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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : New British Army robotic mine plough aims to better shield soldiers from danger [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New British Army robotic mine plough aims to better shield soldiers from danger [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 April 2025.

    British soldiers are to be better shielded from danger as a new high-tech, remote-controlled mine plough system is put through its paces.

    • New remote-controlled mine plough device for safer minefield clearing.
    • The system can be adapted to all suitable military vehicles.
    • Trials will inform future British Army mine clearing capabilities.

    By cutting through minefields, the device clears explosives and pushes them aside, opening a safe path for troops to move faster and more securely towards critical enemy positions or key objectives, outpacing current methods in speed and safety.

    The device, called WEEVIL, was developed collaboratively by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Pearson Engineering Ltd – a British company based in the north-east – using the latest tech. WEEVIL can clear minefields quicker and safer than present capabilities, reducing risk to soldiers on the front line. Current mine-clearing methods include the TROJAN Armoured Vehicle, which requires a three-person crew to operate directly within hazardous areas.

    The system prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. This allows it to be operated by a single person from several miles away from danger and is expected to be able to adapt to work with any suitable vehicle platform.

    The ground-breaking trials are set to continue with the British Army, who will push the robotic system to its limits, providing vital insight to inform future mine-clearing capabilities. The prevalence of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in modern warfare to slow troop movements has been highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine.

    In the Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced an additional £2.2 billion for defence in 2025/26. This comes on top of the announcement of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, as the government will hit 2.5% of GDP spend by April 2027 and has a commitment to hit 3% in the next Parliament.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

    It won’t be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our people directly into harm’s way to clear minefields.

    This kit could tackle the deadly threat of mines in the most challenging environments, while being remotely operated by our soldiers several miles away.

    It demonstrates British innovation, by British organisations, to protect British troops.

    Delivering on the Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for economic growth, the government is also significantly increasing the proportion of MOD’s equipment procurement spend on novel technologies like dual-use tech, uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities, spending at least 10% from 2025-26.

    Dstl Military Advisor Major Andrew Maggs, who pioneered WEEVIL, said:

    WEEVIL is the perfect combination of tried and tested technology and modern advancements.

    By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we’re able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical.

    Dstl and Pearson Engineering have successfully tested this prototype in Newcastle on a surrogate minefield. The concept is now being passed for further development to the British Army who are seeking to optimise and modernise in-service capabilities as well as develop new solutions for future challenges.

    Chief Executive Officer at Pearson Engineering Ian Bell said:

    We are proud to contribute to such game-changing capability. It brings together decades of development by Pearson Engineering, delivering the very best of minefield breaching technology proven around the world, and contemporary developments in teleoperation.

    Work with UK MOD is an incredibly important part of our business, ensuring our troops get the latest in combat engineering capability and that we can effectively defend our nation and allies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Security support for local election candidates during campaign [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Security support for local election candidates during campaign [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 April 2025.

    The Security Minister encourages candidates to use support available, including dedicated police officers, during the local election campaign to keep them safe.

    Safety advice and security support is available to all elected officials and candidates during the local election campaign period, the Security Minister has said as the pre-election period gets underway. He also warned that in the lead up to polling day on 1 May, harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated.

    Abuse of candidates and their teams has increased in recent years, notably at last year’s General Election. This has prompted the Security Minister to point to the enhanced measures now in place to keep the risk at this year’s local elections low.

    For the first time, dedicated police officers are in place in all forces across the country, offering a specialised network of expertise and support to local election candidates. Under Operation Ford, metropolitan mayors, local councillors, police and crime commissioners, and those standing for election in those roles will have access to Force Elected-Official Advisers (FEOAs) within their local police force who will provide briefings on personal safety throughout the campaign period. FEOAs are responsible for both Operation Bridger (MPs and parliamentary candidates) and Operation Ford.

    Now that nominations for candidacy have closed, these advisers are making contact with the returning officers in their region, to encourage them to share contact details of the candidates with FEOAs.

    Candidates can also access a range of security advice and guidance online, recently updated ahead of this year’s local election campaign period. Expertise has been provided across the security community from the police, the National Protective Security Authority, National Cyber Security Centre and others, to help candidates implement personal protective security measures.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Our elections remain safe, secure, free and fair – a fact we should be proud of, but can never take for granted. This government has put protecting our national security at the forefront of our Plan for Change and protecting our democratic freedoms is part of this. The harassment and intimidation of candidates and campaigners is completely unacceptable.

