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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [November 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 November 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this morning.

    The leaders began by taking stock of the situation in Ukraine.

    Peace talks in recent days had gained momentum, but the focus had to be on securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, both underlined.

    The leaders discussed the work being done by the Coalition of the Willing to prepare for a cessation of hostilities and welcomed the close coordination between the grouping and NATO on next steps.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 87% of bathing waters rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ as new reforms come into law [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 87% of bathing waters rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ as new reforms come into law [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 November 2025.

    392 bathing waters in England are rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, demonstrating the impact of designation, regulation and partnership working.

    The Environment Agency has today (25 November) published the 2025 bathing water classifications for 449 designated bathing sites in England. 87% meet standards for ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ classification, an improvement on 2024, meaning swimmers can benefit from a higher number of better-quality bathing sites than last year. 

    Overall, 417 bathing waters (93%), were rated ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’ or ‘Sufficient’, representing a slight rise on 2024. 297 sites achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating this year, compared to 289 in 2024, while 32 sites were classified as ‘Poor’, a decrease on 37 last year.  

    Bathing water quality in England has improved dramatically since the 1990s, following decades of regulation, investment and partnership work. 

    These results are based on the last four years of testing by the Environment Agency which monitors for indicators of pollution known to be associated with risks to bathers’ health, specifically E. coli and intestinal enterococci. 

    Each bathing water has its own pressures, and many factors can influence bathing water quality including storm overflows, agricultural runoff, birds, dogs and other local issues. 

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

    Bathing water quality in England has improved significantly over recent decades, and this year’s results show the continued impact of strong regulation, investment and partnership working. 

    But we know there is more to do, and the new bathing water reforms will strengthen the way these much-loved places are managed.  

    The Environment Agency is working closely with Defra to ensure these changes are implemented effectively whilst our teams continue to work with water companies, farmers, councils and local groups to tackle all sources of pollution and support continued progress across sites.

    The Environment Agency works closely with local partners at priority sites to tackle all factors influencing water quality. Goring beach in West Sussex is a good example of this partnership working – following EA sampling and information sharing, awareness campaigns by Worthing Borough Council, and Southern Water fixing misconnections, the bathing water has achieved a ‘Good’ classification this year. 

    Alongside the annual classifications, the government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21 November. These reforms are designed to change the ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers. 

    The reforms include: 

    • We’ve ended the old rule that automatically removed a bathing water’s status after five years of ‘Poor’ ratings in a row. Now, when a site is struggling regulators will look at the issues affecting the water quality and, where possible, work towards finding realistic options for improving it.  
    • We’re bringing in more flexibility to monitoring dates – so that testing can be adapted to suit individual sites and better match when people actually use the water. 
    • A third reform, which will look at new criteria for bathing waters, will come into force in May 2026 to allow guidance to be fully developed. 

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

    Our bathing waters are at the heart of so many communities, and these reforms will help people experience the benefits of our beautiful waters and connect with nature.  

    By ending automatic de-designation and bringing in more flexibility to when waters are monitored, we’re creating a system that reflects how people actually use their local rivers, lakes and beaches. 

    These changes sit alongside our wider action to clean up our waterways so communities across the country can enjoy the places they care about most. 

    Defra and the Environment Agency are encouraging people to use Swimfo, the EA’s online service providing the latest information on bathing water quality and incidents, helping the public make informed decisions about where and when to swim. 

    Notes to Editors 

    • To protect our waterways and the health of swimmers, the Environment Agency monitors the water quality at more than 400 designated beaches and inland waters across England. We do this through a robust sampling programme – as set out in law in the Bathing Water Regulations. 
    • The Environment Agency classifies England’s bathing waters each year as ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ or ‘Poor’, based on four years of monitoring data. 
    • Monitoring runs throughout the bathing season and samples are assessed for Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci for classification purposes. 
    • The 2025 classifications cover 449 designated bathing waters in England. 
    • The Environment Agency is working with local partners to take targeted action to improve water quality at bathing waters classified as ‘Poor’. 
    • Bathing water designations are made by the Secretary of State for Defra following local applications and public consultation. 
    • The Bathing Water Regulations reforms came into force on 21 November, ending automatic de-designation after five consecutive Poor classifications and introducing flexibility for site-specific bathing seasons, which means that sites can apply to change the boundaries of their bathing season. 
    • De-designation is now a case-by-case ministerial decision. 
    • A further reform updating designation criteria will come into force in May 2026 after guidance is finalised. 
    • Members of the public can access up-to-date bathing water information, including the 2025 classifications, via the Environment Agency’s Swimfo service.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Parole Board members reappointed and appointment of 2 members [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Parole Board members reappointed and appointment of 2 members [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 November 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointments of 46 Parole Board members, as set out below, and the appointment of 2 psychologist members.

