![PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/downingstreet-150x150.png)
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.
The leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security and agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North.
European Allies had stepped up in recent months to defend Euro-Atlantic interests, but more could be done to protect the area, the Prime Minister said.
The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this afternoon.
The leaders began by paying tribute to the UK personnel involved in operations in the the North Atlantic and Syria in recent days to protect UK and Euro-Atlantic security.
Turning to the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday, both leaders welcomed the strong commitments by all participants in Paris. It was vital that the security guarantees for Ukraine ensured Russia was never able to invade again, the leaders reiterated.
The Secretary General then updated on the North Atlantic Council meeting this morning. They agreed that more needed to be done to deter Russia in the High North and welcomed discussions on how Allies could further protect the region from increasing Russian threats.
Both agreed to stay in close touch.
![PRESS RELEASE : Border Force seizes over 250 endangered species [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/homeoffice-150x150.webp)
The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 January 2026.
Hundreds of endangered species seized in crackdown on international wildlife smuggling.
Live snakes, tarantulas and lovebirds have been found crammed into vehicles at the UK border following a global crackdown on wildlife smuggling gangs.
In just one month, Border Force seized more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products at airports, ports and mail depots across the country.
The seizures this autumn were part of an annual international operation to combat illegal wildlife smuggling – representing a 73% increase from 2023.
They include two rainbow boa constrictors, which officers found hidden under blankets in a car in Dover. The driver had bought them at a German reptile show without a licence.
Border Force also discovered over 100 endangered birds crammed into a car, including scarlet ibis, green-cheeked conures and lovebirds. Some had died and the rest were kept in filthy conditions, risking the spread of disease.
There has also been a surge in spider trafficking since 2023. In one instance, Border Force intercepted a car transporting over 2,000 live tarantulas from Europe – worth an estimated £70,000. The consignment included more than 300 protected species without the appropriate licences.
Adult tarantulas can sell for between £50 to £500 depending on the species.
Other items prevented from reaching the black market included an elephant hair ring from the United States, king cobra balm from Thailand and a blacktip shark jaw from Australia.
Wildlife crime is worth up to £17 billion a year globally, making it the fourth largest international crime – behind firearms, drugs and human trafficking.
The intercepted items are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which is currently marking its 50th year.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said:
Wildlife smuggling is serious organised crime. It fuels corruption, drives species to extinction, and undermines our border security.
I congratulate Border Force on this year’s hugely successful operation, which has cut off a major source of funding for dangerous gangs.
But we won’t stop until we’ve broken this business model. Anyone attempting to bring illegal wildlife products into the UK – by air, sea, or post – will be searched and prosecuted.
DEFRA Minister Mary Creagh said:
The illegal wildlife trade is vile and destroys the natural world.
By tackling wildlife crime we’re sending a clear message to the criminal gangs that this government will strain every sinew to bring those involved to justice.
The seizures took place between 13 September and 15 October as part of Operation Thunder – an annual crackdown led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization to dismantle criminal smuggling networks.
Police supported this year’s operation, carrying out inspections across the country. Where sellers could not provide paperwork, officers seized items including shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle.
Border Force’s specialist CITES team at Heathrow is recognised as world leaders in detecting and seizing illegal wildlife products.
More than ever before officers are taking an intelligence-led approach – working with international partners to share expertise and shut the trade down.
Where possible, seized items will be rehomed or used for research.
As part of the Plan for Change, the government is determined to strengthen border security and break the business model of organised crime.
Anyone who suspects smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online using the report smuggling service.
![PRESS RELEASE : We welcome the Syrian leadership’s commitment to eradicate chemical weapons – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/newfco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.
Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
It has been a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.
This new Syrian government has provided hope that Assad-era chemical weapons will be verifiably identified and eliminated, once and for all.
The United Kingdom applauds the continued commitment of Syria’s leadership to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to meet its obligations under Resolution 2118 and we commend the continued professionalism and dedication of the OPCW technical secretariat staff who carry out their work in Syria under difficult conditions.