    To those campaigning now, support is available to maximise your safety whilst you go about campaigning and talking to voters.

    My message to those who cross the line from free speech to harassment is simple – it will not be tolerated.

    Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali said:

    I know from experience candidates can be subject to terrible harassment and intimidation. This is completely unacceptable, and we will not tolerate our democracy being undermined.

    We are working with the Electoral Commission, the police and other partners to take concrete action to tackle this behaviour in order to keep candidates safe.

    FEOAs are not a route to reporting a crime, and where candidates experience harassment or intimidation and believe there is an immediate threat to their safety, they should call 999. Where the threat is less immediate, they should contact 101 or visit police.uk. The Home Office will remain in contact with FEOAs to ensure they are appropriately supported.

    Anyone harassing or intimidating those taking part in our democratic process may be arrested and prosecuted if their activity breaks the law. As chair of the government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce, the Security Minister has written to chief constables across the country to remind them of the wide range of powers they have and urged them not to hesitate using them to maintain order and the safety of candidates.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Policing Elections Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams said:

    As with every election, the police’s role is to prevent and detect crime, and enable the democratic process to take place. We take that role very seriously because intimidation of candidates and their supporters has serious implications for individuals and wider democracy.

    We want every candidate, and everyone involved in securing the democratic process, to know that we are here to help them and keep them safe.

    All candidates will receive security advice and guidance from their local force.  We would encourage candidates to read this guidance and attend security briefings. They should also take the time to introduce themselves to their local force, and ensure they know who their point of contact is. It is also important to take practical steps when campaigning to ensure safety.

    There have also been briefings from partners in related fields, such as around personal security, risks that come from social media, and general cyber safety advice. We would encourage candidates to be as proactive when engaging with our partners as much as they would be with the police.

    It is also vital that elections are not undermined by criminal practice of other types, such as corruption and fraud, and a national network of trained officers has been established to ensure that forces, working with Action Fraud, are able to respond to such reports robustly and effectively.

    National security is the first duty of government and a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. This includes protecting our democracy from those who wish to undermine it by maintaining the safety and security of our electoral and political processes and those taking part.

    The government is determined to crack down on the harassment and intimidation of those participating in our democracy – whether they are an elected representative, candidate, or campaigner; and whether this takes place during or outside of an election campaign. Upon taking office, the Prime Minister gave the Defending Democracy Taskforce a new mandate to coordinate and drive forward government’s response to the full range of threats to our democracy.

    As part of this, the Defending Democracy Taskforce is undertaking a review, working across government with the police, parliamentary authorities, and the Electoral Commission to understand the levers to tackle harassment and intimidation and identify any gaps and vulnerabilities in the current processes. It will bring forward recommendations to ministers in due course, to suggest how to further strengthen the security of elected representatives and candidates.

    Last week, the Security Minister and Minister for Homelessness and Democracy Rushanara Ali both gave evidence to the Speaker’s Conference on the security of candidates, MPs and elections. As part of the government’s drive to improve security and reduce the threat, the recommendations made by the conference will be considered thoroughly.

    Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said:

    Many candidates are standing in the local elections and campaigning – an essential part of our democracy. Thank you to all those standing. We all want to see a robust and vibrant debate, but far too many are experiencing abuse and intimidation.

    The Commission and police have developed guidance to ensure candidates understand the actions and behaviours that cross the line and may constitute a criminal offence – please tell the police if you think that is the case.

    Will Fletcher, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, said:

    Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we have highlighted how abuse and intimidation of politicians and candidates negatively affects democracy in the UK. We welcome the progress the government, parliament and other key bodies are making to implement the Commission’s recommendations and create a safer, more respectful politics.

    In particular, we welcome the increased support that is now available for local election candidates, and would encourage all candidates to read the updated guidance and engage with their local FEOAs in order to understand how they can stay safe while campaigning.

