drones stop, and the deaths of innocent civilians end, can discussions towards a just and lasting peace begin.

    Last weekend the UK, the US and our European partners reiterated our call on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire now, as Ukraine has done, and create the space for talks.

    Rather than seize this opportunity, Russia continues to stall. Instead of an unconditional ceasefire, they have again moved the goal posts, calling for talks to resolve the conflict’s so-called ‘root causes’. This is code for maximalist demands which would deny Ukraine its sovereignty and territorial integrity and do not meaningfully shift the dial.

    We welcome today’s talks and thank Türkiye for agreeing to host them. We call on Russia to engage in good faith in the US-led peace efforts. In keeping with his commitment to ending this war, President Zelenskyy has agreed to direct talks with President Putin, an offer which we now know has been rebuffed. We commend President Zelenskyy for this decision.

    Mr Chair, last week we saw another supposed three-day ‘ceasefire’ from Russia. Just like the truce at Easter, this was a smokescreen intended to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    In reality, Russia’s death and destruction continued. According to the Ukrainian authorities, there were over 700 Russian violations between midnight and midday last Thursday alone. Aerial bombings killed at least three civilians in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy.

    And Russia ramped up its attacks in the days after this ‘ceasefire’ just as it did at Easter. At least six civilians have been killed and dozens more injured. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed in Odesa and elsewhere in Ukraine.

    The gulf between the Russian state’s words and its actions could not be wider. But the urgency is real. April was the deadliest month in Ukraine for child casualties since June 2022. Normal lives, homes and families destroyed.

    We will not stand by while the Kremlin delays and denies. The UK and our allies are prepared to impose further sanctions if Russia fails to demonstrate that it is serious about peace. And we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Now, more than ever, Russia must heed the world’s call and agree to end the bloodshed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a Canon of Windsor [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a Canon of Windsor [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 May 2025.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Nicholas Brown, Precentor and Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, to the College of St George, Windsor, in succession to The Reverend Dr Mark Powell following his retirement.

    Background

    Nick Brown was educated at Royal Holloway University of London, and the University of Durham, obtaining a BMus, an MA and a PhD, and trained for Ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.  Ordained in 2009, he served his title as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Warminster St. Denys and St. Mary Upton Scudamore in the Diocese of Salisbury.  From 2013 he served as Rector of the Parish of Louth.  From 2019 he served additionally as Acting Archdeacon of Lincoln.  In 2020, he took up his current role as Precentor of Lincoln and as Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral in 2021.

  • PRESS RELEASE : General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM has been appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM has been appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM is to be appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty.

    Defence Secretary John Healey, said:

    I warmly congratulate General Sir Gwyn Jenkins on his selection as the next First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. As the first Royal Marine appointed to the role, this is a hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy.

    General Jenkins is a proven leader with a distinguished career in both the military and at the core of government. I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    I am very pleased to welcome General Jenkins as the next First Sea Lord.

    As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. His appointment reflects a Corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.

    In a more dangerous and demanding world, General Jenkins has the instincts and ambition needed to continue the modernisation of the Royal Navy, ensuring it can meet future threats and continue to safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity.

    General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said:

    It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord.

    I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence.

    Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to clamp down on criminal networks in Western Balkans as the Prime Minister travels to Albania [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to clamp down on criminal networks in Western Balkans as the Prime Minister travels to Albania [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 May 2025.

    The UK will step up efforts to break the crime web fuelling illegal migration across the Western Balkans on a historic visit to the region by the Prime Minister.

    • Prime Minister visits Albania in historic first official visit, as the two countries step up cooperation on defence and security, organised immigration crime and economic growth
    • UK to expand Joint Migration Task Force in the Western Balkans to intercept migrants upstream before they reach UK shores
    • Discussions on illegal migration come after the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s Immigration White Paper, a comprehensive plan to drive down net migration
    • Prime Minister set to see UK cooperation with Albania in action during visit to Port, as both countries double down on efforts to tackle forged documents, illicit finance and incentives to migration

    The UK will step up efforts to break the crime web fuelling illegal migration across the Western Balkans on a historic visit to the region by the Prime Minister.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer will begin a two-day visit to Tirana today, to step up cooperation on migration and expand successful joint initiatives with Albania to more countries in the region.