In 2025, Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons made important progress under challenging circumstances.
First, multiple OPCW deployments to Syria have increased our understanding of the scale and scope of Assad’s chemical weapons programme. Evidence found of an undeclared chemical weapons programme was a stark reminder of the threat in Syria and to the wider region.
Second, a Syrian-led decision on expedited destruction was adopted by the OPCW Executive Council in October allowing Syria and the OPCW to deal with dangerous elements of Assad’s programme upon discovery.
And third, a Syrian-led decision adopted at the Conference of the States Parties in November was an important step towards restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW.
The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and the appointment of a new Syrian Permanent Representative to the OPCW in the Hague. We pay tribute to Qatar for representing Syria since January 2025.
These milestones provide a foundation for Syria and the OPCW secretariat to accelerate their work in 2026; however, there remain challenges to overcome.
Significant and sustainable financial and in-kind support from the international community is needed to deliver the elimination of Assad’s remnant chemical weapons programme.
The United Kingdom is proud to support Syria in this respect, having contributed over $3.8million since December 2024 to OPCW Syria missions. We will continue to provide technical expertise to both Syria and the OPCW.
We urge Council members and the wider international community to assist in this endeavour.
President, this Council has spent more than a decade discussing this file.
With clear commitment from Syria’s leadership to eradicate chemical weapons and to seek accountability for their use, we hope to see continued progress in 2026 to deliver these important outcomes for the Syrian people.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a statement marking six years since the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752.
An FCDO spokesperson said:
Today marks the six-year anniversary of Iran’s illegal downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.
After all these years, Iran continues to refuse to take full legal responsibility for the downing, despite admitting its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down Flight PS752.
This is an affront to the memory of the 176 innocent victims, including UK nationals.
The UK, alongside our allies in Canada, Sweden and Ukraine, remains committed to the pursuit of justice, accountability and transparency for the victims and their families.
We will continue to progress our legal cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Iran must be held accountable for its breaches of international law.
![PRESS RELEASE : Serious Fraud Office returns £400,000 to victims of global email fraud [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sfo-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Serious Fraud Office on 8 January 2026.
Nine fraud victims to be compensated 24 years after the crime following innovative SFO technique.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has successfully recovered more than £400,000 to be returned to nine fraud victims almost twenty-four years after they were defrauded.
Investigators used civil recovery action to reclaim funds for victims of a fraud committed in 2002. As there has been no conviction, these funds would normally go to HM Treasury.
The recovery relates to money stolen by Abdullah Ali Jammal, a former director of a retail-depositor bank, who operated an email fraud scheme from the UK between 2001 and 2002, securing over £4.4 million. Victims were told that their help was needed to release money from countries including Nigeria, with the promise of a 10-25% commission in return. This advanced fee scheme defrauded eighteen people, many of whom lost tens of thousands of pounds.
In 2021, having determined that Mr Jammal – who fled the country before being charged – could not realistically be convicted, the SFO decided that the case’s unique circumstances merited an alternative approach to recovering money for victims. Mr Jammal’s accounts were frozen, including over £150,000 bound for the family-controlled Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which remains sanctioned by the US for facilitating banking for a terrorist organisation.
Investigators then spoke directly to victims around the world, working with the Australian Federal Police, Belgian Police, French Liaison Magistrate, US’s Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to locate them and secure their consent for this action.
This demonstrates a new approach to civil recovery proceedings, with funds being returned directly to victims rather than the Treasury – a significant development in how proceeds of crime can be recovered. The SFO will now seek to use this technique across other relevant cases.
Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), said:
Fraud devastates lives and the SFO will pursue justice for victims using every tool at our disposal.
This groundbreaking case demonstrates that determination. After years of complex international investigation, we’re returning stolen money directly to the people who were defrauded.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP, said:
Fraud is a devastating crime. It hurts people, impacts businesses and damages the UK’s reputation as a trusted place to do business.
