Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Competition watchdog gets green light for growth in latest move to back business [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 May 2025.

Businesses and consumers will benefit from new growth-focused Strategic Steer set for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), in the latest step of the government’s agenda to reform regulation to drive growth as part of the plan for change.
- Government delivers new strategic steer to competition watchdog to prioritise growth while ensuring effective competition and consumer protection
- The steer reset CMA’s priorities with aim to create a level-playing field for businesses through more transparent, timely and responsive regulation
- Part of wider push to ensure regulators drive investor confidence and support economic growth across the UK as part of the plan for change
Businesses and consumers will benefit from new growth-focused Strategic Steer set for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today (Thursday 15 May), in the latest step of the government’s agenda to reform regulation to drive growth as part of the plan for change.

The steer resets the competition watchdog’s priorities, with a renewed focus on prioritising growth and investment while ensuring free and fair competition and protecting the rights of consumers.

In addition to this, the steer is focused on minimising uncertainty for businesses by encouraging the CMA to be proactive, transparent, timely, predictable and responsive in its engagement, underpinning the government’s upcoming industrial strategy.

The independent CMA has already set out positive plans to address these issues to deliver meaningful reforms, by announcing their new public commitment to the pace, predictability, proportionality and process of their mergers investigations, digital and consumer work – giving businesses more clarity and confidence in the CMA’s work. The Government wants to see the same level of ambition from other regulators.

This is just one part of its wider commitment to reforming the regulatory landscape with work underway to improve licensing regulations for businesses, a new regulation innovation office to speed up regulatory decisions and consolidating the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

This is to ensure delivery not only for businesses but for taxpayers too by driving investment, boosting confidence and setting out the stall for the upcoming industrial strategy that will articulate a new relationship between business and government to boost growth – delivering the plan for change.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government believes in promoting and protecting competition – that is fundamental to our growth mission and Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy. Our economic regulators are crucial to creating the conditions for increased growth and investment. This steer sets out the government’s priorities for the CMA.

I am grateful for the positive approach taken by the new Interim Chair and the Chief Executive as they re-focus the work of the CMA, supporting our Plan for Change to drive growth, investment and business confidence while protecting consumers.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

Competitive markets are more important than ever for attracting investment into the UK and driving economic growth, and our new Strategic Steer for the CMA will help us achieve these goals, making Britain the best country to do business.

We fully support the CMA’s independence and welcome the steps it has already taken to act swiftly, predictably, independently, and proportionately to promote competition, protect consumers and strengthen our economy.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

The Strategic Steer reinforces the importance of a strong, independent competition and consumer protection regime, whilst situating this squarely in the context of the growth mission.

The steer provides helpful clarity on how the CMA should prioritise and go about our work, promoting competition and protecting consumers with a sharp focus on supporting higher levels of investment and economic growth.

It reinforces the approach we have set out in the CMA’s 2025/26 Annual Plan and in the roll out of our 4Ps approach, focused on driving greater pace, predictability, proportionality and an improved process committed to strong stakeholder engagement.

The government expects the CMA to clearly communicate how it is taking account of the steer and report on how it has applied the steer in practice in its annual report.
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Improved PE and sport for more than 240,000 pupils with SEND [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 15 May 2025.

Government launches Inclusion 2028 programme which will improve access to PE and school sports for pupils with SEND.

Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports.

Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver lessons that meet the diverse needs of all pupils – including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs.

In doing this, the programme encourages more varied and creative teaching methods that engage all learners – in turn, improving attendance and creating a school environment where all children can achieve and thrive. It will also provide leadership opportunities for 1,500 pupils who will develop activities for their peers as part of the programme, with schools across the country set to host events inspired by the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games. Alongside this, it will see 600 new extra-curricular clubs established offering pupils, including those with diverse needs, the opportunity to take part in a range of sports such as tennis, boccia and archery after the school day.

Taking part in physical exercise can support muscle and motor skills, as well as a sense of achievement, confidence, social connection and better mental health.

The programme supports the government’s Plan for Change in breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child and young person can achieve and thrive. It expects to work with over 8,000 schools supporting more than 240,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers and practitioners in England across the three years.

School Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:

Sport has the unique power to break down barriers, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging.

Inclusion 2028 will ensure young people experience the benefits of sport and physical activity, from improved mental wellbeing and teamwork skills to greater resilience.

