Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

    The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

    Ahead of Burundi’s 2027 presidential election, his findings are concerning with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the shrinking of civic and political space. The UK calls on Burundi to protect the rights of all citizens to participate freely and peacefully in public life.

    We encourage Burundi to continue supporting the safe return of Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, in line with international law. Burundi continues to welcome refugees from DRC, and we thank Burundi for its work with the UN in particular to support their presence in Burundi, and ensure any returns to DRC are voluntary, safe, and dignified.

    We remain concerned by the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and the risk of spillover to other countries. We commend Burundi for prompt work to strengthen surveillance and preparedness and emphasise the importance of protecting human rights during public health responses.

    Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can the international community take to support conditions for a credible, and inclusive, 2027 presidential election in Burundi?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Mr Vice President,

    The United Kingdom thanks the Group of Independent Experts for its update.

    We remain deeply concerned by the systematic repression of fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Arbitrary arrest and detention, politically motivated prosecutions, torture and ill-treatment all remain tools to silence dissent, while independent media, civil society and trade unions continue to face severe restrictions.

    We welcome the recent release of political prisoners. However, these releases do not address the structures that enable repression, and many others remain unjustly detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release, full rehabilitation, and access to effective remedy.

    We are particularly concerned by the continued use of incommunicado detention, denial of adequate medical care, and intimidation of prisoners’ families.

    The United Kingdom continues to support the UN’s accountability mandates and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which collects and preserves evidence of alleged crimes under international law. We will continue working with partners to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice.

    We ask the Group of Experts: how can States best strengthen accountability pathways while ensuring that victims, survivors and Belarusian civil society remain central to these efforts?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, this morning.

    The two leaders began by discussing their upcoming visits to New York for the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister said he would use the trip to drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home, including reducing the cost of living through greater global stability and delivering security for people through closer international partnerships.

    Turning to defence and security, the two leaders discussed the forthcoming signing of a new deal to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area between the US, Greenland and Denmark this week.

    They welcomed the US’ commitment to the region and underlined the strategic and shared importance of the High North for Euro-Atlantic security.

    The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Frederiksen and the Kingdom of Denmark on negotiating a deal benefitting the US, Greenland and Denmark, and said he would pass on his congratulations to President Trump.

    The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he hoped to make further progress with partners on stepping up support for Ukraine during UNGA and in the coming weeks.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality – UK statement [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality – UK statement [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

    Ambassador Holland recognises the OSCE continued work to promote gender equality and ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution.

    Thank you, Secretary General, for your presentation of the Annual Progress Report to the Permanent Council this morning.

    Gender equality, empowering women in politics, and combatting violence against women and girls remain key elements of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security.

    We support the organisation’s continued efforts to promote gender equality, and to ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution. The launch of the OSCE Roadmap on Women, Peace and Security, and the Secretary General’s endorsement of the UN Common Pledge, are important steps forward.

    The UK particularly welcomes the report’s strong focus on violence against women and girls. The publication of the first OSCE-wide report on femicide and the convening of the High-Level International Conference against Femicide represent significant contributions to tackling one of the gravest manifestations of gender-based violence. They also underline the importance of reliable data, effective prevention and accountability.

    At the same time, technology is creating new threats. Online harassment and abuse silence women’s voices and restrict their participation in public life – online and offline. OSCE efforts to address violence targeting women journalists is particularly valuable.

    The UK commends the excellent work of the OSCE WIN programme, particularly its support for women leaders in Ukraine, and exchanges between women activists from Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the work of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme and YoungWomen4Peace in investing in the next generation of women peacebuilders and security leaders. These are practical investments in more representative institutions and sustainable peace.

    We also recognise the efforts to strengthen gender equality within the organisation. Progress in recruitment is encouraging, but women remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions. We as participating States have an important role to play in nominating women for senior seconded posts.

    The United Kingdom remains committed to working with participating States, the Secretary General and OSCE institutions to advance these goals. We owe it to women and girls in our region to deliver on our commitments – and doing so is directly in our shared security interests.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Mr President,

    The United Kingdom welcomes this opportunity to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the two International Covenants.

    When these Covenants were adopted in 1966, it was recognised that, together, they gave effect to the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By enshrining civil, political and economic, social and cultural rights in binding international law, they affirmed the dignity and worth of every individual.

    This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved and reaffirm our shared commitment to uphold these rights and to remain steadfast in the face of any efforts to weaken them.