This government is determined to tackle fraud and disrupt the perpetrators. The SFO has successfully secured thousands of pounds, going directly back to the victims. This demonstrates their innovative approach to recovering illicit gains, working with international partners, and relentless commitment to delivering justice.
![PRESS RELEASE : Government to introduce academy trust inspections [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/education-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 8 January 2026.
New academy trust inspections to boost transparency for parents and strengthen outcomes for children.
Millions of children will benefit from a stronger, fairer and more transparent school system as the Government sets out plans to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts.
The Education Secretary has today tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, to give parents and communities greater confidence that schools are part of strong, supportive trusts focused on improving outcomes for every child.
The measure delivers on the commitment made in the government’s manifesto to bring multi academy trusts into the inspection system.
High-quality academy trusts play a vital role in raising standards and widening opportunity for children. Educating most pupils in England, they oversee key decisions that shape children’s education – from curriculum to staffing.
Trust inspection will ensure those decisions are subject to clear, independent scrutiny, while recognising, celebrating and backing strong trusts so every child benefits from the highest standards, wherever they live or go to school.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible.
That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.
This is national renewal in action – public services working together, rooted in communities and focused on improving outcomes so every child, wherever they grow up, is set up for success.
Trust inspections will focus on leadership, governance and impact – including how effectively trusts improve schools, provide high quality education, support staff, use resources and promote pupil wellbeing. The approach will celebrate excellence, support improvement and recognise trusts that play a wider system role by helping all children and schools across communities to succeed.
The Bill will also introduce new powers of intervention to step in when trusts are not meeting acceptable standards including moving academies to stronger trusts, whilst also offering a route of recognition and celebration of those that are transforming outcomes for pupils.
Cathie Paine, CEO of REach2, said:
We welcome the move toward trust‑level inspections. Trusts play a huge role in improving education and driving greater equity, so it makes sense to look at how they work as a whole.
The key will be making sure this is done proportionately and in a way that reflects the different sizes and approaches across the system. If we get that balance right, it won’t just strengthen accountability – it will give a clearer picture of how trusts support schools, add value and, most importantly, how we can make things better for every child.
It’s also a great chance for trusts to learn from each other and share what works, which can only make the system stronger.
These reforms are part of the Government’s drive to raise standards and renew public services. Groups of schools working together in strong, community-centred partnerships are one of the most effective and sustainable ways to secure better outcomes for children.
That is why strong collaboration between schools, in particular high quality school trusts, will play a pivotal role in delivering our vision in the forthcoming Schools White Paper – helping to raise standards across the system and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background, needs or where they live.
![PRESS RELEASE : New proposals set out to reduce ‘out-of-area’ working for taxis and boost passenger safety [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/transportlogo-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 January 2026.
Have your say on our proposals to simplify the taxi licensing system and improve enforcement to increase safety and reduce unfair competition.
Women and girls will be better protected under government plans to reduce ‘out-of-area’ working by taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.
Currently, 263 different bodies issue licences to drivers, including councils and Transport for London (TfL). But under the proposals set out in a new consultation launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) today (8 January 2026), this would be reduced to 70 local transport authorities (LTAs), which already manage local transport planning.
This change would simplify the licensing system, improve enforcement and tackle ‘out-of-area’ working, which happens when drivers licensed in one area operate mainly in another, creating safety risks and unfair competition.
By reducing the number of licensing authorities, the number of boundaries between areas is reduced and licensees would have fewer opportunities to seek out less stringent licensing rules. For example, currently in Greater Manchester, there are 10 licensing authorities. However, under the proposals, this would be reduced to just one licensing authority.
These proposals form part of the government’s response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which highlighted the issue of ‘out-of-area’ working and recommended more rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of taxi drivers.
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
Passenger safety is at the heart of everything we do. These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible.
By moving licensing to all local transport authorities, we’re encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country.
