Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : New plan to make English farming profitable, productive, sustainable and resilient [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 June 2026.

The 25-year Farming Roadmap gives English farmers certainty beyond the next harvest for the first time.

For the first time in this country’s history, the government is today committing to the future of farming beyond the next harvest, ending years of uncertainty with a landmark roadmap that marks the most significant moment for English agriculture since the Second World War.

Farmers produce around 65% of the nation’s food, manage 70% of England’s land, and underpin the £153 billion agri-food sector recognised as Critical National Infrastructure. With the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate, Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future sets out how farmers can adapt through nature-based solutions such as improved soil health and water management.

Developed in partnership with farmers, the roadmap sets out how the government will provide long-term stability. Backed by immediate action from the government’s response to Baroness Minette Batters’ independent Farming Profitability Review, farmers will have better access to the tools, technology, skills and supply chains they need to invest, innovate and grow.

Collaborative models such as co-operatives will play a much larger role, enabling collective purchasing and joint investment that lower costs, spread risk and support stronger returns.

An additional £53 million for the Farming Innovation Programme brings total innovation funding this year to £123 million, including dedicated funding rounds focused on robotics and soil health and water management.

The government will also review how the economic value of agriculture is measured, ensuring farming receives the recognition it deserves. A single figure of 0.6% of Gross Value Added is misleading because it captures only primary agricultural activities. Working with the Office for National Statistics, the government will look to develop new supplementary statistics to include the wider food supply chain, from processing and manufacturing to distribution and retail.

Seasonal Worker visas will continue until at least 2030, providing reassurance to the UK horticulture sector.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

Farmers feed our nation and manage the land that shapes our countryside, yet their contribution has never been valued in the way it deserves. Our roadmap marks a shift away from only looking to the next harvest and towards a plan that gives farmers the long-term clarity they need to innovate, invest and grow with confidence for generations to come.

I have spent every day in this role rebuilding our relationship with farmers brick by brick because they’re such an important part of our economy, our society and our environment. We are looking at how farming is valued economically and socially to ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.

To boost profits and productivity, the government will work in partnership with industry to create Sector Growth Plans starting with horticulture and poultry and bring farmers, retailers and investors together on the Farming and Food Partnership Board. It will also cut EU trade friction through a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement and give egg and fresh produce growers legal protection against unfair supply chain practices.

To build resilience, the roadmap sets out how farmers can reduce reliance on costly inputs like fertiliser through new technology and smarter nutrient management and adapt to the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change through nature-based solutions such as improved soil health and water management. Multiple government services will, over time, be replaced with a single digital farming account to reduce administrative burdens, alongside improved data quality and standards to enable access to private markets.

On sustainability, Environmental Land Management schemes will become more focused and better targeted, with mitigation and conversion payments phased out over time as good practice becomes standard practice with regulatory standards increasing in some areas, while long-term payments for public goods such as habitat creation will continue.

While the roadmap sets the long-term direction, the government response to the Farming Profitability Review reflects immediate action to improve farm profitability now. Measures being taken forward include:
- Extending supply chain fair dealing regulations to egg producers and fresh produce
- Launching a dedicated task-and-finish group to unlock private sector investment in sustainable farming
- Establishing a new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary area to cut export friction
- Opening the new SFI26 application window to all eligible farmers this month
- Opening the new £30 million Farmer Collaboration Fund this summer to support groups of farmers to grow their businesses, build partnerships and share best practice
- Transferring the Groceries Code Adjudicator from the Department of Business and Trade to Defra to support a more joined-up approach to food supply chain fairness
- Considering changes to the National Planning Policy Framework following recent consultation, including proposals to make the system more supportive of the infrastructure farmers need.
26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Domestic abuse specialists embedded in 12 more 999 control rooms [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 June 2026.

Domestic abuse specialists will be deployed to 12 new 999 control rooms, under the second phase of ‘Raneem’s Law.’

Domestic abuse specialists to be embedded in 12 more 999 control rooms.

More victims and survivors of domestic abuse will be protected by specialists in 999 control rooms, as the number of forces operating the pioneering ‘Raneem’s Law’ is trebled.

Six months on from the government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy – Phase Two of the rollout of ‘Raneem’s Law’ will see domestic abuse specialists embedded in 12 more 999 control rooms across England and Wales. This includes police forces in Thames Valley, West Yorkshire, Essex, Merseyside and North Wales – bringing the total number of forces to 17.