By building a generation of teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality PE and school sport for all pupils, we can ensure that every child gets their chance to shine.

Paralympian, Laura Sugar MBE PLY, said:

As a Paralympian and a PE teacher I see first-hand the importance of inclusive sport for all and access to PE in schools for disabled children, so I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of this campaign which is so close to my heart. Growing up as a child with a disability I have experienced how physical activity can help improve day-to-day life and enhance mobility, as well as social and mental benefits so it is important that we make PE accessible for all.

It’s fantastic that the new direction of the Inclusion 28 programme will support the calls made by ParalympicsGB’s Equal Play campaign to ensure that no disabled child is excluded from school sport, and I know that together the Consortium can help drive important, positive change.

Eden Hays, 13, a pupil at Brooklands Middle School, said:

Sport is important for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing, but especially for children with disabilities, where life is that bit harder. Being active has helped keep me both physically and mentally strong and ensured opportunities both in and out of school. Opportunities not just in competing, but both leading and educating too. Sport can be adapted for everyone and should be enjoyed by all.

CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, Ali Oliver MBE said:

We are pleased the Department for Education is continuing to support the transformation of PE and school sport, and access to daily physical activity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Youth Sport Trust believes these opportunities play a fundamental role in the education and enrichment provided by schools, and the experience offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to express themselves, enjoy movement, and develop essential life skills.

Too many children, particularly those with additional needs, are either missing out or still face barriers to inclusion and there is so much more to do to create the capacity capability and opportunity in the system for every child.

We feel incredibly proud to continue leading the delivery of this important programme working alongside a distinguished collaboration of partners all of which are equally committed to this mission. Together through our work with schools, teachers and young people we know inclusive practice can give every child equal access, increase participation, and as a result enjoy the life-changing benefits of play and sport.

Inclusion 2028 is delivered by a consortium of the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, Swim England, Activity Alliance and nasen and supported by the Association for PE and Sport for Confidence.

May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : NHS leaders face both ‘carrot and stick’ in new performance drive [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 15 May 2025.

NHS leaders will face new performance-based pay system with bonuses for improved patient care and penalties for failing trust executives.
- CEOs cutting waiting times and delivering improvements for patients could be rewarded with bonuses of up to 10%
- But failing trust execs will have annual pay rises docked under tough new government measures
- New measures are part of government’s Plan for Change to deliver investment and reform for the NHS
Failing trust leaders will have annual pay rises docked under tough new measures aimed at improving NHS performance and driving progress on cutting waiting lists.

Bonuses of up to 10% will also be on offer for top performers under the new ‘carrot and stick’ approach.

The bold shakeup will transform NHS services from boardroom to bedside, cutting waiting lists and driving better patient care as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Under the new plans, the government will look to learn from some of the most effective businesses in the country to recruit top talent to struggling trusts – with leadership vacancies in badly performing areas coming with a temporary pay increase of 15%, worth up to £45,000 (note 1).

Pay bands for senior managers will also be refreshed to attract and retain effective leaders within the NHS.

At the same time, failing CEOs could see up to £15,000 (note 2) docked from their salaries if they run into debt or fail to deliver improvements. This is in addition to any existing processes to tackle poor performance, where persistently failing managers could be sacked if they do not turn things around.

The bold overhaul also establishes stricter accountability for very senior managers, demanding greater financial rigour across all NHS trusts and integrated care boards (ICBs) and a drive for productivity.

Today’s announcement comes after Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting declared in November there would be “no more reward for failure”.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Some of the best businesses and most effective organisations across Britain and the world reward their top talent so they can keep on delivering. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do the same in our NHS.

We will reward leaders who are cutting waiting times and making sure patients get better services. But bonuses and pay rises will be a reward and not a right – because I’m determined that every penny we invest through our Plan for Change is money well spent.

Our carrot and stick reforms will boost productivity, tackle underperformance and drive up standards for patients.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS England Chief Executive, said:

If we are to consistently reach the standards of care the public rightly expect, it is clear that we need to reward those who are delivering for patients.

An important element of driving improvements must be strengthening the link between pay and operational performance at a very senior level – this happens in almost every other sector and there is no reason for the NHS to shy away from it, particularly when we rely on money that comes directly from taxpayers’ pockets.