A spokesperson for the Licensed Private Hire Car Association said:
We are delighted that the government is consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.
Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for taxis and private hire vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public.
This public consultation will run for 12 weeks and is available on GOV.UK.
This consultation follows proposed new standards on taxi licensing to strengthen safety and protections for passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles.
Under the new rules, the Transport Secretary would have the power to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing.
This would see all drivers subject to robust checks and would mean passengers can feel safe in the knowledge that their taxis and PHVs meet strict national standards, no matter where they are in the country.
![PRESS RELEASE : Tough new legal duties on water companies to cut pollution [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1000074910-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 8 January 2026.
Water companies legally required to produce pollution reduction plans for the first time, using detailed instructions published today.
Water companies must now publish annual pollution-cutting plans under tough new powers introduced by the government.
Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs) were previously voluntary, with only some water companies electing to produce and deliver them. Through powers in the Water (Special Measures) Act, they will now be mandatory and must be made public, creating unprecedented transparency and accountability in the sector.
Failure to publish compliant plans – with the first batch due this April – will be a criminal offence for both companies and their chief executives.
It is completely unacceptable that so much sewage is still entering our waterways, and it cannot continue.
This government is delivering a new era of accountability in the water sector. We’ve banned unfair bonuses for water bosses, introduced tough penalties for pollution and these mandatory plans are the latest step to hold water companies to account and tackle the root causes of pollution.
And we’re not stopping there. Our Water White Paper will set out long-term reforms to strengthen regulation, clean up our waterways, and drive infrastructure delivery.
The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have today (8 January) published detailed guidance for companies on what to include in their plans and how they should be used to cut pollution.
The plans must set out the specific actions companies will take to cut their pollution, including through better monitoring, clearing blockages, and customer awareness campaigns. Companies have also been told to identify and explain the root causes of their pollution incidents, to ensure they are focused not just on short-term fixes but on long-term prevention.
From 2027, companies will also have to produce annual ‘Implementation Reports’ demonstrating their year‑on‑year progress to cut pollution incidents.
Pollution incidents from water companies happen far too often and can have devastating consequences on the environment and communities.
We have been clear that every water company now needs to focus on delivery. These plans will ensure companies are taking actions to cut their pollution incidents and are publicly accountable for doing so.
Our guidance is designed to help companies plan and deliver results – and we will continue to challenge them if they fall short.
The Environment Agency’s latest ratings of water companies’ environmental performance were the lowest since 2011. In 2024 alone, there were 2,801 reported pollution incidents in England – 75 of which were classified as serious.
The new guidance comes ahead of the government’s Water White Paper which is expected to set out plans for longer-term reforms to strengthen regulation and tackle pollution – including through the creation of a new, single water regulator, and accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure.
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 January 2026.
Local councils will be given the power to crack down on problem pavement parking.
Disabled people will benefit from new local powers being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions across their area, helping keep them clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, while allowing exemptions where needed.
Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe.
Following a public consultation, the Department for Transport has confirmed that local leaders will be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach, where action is often limited to individual streets and requires lengthy, complex processes.
Local leaders know their streets best and are best placed to respond to local needs. Under the new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, and they will retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.
Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, Andrew Lennox, said:
After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking.
Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see. Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people accessing work, education and social opportunities.
We look forward to working with the government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.
RAC Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said:
Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said:
Clear pavements matter. For parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted, a blocked pavement is not a minor inconvenience – it can stop a journey altogether and is a risk to people’s safety.
Most drivers want to park safely and considerately and these new powers help in areas where dangerous parking causes real problems.
Giving decisions to local leaders means solutions that reflect how our streets actually work. It’s a practical step that helps people move around safely, confidently and independently in their own communities.
The department will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a proportionate and locally appropriate way later in 2026.
By putting decision-making closer to communities, the approach supports safer, more inclusive streets that work better for everyone. This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, making transport more accessible and inclusive and supporting growth by ensuring our streets and public spaces work for all.