The measure was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018 despite multiple 999 calls to police – who failed to turn up.

The initiative has already helped to protect victims, with early reports from police forces suggesting that ‘Raneem’s Law’ has led to:
- increased confidence among call handlers and officers in handling domestic abuse incidents
- earlier identification of high-risk cases
- swifter action taken to deploy safeguarding measures and protect victims
Placing domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms aims to strengthen the police response to domestic abuse from the first point of contact. The specialists oversee how calls for help are assessed and managed, often providing real-time advice to responding officers and call handlers.

They also review cases and risk assessments, support staff training and ensure victims are swiftly referred to specialist services where needed.

The news comes as the government marks one year since the launch ‘Raneem’s Law,’ which has so far embedded specialists in West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Humberside and Northumbria. It is part of the government’s unprecedented mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

With an estimated 3.8 million people experiencing domestic abuse last year, the continued expansion of ‘Raneem’s Law’ is a vital step towards ensuring that every victim – no matter where they live – can rely on a system built to protect them.

As part of its ambitious Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, the government has committed to rolling out ‘Raneem’s Law’ across every police force in England and Wales by 2029.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Natalie Fleet said:

Last year, one in 8 women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. No society that tolerates this level of violence can claim to be safe for women.

That’s why we are rolling out the pioneering ‘Raneem’s Law’ to another 12 police forces in England and Wales, because every victim – no matter where they live – should be able to rely on a system that truly supports them.

But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the state to make this country safe for women and girls.

Nour Norris, lead campaigner, aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem, said:

When my sister Khaola and my niece Raneem called for help, they should have been heard, understood and protected. Instead, our family lost two beautiful lives in circumstances that should never have happened.

Every step forward for ‘Raneem’s Law’ is deeply emotional for me because it comes from unimaginable pain and loss. Knowing that 12 more police forces will have domestic abuse specialists in their 999 control rooms gives me hope that other families may be spared the heartbreak that ours lives with every day.

Raneem’s Law’ is more than a policy. It is a legacy built on love for my sister and niece and on the determination that their voices, and the voices of all victims of domestic abuse, are never ignored again.

I am incredibly proud to see this expansion and remain committed to ensuring that every victim who reaches out for help is met with understanding, expertise and, most importantly, protection.

This announcement builds on the government’s progress to tackle violence against women and girls including through rolling out the pioneering Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to provide victims with protection for as long as needed.

We are also investing over £1 billion over the next 3 years to support victims of violence against women and girls. This includes nearly £500 million for safe accommodation for domestic abuse victims, £550 million for counselling, court guidance and children’s services, and up to £55 million for specialist therapeutic and support.

This forms part of the government’s ambitious Violence against Women and Girls Strategy which deploys the full power of the state to halve this issue in a decade.

The full list of ‘Raneem’s Law’ Phase 2 sites:
- Thames Valley Police
- West Yorkshire Police
- Hampshire Constabulary
- Essex Police
- Merseyside Police
- Nottinghamshire Police
- Derbyshire Constabulary
- Cambridgeshire Constabulary
- North Wales Police
- Gloucestershire Constabulary
- Cleveland Police
- Dyfed-Powys Police
25/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE : Government has secured £100 billion of clean energy investment [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 24 June 2026.

Energy Secretary announces that government has secured £100 billion of private clean energy investment.

It comes one year after the government launched its Modern Industrial Strategy

More than £100 billion in clean energy investment announcements has been secured since the government came to office, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will confirm at London Climate Action Week, as he declares Britain is part of a global boom in clean energy that is creating jobs across the UK and boosting energy security.

It follows a recent announcement of up to £9 billion investment from Japan into the UK’s offshore wind industry, and Rolls-Royce SMR winning a multi-billion-pound Sweden nuclear export contract off the back of the UK’s pioneering SMR programme. Meanwhile today (Tuesday 23 June), National Grid confirmed £1.2 billion of contracts to upgrade 1,000km of transmission lines.

This year’s renewable auctions have unlocked the largest chunk of private investment this parliament, with £27 billion mobilised in clean energy investment. $2 trillion investment is expected globally in clean energy this year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

The UK’s clean energy economy is booming. Today we announce we’ve passed the incredibly significant milestone of over £100 billion of private investment announced in clean energy since our government came to office. That means investment, jobs, growth.