    As we look to the next sixty years, the United Kingdom is committed to working with the UN and partners worldwide to promote and protect human rights for all.

    And as noted in the agenda, “showcasing” the real-world value of these rights is essential to building and sustaining commitment to them.

    Mr President,

    We therefore welcome reflection from the panellists on what more we can do collectively to bring to life how these rights support people’s everyday experiences, making clear their relevance, impact and importance for communities around the world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New spy drones to give Army greater powers on the battlefield [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New spy drones to give Army greater powers on the battlefield [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 September 2026.

    British soldiers will receive new Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones, giving them better sight of the battlefield and greater protection against emerging threats in conflict.

    • British soldiers will be better protected and gain greater intelligence on the battlefield with new ‘spy’ drones. 
    • Up to £400 million investment in long-endurance surveillance drones and more than one thousand smaller drones unveiled as part of separate £16 million deal. 
    • Part of government’s commitment to the Army’s next generation of uncrewed aerial systems highlighted in the Defence Investment Plan. 

    They range from small, easy-to-use drones that give soldiers real-time awareness on the frontline, to larger aircraft that give commanders detailed intelligence over longer distances and periods of time. 

    A new contact, worth up to £400 million, has today been awarded to Tekever to bring their AR5 drone into service. The AR5 is a long-endurance surveillance drone that can carry up to 50kg of cameras and sensors, replacing the ageing Watchkeeper system which has been used since 2014.  

    Meanwhile, more than 1,025 small drones are being delivered as part of a £16 million deal with three UK-based small and medium-sized companies with deliveries nearing completion.  

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP unveiled the news at this year’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics event – the UK’s biennial land warfare exhibition. 

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: 

    Our soldiers deserve the best technology, and that’s what we’re delivering. From small drones giving troops eyes on the enemy, to the AR5 offering commanders better intelligence over the battlefield, we’re transforming the Army’s ability to see, understand and act first.  

    This is defence procurement that backs British industry, creates skilled jobs and keeps our Armed Forces ahead of our adversaries.

    Both programmes are creating jobs in the UK. The Tekever contract will help support more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030 across the company’s UK sites in locations including Bristol, Swindon, Lydd, London, Southampton, Edinburgh, and at West Wales Airport. The small drone deal has created more than 30 new roles so far, with 18 already filled in Hampshire, Surrey, Exeter, including several veterans. 

    This builds on the government’s commitment to backing business and British industry, creating new jobs and delivering growth in every postcode. 

    The small drones being delivered include: 

    • 245 FOXE-NATO drones from Evolve Dynamics, based in Hampshire. These weigh less than 250g and include infrared cameras for use at night. 
    • 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones from Marlborough Communications Limited in Surrey. These can be ready to fly in under a minute and reach speeds of up to 45mph. 
    • 110 SONORA drones from a partnership between Brigantes Consulting (based in Exeter) and Harmattan AI. These are designed to help train soldiers before they use similar drones in real operations. 

    The Tekever AR5 deal starts with an initial order of six drones, rising to up to 24 by 2029. The drones will be built at a new Tekever factory in Swindon and have already been used by Ukraine against Russia. 

    Tekever UK’s Managing Director Karl Brew said: 

    We are proud to be delivering the AR5 to the British Army at this critical moment for national security. This investment allows us to grow our UK operations, create hundreds of skilled jobs and bring cutting-edge surveillance technology, proven on the battlefield in Ukraine, into service with British forces.

    The small drone deal was delivered by the UK National Armaments Director Group. It forms part of Project Rapstone, the Army’s programme to bring new technology to soldiers faster, with a goal of doubling the Army’s fighting power by 2027 and getting new equipment from industry to the front line within 24 months. 

    The Defence Investment Plan commits new investment in the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems to replace legacy Watchkeeper drones. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Six neighbourhood health trailblazers to transform care [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Six neighbourhood health trailblazers to transform care [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 September 2026.

    New neighbourhood health investment partnership to bring care closer to home and tackle health inequalities.

    • 6 projects will redesign health and care services benefitting thousands, as part of an innovative neighbourhood health investment partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support
    • Models will bring together NHS services, councils and community organisations to tackle health inequalities
    • Delivers on government’s mission to move power out of Whitehall, placing more power in communities
    • Backed by £1.5 million from the Office for the Impact Economy, working with Macmillan and Social Finance, the programme will help develop and test approaches that could be expanded more widely across local areas and services

    Communities across England are set to benefit from redesigned health and care services, backed by £1.5 million funding from the Office for the Impact Economy. The projects will help more people receive joined-up support earlier, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and remain independent for longer.

