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  • PRESS RELEASE : Public invited to line Mall for VE Day 80 procession and fly past [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Public invited to line Mall for VE Day 80 procession and fly past [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 25 April 2025.

    Members of the public are able to watch the VE Day 80 military procession taking place on Monday 5 May.

    • More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services and young people will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace
    • Procession on Bank Holiday Monday begins with a performance of a Churchill speech and finishes with a flypast including the world-famous Red Arrows
    • Public encouraged to host a street party as part of the Great British Food Festival

    Commemorations to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, will kick off on Monday 5 May with a military procession featuring 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and thousands of members of the public watching along the Mall.

    The events will pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.

    The procession will begin in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Torch for Peace is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.

    The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph which will be dressed in Union Flags, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will finish.

    They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE Day is handed down to a new generation.

    The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch the procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial.

    The procession will conclude with the Mall being filled with members of the public and a fly past featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.

    VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community get togethers are being encouraged to take place across the country as part of the Great British Food Festival, led by the Together Coalition and the Big Lunch in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations. Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part. This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, I look forward to joining our veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and young people to remember the remarkable generation who defended the freedoms we enjoy today.

    Our whole nation is invited to join together to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who fought for peace and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

    Alan Kennett, who travelled to Normandy with the Royal British Legion for D-Day 80, said:

    It is a huge honour to be part of the military procession to start the VE80 commemorations. I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party soon followed, filled with lots of drinking and celebrating the news. The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there with everyone.

    Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

    The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a special moment for the country and the Royal British Legion is incredibly proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations. It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere, and those who risked their lives and never made it back.

    Brendan Cox, co-Founder of the Together Coalition, said:

    VE Day 80 is a moment to celebrate our shared victory and remember the sacrifices it took. Whether it’s hosting a street party, sharing a meal, or writing a message of thanks to a veteran, this is a unique opportunity to thank those who served and to celebrate the values that hold us together. We’re proud to be supporting communities across the UK to mark this occasion in ways that are meaningful, joyful and inclusive. Most importantly, this is a moment for everyone to take part – regardless of background, age or postcode.

    The procession and flypast will be broadcast live on Monday 5 May. On Thursday 8 May, 80 years to the day since the end of the Second World War in Europe, a service will take place at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert in the evening on Horse Guards Parade in which stars of stage and screen will tell the story of the end of the war.

    Armed Forces of Commonwealth nations have been invited to join the procession to celebrate the contribution of people from throughout the Commonwealth to the allied effort during the Second World War. They will be led by The Band of the Irish Guards on parade.

    Military musicians on parade include The Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Band of HM Royal Marines and a military band from the Royal Corps of Army Music.

    The flypast will include a Voyager transport aircraft, a P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets  and will culminate with the iconic red, white, and blue smoke of the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows.

    Historic Second World War-era aircraft from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also take part in the flypast.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 April 2025.

    New laws in force today mark the toughest sentencing powers against law-breaking water executives in history.

    • Powers introduced could see water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills sent to prison for two years.
    • New measures will force water companies to end their disgraceful behaviour and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    Water company bosses could face up to two years in prison due to new powers in force today (Friday 25 April 2025).

    The new powers, delivered by the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be locked up.

    No prison sentences have been handed to water executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and seas. These new, tougher penalties are essential because some water companies have obstructed investigations, failing to hand over vital evidence related to illegal sewage discharges. This has prevented crackdowns against law-breaking water companies.

    The new measures deliver on the Government’s promise to bring tougher criminal charges against lawbreakers in the water industry. As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the threat of imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent as water companies invest in upgrading broken water infrastructure and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability.

    From today, there will be no more hiding places.

    As part of the Plan for Change, water companies must now focus on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    In addition, new powers will mean that the polluters will pay for the cost of criminal investigations into wrongdoing. Authorities will now recover the costs of their enforcement activity, with the Environment Agency currently consulting on how they will use the powers.

    The payment of bonuses to water bosses will also be banned if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.

    Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said:

    The Water (Special Measures) Act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.

    The tougher powers we have gained though this legislation will allow us, as the regulator, to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.

    Alongside this, we’re modernising and expanding our approach to water company inspections – and it’s working. More people, powers, better data and inspections are yielding vital evidence so that we can reduce sewage pollution, hold water companies to account and protect the environment.

    The Government will continue to reform the water sector in order to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas once and for all.

    Alongside this, £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to upgrade and build new water infrastructure across the country, supporting the building of 1.5 million new homes, creating thousands of jobs and powering new industries such as gigafactories and data centres as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Notes to editors:

    Criminal Liability

    • Until now, water regulators have faced significant challenges gathering evidence for prosecutions due to obstruction of their investigations.
    • This is a criminal offence, but since privatisation, only three water company officials have been criminally prosecuted for obstruction by the EA without appeal and the maximum punishment was merely a fine – though no fines were issued.
    • From now on, offences will be triable in both the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts and imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent, bringing water regulation powers in line with other sectors, such as those covering fraud or health and safety investigations.

     The new provisions enable:

    • courts to include imprisonment as a sanction when investigations by water regulators (the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Drinking Water Inspectorate) have been obstructed;
    • obstruction offences to be heard in the Crown Court;
    • directors and executives to be prosecuted where obstruction occurs with their consent, connivance or neglect.

    Previously:

    • obstructing regulators’ investigations was not always punishable by imprisonment;
    • cases could not always be heard in the Crown Court;
    • there were no straightforward routes for prosecuting directors or executives where obstruction was committed with their consent or connivance, or was attributable to their neglect.

    The Water Special Measures Act received Royal Assent in February – see press release here: New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses – GOV.UK

    Further detail on the measures in the Act can be found in the Policy Statement here: Water (Special Measures) Act: policy statement – GOV.UK

    Action on water

    • The government has taken immediate action to reset the water sector. Change is being delivered three stages:
    • In his first week in office, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps. This included immediately ringfencing funding for vital water infrastructure so that it can only be spent on upgrades benefiting the environment – not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. Where money is not spent, we will force water companies to return it to customers.
    • Second, the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has been signed into law, marking the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade. The Act will:
    • Strengthen regulation to ensure water bosses face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking.
    • Give the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met.
    • Boost accountability for water executives through a new ‘code of conduct’ for water companies, so customers can summon board members and hold executives to account.
    • Introduce new powers to bring automatic and severe fines.
    • Require water companies to install real-time monitors at every emergency sewage outlet with data independently scrutinised by the water regulators.
    • Third, the Independent Commission into the water sector, launched by the UK and Welsh governments, is carrying out the largest review of the industry since privatisation. Its recommendations, due later this summer, will shape further laws to attract the investment needed to clean up our waterways, accelerate infrastructure delivery and restore public confidence in the sector.
    • The next five years will see £104 billion in private sector investment into the water industry—the largest since privatisation. This will drive forward 150 major infrastructure projects, creating over 30,000 jobs across the country, and support the building of 1.5 million new homes and powering new industries such as gigafactories and data centres.
    • The Secretary of State and Water Minister recently completed a ‘Things Can Only Get Cleaner’ tour to see where this investment will underpin the building of new homes, create jobs and turbocharge local economies around the country – a cornerstone of the government’s Plan for Change. This included a pledge to end sewage discharges into the iconic lake Windermere.
  • PRESS RELEASE : British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) Joint Communiqué [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) Joint Communiqué [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 24 April 2025.

    Today the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson MP, attended the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Hillsborough Castle.

    A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference took place in Hillsborough Castle on 24 April 2025.

    The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was represented by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP.

    The Government of Ireland was represented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD.

    Legacy

    The UK Government and the Government of Ireland noted that one of the aims of the Good Friday Agreement – to acknowledge and address the suffering of victims and survivors of the Troubles – remains unrealised. Both Governments reaffirmed their strong desire to work in partnership on this issue and expressed a mutual commitment to making timely progress so that families can obtain the information and accountability that they deserve and have long sought.