The Energy Secretary is today due to speak alongside the UN Secretary General Antonio Guetteres, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and Executive Director of the IEA Fatih Birol at the Global Energy Transition and Electrification Summit.

Notes to editors

The over £100 billion in private investment announced figure reflects significant capex announcements since July 2024 into UK clean energy plans and projects, regardless of whether the investment has reached a final investment decision, or not.

This total excludes investment announced prior to July 2024 as well as accounting for double counting of specific projects across announcements. Further detail and explanation are available at Sources – Clean Energy Homepage.

The IEA World Energy Investment Report 2026 reports that globally in 2026 around USD 2.2 trillion is expected to go collectively to renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency and electrification, and some USD 1.2 trillion to oil, natural gas and coal.

Breakdown of announced private investment

UK-wide/multiple region

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
UK wide	Iberdrola UK capex plan	Iberdrola/Scottish Power	Renewables, grid	24.0
UK wide	Octopus capex plan	Octopus Energy	Clean energy projects	2.0
UK wide	Social housing retrofit	Barclays/Lloyds/NatWest/Rothesay	Social housing retrofit	1.7
UK wide	Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 projects	10 projects	Hydrogen	0.4
UK wide	UK secured £7.5 billion Japanese investment in key growth sectors	Sumitomo Corp	Key UK infrastructure and clean energy projects	7.5
UK wide	OnPath capex plan	OnPath	UK onshore wind, solar and storage capex	1.0
UK wide	Eelpower battery	Aware Super and Equitix	BESS	0.3
UK Wide	AR7 Fixed and Floating Offshore Wind projects	Multiple	Offshore wind	22.0
UK Wide	AR7 onshore wind and solar projects	Multiple	Onshore wind and solar	5.0
UK Wide	Hithium	Hithium	BESS	0.2
UK wide	National Grid Extended and upgraded 5-year Financial Framework	National Grid	Networks	40.0
UK wide	UK and Japan unlock significant inward investments totalling up to £9 billion in offshore wind	Multiple	Offshore Wind	9.0
UK wide	Macquarie capex plan	Macquarie	“Green infrastructure”	1.3
Scotland, Devon, Greater Manchester and Wales	6 battery storage systems	Pulse Clean Energy	BESS	0.2
UK wide	UK solar portfolio	Environmena	Solar	0.5
England	Hybrid solar & storage	British Solar Renewables	Solar and storage	0.3

North East and North West

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Teesside	Teesside GigaPark battery storage system	Natpower	BESS	1.0
Tyne	Port of Tyne Clean Energy Park	Port of Tyne	Ports	0.2
North West England / Teesside (North East)	CCUS T1	CCUS investors	CCUS	8.0

Yorkshire & the Humber

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England	Thorpe Marsh Battery Energy Storage System	Fidra Energy	BESS	0.8

East Midlands

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Nottinghamshire, England	Staythorpe Battery Energy Storage System	EDF/Elements Green	BESS	0.1

East of England

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Thurrock, Essex	Thurrock Flexible Generation	Statera Energy	BESS	0.4
Suffolk, England	Sizewell C	EDF, La Caisse, Centrica, INPP and NLF via Amber Infrastructure	Nuclear	1.1, 1.7, 1.3, 0.7
Norfolk	AMPYR Solar project	AMPYR Solar Europe	Solar	0.2
England (East Anglia) and Germany	Tarchon Energy Interconnector	Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Volta Partners	HVDC Interconnector	1.2

South East of England

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
North Kent	Cleve Hill Solar Park	Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners	Solar deployment with battery	0.2
Bramley, Hampshire	Solar & BESS project	Cero Generation & Enso Energy	Solar & BESS	0.2

West Midlands

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Hams Hall and Berkswell	2 BESS projects	BW Group	BESS	0.5

Wales & Ireland

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
Wales and Ireland	MaresConnect Interconnector	MaresConnect Limited	HVDC Interconnector	0.4
Pembroke, Wales	Pembroke Battery Storage Facility	RWE	BESS	0.2