We will be working together with local leaders to improve transparency and ensure progress is recognised, while offering sufficient flexibility to attract talented candidates to the most challenging roles and organisations.

Today’s guidelines setting out new penalties and rewards for trust leaders will introduce learning from leading businesses in the NHS.

It will include strict rules for NHS bosses, who will be expected to spend budgets wisely and ensure trusts are not going into debt. The government wants to see trusts deliver more efficiency, ensuring patients get more for taxpayers’ money being invested.

Today’s move follows some of the most ambitious efficiency targets in the health service’s history. As set out in NHS England’s planning guidance published in January, NHS organisations will need to reduce their cost base by at least 1% and achieve 4% improvement in productivity and efficiency this financial year to deal with demand growth.

The new performance-based pay structure will help deliver on these targets, improving services and delivering better care for patients.

As part of the plans, the government is also bringing together pay structures for senior managers at ICBs and NHS trusts to boost consistency and align standards.

Any trust or ICB that fails to comply with the new guidelines will be required to publicly justify its decision in its annual report under a strict ‘comply or explain’ approach.

The tough new measures form part of the government’s Plan for Change, which will see the government deliver investment and reform to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.

Notes

Note 1: based on the highest current salary of a trust CEO (under the new framework).

Note 2: the £15,000 is based on last year’s 5% pay uplifts, and the highest current salary of a trust CEO being £299,250 (under the new framework).
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Insolvency Service to take on the work of the National Investigation Service [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 15 May 2025.

Today the Department for Business and Trade has announced its intention to conclude its contract with the National Investigation Service (NATIS) and transfer existing casework, relating to COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan fraud, to the Insolvency Service.

In response, Alec Pybus, Interim Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service said:

We welcome this decision by the Department of Business and Trade.

The Insolvency Service is well placed to take on these investigations as part of our ongoing and successful work tackling fraudulent use of COVID-19 loans.

We are working with our colleagues at the Department of Business and Trade and at Thurrock Council to deliver a smooth and swift transition of ongoing cases, and any potential transfer of staff.

To date, the Insolvency Service has obtained disqualifications against 2,167 directors, bankruptcy restrictions against 343 individuals and 62 successful criminal convictions in respect of COVID-19 financial support scheme misconduct.

The Agency has also helped to secure more than £6 million in compensation related to COVID-19 financial support scheme abuse.

The Agency already has plans to deliver further enforcement outcomes and financial recoveries in 2025/26, and will now work at pace to take on viable casework from NATIS in support of the UK Government’s drive to hold to account those who fraudulently claimed support during the pandemic.

May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint trade statement between New Zealand and United Kingdom [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 May 2025.

Summary of a Joint Statement following the meeting of the Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand and Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand and Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom on 12 May 2025.

At their meeting, the Ministers celebrated the successful trading relationship between the UK and New Zealand, which reached a record £3.7bn or $7.3bn of trade in goods and services in 2024.

At the meeting, the Ministers opened the second Joint Committee of the New Zealand-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Significant progress has been made under the FTA, including amongst other things, the commencement of an artists’ resale royalty scheme, the inclusion of further wine making (oenological) practices, the establishment of a legal services regulatory dialogue, the renewal of the engineers’ Admissions Pathways Agreement, a sustainable finance dialogue, a women in STEM event, and a visit to the UK by a delegation of Māori women technology entrepreneurs.

Ministers commended the significant uptake of the agreement.

Since entry into force, £752.3m ($1,588m NZD) of traded goods successfully used preferential tariffs; i.e. around 82.2% of goods traded between the UK and New Zealand made use of preferences where one was available.

The strong uptake of the agreement’s benefits is resulting in real savings with the potential to benefit both businesses and consumers.

Between June 2023 and Dec 2024:
- £164.2m or $344.5m NZD (80.7%) of goods imports into New Zealand from the UK used preferential tariffs. Had these occurred at standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates, they could have encountered an additional £9.3m ($19.5m NZD) in duties.
- £588.1m or $1,243m NZD (82.6%) of goods imports into the UK from New Zealand used preferential tariffs. Had these occurred at standard MFN tariff rates, they could have encountered an additional £67.4m ($141.8m NZD) in duties.
The Ministers noted that free trade is a cornerstone of prosperity in both countries. Recognising that open markets, and reliable legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for trade, the Ministers committed to strengthening the rules-based trading system.