    Both Governments reflected on the positive and constructive bilateral discussions that had taken place since the last BIIGC on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023 and the Commission it established. They noted the substantive progress made and emphasised that their aim remains to reach agreement on a joint, comprehensive approach to legacy issues consistent with the principles of the Stormont House Agreement – including ensuring that legacy mechanisms are human rights compliant and balanced, proportionate, transparent, fair and equitable.

    The UK Government and the Government of Ireland agreed that any joint approach to legacy will require agreement on all key issues, including: fundamental reform of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to ensure its human rights compliance and to strengthen its practical independence, governance and oversight; the approach to legacy inquests and information retrieval; and ensuring that there are clear reciprocal commitments by both the UK Government and the Government of Ireland.

    It was agreed that both Governments would continue to work quickly and intensively in seeking to finalise a joint approach. The UK Government remains committed to introducing legislation to repeal and replace the Legacy Act when Parliamentary time allows, and the Government of Ireland will introduce its own legislation as necessary. Ultimately, securing the confidence of victims, survivors, and families will remain at the heart of the work of both Governments.

    Political stability

    The Governments discussed their shared commitment to the good operation of all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement. They affirmed the importance of the full and timely implementation of the Windsor Framework. They took stock of recent developments including US tariff measures and their respective engagement with stakeholders to date.

    The UK Government also provided an update on the ongoing efforts to support the Northern Ireland Executive with public service transformation.

    Security update

    The Governments discussed the current security situation, including the Northern Ireland-related terrorism (NIRT) threat. That the NIRT threat level remains unchanged at SUBSTANTIAL is testament to the work being done by agencies on both sides of the border. This cross-border cooperation remains a vital part of work to tackle the terrorist threat and wider harms.

    They discussed an update on the process underway jointly to appoint an Independent Expert to carry out a short scoping and engagement exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment.

    British-Irish cooperation

    Ministers reflected on the recent UK-Ireland Summit, including on how future meetings of the BIIGC could complement the programme of cooperation agreed at the Summit.

    They reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the Common Travel Area to the benefit of citizens across these islands and noted, in particular, the importance of continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the UK ETA scheme operates smoothly.

    The Governments agreed that the Conference would meet again in the coming months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary Increases Scottish Government Borrowing Powers [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary Increases Scottish Government Borrowing Powers [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 24 April 2025.

    The Scottish Government will have increased borrowing powers following an Order made in Parliament this week by Scottish Secretary.

    Ian Murray has laid the ‘The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025’ which increases the Scottish Government’s borrowing limits to a cumulative total of £3 billion for capital and £629 million for resource.

    The Scottish Government’s borrowing limits (both annual and cumulative) are uprated annually in line with inflation, as set out in the Fiscal Framework. As the cumulative limits are legislated for under the Scotland Act 1998, secondary legislation is required to make the annual changes. The annual limits are non-legislative so no legislative change is required to amend these.

    Speaking after laying the Order, Mr Murray said:

    “I’m very pleased to have laid this Scotland Act Order which increases the Scottish Government’s cumulative borrowing limits to a total of £3.6 billion. The Autumn Budget provided an additional £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, ending austerity. These borrowing powers are on top of the Scottish Government’s record funding settlement of £47.7 billion this financial year. We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and this order is a key part of our commitment to maintain the devolution settlement.”

    The Order will take effect on 30 June 2025. There will be a debate in the House of Commons before then.

    The 2023 Fiscal Framework Agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments sets out the Scottish Government’s funding arrangements, including budget management tools such as borrowing powers.

    Officials in both the UK Government and the Scottish Government worked together to deliver the Order, as they do with all Scotland Act Orders.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Windfarm Capable of Powering Half of Scotland’s Homes [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Windfarm Capable of Powering Half of Scotland’s Homes [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 24 April 2025.