Scotland

Location	Project	Company	Clean energy type	Private investment value (£bns)
North Sea, off east coast of Scotland	Green Volt floating offshore wind project	Flotation Energy / Vargronn / Greenvolt	Floating offshore wind	2.5
South Lanarkshire/East Coast of Scotland (Kincardine, Fife)	Coalburn 2/Devilla BESS	Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners	BESS	0.8
North Sea, off east coast of Scotland	Cerulean Winds/Aspen offshore wind project	Cerulean Winds/Aspen	Offshore wind	5.9
Kilroot in Northern Ireland to Hunterston in Ayrshire, Scotland	LirIC interconnector	LirIC interconnector	HVDC Interconnector	0.7
Cockenzie, East Lothian (Scotland)	Inch Cape reaching financial close	Red Rock Renewables/ESB	Offshore wind	3.5
Scotland	Nacelle & hub factory	Vestas	Offshore Wind	0.2
Eccles–Leitholm, Scotland	500 MW BESS project	Matrix Renewables	BESS

25/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE : Martha’s Rule extended to all maternity services [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 June 2026.

Landmark patient safety initiative, Martha’s Rule, rolled out to all maternity settings after review found serious and sustained failures.

Mothers and newborns across the country will be better protected, as landmark patient safety measure Martha’s Rule will be rolled out to all maternity settings in England, following a string of serious and sustained failures at maternity wards in the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).

Donna Ockenden’s review – the largest into maternity and neonatal services in NHS history – considered the experiences of maternity care for 2,500 families and found women ignored or complaints dismissed, missed opportunities to identify deteriorating patients and a culture of silencing both junior staff and parents.

The government will today (Wednesday 24 June) commit to rolling out Martha’s Rule across maternity and neonatal wards in England to ensure every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

The scheme – which is helping transform the NHS’s culture and has been rolled out for inpatients in every acute hospital in England – has already been piloted in 15 maternity and neonatal settings, with rollout to more expected this year.

NHS data shows that there have already been over 2,100 calls to Martha’s Rule requiring changes in a patient’s treatment, with over 600 calls leading to potentially life-saving interventions to transfer them to enhanced levels of care.

The safety initiative is named after Martha Mills, who died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike.

Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2022 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said:

Last week I met with the families in Nottingham and heard first-hand about the devastating loss they have suffered, often caused by horrendous care they received on the NHS. Donna Ockenden’s review lays bare a culture where too many voices went unheard, too many opportunities to prevent harm were missed and too many lives were lost. That’s why we have to take action, and quickly.

No family should ever have to battle the system that is meant to care and protect them. That is why Martha’s Rule is so fundamental. It provides a way for a concerned mum or family member to raise the alarm before it is too late.

I want families across the country to feel safe when they walk through the doors of their maternity settings. Today marks a step in achieving that – but this is just the beginning.

I want to thank Donna for her work over the last 4 years. These clear recommendations will form part of our national plan to deliver real improvements in maternal and neonatal care, in Nottingham and beyond.

Those responsible for failures will be compelled to give evidence to investigations into failing maternity care to end a culture of secrecy and prevent further harm.

This action will help ensure the reviews in Leeds and Sussex are fair and comprehensive, so that uncovering the truth does not rely solely on those who choose to come forward voluntarily. Those who refuse to do so or deliberately withhold information about failures could face up to 2 years in prison.

The measures are designed to tackle the culture of silence exposed by the Nottingham review, where over 800 staff gave evidence but many described a culture of being silenced by senior clinicians and hospital bosses when raising concerns around patient safety. This will ensure that for both reviews of Sussex and Leeds, staff are heard and families are closer to getting the answers they deserve.

Reports of incidents in mortuaries across the country will also be more tightly reviewed, following the deeply concerning findings about the lack of respect given to deceased babies, and the complete disregard to their dignity. The Human Tissue Authority will require all mortuaries to review internal records dating from 2015 to 2026 to ensure all incidents have been logged and reported. This will strengthen accountability, ensuring concerns cannot be hidden or overlooked.

Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Independent Review, said:

To every family who came forward, I want to say this: we have listened. It is my sincere hope that through this review you now feel as though your voices have been heard and what happened to you and your families has been recognised and will be acted upon.

Today, we have started the process of providing answers. We have set out clear findings and essential actions to address the concerns raised by families and staff. These actions when implemented will drive improvement both within perinatal services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and across England.