    It comes after the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s Immigration White Paper, a comprehensive plan that will bring net migration to the UK down significantly, earlier this week.

    During the first ever official visit to Albania by a UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer will visit the Port of Durres to see firsthand how UK cooperation is intercepting people smugglers, deterring would-be migrants and snaring criminals using fake documents.

    The UK’s cooperation with Albania has underlined how this government’s approach of intercepting and deterring migrants upstream can dramatically cut illegal migration to British shores.

    There has been a 95% reduction in Albanian small boat arrivals in the last three years, while the number of Albanians returned to the country has also doubled in the past two years, with 5,294 Albanians returned in 2024, more than double the 2,035 Albanian nationals returned two years earlier.

    But the Prime Minister has been clear that the government cannot be complacent about the success, and while in Albania this week, he is expected to announce the expansion of the Joint Migration Task Force with Albania and Kosovo to include North Macedonia and will further progress positive discussions with Montenegro.

    The task force brings together specialists from the countries involved to design and execute operations to detect, deter and manage illegal migration. It will see the UK share greater intelligence to allow local law enforcement to intercept smuggling gangs and deploy UK funded drones to snare gangsters funnelling migrants through the Western Balkans corridor and on to the UK.

    The UK will also support both countries to reinforce checks at border crossing points.

    The expansion of the task force comes ahead of the UK hosted Western Balkans Summit in the Autumn, which is expected to focus on regional security, economic growth and tackling shared challenges such as foreign interference and illegal migration with innovative solutions.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Global challenges need shared solutions, and the work the UK and Albania is doing together is delivering security for working people in both countries.

    And our joint work to deter, detect and return illegal migrants is further proof that intervening upstream to protect British shores and secure our borders is the right approach.

    Every step we take to tackle illegal migration overseas, cripple the criminal networks that facilitate it and stem the finance streams that fund it is delivering safer streets in the UK, and reducing the strain on taxpayer funded services.

    But we cannot take this action alone, through closer partnerships and greater cooperation, we are creating real change with our partners across Europe and delivering on our Plan for Change.

    The UK will also double down on its success with Albania, ensuring the barriers deterring migrants from making the journey from Tirana to British shores remain in place.

    As part of an enhanced strategic partnership with Albania, the Prime Minister and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama are expected to agree to go further on clamping down on people smuggling, supporting human trafficking victims and ensuring Albanians deported home do not attempt a second journey.

    The two countries will also launch a new project to tackle illicit finance and investigate underground finance streams that are laundering money between Albania and the UK.

    Two forgery detection machines will also be donated to the Albanian State Police to quickly identify discrepancies and confirm document authenticity through regular checks, allowing Albanian law enforcement to track and apprehend individuals trying to illegally enter the UK on stolen or fake passports.

    And the UK will support Albania tackle what is known as the ‘revolving door effect’ – when a migrant is returned home, only to evade law enforcement and leave the country again –  through a new programme to help young Albanians reintegrate into society and find meaningful employment. The focus of the programme will be in northern Albania, where the majority of migrants who arrive illegally in the UK are traced back to.

    The leaders are also expected to step up cooperation to counter serious organised crime, including the funding of a new forensic evidence programme to share and track the DNA swabs of criminals in Albania to solve crimes in the UK.

    The recent roll out of the programme saw more than 55 serious criminals – including murderers, rapists and manslaughter offenders – taken off UK streets thanks to the closer cooperation between the two countries. The project has seen 1000 hits in the past 18 months in UK data bases, resulting in 55 arrests in the UK.

    The government will invest a further £1 million in the partnership this year to upgrade Albania’s forensics, biometrics and digital capability to detect and detain further criminals and protect UK streets. It will also allow law enforcement in both countries to identify and gather evidence in some of the most serious crimes committed in Albania, the UK and beyond.

    Later in the day, the Prime Minister will see firsthand the deeper defence and security cooperation between the UK and Albania when he visits troops from both countries working together to train up Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex.

    Day two of the programme will see the Prime Minister attend the European Political Community summit, where he will convene a roundtable on Defence and Security and continue conversations on innovative solutions to the challenge of illegal migration.