    The UK’s drive towards clean power, which is a huge jobs and economic opportunity for Scotland, took a significant step forward today [24 April] when Scottish Secretary Ian Murray switched on full power at Ocean Winds’ new Moray West offshore windfarm.

    The windfarm, located 13 miles off the coast of Buckie, is one of Scotland’s largest offshore windfarms. It will generate up to 882MW output – enough to power 1.3 million homes – half of Scotland’s households. Upon full power, Ocean Winds will become the largest offshore wind operator in Scotland, running two windfarms off the North East coast and with a third in development.

    Clean energy represents the economic opportunity of the 21st century, with this project alone creating around 1,500 jobs during the construction phase. The developer, Ocean Winds, has used more than 80 UK suppliers in the project to date, which has involved installing the biggest turbines yet in British waters, spanning up to 257m above sea level.

    Speaking after his visit, Mr Murray said:

    “It was a huge moment today when I switched on full power for the Moray West Windfarm.

    “Investment like that being made by Ocean Winds is absolutely central to ensuring that Scotland and its workers benefit from the skilled jobs and economic growth that clean energy can bring.

    “With Great British energy located in Aberdeen, and billions of pounds of investment on the table, Scotland is at the very heart of the UK Government’s drive to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”

    Moray West takes the UK Government a step closer to achieving the 43-50GW offshore wind targets set for 2030, as published in the Clean Power Action Plan- helping deliver on its mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    During his visit to Ocean Winds, Mr Murray met staff who have transitioned into renewables after careers in the oil and gas industry and the UK’s armed forces.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    “Offshore wind is the backbone of our plans for clean power by 2030, as the UK is blessed with thousands of miles of coastline.

    “Developments like Moray West take us a step closer to getting off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and help deliver on our Plan for Change, protecting households from volatile gas prices and creating good jobs.”

    After switching on the windfarm to full power, Mr Murray travelled to Aberdeen.

    There he visited Sarens PSG and ETZ Ltd.

    Sarens PSG were involved in the construction of the Moray West windfarm, marshalling 62 giant ‘monopiles’ – the wind turbine foundations. 10 metres in diameter and 84 metres long, the 2.000 tonne monopiles are the largest and heaviest ever to be handled in the United Kingdom. Mr Murray saw Sarens PSG’s new £1.6 million Aberdeen training facility for wind farm workers. The company opened the facility recently, saying that Great British Energy’s headquarters being located in Aberdeen made the city the ideal location for the facility⁠.

    Touring the Energy Transition Zone, Mr Murray visited the Floating Wind Innovation Centre, the UK’s first dedicated facility of its kind for floating wind technology, run by ORE Catapult.

    Also today [24 April 2025] Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill visited the Port of Leith, located within the Forth Green Freeport, to mark the official opening of Forth Ports’ new Outer Berth. Forth Ports has invested a total of £100 million into transforming the Port of Leith into a world class renewables hub, which is already playing a key role in supporting Scotland’s energy transition. The Leith Renewables Hub is part of the Forth Green Freeport’s strategically located tax sites, which aim to reindustrialise central Scotland, generating thousands of high-quality green jobs by increasing trade and supporting the growth of businesses across the Firth of Forth.

    These visits are happening against the background of the UK Government co-hosting the International Energy Agency summit in London, a global event bringing together countries to discuss energy security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government action to improve safety in young offender institutions [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government action to improve safety in young offender institutions [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 24 April 2025.

    Frontline officers and young people in custody will be better protected under plans to equip specially selected and trained staff with synthetic pepper spray, the Government has announced today.

    • Specially selected, trained staff to be equipped with synthetic pepper spray
    • Response to rising violence in young offender institutions
    • Rate of assaults on staff 14 times higher than in adult prisons

    Amid rising levels of violence, the decision will help keep both staff and young people safe and reduce the severity of incidents in young offender institutions.

    Over the last few years, more and more frontline officers have been forced to put themselves in danger to protect young people in custody from attack and fend off homemade weapons.