While the majority of births on the NHS are safe, too many families have suffered harm that should never have happened. Their experiences will drive real and lasting change to maternity services in England, driven by staff working to improve services.

Michelle Welsh MP, the government’s first Maternity Adviser, said:

Donna Ockenden’s review is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when women, families and frontline staff are not listened to. The experiences of the Nottingham families must be a catalyst for lasting change across maternity and neonatal services.

We owe it to every mother, baby and family affected by these failures to ensure that lessons are learned and that meaningful improvements are delivered across the NHS.

The measures announced today – including the extension of Martha’s Rule and the Hillsborough Law – are a positive step in ensuring the lived experience of women is at the heart of reforming maternity care.

NUH is also taking immediate action, introducing a new helpline for concerned members of the public available from today. The helpline will provide support for families who use or have used NUH maternity and neonatal services and may have concerns or questions following the publication of the report and media coverage. Details on how to access this service will be available via the NUH website.

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said:

I am so sorry for the heartbreaking loss, grief and pain experienced by women and families at Nottingham.

My thoughts are with those who have been harmed, bereaved or let down by the care they received. They have shown extraordinary courage in speaking up, and their voices must be at the centre of how the NHS responds.

We’ve introduced new national clinical standards which are helping prevent harm and ensure women get urgent maternity care more quickly, and local leaders and staff in Nottingham are working hard to address these failings. However, this report shows the scale of what still needs to change.

I know it can be worrying for women using maternity services, but please continue to speak to your midwife or maternity team if you have any concerns.

This government has already taken urgent action on maternity. Since 2025, the government has invested £145 million to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal care facilities. Other measures include:
- implementing a new programme to reduce the 2 leading causes of avoidable brain injury during labour
- delivering a package of initiatives and interventions to reduce stillbirths, neonatal brain injury, neonatal death and preterm birth
- introducing a Perinatal Culture and Leadership Programme to develop a culture of safety, learning and support for leads from all maternity and neonatal units
- expanding maternal mental health services to help women and extended the baby loss certificate scheme to include all historic losses
- rolling out guidance across the NHS to tackle the leading causes of maternal death including thrombosis, mental health, epilepsy and haemorrhage
A national action plan will be developed through the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State, bringing together the findings of this review and Baroness Amos’ report to drive real and lasting change for women and families across the country.
25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine are extensive and well-documented – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2026.

Ankur Narayan, Counsellor for Politico-Military Affairs at the UK Delegation to the OSCE highlights verified evidence of Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including rising civilian casualties, crimes against children, and the use of sexual violence, and calls for Russia’s withdrawal, accountability, and the return of deported Ukrainian children.

Mr Chair, during the last meeting of this Forum, on 10 June, the representative of the Russian Federation said that, in the context of civilian casualties, there are “gaps in the knowledge of International Humanitarian Law” of other States. We agree that civilian casualties are a tragedy. We agree that IHL is an important issue.

That is why my statement will focus on both issues today. The OSCE’s Code of Conduct compels every participating State to ensure their armed forces abide by international law. I will highlight three elements: civilian casualties; the treatment of children; and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. I will only cite independently-verified, internationally-respected sources.

Firstly, on civilian casualties. Last week, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission confirmed that May 2026 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022: at least 274 killed and 1,763 injured — a 93 per cent increase on May 2025. Long-range missiles and drones accounted for 45 per cent of May’s casualties, falling overwhelmingly on urban centres such as Kyiv and Dnipro, far from the front line. Along the front line itself, short-range drones killed and injured more civilians in May than in any month since the full-scale invasion began. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks, including those which are expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated military advantage.

Secondly, on the treatment of children. On 12 March the OHCHR’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russian authorities have committed two distinct crimes against humanity against Ukrainian children — deportation and forcible transfer, and enforced disappearance. The Commission has verified that at least 1,205 children were taken from their homes. Four years on, 80 per cent have not been returned – instead they have been placed across 21 regions of Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. The Commission reported that it was “a policy conceived and executed under the leadership at the highest level of the Russian Federation state apparatus”. International humanitarian law affords children special protection in times of armed conflict. This includes protection from their forcible transfer or deportation from occupied territory.