    We all have a responsibility for changing the perception that elected representatives are acceptable targets of abuse and intimidation. We urge all candidates to sign our Civility Pledge in collaboration with Compassion in Politics, as a commitment to running a respectful campaign.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nikhil Rathi reappointed as Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nikhil Rathi reappointed as Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 10 April 2025.

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the reappointment of Nikhil Rathi as Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for a second five-year term until September 2030.

    • Nikhil Rathi’s reappointment for a second five-year term ensures continuity of leadership.
    • Reappointment is critical for delivering key reforms to the regulatory environment to help boost growth and deliver the Plan for Change.
    • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has worked constructively with the government on growth mission, with refreshed ideas such as simplifying mortgage lending rules which will make it easier for first time buyers to get on the housing ladder.

    Nikhil Rathi will lead the FCA as it continues to drive reform to make the UK the best place to do business by removing unnecessary, outdated and duplicate regulations – whilst ensuring consumers are protected from detriment and can be confident in markets.

    Last December, the Prime Minister and Chancellor set the FCA the challenge of coming up with ideas to boost economic growth.  Since then, the FCA, under the leadership of Nikhil Rathi, has stepped up to this challenge to come up with a series of policy changes to boost growth, which will have benefits in the real economy. This includes making it easier for people to get on the housing ladder through changes to the rules on mortgages and extra support to help financial services firms start and grow in the UK.

    The Chancellor has since doubled down on the agenda to reform regulation with the radical Regulatory Action Plan. This cuts red tape by pledging to reduce the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter, to make Britain the best place in the world to do business.

    The government started this programme of regulatory reforms by merging the Payment System Regulator primarily into the FCA to allow a more coordinated and streamlined approach, with a payments sector that promotes innovation and competition.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Nikhil Rathi has been crucial in this government’s efforts to reform regulation so it supports growth and boosts investment – I am delighted he will be continuing his leadership of the FCA. We want the FCA to go further and faster to deliver this government’s Plan for Change and we look forward to continuing to work together to achieve this.

    Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, Nikhil Rathi, said:

    I am honoured to be reappointed by the Chancellor. The FCA does vital work to enable a fair and thriving financial services sector for the good of consumers and the economy. I am proud of the reforms we have delivered to support growth, bolster operational effectiveness, set higher standards and to keep our markets clean and open. While we must go further and faster in this age of volatility, the UK is well placed as a major international financial centre.

    Chair of the Financial Conduct Authority, Ashley Alder, said:

    I am delighted Nikhil has been reappointed. He’s the right leader in testing times. His exemplary first term as chief executive has ensured the FCA is an organisation transformed. We’ve set a new standard for consumer protection, made it easier for businesses to access capital and quicker for firms to get authorised. That provides the solid foundation to deliver our ambitious new strategy – to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives.

    The government will continue to work closely with regulators to ensure they are regulating for growth, not just risk.

    The FCA will publish its second report on how it has embedded its growth and competitiveness strategy later this summer.

    In the meantime, the FCA is continuing to examine the financial services regulatory landscape and working to eliminate any unnecessary rules that hold back growth.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Welcomes Formation of New Syrian Government at UN Security Council

    NEWS STORY : UK Welcomes Formation of New Syrian Government at UN Security Council

    STORY

    At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 10, 2025, the United Kingdom formally welcomed the establishment of Syria’s new transitional government, marking a significant step in the nation’s political transition following the fall of the Assad regime. Jess Jambert-Gray, the UK’s Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, acknowledged the progress made, stating, “The UK welcomes the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian government.” She emphasised the importance of inclusive representation in state institutions and future appointments, including the Legislative Committee, and called for a clear timeline for the next phases of the transition.

    However, the UK expressed concern over ongoing violence threatening Syria’s stability, particularly Israeli military actions resulting in civilian casualties. Jambert-Gray urged all parties to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, respect Syrian territorial integrity, and prioritise diplomacy over force. Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, she noted that after fourteen years of conflict, Syrians continue to face immense challenges. The UK has pledged up to $207 million in humanitarian assistance to support the Syrian people. Jambert-Gray called on all parties to ensure humanitarian access across Syria and the protection of civilian lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

    Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    I will make three points.

    First, since this Council last met, Syria has made further positive progress in its political transition.

    The UK welcomes the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian government.