    PAVA, a synthetic pepper spray which temporarily incapacitates those it is sprayed upon, will now be available to specialist staff in young offender institutions to help de-escalate and diffuse violent situations.

    Today’s announcement comes as new figures show the rate of assaults in public youth offender institutions is around 14 times higher than in adult prisons.

    By giving staff the tools they need to keep young people in custody safe, they will be able to focus on rehabilitation and help them turn their lives around. Reducing reoffending is fundamental to the government’s pledge to keep our streets safe, part of its Plan for Change.

    Minister for Youth Justice Sir Nic Dakin said:

    This government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. The unacceptable levels of violence faced by our brave frontline officers in young offender institutions is yet another symptom of that.

    This is not a decision we have made lightly, but our overarching duty is to keep staff and young people in custody safe. This spray is a vital tool to prevent serious violence, helping staff to focus on rehabilitation as part of our Plan for Change.

    The number of young people in custody has fallen significantly in recent years. Those now held in young offender institutions are mostly older teenage boys, aged 16 to 18 years of age, and over two-thirds of all young people are there for violent offences such as murder, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.

    Recent incidents have seen young people in custody sustain serious injuries while staff have experienced fractures, dislocations, puncture wounds and lacerations.

    The PAVA rollout will allow staff to respond to these incidents more effectively and restore order more quickly.

    It will only be deployed in limited circumstances by specially trained individuals where there is serious violence or an imminent risk of it taking place. It has previously been used in young offender institutions when National Tactical Response Groups have been called to deal with serious incidents, but this change will mean it can be used more quickly to diffuse situations. It is already used by police in the community and by prison officers in the adult estate to reduce the risk of serious harm to staff and prisoners alike.

    To keep both staff and young people safe, use in the youth estate will have strict controls, with each use of PAVA being reviewed by an independent panel and reported to ministers for further scrutiny. Ministers will also review its operation and impact after 12 months including to address any disproportionate use.

    Today’s announcement follows extensive research and evidence gathering with specialists including subject matter experts and NHS England.

    The Government has also recently taken action to end the practice of placing girls in young offender institutions following recommendations from Susannah Hancock’s independent review into the placement and care of girls in youth custody.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Membership of the Building Control Independent Panel [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Membership of the Building Control Independent Panel [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 24 April 2025.

    Today (24 April), the government has announced the appointment of five members to the Building Control Independent Panel.

    This delivers on a Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, accepted by the government, to set up a panel to carry out a review of whether to change the way in which building control is delivered in England.

    The panel will be chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, whose leadership of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety has already helped to shape vital reforms across the sector. An engineer by profession, Dame Judith currently serves as an adviser on building standards to both the UK and Australian Governments and is a member of the International Building Quality Council (IBQC).  She will be joined by four experts with extensive experience in the regulation and use of the building control sector: Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

    The panel members’ collective expertise will support a thorough and independent review of the current building control model, including on the Inquiry’s recommendations to consider the issue of commercial incentives from the system and exploring alternative options and approaches. The panel is expected to provide a report to the government this autumn.

    Minister for Building Safety, Alex Norris MP, said:

    “The appointment of this independent panel is a significant step in our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. We need a building control system that puts safety first and supports our plans to accelerate remediation. It must also help to deliver 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes over this Parliament, and be equipped to meet the demands of a modern construction sector.

    “Their work will play a vital role in shaping a safer, more accountable building industry, and I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations as they take this important work forward.”

    The Chair for the Building Control Independent Panel, Dame Judith Hackitt said:

    “The panel stands ready to get to work on this important review.  We will work at speed but we come at this issue with an open mind and a determination to further raise standards”.

    Background on the Building Control system

    The building control system is there primarily to oversee key safety standards set in legislation and ensure that buildings are checked and safe in areas such as fire and structural safety. Following concerns raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, especially around conflicts of interest in the system, a new panel has been appointed to look at whether changes are required.