Thirdly, on sexual violence. ODIHR’s Eighth Interim Report sets out the conflict-related sexual violence committed in areas under Russian control, the arbitrary detention of civilians, and the use of children in hostilities. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has separately documented the widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian authorities. This includes the use of sexual violence. International humanitarian law protects civilians from violence and exploitation. It also requires that all prisoners of war are treated humanely in all circumstances.

Mr Chair, the UN, ODIHR and other international organisations continue to catalogue irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law and international humanitarian law. As per the Code, such breaches are a “direct and legitimate” concern for us all and we must act in solidarity with the affected State. The United Kingdom once again calls on Russia to withdraw fully from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, to return every deported child, and to engage with independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law.

Thank you Mr Chair.

25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – Joint Statement for the Annual Discussion on Women’s Rights [July 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2026.

Joint Statement for the Annual Discussion on Women’s Rights: Domestic violence against women and girls. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

Thank you Vice President,

The UK delivers this joint statement on behalf of Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, Morocco, Spain and South Africa.

Across the world, violence against women and girls persists, with one in three experiencing physical and/or sexual violence over their lifetime. We must address this global and national emergency.

The UK together with Australia, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jamaica, Morocco, Spain and South Africa have launched an International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls. We will collaborate to prevent all forms of gender-based violence, including online and offline, so that women and girls can live free from fear, no matter who or where they are.

Through this coalition, we will accelerate action by strengthening national responses, sharing expertise, and enhancing global leadership to prevent violence, protect victims and survivors and hold perpetrators to account.

Moreover, as the world faces increasing conflict, we will look to strengthen global efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict and other forms of violence in humanitarian crises.

Progress requires sustained political leadership and a multistakeholder approach. We call on all States to step up efforts to end gender-based violence, including by scaling up evidence-based prevention and response activities, and ensuring accountability for all perpetrators.

Thank you.

25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : More oil and gas workers to be supported into jobs [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 24 June 2026.

More oil and gas workers across Scotland will be offered tailored skills support to seize high-quality jobs in energy and other growth sectors.
- Over a thousand more oil and gas workers to get tailored support to move into new growing industries, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing
- Comes as UK and Scottish governments invest a total of £6 million to expand a successful skills programme that has already helped over 400 North Sea workers retrain
- The expanded scheme will now open to more workers across Scotland, offering the skills needed to access thousands of high-quality jobs in a range of fast-expanding sectors
Over a thousand more oil and gas workers will benefit from tailored career support to access good, well-paid jobs in clean energy and other growth sectors, as a successful skills programme is expanded across Scotland.

Backed by a total of £6 million from UK and Scottish governments, the expansion follows a successful pilot scheme in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – which has helped over 400 North Sea workers retrain for roles in Scotland’s energy transition.

Following popular demand, the new scheme will give current and former oil and gas workers living anywhere in Scotland specialist training support, if they wish to transfer their high-value skills into fast-expanding sectors under the energy transition.

The expansion follows the government’s plans, announced last year, to continue to use the North Sea for decades to come, by managing existing oil and gas fields for their lifetime and supporting new investment in oil and gas production through Transitional Energy Certificates.

The government will not continue the same failed approach to the North Sea that it inherited, which saw the skilled workforce fall by a third over past decade, without the necessary investment in what comes next. By actively scaling up clean energy industries, the government is paving the way for over 40,000 new roles in Scotland by 2030, creating the next generation of skilled energy workers.

These jobs are already hitting the market, as latest industry figures show that more than 1,500 new jobs were supported in Scotland’s electricity networks in the last two years alone. Meanwhile, 2025 saw jobs in the UK’s wind industry reach a record high of around 55,000, according to Renewable UK.

The scheme is also being expanded to provide training support in other growing sectors, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences and defence – where the skills and expertise of oil and gas workers are in demand.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

Thousands of good jobs are being created right now in renewable energy and upgrading our grid and we want to make it as easy as possible for people with skills from the oil and gas industry to take advantage of these opportunities.

This programme has already been oversubscribed so we are investing to expand it to more skilled workers as part of our commitment to deliver a fair and prosperous transition in the North Sea.

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

The expansion of the training scheme will support Scotland’s position at the heart of energy production in the UK. The scheme will support more than one thousand oil and gas workers in their transitions into new energy technologies.