    Parole Board members are appointed, by ministers, under Schedule 19 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The appointment of Parole Board members – save for judicial members – is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPA). Recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    The Parole Board is an independent body that works with its criminal justice partners to protect the public by risk assessing prisoners to decide whether they can be safely released into the community.

    The Parole Board was established by the Criminal Justice Act 1967. It is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.

    Appointment of psychologist members

    The following members have been appointed for a 5-year term from 4 November 2025 until 3 November 2030:

    • Laura Magness
    • Kirsty Butcher

    Reappointment of existing members

    The reappointments of 46 Parole Board members have been approved. Details of those reappointed and the duration of each reappointment are provided below.

    Psychologist members

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 6 years from 1 December 2025 until 30 November 2031:

    • Rebecca Milner

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 February 2026 until 31 January 2031:

    • Dee Anand
    • Caroline Flowers
    • Sian Hughes
    • Alexander Jack
    • Laura Jacobs
    • Sally Lopresti
    • Frances Maclennan
    • Louise Minchin
    • Samantha Salamat
    • Carolyn Scott

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 May 2026 until 30 April 2031:

    • Sarah Jones

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 6 years from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2032:

    • Fiona Ainsworth
    • Pamela Attwell
    • Rachel Roper
    • Georgina Rowse
    • Claire Smith

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 1 year from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2027:

    • Claire Barker
    • Lindy Maslin

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 December 2026 until 30 November 2031:

    • Brendan O’Mahony

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 6 years from 10 January 2027 until 9 January 2033:

    • Victoria Magrath

    Psychiatrist members

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 February 2026 until 31 January 2031:

    • Bethan Davies
    • Kim Fraser
    • Sobhi Girgis
    • Santhana Gunasekaran
    • Duncan Harding
    • Gaynor Jones
    • Olumuyiwa Olumoroti
    • Lavanya Sebastian
    • Alan Smith

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 1 year from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027:

    • Tim McInerny

    Independent members

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 February 2026 until 31 January 2031:

    • Julie Mitchell

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 1 year from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2027:

    • Angharad Davies

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 6 years from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2032:

    • Sarfraz Ahmad
    • Sally Allbeury
    • Rachel Cook
    • Amy Coyte
    • Stefan Fafinski
    • Paul French
    • Chris Fry
    • Lisa Lamb
    • Timothy Lawrence
    • Fran McGrath
    • Helen Potts
    • Jayne Salt
    • Julia Thackray
  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor fails pubs and publicans again despite pub closure crisis [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor fails pubs and publicans again despite pub closure crisis [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Campaign for Pubs on 27 November 2025.

    Despite the cost-of-living crisis and with 8 pubs closing a week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has turned her back on pubs and small brewers, offering no support at all to the vast majority of the UK’s world-famous pubs, whilst heaping extra costs onto small businesses through another rise in the Minimum Wage (paid for by employers, not the Government) and a levy on energy bills to pay for Sizewell C nuclear power station.

    The only suggestion of a positive measure for some pubs in England was the Chancellor’s mention of a proposed reform of the business rates system, however in reality it seems clear that this will not be the reform pubs want or need and will actually increase many pubs business rates, some by substantial margins which is desperately worrying and could be the last straw for many of those businesses.

    The Chancellor also reiterated the already announced review of the national licensing framework for England, but these don’t offer any support to pubs. With pubs already struggling and cutting hours, allowing pubs to open longer is completely meaningless.

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ignored pleas from pubs, publicans, pub campaigners and small brewers:

    • She has failed to reduce National Insurance contributions for pubs and other small businesses, despite the clear evidence of the impact this has had, including thousands of pub jobs lost.
    • She has failed to deliver lower VAT for pubs and hospitality, as other countries have done or consider Small Retailers VAT relief, whereby small businesses, including pubs, would pay less than huge chains.
    • She has failed to increase current levels of business rates relief.
    • She has failed to offer any support to help pubs, small breweries and other small businesses with sky high energy bills – and at the same time has put a levy to pay for Sizewell C nuclear power station!
    • Alcohol duty will increase with inflation across the board next year and whilst duty is not a tax on pubs and whilst duty cuts do not get passed on to publicans, brewers, producers and pubcos do always increase prices, especially to tied pub tenants.
    • There was no announcement about replacing the Community Pubs Fund, with a whole raft of community pub campaigns having failed due to the Labour Government’s decision to axe it.
    • No reform of the beer tie, despite the fact it imposes considerable extra costs on tied publicans and despite the fact the Government could do this without any cost to the taxpayer.
    • No announcement on much needed planning reform, so that unscrupulous owners and developers can continue to close and demolish viable and wanted pubs.
    • No support at all for small brewers, with many closing over the last two years due to sky high energy costs and rising prices. No reversal of the damaging changes to Small Brewers Duty Relief implemented by the Conservative Government to favour larger brewers.   