    Notes to Editors

    • The establishment of the panel was announced in the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on February 26, 2025.
    • The Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended that the Government establish an independent panel to consider whether to remove commercial interest from building control and whether to move to a national authority decision model.
    • The panel’s role is advisory and independent.  The aim is a report to Government in the autumn with a response before the end of the year.
    • Further updates, including the panel’s Terms of Reference, will be published on GOV.UK shortly.

    Panel members:

    Elaine Bailey

    Elaine Bailey is a member of the Industry Safety Steering Group and was formerly the CEO of Hyde Housing (2014-2019). Elaine holds several non-executive directorships, including at MJ Gleeson plc, a house builder operating in the North and Midlands; McCarthy&Stone Shared Ownership (MCSSO), a For Profit Registered Provider of older persons’ housing with a strategic partnership with Homes England; and Andium Housing, Jersey’s largest provider of sub-market value homes for rent and purchase.

    Ken Rivers

    Ken is a non-executive director at the HSE, alongside his role as a member of the Industrial Safety Steering Group. Prior to that he chaired the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations Strategic Forum and led the tripartite group since its inception, bringing industry and regulators together to identify and address important matters of managing major hazard in the UK. He spent 38 years of his career working at Shell, through various different positions and was President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

    Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP

    Nick Raynsford was a Labour MP for 24 years. During this time he held positions as Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Minister for Construction, Minister for London and Minister of State for Local and Regional Government. The latter included responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service. Since then he has had a number of advisory and non-executive roles in the private, voluntary and public sectors. This included chairing CICAIR (CIC Approved Inspectors Register), the organisation responsible until April 2024 for registering private sector Building Control bodies. Nick is a member of the New Towns Taskforce, working with MHCLG.

    Dr. David Snowball

    David spent his working career in the Health and Safety Executive, joining as a Factory Inspector in 1984 and retiring 35 years later. He held senior posts in operational divisions overseeing HSE intervention and enforcement and was also responsible, as Director Regulation, for the quality of operational work. He spent 15 months as Acting Chief Executive before his retirement. He now sits on the Industry Safety Steering Group alongside Dame Judith and is a non-executive director at the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (Feb 2022- present).

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians over Easter demonstrate its attitude towards peace – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians over Easter demonstrate its attitude towards peace – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2025.

    Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s missile attacks against civilians in Sumy and Kharkiv over Easter and President Putin’s transparently cynical attempts to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  The United Kingdom is grateful to Finland for convening this Special Permanent Council.  It was only 16 days ago that you were last compelled to call an extraordinary meeting of the Council after a Russian missile killed 20 people, including nine children, in Kryvyi Rih.  It was the largest number of children killed in a single strike since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the UN.

    Last week was one of major religious festivals where communities around the globe came together in the spirit of peace and goodwill. But while Christians around the world were marking the beginning of Holy Week, a Russian ballistic missile struck the centre of Sumy.  34 people were killed, including two children.  A further 117 were injured.  Some of the victims were heading to church for a Palm Sunday service.

    On Good Friday another Russian ballistic missile struck Kharkiv using a cluster munition.  One person was killed and at least 60 were injured.  On the same day, a drone attack on Sumy killed another civilian and destroyed a bakery preparing traditional Easter ‘paska’ bread.

    Mister Chair, our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time.

    Russia’s response to the widespread condemnation in this Council – and at the UN – following their attack on Sumy was to resort to their familiar playbook of disinformation and distortion in an attempt to justify the unjustifiable.  We can expect to see a similar tactic on this occasion.

    Through these barbaric attacks, Russia has shown that its cruelty knows no bounds and that it is not serious about peace. President Putin’s so-called “Easter truce” was a stunt, violated repeatedly by his own forces.  A day later – Easter Monday – a further five civilians reportedly lost their lives following Russian attacks, laying bare the Kremlin’s transparently cynical attempt to portray themselves as the party of peace.  Similar attacks have continued since, including yesterday against Kyiv, in which nine civilians were reportedly killed, and 70 more injured.

    If Russia was serious about peace, it would agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine did, more than 40 days ago.  If it was serious about peace, it would stop these senseless attacks on civilians.  If it was serious about peace, it would honour the commitments it has made.

    Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine are another stark reminder that President Putin has not abandoned his goal of subjugating Ukraine.  For this reason, the UK, alongside our partners and allies, will continue to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to defend its citizens. And we stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia to hinder its ability to wage this war of aggression.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UKHSA urges Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to get meningitis vaccination [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UKHSA urges Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to get meningitis vaccination [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 24 April 2025.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine, due to ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease associated with travel to KSA.

    UKHSA has confirmed 5 cases of MenW disease between February and March 2025 in people who had recently returned from KSA or in their close contacts in England and Wales.

    Invasive meningococcal disease is rare but serious and is caused by meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are severe conditions that can kill or leave people with life-changing disabilities.

    Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah, along with seasonal workers, are required to present a valid certificate of MenACWY vaccination issued between 10 days and 3 to 5 years before arrival, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccine previously received. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) advise, however, that all travellers to KSA should consider receiving the quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine, especially during the current MenW outbreak.

    While abroad and in the 2 weeks after returning to the UK, pilgrims and travellers returning from KSA should monitor for symptoms such as:

    • fever
    • severe headache
    • vomiting
    • stiff neck
    • rash
    • extreme sleepiness
    • seizures

    Symptoms may resemble flu initially and can appear in any order, but can lead to serious illness within hours. Anyone who has symptoms and becomes concerned about their own or someone else’s health should seek immediate medical advice or dial 999 in a medical emergency.

    Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

    The MenACWY vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to KSA for Umrah and Hajj, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families. Meningococcal disease can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations.

    Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash. If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency.

    Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, said:

    During Hajj and Umrah, millions of people gather in very close proximity during the pilgrim rights, in accommodation sites and on public transport.  This means that there is a much higher risk of contracting infectious diseases such as meningitis which is a serious illness.  We highly recommend that everyone going on Hajj and Umrah receive their MenACWY vaccine which could protect them and their loved ones back home.

    UKHSA is also advising pilgrims about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). While risk to UK travellers remains low, pilgrims should:

    • avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products
    • avoid contact with camels and animal waste
    • practise good hygiene, particularly washing hands after visiting farms, barns or markets

    Should fever, coughing or breathing difficulties develop within 2 weeks of leaving Saudi Arabia, contact a GP or NHS 111, mentioning recent travel history and any contact with respiratory cases, healthcare facilities or camels during travel.

    Further information on vaccinations and travel health precautions for KSA is available on the NaTHNaC website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan – Sally Axworthy [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan – Sally Axworthy [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2025.

    Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan in succession to Ms Kathy Leach who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mrs Axworthy will take up her appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Sally Jane Axworthy

    Year Role
    2024 to present Full-time Kazakh language training
    2021 to 2024 FCDO, Head, Negotiations and Peace Processes Department, Office for Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation
    2016 to 2021 Holy See, HM Ambassador
    2013 to 2015 FCO, Joint Head, North Africa Department
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Head, Somalia Unit
    2011 FCO, Head, Great Lakes, East Africa and Somalia Department
    2009 to 2011 India, Director, Corporate Services
    2007 to 2008 FCO, Head of Financial Skills
    2006 FCO, Senior Flexible Working Project, Human Resources Directorate
    2004 to 2005 Government Office South West, Vulnerable Adults Project Leader
    2001 to 2003 Government Office South West, Assistant Director, Devon and Cornwall
    1998 to 2000 FCO, Head, Turkey, Cyprus & Malta Section, European Union Department
    1996 to 1998 Bonn, First Secretary (European Union)
    1994 to 1996 Secondment to the German Foreign Ministry
    1993 to 1994 FCO, Head, Political Section, United Nations Department
    1991 to 1992 Kyiv, Second Secretary Economic
    1989 to 1991 Moscow, Third Secretary Commercial
    1988 to 1989 Full time language training (Russian)
    1987 to 1988 FCO, Desk Officer, Hungary and Czechoslovakia