After a successful first phase, I am also pleased to see opportunities in different sectors, such as defence and advance manufacturing, are being made available to oil and gas workers in Scotland to utilise their specialist skills and experience.

Scottish Government Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said:

Scotland has the geography, we have the infrastructure, and above all, we have the people to make the most of the energy transition that is upon us.

The workforce that has driven Scotland’s oil and gas industry for generations is one of the most skilled and experienced in the world and it is vital that their expertise is preserved in the North East, and beyond.

A just and managed transition means putting workers, and the communities that depend on them, at the heart of the economic benefits created by that transition. That is exactly what this fund intends to achieve by giving people the freedom to take their world-class skills into new and growing sectors, without being held back by the cost of training.

Eligible oil and gas workers in Scotland will be able to submit new applications for the scheme from today, via Skills Development Scotland’s Transition Training Fund website. Successful applicants to the scheme will receive careers advice and funding towards training courses for highly-skilled and in-demand roles such as in welding, electrical engineering, construction and more.  

The expansion forms part of up to £20 million in joint UK and Scottish Government funding, committed as part of the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan last year, to provide North Sea oil and gas workers with bespoke careers training for thousands of new roles in clean energy.

Frank Mitchell, Chair of Skills Development Scotland, said:

The skills and expertise of Scotland’s oil and gas workforce are in demand across a number of growing sectors.

SDS advisers can help workers in the oil and gas industry to reskill and upskill for careers in growing sectors to help them build on their experience and ultimately transition into new roles.

The fund will play an important role in ensuring communities across Scotland benefit as much as possible from the continued growth of these key sectors.

Workers will soon be able to access support from a new North Sea Jobs Service, announced as part of the UK government’s North Sea Future Plan last year, that will offer end-to-end career support for oil and gas workers to take up new opportunities in growing sectors – ensuring North Sea communities remain at the heart of Britain’s energy and industrial future.

Oil and gas workers are also benefitting from the Energy Skills Passport, in collaboration with industry and Scottish Government, which helps workers to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance. This will also be expanded to include more clean energy sectors over time. 
25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Driving bans for those who refuse to repay benefit debts as new DWP powers come into force [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 24 June 2026.

People who have stopped receiving benefits but still refuse to repay money owed to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be banned from driving under sweeping new powers that come into force today.
- Fraudsters and debtors who refuse to pay face tough new consequences including direct deductions from bank accounts, as new laws come into force.
- Debtors will begin receiving updated letters from today, warning them to get in touch and pay up.
- This is part of Government’s commitment to savings of £14.6 billion over the next five years from fraud, error and debt activity.
The DWP is writing to thousands of people with outstanding debts, warning them to get in touch and pay up, or face the consequences.

Under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025, the biggest crackdown on welfare debt in a generation, the DWP can now go directly to a person’s bank to claw back cash owed, without needing a court order. And in the most serious cases, it can ask a court to strip persistent dodgers of their driving licence.

Work and Pensions Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said:

Hardworking taxpayers deserve a system that pursues those who deliberately dodge their debts, and that is exactly what these new powers deliver.

To anyone with an outstanding debt – our door is open and DWP will always work with you to find an affordable way to repay.

But for those who can pay and won’t – we’re going further than ever before to claw back cash and crack down on fraud.

Cabinet Office Minister Satvir Kaur said:

Fraud against the public sector and unrecovered debt deny our vital frontline services of the funding they deserve.

Under these new powers in the PAFER Act, this Government will deliver on its promise to protect hardworking taxpayers and clamp down on those who try to cheat the system.

Enforcement of the powers will be gradually rolled out from October 2026, giving debtors a final window from today, to pay back the cash or sort out an affordable repayment plan before that deadline.

Anyone no longer in receipt of benefit, who owes money to DWP and receives the new letter should act now. The application of these powers can be avoided entirely by getting in touch with DWP within the next four months. Where it would help, staff can also point individuals towards free debt advice and support services.

Previously, the DWP had few options to pursue people who were no longer claiming benefits or in PAYE employment, meaning some who could afford to repay were simply choosing not to. That loophole is now closed.

Courts can only impose a driving ban where the debt is at least £1,000, and no one can be disqualified if they have an essential need for their licence, for example work that relies on driving, such as a courier or caring responsibilities. Any ban is initially suspended as long as repayment terms are kept to.