    Pubs and publicans have also been hit with the Government’s increase in the Minimum Wage, something paid for by businesses, including pubs, not by the Government. Many publicans are already earning less than their staff from their pubs, this will only make that worse and will push others over the edge who will simply give up. Others will be forced to lay off staff or cut hours, as they simply cannot afford another hike in costs. Many publicans work exceptionally long hours for very low pay, in many cases lower than minimum wage, so tight are the margins during this economic crisis.

    Having been hit with a huge cost hike in April because of the Autumn 2024 Budget – due to the NI and Minimum Wage increases and for English pubs the slashing of business rate relief – there have been 89,000 job losses in the hospitality sector. Pubs had pleaded for assistance from the Chancellor but received none.

    The cost-of-living crisis has seen rising prices and business costs, including spiralling energy bills, at the same time as many consumers have had to reduce their spending. This ‘perfect storm’ of trading circumstances has led to a worryingly high rate of pub and small brewery closures. This is made worse by the fact that pubs are having to pass on at least some of the rising costs faced by brewers and other suppliers, making visits to the pub even less affordable to those on lower and middle incomes. The current crisis follows the lockdowns and restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many pubs still paying off considerable Covid debt, despite the fact trade has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, due to the cost-of-living squeeze.

    Greg Mulholland, Campaign Director for the Campaign for Pubs said:

    “This is a deeply disappointing budget that does nothing to address the crisis facing the UK’s world famous pubs.

    “Despite around 90,000 lost jobs in hospitality since last year’s disastrous budget, the Chancellor has done nothing to address those damaging cost hikes and indeed has imposed further costs on pubs and publicans who have to pay increased staff wages, at a time when many publicans are already earning less than their staff. Even the mentioned business rates reform will actually see many pubs face hikes in business rates, so this really is an appalling budget for pubs.

    “Altogether this budget will mean yet more job cuts in pubs and more publicans unable to make a living”.

    Dawn Hopkins, Vice-Chair of the Campaign for Pubs and a publican in Norwich said:

    “Week after week, eight more pubs vanish for good – taking with them people’s livelihoods, community spaces and vital local jobs – yet the Chancellor has chosen to look the other way. Publicans and pub lovers have been crystal clear about what support is needed, but we have been ignored.

    “As a licensee, I am deeply disappointed, sad and frankly scared for the future. And for the Chancellor to claim that pubs will ‘benefit’ from business rates reform when many of us face higher rateable values from April feels, at best, disingenuous. It is disgraceful that this Government is prepared to watch the collapse of our pub industry rather than act to save it”.

    Paul Crossman, Chair of the Campaign for Pubs and a publican in York said:

    “There was very little in today’s Budget for pubs, and while the Chancellor may have been hoping that no news would be good news, publicans will in fact be bitterly disappointed that industry wide calls for a package of direct targeted help have been ignored.

    “With a pub a day closing for good the status quo is clearly untenable, and now that it is clear that pubs will not even receive the promised help with business rates bills we look set to be entering an even deeper crisis.

    “Pubs need real help on multiple fronts including with VAT rates, energy bills and employment costs if they are to continue to be able to serve their crucial role at the heart of our communities amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis. By ignoring clear, united calls for real help the Chancellor has only ensured that needless mass closures will continue to blight our communities, our economy and our culture.”

    ENDS

    The Autumn Statement did include another year’s extension of essential business rates relief for many pubs and a reduction in employers National Insurance contributions, but these measures are not enough to deal with the impact of very high energy bills, rising prices and consumers with less money to spend. The Campaign for Pubs and other hospitality campaign groups had been calling for a VAT cut to give direct support to pubs and restaurants, to allow them to get through this crisis. Once again, these calls fell on deaf ears with Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak as usual listening only to the lobbyists of the big brewers and pubcos, something that has been the case through the Conservatives 13 years in power.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to accept key recommendations of Sayce review on Carer’s Allowance [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to accept key recommendations of Sayce review on Carer’s Allowance [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 25 November 2025.

    Unpaid carers will have their Carer’s Allowance earnings related overpayments reviewed and potentially cancelled or repaid, following an independent review that found unclear guidance left people facing unexpected debts.

    • Carers forced to repay debts because of unclear guidance – in place between 2015 and summer 2025 – are set to have their cases reviewed.
    • DWP will reassess all related overpayment cases and reduce debts or refund money to those affected.
    • It comes in wake of independent Sayce review, as Government commits to fixing inherited system failures as part of Plan for Change.