    And we look forward to the protection of human rights, unfettered access of humanitarian aid, the safe destruction of chemical weapons and the combatting of terrorism and extremism.

    The government’s formation marks an important milestone in the transition.

    We hope this spirit of inclusive representation will be carried forward in state institutions and in any further appointments, including to the Legislative Committee, and to a clear timeline for the next phases of the transition.

    The UK stands ready to work with the Syrian government to this end and to support an inclusive, stable and prosperous future for the Syrian people.

    Second, this opportunity for stability is being threatened by the continued violence.

    We are concerned by Israeli strikes and incursions into Syria, with reports of civilian deaths.

    These actions risk destabilising Syria and the wider region.

    And this is in no one’s interest.

    We recognise Israel’s focus on protecting the security of its borders and its people, but the actions it takes must be proportionate and in line with international law.

    We call on all actors to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, respect Syrian territorial integrity and prioritise diplomacy over force.

    Third, it is the Syrian people who will suffer the most from this worrying escalation.

    After fourteen years of tyranny and conflict at the hands of the Assad regime, the Syrian people still face a staggering humanitarian crisis.

    And that is why the UK has recently pledged up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance.

    Our focus should now be on supporting Syrians to rebuild their country.

    Therefore we call on all parties to ensure that humanitarian access remains possible across Syria and that civilian lives are protected.

    The UK will continue to work with our international partners to support Syrians as they look to build a better future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Stephen Hitchen [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Stephen Hitchen [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa (National Security)
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training
  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures to put neighbourhood bobbies back on beat [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures to put neighbourhood bobbies back on beat [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2025.

    Communities will be safer and trust in local policing will be restored under plans to put police officers back in our neighbourhoods.

    • Prime Minister unveils plan to restore confidence in policing and deliver security for working people
    • New measures mean named and contactable officers for every neighbourhood and guaranteed police patrols in busy areas at peak times, such as town centres, ending years of postcode lottery
    • For the first time in fifteen years, working people across the country will be entitled to the same standards from the police, no matter where they live
    • This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change and Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 more neighbourhood officers on our streets, up more than 50% across the country

    Communities will be safer and trust in local policing will be restored under plans to put police officers back in our neighbourhoods, announced by the Prime Minister today, as he delivers manifesto pledge to roll out the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    New measures will ensure every community will have dedicated and specialist neighbourhood policing teams, ending the postcode lottery on law and order.

    Announcing the plan, the Prime Minister will make clear that security is the bedrock on which working families build their lives, but that in recent years visible policing has fallen dramatically, with the number of people who regularly see officers patrolling in their local area halving in the past decade. 90% of crime has been left unsolved and there were one million incidents of antisocial behaviour last year alone, including big increases in street crime.

    The measures will put prevention at the heart of policing. Under the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, crimes like vandalism or antisocial behaviour will be less likely to turn into more serious and violent offences, boosting confidence and security in local communities across Britain.

    The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into neighbourhood policing roles by 2029, an increase of more than 50%. The early focus of the plan will be to establish named local officers, target town centre crime and build back neighbourhood policing, meaning hard working people can feel safer and more secure in their daily lives.

    The measures, announced today, will transform communities across Britain and will deliver the security communities deserve:

    •                 Each neighbourhood will have named, contactable officers to tackle the issues facing their communities, helping to restore trust that policing is working to keep people safe and meaning no community feels ignored when they need help.

    •                 Every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have dedicated teams who will spend their time on the beat with guaranteed police patrols in town centres and other hotspot areas at peak times such as Friday and Saturday nights.

    •                 There will be a dedicated antisocial behaviour lead in every force, working with residents and businesses to develop tailored action plans to tackle record levels of antisocial behaviour, which is blighting communities.

    Under these plans, communities across the country will, for the first time in 15 years, be able to hold forces to account and expect a minimum standard of policing in their area.

    The government’s new Police Standards and Performance Improvement Unit will ensure police performance is consistently and accurately measured, so the government can narrow the gap between the best and worst performing forces.

    This will make clear that everyone across the country, no matter where they live, can expect the same standards from the police,  with a new online tool so the public are able to check how their local force is performing and hold forces to account.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure on the streets they call home. It is just about the most basic right that anyone would expect. Yet for years crimes such as shoplifting and antisocial behaviour have wreaked havoc on our neighbourhoods. Policing has become reactive, picking up the pieces after crimes have occurred.