Other powers under the PAFER Act, which will be operational in future, include the Eligibility Verification Measure, which will allow DWP to require limited data held by banks and financial institutions to help identify incorrect benefit payments, ensuring claimants are paid accurately and allowing errors to be found and resolved sooner.

This is part of Government’s commitment to savings of £14.6 billion over the next five years from fraud, error and debt activity, which includes investment to deploy up to 3,000 additional staff, and strengthening our data, analytics and investigative capability. 

New Debt Recovery powers under the PAFER Act are part of wider DWP plans to crack down on fraudsters who exploit the benefits system and steal from those who most need our help.

Recent successful fraud operations include:
- Operation Mellow – Raids across London and Berkshire targeting a £3 million fraud gang who allegedly hijacked hundreds of IDs to falsely claim Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP).
Other successful high-profile cases include:
- Catherine Wieland – was caught ziplining in Mexico and sentenced for £23k PIP fraud.
- Bethany Elwood – sentenced for £78k Universal Credit fraud after lying that she was single for over four years, despite living with her boyfriend.
- Kelly-Ann Clews – took Pontins trips as she pocketed £75k in overpayments from multiple agencies, including DWP.
- Mark Arberry – sentenced for wrongly claiming £40k in benefits when he inherited £35,000.
- Helen Green – was sentenced to 7 months prison for £25,000 PIP benefit fraud.
25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades – UK Statement at the UN General Assembly [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The United Kingdom welcomes this High-Level Meeting and its political declaration.

The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades, reducing transmissions by 65% since 1995 and deaths by 74% since 2004.

This progress is particularly significant amongst children, where there has been a 69% reduction in transmissions since 2010.

Each of these numbers affects lives, people, and futures made possible brining hope to us all.

This hope continues today, with new, innovative long-acting antiretroviral technologies also offering transformative potential, improving adherence, reducing stigma, and expanding HIV services.

The UK continues to support key partners in this work, including the Global Fund, World Health Organisation, Unitaid, and UNAIDS.

We also recognise the important roles that UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA play in delivering the response on the ground.

But we are concerned about this progress reversing if we do not refocus our effort to end AIDS and ensure no one is left behind.

This is particularly critical for key populations and for women and girls.

Engagement, inclusion, and partnership with these groups and others at the grassroots of the HIV response remains essential.

Three things will be particularly important.

First, we need to continue to work together, including across the UN, to strengthen health systems, prevent new infections, and end AIDS-related deaths.

Second, we need stronger country-led, sustainable responses.

National leadership, integrated services, and efficient use of resources will be critical.

And third, community-led organisations must remain at the heart of the response.

Their leadership, resilience, and expertise are essential to reach those most in need and sustain long-term progress.

Innovation and evidence will continue to underpin successful partnerships, working with key populations, addressing structural barriers created by stigma and discrimination, and tackling drivers of new transmissions.

So colleagues, we must act with urgency to refocus our resources where they will have the greatest impact, and remain steadfast in our shared commitment to ending AIDS.

25/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

President, I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic, with the support of MINUSCA.

This includes the holding of national and local elections in December 2025, and the disarmament and demobilisation of over 1,300 ex-combatants since last July.

We urge further efforts to consolidate progress.

This includes a halt to abuses of human rights and restrictions on civilian movement by some armed groups.

We call on all parties to uphold their commitments under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and to work to translate recent gains into sustainable peace and inclusive governance.

Second, the spillover of the Sudan conflict into the Central African Republic remains deeply concerning, with renewed armed activity along the border.

The United Kingdom condemns reports of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in Vakaga, resulting in displacement and human rights abuses.

We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen further state presence in affected areas and to work with regional partners to enhance border security to protect affected communities.

Third, the protection of civilians remains a serious concern, especially in the Haut-Mbomou and Vakaga Prefectures.

Reports of conflict‑related sexual violence and grave violations against children continue at scale.

Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, while children are subject to recruitment, abduction, and other abuses.

We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen accountability, prevent violations, and work with the UN to implement national action plans.

Finally, the United Kingdom reiterates its strong support for MINUSCA and its vital role in protecting civilians and supporting lasting stability in the Central African Republic.

As the Mission adapts its posture, we encourage the Government to continue to work with MINUSCA and assume greater responsibility for its security and governance.

25/06/2026