    Unpaid carers will have their Carer’s Allowance earnings related overpayments reviewed and potentially cancelled or repaid, following an independent review that found unclear guidance left people facing unexpected debts.

    The independent Sayce Review, launched in October last year, found unclear guidance on averaging fluctuating earnings prevented carers from understanding what changes to their pay needed reporting to the Department for Work and Pensions.

    This meant tens of thousands of people juggling 35 hours of care with paid work built up debts without realising they had breached the weekly earnings limit.

    The DWP has accepted that unpaid carers were let down by confusing rules – in place between 2015 and summer 2025 – and this government is now moving to fix these inherited problems.

    Where it is found that overpayments were lower than originally calculated, carers will have their debts reduced or cancelled entirely, with the Government refunding any money already repaid.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, said:

    Carers are vital to our communities, and when the system lets them down, we have a duty to put it right.

    The Sayce Review has shown us clearly that the guidance on earnings averaging was confusing. We inherited this mess from the previous government, but we’ve listened to carers, commissioned an independent review, and are now making good for those affected.

    Rebuilding trust isn’t about warm words – it’s about action, accountability, and making sure our support works for the people who need it most.

    Most people will have their cases reassessed without needing to contact DWP. Carers who have already repaid their debts will still be able to have their cases reassessed and details on the best way to do this will be set out in due course.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    This will be welcome news for thousands of carers failed by the system under the previous government.

    We will right these wrongs, carers give so much to their families and to their local communities, and they deserve our support.

    The Sayce Review made 40 recommendations, the vast majority of which have been accepted.

    DWP has already made immediate improvements in the wake of this. This includes:

    • Updating internal guidance so staff properly record and explain wage averaging decisions.
    • Hiring additional staff to process earnings notifications more quickly to prevent large debts building up over time.
    • Ensuring letters to unpaid carers clearly explain what changes need reporting Appointing a senior service owner to drive delivery of the Review’s recommendations.

    Independent reviewer Liz Sayce said:

    My review found that overpayment debt has had major impacts on carers’ health, finances and family well-being, and been a disincentive to work. I’m glad Government now plans to review cases and cancel or reduce debts affected by flawed guidance.

    This wasn’t wilful rule-breaking – it simply wasn’t clear what earnings fluctuations carers should report.

    I’m pleased DWP has tackled the backlog of earnings data, so people shouldn’t suddenly face large debts going back years.

    I hope those affected feel they have been heard.

    Longer-term reforms are also underway to modernise Carer’s Allowance to build fair public services that treat people with respect, as part of the Plan for Change.

    The DWP is also considering how regulations might better reflect modern working practices, developing automation that links directly to HMRC data, and exploring potential solutions to reduce the impact of the current Carer’s Allowance earnings cliff edge.

    It follows wider work to tackle fraud and error in the benefits system, with the Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill bringing forward the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation, that will save £9.6 billion by 2030.

    Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

    It’s a really important day for carers today and in Carers UK’s 60 year history.

    Carers UK is really pleased that this issue we’ve raised for nearly 8 years is finally being addressed, with system failures acknowledged.

    We welcome the fact that Government has committed to writing off debt, where overpayments were lower than originally calculated, reducing or cancelled debts entirely, with refunding any money already repaid.

    It’s absolutely right that the Government took the key decision to conduct this review, given how challenging and distressing Carer’s Allowance overpayments have been.

    Government and Liz Sayce OBE have clearly listened to carers and the evidence that Carers UK has provided.

    Carers are the backbone of our society with their care worth a staggering £184 billion a year. They need support and systems that work, not extra challenges.

    The Government recognises the vital role carers play supporting the people they care for, their communities and the country, and is committed to making their lives easier.

    As part of this commitment, the Government has already raised the earnings threshold by £45 to £196 – the largest ever increase – benefiting over 60,000 carers by 2029/30.

    Alongside this, it has launched a review of employment rights for unpaid carers, which will look at how the current package of rights is used and identify where any improvements might be needed to help carers balance their work with caring responsibilities.

    Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said:

    Carers deserve a benefit that reflects their vital contribution to society but, we inherited problems with Carer’s Allowance which we’re determined to fix.

    Every day, they provide care and support that enables their loved ones to live with dignity – and we owe them a system that works properly.

    I want to reassure carers that this issue doesn’t affect many cases. But where it’s gone wrong, we’ll put it right.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy [November 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 November 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning, ahead of the Coalition of the Willing meeting this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences with President Zelenskyy on the appalling Russian attacks overnight, paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught.