    The 6 sites will develop and test new neighbourhood health models that bring together NHS services, councils, community organisations and local people to improve outcomes and tackle inequalities.

    They will pave the way for the future so more areas can benefit from the innovative partnership model. The funding will help sites develop and test new neighbourhood health models, creating the foundations for larger-scale investment and wider adoption across the NHS in future.

    The government has partnered with Social Finance, Macmillan Cancer Support and West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This will bring together expertise in cancer care, system transformation, innovative finance and neighbourhood health. Integrated care boards and local government partners across England were invited to apply.

    The 6 selected sites and their proposals are:

    • Bristol NHS Foundation Trust: a ‘1,000 days neighbourhood model’ that uses population health data and community networks to improve end-of-life care and support more people with frailty and multiple conditions outside hospital settings
    • Lewisham Health and Care Partnership and Healthier Greenwich Partnership: an integrated neighbourhood model covering long-term conditions, frailty, cancer and end-of-life care, building on existing integrated neighbourhood teams while making cancer a more explicit focus
    • Navigo Health and Social Care CIC on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Health and Care Partnership: a proactive neighbourhood care and co-ordination service that brings together primary care, community services, mental health and social care to support people with complex needs before they reach crisis point
    • RM Partners and North Central London (NCL) NHS Cancer Alliance: a large-scale neighbourhood cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation support offer, across 19 London boroughs, which improves autonomy, care co-ordination, equity of access and local care provision supported by digital navigation
    • North Nottinghamshire Partnership led by Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: a scaled neighbourhood model that takes a proactive approach to caring for people with severe frailty, cancer and multiple long-term conditions, with a particular focus on the wider building blocks of health
    • York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: an expansion of a neighbourhood-based frailty model, using proactive identification, geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary teams to help older people remain at home, with a focus on spreading successful approaches from York into rural and coastal areas like Scarborough and Bridlington

    The programme builds on pioneering work developed by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Social Finance, where a proactive care service is already helping provide earlier support and keep people independent.

    Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Health, said:

    Neighbourhood health is about bringing services together within our local communities, helping people get the right care, at the right time, closer to home. 

    These 6 trailblazer pilots will help lead the way in showing how locally led services can work together in the areas of greatest need, and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

    The programme is a key part of our 10 Year Health Plan, helping us shift from treating sickness to preventing it in the first place, and giving people the help they need in the heart of their own communities.

    Minister of State Stephanie Peacock said: 

    These 6 trailblazers show how government, local services, communities and impact investors – working together – can rewire the state to build a healthier nation and stronger local economies.

    The changes will not only improve health and care but also boost efficiency and productivity while mobilising social investment alongside public funding, working hand-in-hand with impact investors.

    The programme will show that partnership working and investment can help local systems to redesign care around their communities – improving outcomes, supporting prevention and helping more people receive joined-up care closer to home. It will demonstrate how social investment can complement public funding to support and sustain that change.

    This forms part of the government’s mission to devolve more power into local communities, harness the impact economy and rewire the state, while shifting focus from sickness to prevention, and move care out of hospital and into the community as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

    Macmillan has committed to invest £250 million in neighbourhood health across the UK over the next 3 to 5 years and intends to act as a cornerstone investor in the trailblazer sites, helping to attract other partners and investors and increase the funding available to transform care closer to home.

    Social Finance will provide specialist expertise in innovative finance and investment models, helping sites develop approaches capable of mobilising impact investment.

    Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    These 6 trailblazer sites are doing something special, and I cannot wait to see them become the start of something much bigger.

    Neighbourhood health is about redesigning care around people’s lives: bringing health services, local organisations and communities together to create support that is more connected, more personal and closer to home. These sites will lead the way in showing what is possible.

    Macmillan is proud to be a cornerstone investor, helping to unlock investment from others and to bring our expertise in reshaping healthcare. But this is the start of a journey. We want to see more investors backing neighbourhood health, with government investors and local partners working together to create the conditions for new approaches to grow and spread, so more people can benefit from connected, personalised care closer to home.

    Caroline Gadd, Chief Executive of Social Finance, said:

    Delivering neighbourhood health is crucial to improving health and care for communities, as well as helping the NHS become financially sustainable.

    At Social Finance, we work in partnership to deploy impact capital to drive change across the whole system, and I am delighted to see this government commitment to enabling social investment to back outcomes in health.