The Ministers agreed to work together to strengthen the role that free trade, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (which the United Kingdom and New Zealand are Parties to), plays in increasing prosperity and reinforcing resilience against economic turbulence.

This includes growing the agreement ambitiously through further accessions, modernising the agreement through the ongoing General Review, and working with partners to defend the rules-based trading system upon which we rely.
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government goes further and faster to boost capital markets by delivering PISCES [May 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 May 2025.

Capital markets are set to be boosted, as part of this government’s Plan for Change.
- Government delivers legislation to establish the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System Sandbox (PISCES) – an innovative new type of stock market for private companies that will boost the growth companies of the future and support the UK’s IPO pipeline.
- This delivers on the Chancellor’s Mansion House commitment to launch PISCES by May, with share trading taking place later this year.
- The government will legislate to ensure that employees who have share options will be able to exercise them on PISCES and retain tax advantages, making the platform more attractive for companies and investors looking to use PISCES.
Capital markets are set to be boosted, as part of this government’s Plan for Change as we deliver legislation for PISCES, a new type of stock market which will give investors the chance to get in on the ground floor of some of the most exciting companies around, so supporting those businesses to grow.

Today’s announcement means that stock markets can launch their PISCES platforms in the coming months with shares likely to be traded in the Autumn. Thanks to PISCES, private company shareholders, which includes founders and early-stage investors, can more easily realise their gains and reinvest this in productive assets.

In a boost to growth companies and start-ups, the government has also confirmed that it will legislate to ensure employees retain tax advantages on the share options they have, which will make PISCES more attractive and encourage even more businesses to use the platform.

Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

Getting PISCES up and running will support UK growth companies. This will boost our capital markets and help to grow our economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

We are also ensuring that employees will retain the tax advantages of shares traded on PISCES to boost the attractiveness of the product to high growth companies looking to expand.

Simon Walls, Executive Director of Markets at the FCA, said:

We are laying the groundwork for a new private stock market that will give investors more opportunities to invest in growing companies.

Today’s legislation is a big step forward and we will set out the final rules for PISCES soon. Together, this will support an organised marketplace to buy and sell private shares.

To ensure employees can continue to benefit from the tax advantages on their shares, the law will be changed to extend to the existing Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) and Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) contracts to also include PISCES.

This is in addition to the announcement in the Autumn Budget making PISCES transactions exempt from Stamp Taxes on Shares. Today’s announcement on tax mean that employees as well as investors will benefit from the tax changes made, further increasing the attractiveness of the project.

Today’s reform delivers on the Chancellor’s commitment at Mansion House to deliver PISCES, a new innovative market for trading private company shares, combining features of private and public markets.

Companies and investors using the platform will benefit from greater flexibility and have greater freedom to choose when and to whom their shares are traded with, and they will only be required to disclose information ahead of trading.

The platform will act as a stepping stone for companies eyeing a listing in future preparing and easing the journey to an IPO.

With many companies choosing to stay private for longer, there is increasing demand for investors, including angel investors and employees, to be able to trade shares in private companies more easily.

The Financial Conduct Authority will publish their rules underpinning PISCES shortly after the legislation comes into force. Thereafter, those wishing to operate PISCES trading events can apply to the FCA. We expect to see the first PISCES trading events take place later this year.
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Pension Scheme reforms to boost benefits and tackle inequality [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 15 May 2025.

Changes will mean more money in the pockets of hard-working people when they reach retirement, delivering on government’s Plan for Change.

Street cleaners, school cooks and other dedicated public servants are set to benefit from a package of reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) that will end discrimination and lead to more money in people’s pockets.

Today’s measures build on the government’s wider Make Work Pay agenda that will back millions of workers by banning exploitative zero-hours contracts and ending ‘Fire and Rehire’ and ‘Fire and Replace’ practices.

Under measures announced today, the Local Government Pension Scheme for England and Wales will become the first public service pension scheme – of which three quarters are women – to make all maternity, shared parental and adoption leave automatically pensionable.

And issues with current regulations that saw survivors of members receiving smaller pensions on the basis of their relationship type will be fixed – ending historic inequalities.

These steps will directly benefit people working on the front line, serving school lunches, cleaning buildings, managing libraries and cleaning streets.

Loopholes that allow those guilty of serious offences to continue benefitting from the pension scheme will also be closed, as part of a crackdown to ensure public servants’ money does not go to those who do not deserve it.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:

“These historic changes will give hard working street cleaners, librarians, school cooks and other public servants the security that they deserve.