    Reflecting on the talks in Geneva and the diplomatic discussions that have followed, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Prime Minister said Ukraine could rely on the UK’s support as discussions continued.

    Looking ahead to this afternoon’s Coalition of the Willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has been shown in support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for the deployment of the multinational force following the cessation of hostilities.

    The Prime Minister and President looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Soft drinks levy extended to protect children and improve health [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Soft drinks levy extended to protect children and improve health [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 November 2025.

    The government has announced an extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to more high-sugar drinks, including milk-based drinks.

    • Soft drinks levy will be extended to cover more products, including sugary milk-based drinks.
    • Changes could cut 17 million calories a day from the nation’s daily intake, helping to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke, and take pressure off the NHS
    • Companies have until January 2028 to remove sugar or face the new charge, which will add £1 billion in health and economic benefits

    Children will have a healthier start to life after the government announces an extension of the soft drinks levy to more high-sugar drinks, making it easier for families to buy less sugary products.

    Changes will apply the charge to pre-packaged milk-based and milk-alternative drinks with added sugar like supermarket milkshakes, flavoured milks, sweetened yoghurt drinks, chocolate milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees.

    Many of these products can contain as much added sugar as fizzy drinks, where much of that sugar is added separately to the milk, but were previously exempt from the levy, which so far has seen the average sugar content of drinks in scope fall almost 50% since it was introduced. Plain, unsweetened milk and milk-alternative drinks are not and will not be included.

    Obesity is one of the root causes of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With the UK now having the third highest rate of adult obesity in Europe, it remains a critical public health challenge, costing the NHS £11.4 billion a year, 3 times the NHS budget for ambulance services. 

    This and other measures the government is taking to tackle the obesity crisis will prevent hundreds of thousands of people becoming obese, helping to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    An unhealthy start to life holds kids back from day one, especially those from poor backgrounds like mine. We’re on a mission to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, and that means taking on the biggest drivers of poor health.

    The levy has already shown that when industry cuts sugar levels, children’s health improves. So, we’re going further.

    A healthier nation will mean less pressure on our NHS, a healthier economy and a happier society. It’s a simple change that is part of this government’s mission to give every child a healthy start to life.

    The threshold is being lowered from 5g to 4.5g of sugar per 100ml. This means more high-sugar drinks will fall under the levy unless manufacturers reduce sugar, with businesses given until 1 January 2028 to reduce sugar in their drinks.

    This is a levy on manufacturers and importers, which has led to companies acting by halving sugar content in popular drinks to avoid the tax. The government expects companies to do the same with the extension.

    Changes follow a government consultation that ran from April to July 2025. HMRC has today (25 November 2025) outlined the final policy in a formal response: Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy: summary of responses.

    High sugar intake puts children at greater risk of dental decay and obesity – and obese adults are at risk of long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Tooth decay outpaces other common childhood conditions, including acute tonsillitis, as the leading cause of hospital admissions among 5 to 9 year olds in England.

    Between 2015 and 2024, the levy has cut sugar levels in affected products by almost half.

    These interventions have led to substantial reductions in hospital admissions for children requiring caries-related tooth extractions, with decreases of over 28% among 0 to 4 year olds and more than 5% among 5 to 9 year olds.

    In addition, businesses have consistently experienced increased sales of drinks. According to comprehensive Department of Health and Social Care data, these products recorded a 13.5% rise in volume sales (litres) between 2015 and 2024, demonstrating strong consumer acceptance and the commercial viability of healthier reformulated beverages.

    The new plans are expected to reduce daily calorie intake by around 4 million in children and 13 million in adults across England. This could prevent almost 14,000 cases of adult obesity and nearly 1,000 cases of childhood obesity.

    It is expected to also deliver almost £1 billion in health and economic benefits, including by saving the NHS £36 million, reduce social care pressures by £30 million, and contributing around £221 million in economic output through improved workforce participation

    England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said:

    Creating an environment where children are encouraged to have drinks which contribute to increased levels of obesity can harm their health for the rest of their lives.

    The existing Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already substantially reduced the amount of sugar in shop-bought products, helping slow the increase in childhood obesity and bring down hospital admissions for tooth extractions among young children.

    Extending the sugar levy is likely to have further benefit for child health.

    This change is part of a package of measures the government is using to tackle obesity and prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer, including:

    • the healthy food standard to make the average shopping basket of goods healthier
    • banning junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed
    • banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children aged under 16
    • giving local authorities powers to stop fast food shops setting up outside schools

    Katharine Jenner, Executive Director at Obesity Health Alliance, said: 

    Ending the exemption for sugary milkshakes and bringing more sugary soft drinks into the levy is a sensible and long-overdue step to protect children’s health – especially their teeth. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already removed billions of teaspoons of sugar from the nation’s diet without harming industry growth, proving that clear, consistent rules are effective.