    Britain deserves better. It should not matter where you live – everyone deserves local, visible policing they can trust, and with our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we will end this postcode lottery, putting prevention back at the heart of policing and ensuring police are back on the streets.

    That’s why our Plan for Change is delivering security for working people in their communities with a return to neighbourhood policing, putting thousands of bobbies back on the beat and keeping people safe.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The heartbeat of our Great British policing tradition is seeing bobbies on the beat, but for too long, too many communities have been feeling abandoned as crime soared and neighbourhood police disappeared, even when local crimes like shop theft, street theft or blatant drug dealing rose sharply.

    That’s why this government is determined to get police back on the beat and into our town centres.

    It should not matter where you live – everyone deserves local, visible policing they can trust, and with our Plan for Change and Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we will tackle this postcode lottery and restore policing to our communities.

    Today’s announcement is just one part of the government’s commitment to keep communities safe.

    Through the Crime and Policing Bill, new powers will be given to police so they can better tackle crimes that matter most to communities. This includes bringing in Respect Orders to clamp down on persistent antisocial behaviour and giving police the power to seize vehicles that cause havoc to communities. The Bill will also scrap the effective immunity of theft of goods below £200 and help police go after phone thieves by removing the warrant to search properties where stolen items have been electronically geolocated.

    Through the Plan for Change and mission to keep our streets safe, this government will restore confidence in local policing and making towns and communities safer places to live, work and visit.

    Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said:

    We welcome the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which builds on the bedrock of British policing. Our evidence shows that good neighbourhood policing reduces crime and builds trust with communities, and it remains a top priority for the College.

    We also know how important neighbourhood policing is to the public. That’s why, this June, we’ll be rolling out the Neighbourhood Policing Pathway training for neighbourhood officers and staff in police forces right across the country. Our training will ensure these teams have the specialised knowledge and skills to tackle anti-social behaviour, engage with communities and build relationships that support intelligence gathering and crime reduction.

    We will also continue to use our position as a national source of best practice to help forces to constantly improve how they approach neighbourhood policing. Through our Practice Bank and Smarter Practice examples, the College will continue to evaluate and share initiatives and interventions to help police forces provide the best possible service for their communities.

    Emily Spurrell, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and PCC for Merseyside, said:

    Neighbourhood policing is vital for building trust, preventing crime and fostering community engagement. It ensures that local officers, with their unique knowledge, can swiftly address the specific needs of their communities, creating safer and more connected neighbourhoods. Residents and businesses have made it clear, time and again, that they want an accessible local policing team, with local knowledge, dealing with the unique problems in their communities.

    Police and Crime Commissioners and Deputy Mayors have echoed their communities’ voices in setting the priorities for their Chief Constables and made neighbourhood policing a priority in their Police and Crime Plans. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is an opportunity to reconnect policing with the communities they serve, helping to restore the trust and confidence that is vital if we are to continue policing by consent.

    The APCC welcomed the additional neighbourhood policing funding announced in January by the government, to enhance policing’s ability to deliver with additional officers and Police Community Support Officers. However, there remains significant pressure on police budgets and we will continue to work with the government to ensure policing has the resources it needs to effectively deliver neighbourhood policing for the public.

    Kurtis Christoforides, Chief Executive Officer of Police Now, said:

    Police Now was founded to help transform communities through outstanding neighbourhood policing and brilliant public sector leadership, so it’s tremendously exciting to be working even more closely with government and police forces to do just that.

    The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, said:

    I welcome the return of dedicated neighbourhood policing and the introduction of named ASB leads in each area. Persistent anti-social behaviour blights lives and communities, and these new roles will be vital in ensuring victims’ concerns are taken seriously by officers they know and trust.

    Some of the most harmful and enduring anti-social behaviour takes place in residential communities – away from the town centres and out of sight. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee has real potential, but its impact will depend on trained officers who have the support and skills to be able to respond to every report – whether from a busy high street or a quiet cul-de-sac.