“This is a critical step in ending years of discrimination, backing our dedicated public servants and helping to Make Work Pay.”

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, said:

“Having worked in local government for years, I know first-hand how much those who help keep the lights on across the country rely on the Local Government Pension Scheme.

“Through these reforms, we will make sure they are properly rewarded and able to enjoy their hard-earned retirement.”

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell MP said:

“Today’s changes will ensure more public servants get the benefits and security they deserve.

“Our reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme are bringing fairness and equality to workers, while boosting the potential of schemes to drive opportunity and growth in local communities.”

Latest estimates show 74 per cent of the scheme’s seven million members are women, and one of the most significant gaps in a woman’s pensionable service is often maternity leave.

Making the final 13 weeks’ leave automatically pensionable will be a significant improvement and help close the gender pensions gap women face.

Another issue the reforms aim to address is a disparity in survivor benefits – which are paid to the scheme’s members’ partners upon their death.

Due to issues with the existing regulations, there have been instances where those in same-sex marriages and civil partnerships receive a more generous pension entitlement than those in opposite-sex marriages and partnerships. But under proposed reforms, all discrimination on the basis of the sex of those affected will be removed.

In addition, an age cap currently in place that requires an LGPS member to have died before the age of 75 for their survivor to receive a lump sum payment will also be abolished.

The government is also taking steps to keep people in the scheme by enhancing data collection on why people opt out, in a bid to ensure as many people as possible benefit.

A consultation on the proposed reforms to LGPS members’ benefits is now open for 12 weeks, and those affected are encouraged to register their views.

Other measures the government is taking to make work pay include:
- Banning exploitative zero-hours contracts
- Ending ‘Fire and Rehire’ and ‘Fire and Replace’ practices
- Strengthening statutory sick pay
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Taskforce launched to enhance police response to people smuggling [May 2025]

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

A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK.

A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK, facilitating people-smuggling across the Channel.

The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will be led by Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, who is the National Lead for Serious Organised Crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Wendy will be supported by a full-time, dedicated assistant chief constable, and will report progress on a regular basis to the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, and the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper.

The taskforce will be responsible for delivering progress on recent recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), following an inspection of the approach to tackling organised immigration crime across the UK.

The inspection, commissioned in January 2024 by the then Home Secretary, looked at police force performance in relation to organised immigration crime between January 2024 and July 2024. It found that while progress has been made, more must be done, with HMICFRS setting out 10 key recommendations, including the need for more effective action against smuggling gangs based in the UK.

This new approach will ensure all police forces work alongside the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force to treat this crime type as a priority.

In practice, this will mean better information-sharing and more co-ordinated tasking, ensuring UK policing is able to use every tool at its disposal to prevent organised criminal networks from undermining UK immigration law, and working to identify and dismantle any smuggling gangs operating from a UK base.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

This new specialist taskforce directly responds to recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and marks a significant step in our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders. By bringing together expertise under Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney’s leadership and working closely with Martin Hewitt, we are ensuring a co-ordinated, nationwide approach that will put this vital issue at the forefront of policing priorities.

This taskforce reflects our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools they need to dismantle criminal networks that undermine our immigration system and put lives at risk. Police forces and regional organised crime units across the UK need to rapidly gear up the response to organised immigration crime, and smuggling and trafficking gangs. Already we have set up the Border Security Command, and the National Crime Agency has substantially increased its operations and intelligence gathering work with other countries.

These gangs undermine border security and put lives at risk. We need every possible tool to stop them and put dangerous criminals behind bars.

Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, said:

The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will enable our well-established partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to create a multi-agency, national response in tackling organised immigration crime.

The taskforce will build on existing work driven by the NPCC’s modern slavery and organised immigration crime programme, which supports local force operational activity and intelligence collection linked to the wider organised immigration crime threat.

By working this way, we will accelerate intelligence and information sharing, ensuring organised immigration crime is disrupted robustly and effectively.

Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said:

Wendy’s wealth of experience and knowledge on serious and organised crime is a vital asset in our fight to tackle border security threats, and I am delighted she has agreed to lead this taskforce.

This is a key part of my whole-system approach to securing our borders, because it puts tackling immigration crime at the forefront of policing priorities.