    We now urge the government to press on with implementing the rest of its 10 Year Health Plan – helping to rebuild a food environment that supports children’s health rather than undermines it.

    Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair, said:

    The success of this policy won’t be about filling the black hole in the public finances; it will be whether industry will reformulate.

    Voluntary action here has achieved nothing. But since it rolled out in 2018, the sugar levy has led industry to remove tens of thousands of tonnes of sugar from soft drinks.

    Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster with tried and tested policies.

    Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Diabetes UK, said: 

    With cases of type 2 diabetes continuing to rise at an alarming rate, particularly in younger people, we need bold action to cut unnecessary sugar from food and drink. 

    The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already substantially reduced the sugar in soft drinks, lowering the amount of sugar consumed by children. Expanding it to include milk-based and milk-alternative drinks, which can contain large amounts of hidden sugar, is a welcome step forward.

    We know that, for many people, it can be overwhelming to navigate such a wide range of products, and it’s not always clear what is good for us. This change will help ensure the healthier choice is the easier choice.

    Dev, Youth Activist at Bite Back, said:

    This is great news from the Government, especially because it finally tackles sugary milkshakes and other milk-based drinks.

    The amount of sugar in these products has been completely outrageous, and young people like me have been saying it for years.

    We’re targeted with these drinks everywhere — in supermarkets, on our streets, and across our socials — so this is a really important step. But it can’t stop here. We need this to be part of a bigger package that also strengthens advertising rules.

    Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said:

    We welcome the UK Government taking stronger action on sugary drinks by extending the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to milk-based products and lowering the sugar threshold.

    These steps will help cut sugar consumption, support healthier choices, and ultimately reduce the risk of cancer – something Cancer Research UK has long called for.

    Bold measures like this, alongside commitments on junk food advertising and healthy food standards, must now be delivered in full and enforced properly to create healthier environments for everyone.

    Barbara Crowther, Children’s Food Campaign Manager at Sustain, said:

    This update rightly prioritises children’s health over corporate profit. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has brilliantly succeeded in getting companies to reduce sugar and treating sugary milkshakes the same as fizzy drinks is the right thing to do.

    Companies who’ve already reduced sugar will now be rewarded for acting responsibly, whilst those still stacking excess sugar into milkshakes will now have a clear choice: change their recipe or pay for the health harm caused.

    Aligning the levy threshold with advertising and promotion rules is a sensible move, giving industry one consistent benchmark and making it easier to do business.

    Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said: 

    Children in the UK are consuming too much sugar and too many are missing out on a balanced diet. This has a hugely negative impact on their health – with tooth decay now the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. 

    Today’s announcement is another positive step in the right direction towards creating the healthiest ever generation of children.

    Alongside this, it’s important that we support families living in poverty to improve their access to nutritious food.

    Background

    • The Soft Drinks Industry Levy applies to pre-packaged drinks with added sugar, and with more than 5g of total sugar per 100ml. This will fall to 4.5g per 100ml.
    • Drinks containing between 4.5g and 7.9g per 100ml will continue to fall into the lower levy band. The current rate for this band is £1.94 per 10 litres (19.4p per litre).
    • Drinks above 8g per 100ml will remain in the higher levy band. The current rate for this band is 2.59 per 10 litres (25.p per litre).
    • This doesn’t apply to open top drinks in cafes/restaurants
  • PRESS RELEASE : Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 November 2025.

    Decisive action on third runway to support trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs.

    • scheme chosen to drive a swift and robust policy review to shape plans for Heathrow expansion in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations 
    • review will allow a planning decision by 2029 and London airspace to be redrawn to enable quicker, quieter, and greener flights to take off from a new runway by 2035 
    • new runway will be a boost for connectivity, supporting national economic growth, improving passenger experience and delivering the Plan for Change, after passenger numbers hit record levels at Heathrow this summer 

     A third runway at Heathrow is another step closer to take off by 2035, as the Transport Secretary confirms today (25 November 2025) that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL’s) proposal will be used as the scheme to progress the project.  

    The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation next summer. 

    As the UK’s only hub airport, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, expanding Heathrow will attract international investment, boost Britain’s connectivity, and support economic growth to deliver the Plan for Change. This summer a record 23.4 million passengers travelled via Heathrow, highlighting the level of passenger demand. 

    After requesting further information last month from the remaining two promoters, the government has assessed that HAL’s proposal offers the most deliverable option and provides the greatest likelihood of meeting the government’s ambition for a decision on a development consent application within this parliament.  