    Matt Hood, Co-op Managing Director said:

    Creating healthy, safer high streets within resilient and durable communities is absolutely essential. We have effective partnerships with local police in several communities across the UK and we see first-hand the benefits of working together to target high impact offenders. At Co-op we have recently seen an encouraging improvement in police response and attendance, however the offenders keep coming and as retailers, we do all we can to prevent crime in our shops, but along with our communities, we need this support from the police to make it count.  We welcome this new Government commitment on increasing neighbourhood policing and our store colleagues will definitely be pleased to see a higher police presence.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:

    It cannot be overstated how important it is for businesses and communities to feel confident in their own safety on the streets, and knowing their neighbourhood police officers engenders that confidence. Utilising local knowledge and relationships is critical to providing safe high streets.

    Hospitality and our high streets are critical for driving economic growth and regenerating our towns and cities, and we want them to be thriving hubs of activity. The government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is an important way of ensuring that.

    John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Watch said:

    The advantage of having a named officer is that it humanises the relationship between the police and the community. People report greater trust and confidence in the police when they can reach out to an officer who knows their area, and the communities who live there. Evidence suggests that patrols alone don’t make a significant difference to cutting crime, what is effective is combining them with community engagement.

    Our members regularly work with the police, partners and the local people to adopt a problem-solving approach to crime and antisocial behaviour. And yet, nearly a third of people who responded to our community survey told us they lack a feeling of safety. It is especially important for younger people; they are the age group least likely to feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia earlier this afternoon.

    The leaders started by discussing recent developments on global trade tariffs. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to working closely with international partners to maintain global economic stability. He added that the UK will continue to take a measured and calm approach.

    The leaders discussed the importance of strengthening economic partnerships to provide further certainty for businesses, and agreed to build on the good progress so far on the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

    Turning to defence, the leaders agreed to continue work to deepen defence and security co-operation.

    They agreed to keep in touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government backs mayor to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government backs mayor to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 April 2025.

    The South Yorkshire Mayor has announced a £30m devolved funding investment into reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, in a major economic boost for the region.

    • Government backs South Yorkshire Mayor’s decision to invest £30m devolved funding in critical infrastructure to support the creation of a sustainable aviation hub, propelling regional prosperity and driving private investment into Yorkshire.
    • New working group met today to focus on airport re-opening – which could support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion by 2050, according to local estimates
    • Announcement comes as regions across the country agree shared priorities to turbocharge economic growth and employment, as part of the Plan for Change.

    Millions of pounds of investment has been announced today by the South Yorkshire Mayor (Wednesday 9 April) to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), with plans forecasted to support 5,000 jobs, boost the economy by £5bn and provide wider benefits of £2bn by 2050.

    The Airport has sat idle for years despite the potential to drive growth across the north. Today’s decision by the South Yorkshire mayor, backed by this government, would see the creation of a sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire to turbocharge economic growth in the region.

    In a major boost for regional growth and example of devolution in action, today’s announcement will enable the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to use their devolved funding to invest in the creation of a sustainable aviation hub.

    The government has confirmed it has established a working group with Doncaster Council and SYMCA to support local efforts to reopen the airport and explore how the project could unlock wider benefits in the region. The first meeting, bringing together South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Aviation Minister Mike Kane, Doncaster Council and the government, has taken place today (Wednesday, 9 April).

    Today’s boost for South Yorkshire comes as the Deputy Prime Minister agrees new shared priorities with mayors across the country focused on the opportunities and challenges to unlocking regional growth – a major step forward in the government’s pledge for each regional mayor to have their own Local Growth Plan.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    If we are to really grow our economy and put money into the pockets of working people, regional growth needs to be hardwired into the decisions that we make.

    That’s why we have wasted no time in kick starting Local Growth Plans, owned by local leaders, and why, through our bold devolution plans, we can back our mayors and get opportunities for jobs and growth off the ground – just as they will with this thriving regional airport.

    Previous governments stood by as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was closed by its owner despite the overwhelming support for it to stay open. It now sits idle despite the potential to drive jobs and growth across the north. I am delighted to work with City of Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to support their efforts to recreate South Yorkshire Airport City as a thriving regional airport.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

    This Government will stop at nothing to fuel economic growth and deliver prosperity for people up and down the country, as part of our Plan for Change.