Police forces across the UK are already very committed to this issue, and while immigration-related arrests and charges have increased, we know there is more to do. So, this is about optimising that collective effort to deliver a properly functioning immigration system, and a safe and secure border.

This latest step comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues his visit in Tirana today, to step up co-operation on migration and expand successful joint initiatives with Albania to more countries in the region.

It also follows the Prime Minister’s unveiling of the government’s immigration white paper earlier this week, a comprehensive plan that will bring net migration to the UK down significantly, and restore fairness in our immigration system.

May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK at heart of NATO talks on strengthening Euro-Atlantic security and support for Ukraine [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2025.

NATO Allies are in Turkey to underline the Alliance’s support for Ukraine and commitment to a secure and stable Euro-Atlantic.
- UK leading calls for Europe to support Ukraine
- UK and NATO Allies will commit to building a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO at meeting of foreign ministers in Antalya
- visit follows UK hosted talks with European partners on bolstering security and support for Ukraine
As President Zelenskyy further demonstrates his commitment to peace by travelling to Istanbul for direct talks with Russia, NATO Allies are gathering in Turkey today to underline the Alliance’s support for Ukraine and commitment to a secure and stable Euro-Atlantic, with a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO at its core.

At the NATO informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Antalya, the Foreign Secretary will lead calls for the strongest Alliance in history to stand united in the face of a generational threat from our adversaries, and stand behind Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace. Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and central to this government’s plans to deliver growth and prosperity to British working people.

Ahead of the Hague Summit in June, Allies are meeting in Antalya with a clear message that NATO must step up together to meet this critical moment for our collective security. The Foreign Secretary will say that Europe must shoulder more responsibility for its own security, as security threats from Russia and its enablers continue to mount.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Today, President Zelenskyy is in Turkey in a further demonstration of his commitment to peace, ready to enter talks direct with Russia and continuing to push for a full ceasefire as a first crucial step.

As myself and my fellow NATO Allies also travel to Turkey, we are united alongside Ukraine in our determination to secure a just and lasting peace. We are working to deliver more for our collective security and bring this barbaric war to an end.

Euro-Atlantic security is the foundation of our Plan for Change. Without the security NATO provides, we cannot deliver the growth and prosperity the British people deserve.

During his remarks in an informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the Foreign Secretary will update on UK steps to protect Euro-Atlantic security and disrupt Russia’s reckless actions to force Putin’s hand. He will say that every step the Alliance takes to increase pressure on Russia and achieve peace in Ukraine is another step towards security and prosperity at home and abroad.

Earlier this week, 6 spies working for Russia were sentenced in the UK, as the UK cracks down on Russian espionage attempts on British soil. The successful convictions came about as a result of close international cooperation with a number of NATO Allies, including Bulgaria, France and Germany, demonstrating a unified front against hostile Russian activity.

The visit follows the UK-hosted Weimar+ meeting on Monday, where representatives from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland and the EU joined the Foreign Secretary in London to share Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to peace and freedom.

It also comes after the Prime Minister’s visit to Oslo last week where the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) announced enhanced support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces through intensive training exercises, increasing interoperability across military platforms and enhancing countering disinformation support as well as allowing JEF Nations to learn from the battlefield experience of Ukraine’s armed forces.
May 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Media law reforms to boost press sustainability and protect independence [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 15 May 2025.

People’s access to independent and accurate news will be better protected under updated government rules, which will modernise powers around media mergers while supporting investment and growth.
- Long-term sustainability and independence of UK press protected with government plans to modernise media merger rules in public interest
- Powers to call in media mergers extended beyond TV, radio and newspapers to include online news sites and news magazines
- Introduction of a 15% cap for state-owned investors will minimise potential ‘chilling effect’ whilst ensuring there is minimal risk of foreign state influence or control
People’s access to independent and accurate news will be better protected under updated government rules being set out today, which will modernise powers around media mergers while supporting investment and growth.

The Culture Secretary will today confirm reforms to extend powers to scrutinise takeovers beyond traditional media to online news sites and magazines for the first time.

The media mergers regime will now cover acquisitions of UK online news publications and periodical news magazines, expanding beyond just television, radio and print newspapers as it presently stands.

This reflects modern news consumption habits, with Ofcom reporting that seven in ten UK adults say they consume online news in some capacity.