    Any amendments to the ANPS will be consulted on next summer after the Transport Secretary committed to completing the process 3 years faster than production of the policy statement in 2018. This will provide an important opportunity for businesses, communities, and the wider aviation sector to have their say. 

    Selection of the scheme to inform the remainder of the review does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny next year. Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review. 

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: 

    Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.  

    Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.  

    We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.

    The government has been clear expansion plans must meet the UK’s legally binding climate obligations alongside balancing delivering economic growth as well as air quality and noise obligations.  

    The independent Climate Change Committee will be consulted on as part of the review to ensure expansion is consistent with the net zero framework. Today the Transport Secretary has written to the committee requesting advice including on the role of aviation in achieving the UK’s carbon budgets and inviting feedback on proposed updates to the ANPS to ensure alignment with climate commitments. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

    We’re taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrow’s third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.

    That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion – creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.

    A swift and robust review of the ANPS was launched last month to consider airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations and sets out the government’s criteria to consider future planning applications.  

    The selection of HAL’s scheme at this stage follows a rigorous assessment of the promoter’s proposals. This has determined that HAL’s proposal includes expansion plans that are resilient and efficient. 

    The government expects that an application for development consent for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport will be brought forward by the promoter of the scheme, the airport operator, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), after the review of the Airports National Policy Statement. 

    The government is also pressing ahead with modernising airspace across the UK, to deliver quicker, quieter, and more efficient flights with lower emissions, reducing the sector’s climate change impacts.  

    The newly published Airspace Design Strategic Objectives will mean that the Greater London airspace block will be given priority in airspace modernisation processes. London’s airspace – which sees over 1.1 million takes offs and landings a year – will be redrawn to ensure the capital’s skies are ready for more departures from a third runway from 2035. This will also benefit passengers after record levels of people flying over the summer, by shortening flight routes and improving resilience in the sector. 

    A consultation has also been launched on simplifying the Air Navigation Guidance to set clear priorities, save carbon emissions, and ensure that people continue to have a meaningful say on airspace changes that affect them.

    Today’s milestone follows the approval of Luton expansion earlier this year and Gatwick expansion last month, as the government continues to back aviation projects that will grow the economy and provide highly skilled jobs. 

    The government is backing the development of green aviation through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill. This bill will ensure Heathrow contributes to the UK meeting its climate targets by providing economic security for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market by guaranteeing a set price per unit for UK producers.  

    An additional £63 million is being invested to speed up construction on new SAF production plants, as the government goes further and faster to deliver growth and reach net zero.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 25 November 2025.

    England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.

    • Mayors to get new power to invest in their areas and drive growth through a charge on overnight stays.   
    • This will put local leaders on equal footing with top tourist destinations around the world.  
    • It’s the latest step forward in putting power in the hands of those who know their communities best.  

    England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.   

    The fee would apply to visitors’ overnight trips, and it would be up to mayors and other local leaders to introduce a modest charge if it’s right for their area.  

    The move would ensure UK mayors have the same powers as their counterparts in cities like New York, Paris and Milan, where charges on short-term trips are already commonplace.  

    The announcement comes ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, which will make the fair and necessary choices to deliver on the government’s mandate for change.  

    This includes cutting hospital waiting lists by delivering record investment in our public services, cutting debt and borrowing by sticking to our tough spending plans, cutting the cost of living by raising the national living wage for millions of workers, and pushing ahead with the biggest drive for growth in a generation.  

    Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said:

    Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions.  

    We’re giving our mayors powers to harness this and put more money into local priorities, so they can keep driving growth and investing in these communities for years to come.

    England attracts over 130 million overnight visits each year.   

    Under plans set out today, any new levy would apply to visitors at accommodation providers including hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.   

    Money raised could then help fund local projects that improve communities and enhance tourists’ experiences, that could potentially help attract more visitors – without needing approval from central government. Research also shows that reasonable fees have minimal impact on visitor numbers.   

    In London, the levy could go towards improvements to some of the capital’s busiest and famous streets to improve the experience for both visitors and Londoners, as well as supporting the city’s entertainment, sport and culture including helping smaller venues.    Meanwhile in Liverpool, it could help the city to support the major events that drive visitors – such as the upcoming UEFA EURO 2028 – and improving the infrastructure that visitors and locals rely on.  

    Many cities around the world charge tourists a small fee when they visit, including New York, Paris and Milan.

    The announcement is the latest step forward in the government’s mission to devolve power and give those who know their areas best control over how money is spent in their communities.  

    Businesses, communities and others with an interest in the measure can have their say on how it should work, with a consultation running for 12 weeks.  