    I’m thrilled to see devolved funding for South Yorkshire being used to revitalise the airport project, and boost the region as a whole, and I look forward to the first flights taking to the sky.

    Mayor for South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said:

    This significant funding package, alongside the cross-departmental government working group we have now set up, is a vital signal of our shared commitment to our airport, to growth, to creating good jobs in our communities, and to the future of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

    Since day one, we have been fighting for our airport, so we can create good jobs in the industries of the future and play our part in developing the sustainable aviation technologies of tomorrow. To now have the support of a government who don’t just understand that opportunity but truly want to help us realise it, couldn’t be more important.

    The new growth priorities agreed today will support mayors by tapping into government levers that can help their ambitions for their communities. Local plans will now help turbocharge regional economies, with shared priorities including:

    • Improving transport connectivity to create a green, integrated transport network in the North East
    • Increasing the skills base and reducing economic inactivity in West Yorkshire
    • Boosting the availability and affordability of homes in Liverpool

    These plans will ensure a more strategic approach to regional growth over the long-term and align government policy better to grow and create a more future-facing economy with benefits that are felt across the country.

    The shared priorities confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister today are the first stage of developing these major plans, with more work underway to shape them further. Mayors will now begin to finalise their own Local Growth Plans for publication later this year.

    Further information

    • The Mayor’s investment will be supported through South Yorkshire’s devolved funding, including SYMCAs Investment Fund and the new, flexible, long-term Integrated Settlement which will be implemented in SYMCA from 2026/27.
    • The new working group will meet monthly and will ensure that the path to local prosperity is being driven forward by those who know the region best.

    Working group members:

    • South Yorkshire Mayoral Combine Authority
    • Doncaster Council
    • Department for Transport
    • HM Treasury
    • Ministry for Housing and Local Government
    • Office for Investment
  • PRESS RELEASE : We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations – UK National Statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations – UK National Statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 April 2025.

    Statement by the UK Youth Delegate, at CPD 58.

    Thank you Chair, Excellencies.

    The United Kingdom remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and to working towards a world where every pregnancy is safe, where every child lives a healthy life, and where all people are empowered to make decisions about their bodies and their futures.

    I celebrate that we are here today.

    And I am proud to be here as a young woman from the UK, as part of the many youth delegates working alongside with their governments to create solutions and push for change.

    I am encouraged by the participation of the young people here because we are making our voices and our needs heard.

    We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations and decision-making that directly impacts us.

    Today, I want to talk directly to you about the key issues young people are met with around the world.

    Sadly, on every continent, including in Europe, groups that are hell-bent on rolling back rights and denying women and adolescents’ choices are sowing the seeds of division.

    Women and girls are being met with barriers that keep them out of school, trapped in poverty cycles and in harmful relationships.

    Adolescence is a critical time for young people’s health and development.

    However, instead of getting the support they need, they are particularly at risk with girls being exposed to harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

    Adolescent mothers and their children bear increased risk of poor health outcomes but often face additional barriers to accessing quality support and services.

    Restrictive laws and policies, parental or partner control, limited knowledge, distance and cost, all stop adolescents from getting the care they need to grow and develop in good health.

    I’d like to also recognise the women and girls that are being left behind in humanitarian crises, dying unnecessarily in pregnancy, left unprotected and at a high risk of violence, and suffering the indignity of being unable to manage their period.

    But what I’d like to say is that it does not have to be this way.

    By strengthening health systems and improving the provision of quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to safe abortion and comprehensive sexuality education even in times of crisis, girls will have greater opportunities to access and thrive in their education.

    Both boys and girls should learn about their rights, respectful relationships, safe sex, and how to stop violence before it begins.

    Young people can take control over their bodies and their futures and make informed choices in all aspects of their lives.

    Girls around the globe are already leading the way as changemakers, advocates and leaders.

    The evidence is clear that when women, girls and other marginalised groups are empowered, they lift up whole families, communities and economies.

    As recently said by the UN Secretary-General, when all girls can rise, we all thrive.

    It is vital that we all work together, including with men and boys, to break the stigma and attitudes that hold women and girls back.

    Each and every one of us here has our own powerful part to play, and together, we can really make a difference.