The expanded powers will allow greater scrutiny of takeovers that might negatively impact accurate reporting, freedom of expression and media plurality – which are essential to the UK’s democracy.

The government is also introducing targeted exceptions to allow certain state-owned investment funds – such as sovereign wealth funds or pension funds – to invest up to 15% in UK newspapers and news periodicals. This balanced approach will still limit any scope for foreign state control or influence of news organisations while giving them much-needed flexibility to seek business investment that supports their long-term sustainability.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Britain’s free and independent press is a national asset like no other and it is right that we have strong measures in place to allow scrutiny of UK takeovers that might go against the public interest.

These important, modernising reforms are about protecting media plurality and reflect the changing ways in which people are consuming news.

We are fully upholding the need to safeguard our news media from foreign state control whilst recognising that news organisations must be able to raise vital funding. We are taking a proportionate, balanced approach to a threshold for low-risk investments that will remove a potential chilling effect on press sustainability, while supporting growth under our Plan for Change.

Secondary legislation will be laid to enact these changes and will be subject to votes in both Houses of Parliament.

The proposed amendments to the definition of newspaper for the Foreign State Influence regime will apply with retrospective effect from today.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Exceptions to Foreign State Influence Regime

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 created new rules to prevent foreign states from acquiring ownership, control or influence over UK newspapers and news magazines.

The legislation covers a number of scenarios in which a foreign power could control or influence the policy of a newspaper or a news magazine enterprise – including if it holds, whether directly or indirectly, any shares or voting rights in a corporate body that carries on a newspaper enterprise, or if it has the right to appoint or remove members of staff.

The regime defines ‘foreign power’ broadly to include: the sovereign or head of a foreign state, any part of a foreign government including ministers, government agencies and authorities, and any governing political party or its officers. It applies where a foreign power could acquire control or influence over the policy of a newspaper through persons associated with it.

As permitted by the Act, the Government intends to introduce a number of targeted and specific exceptions to the regime via regulations, which are intended to offset potential negative impacts on inward investment into the press sector without undermining the core principles of the regime.

The previous government launched a consultation on exceptions to the regime which closed in July 2024. Ministers have carefully considered the responses received, including the views of newspaper groups that the previous government’s suggested thresholds were too low and would place unnecessary restrictions on their ability to raise funding.

Ministers consider that setting the threshold for State Owned Investors’ investment at 15% of shares or voting rights in a newspaper or news magazine is the most effective, simple and proportionate approach. State Owned Investors (SOIs) include sovereign wealth funds or public pension or social security schemes that make long-term investments on behalf of that state and which in many cases are operated at arms length.

The new measures carefully balance the need for newspapers and news magazines to have access to a range of investment from SOIs where control or influence by foreign states is unlikely to be a risk. It will avoid the need for the Culture Secretary to refer low levels of investment to the CMA for investigation where there is no likelihood of any material influence.

The UK has a strong track record for encouraging investment critical to growth within the media industry, and this pro-growth decision will continue that trend while providing a robust regulatory framework that protects press freedom and free speech.

Extending the scope of the media mergers regime

In November, the government launched a consultation on proposals to broaden the scope of the UK’s media merger regime. Having taken into account responses to the consultation, the government has decided to expand the scope of the media mergers regime from print newspapers and broadcasters to encompass online news platforms and periodical news magazines.

This will mean the Culture Secretary has the ability to intervene in a merger involving an online news publication that meets certain conditions relating to turnover or share of supply, where they believe a public interest consideration may be relevant. According to Ofcom’s annual report on news consumption in the UK, 71 percent of UK adults consume online news in some capacity, level with news consumed via TV and on demand (70 percent); and nearly a quarter of UK adults (22 percent) access news via print newspapers, increasing to 34 percent when including their online platforms.

News publications circulated on a weekly or monthly basis will also be brought in scope of the regime to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose given daily, local, and Sunday publications are already included.

The measures will ensure that the public interest can be safeguarded across these popular sources of news content for people across the UK. They will enable the Culture Secretary to intervene where necessary to protect the availability of a wide range of accurate and high-quality news, particularly for younger audiences as technology and news habits evolve.

The announcement follows recommendations from the independent regulator Ofcom as part of its statutory review of media ownership rules.

The inclusion of online news sites will apply both to the public interest media mergers regime and to the new Foreign State Influence regime.
May 17, 2025