    Further information

    • The consultation is available on GOV.UK and will close on 18 February.
    • Under the proposals, emergency accommodation, homeless shelters and registered Gypsy and Traveller sites used as primary residences would be exempt. Mayors would also have the power to apply other local exemptions where appropriate, so they can tailor the levy to their local economy.

    Additional quotes

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

    Giving Mayors the powers to raise a tourist levy is great news for London. 

    The extra funding will directly support London’s economy, and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination. It also shows what can be done when ministers work closely with Mayors to devolve more powers to cities and regions. 

    As part of developing our plans for the levy we will work closely with the hospitality and tourism sectors to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits for London and our brilliant businesses.

    Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

    For too long, cities like ours have been expected to compete on a global stage without the basic tools that other places take for granted. Cities like Barcelona and Paris raise tens of millions each year through similar schemes – money that goes straight back into improving the visitor experience and supporting the local people who keep those destinations thriving. 

    I’m pleased that the government has listened and acted – giving areas like ours the powers we need to support and grow our economies in a sustainable way. Our visitor economy is worth more than £6billion a year and supports over 55,000 local jobs. A modest levy is money that would stay local and be reinvested in the things that make our region stand out: our world-class culture, iconic events, vibrant public spaces and the infrastructure that ties it all together.

    Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said:

    Residents and visitors alike know how special our part of the world is, from our people to our culture to our nature. Tourism is now worth a record £2.7 billion to the West’s economy, which is a key industry for our new Growth Strategy over the coming decade. 

    These new powers are a real vote of confidence in our region taking more control of our future. Proceeds from an overnight visitor levy, that people from across the West are used to paying on holiday ourselves, have the potential to support and enhance the sector’s businesses and workers – including with better transport options.

    North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

    Even a small amount levied on each overnight stay will transform the welcome we can give to people coming to North East England from all over the globe. 

    This signals the start of a new era of events and festivals we will stage to bring a new focus to our unique world heritage sites at Hadrian’s Wall and Durham Cathedral, our stunning coastlines and the iconic Tyne bridges and gorge. 

    This supports our ambition to double the size of the visitor economy creating thousands of new jobs in the next decade.

    Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith said: 

    A visitor levy in York and North Yorkshire will be a total gamechanger for our region. We’re home to beautiful towns, villages and cities and receive 41m visitors a year as a result. 

    A small charge on overnight stays could revolutionise how we deliver transport, support businesses, invest in infrastructure and the visitor economy. Building the healthy and thriving communities for our residents and everyone that comes to visit them.

    West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

    I’m delighted the government has heard the strong case Mayors have made for the power to ask visitors to pay a small fee to help drive growth. 

    This will allow us to invest more into making our regions even better places to visit, unlocking opportunities and help our businesses thrive. 

    This is a further vote of confidence in devolution and shows the government is backing mayors to achieve our ambitions.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

    It’s great news that the Government is committing to giving regional mayors the powers to introduce a visitor levy – a measure we have long called for. Greater Manchester already has a thriving visitor economy, and a visitor levy will help us sustain good growth over the next decade. 

    I’m proud that nearly two million people from all over the world choose to visit Greater Manchester every year. The money they spend contributes about £9 billion annually to our economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs. The levy will allow us to invest in the infrastructure these visitors need, like keeping our streets clean and enhancing our public transport system through later running buses and trams, making sure every experience is a positive and memorable one.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two non-executive members appointed to the Independent Monitoring Authority [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two non-executive members appointed to the Independent Monitoring Authority [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 November 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority.

    The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) for 3 years from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

    Dr Maike Bohn

    Dr Maike Bohn brings significant experience in strategic leadership, international engagement and public policy. As Managing Director of Oxford in Berlin, she led the University of Oxford’s work in Germany and built wide-ranging partnerships across sectors. She is a co-founder of the3million and has held senior roles in executive education, public affairs and marketing at Cardiff University, Jisc and Saïd Business School.

    Lynne Charles

    Lynne Charles is a former civil servant, with over 20 years’ experience across a number of government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, with a particular focus on EU and international affairs. Most recently, she served as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Bulgaria. Prior to working for the British government, Lynne worked as an official of the European Parliament, with roles in Brussels and London.

    The IMA was established under the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. Its purposes are to monitor how public bodies implement and apply the citizens’ rights parts of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, and Separation Agreement with the EEA EFTA states, and to promote the adequate and effective implementation and application of those rights.

    The IMA has the power to receive complaints, launch inquiries and initiate or intervene in legal proceedings. The IMA also has a duty to review the effectiveness of the legislative framework relating to citizens’ rights. In exercising its functions, the IMA must have regard to the importance of dealing with general or systemic issues in the implementation and application of citizen’ rights. 

    Appointments to the IMA are made by the Secretary of State and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These appointments have been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.