    What is most exciting is not just the first wave of 6 sites, but what comes next and the potential to transform how we invest in health in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tom Riordan Appointed as New Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tom Riordan Appointed as New Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 8 September 2026.

    Tom will move from his current role as Northern Growth Envoy.

    The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Tom Riordan as the new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). 

    Tom is currently the Northern Growth Envoy. He has previously been Second Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Health and Social Care, and before that was Chief Executive of Leeds City Council.

    Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, said:

    Few people have done more than Tom Riordan to champion devolution, good growth and strong local leadership – which makes him the perfect appointment at a critical time.

    I’m delighted he’s joining MHCLG and look forward to working with him as we get on with building the homes we need, improving local places and giving communities more control over their future.

    I’d also like to thank Dame Sarah Healey for her leadership of the department and Will Garton for his support as Interim Permanent Secretary in recent months.

    Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said: 

    I am delighted to announce Tom’s appointment as Permanent Secretary for MHCLG. Tom’s wealth of experience in central and local government, combined with his time as the Northern Growth Envoy and CEO of Leeds City Council, makes him ideally suited to lead MHCLG’s crucial policy agenda delivering devolution and growth in every postcode.

    I would also like to thank Will Garton for his leadership of the department in the interim period.

    Tom Riordan said: 

    It’s a privilege to be taking up such an important job to help ensure the whole country benefits from more affordable and safe homes, well run public services and strong regional growth. This feels like the right job at the right time as the Government devolves power, given how much I’ve valued working in local and regional government, and applying that learning to improving national policy.

    The appointment follows an internal recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.

    Tom will start as MHCLG Permanent Secretary on 21 September.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cat Little Appointed as New Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cat Little Appointed as New Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 13 September 2026.

    The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Cat Little as the new Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).

    Cat is currently the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office and the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer. She has previously been Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury and held senior roles in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence.

    Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The work we’re doing in BIST is vital to driving the growth people across our country need, and Cat has the experience to help us deliver.

    I also want to thank Amanda Brooks for the leadership she has shown over recent months. I have greatly valued her counsel, professionalism and service to the Department.

    Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said: 

    I am delighted to announce Cat’s appointment as Permanent Secretary for BIST. Cat’s impressive track record at OPMC, HM Treasury and the MoD, combined with her commercial experience, makes her ideally suited to lead BIST’s crucial policy agenda delivering good growth.

    I would also like to thank Amanda Brooks for her leadership of the department in the interim period.

    Cat Little CB said: 

    Over the last few years, we have achieved a huge amount at the Cabinet Office – and I will be sad to say goodbye to the brilliant team here. 

    I’m excited to join BIST at such a crucial time for the department. I look forward to working with the Secretary of State, Ministers and the excellent team at BIST to drive growth and create jobs across all parts of the country.

    The appointment follows an internal recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.

    A recruitment process is being launched to find Cat Little’s successor. She will continue in her current role until a successor is in place.

  • PRESS RELEASE : André Loranger appointed as new United Kingdom National Statistician [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : André Loranger appointed as new United Kingdom National Statistician [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 8 September 2026.

    His Majesty the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has appointed André Loranger as the new National Statistician. 

    André will replace Emma Rourke who stepped down from the role in December 2025, having stepped in following the departure of Sir Ian Diamond in May 2025.

    André is currently the Chief Statistician of Canada, a role he has held for over two years. André has extensive experience in public sector statistics, with a career spanning nearly three decades in the Canadian Government, starting in 1997 as an economist. 

    As National Statistician, Andre will lead the wider UK statistical system, providing advice to the government on statistical matters.  

    The appointment comes after an extensive recruitment process, overseen by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner and UK Statistics Authority. 

    The Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said:

    I am delighted to welcome André Loranger as our new National Statistician. André brings a wealth of experience to lead the statistics system and support the ONS to provide the trusted statistics that are essential for good policy and decision making in government. 

    I look forward to working closely with André as we ensure the UK’s statistics continue to support the outcomes that matter most to the public.

    Interim Chair of the UK Statistics Authority, Penny Young said: 

    André Loranger is a world-renowned expert and a passionate advocate of trustworthy, independent official statistics – statistics that help people, businesses and governments make better-informed decisions every day. I am delighted that he has been appointed as the UK’s next National Statistician.

    Commenting on his appointment, André Loranger said:

    I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as National Statistician of the United Kingdom. Throughout my career, I have championed the importance of trusted, independent official statistics and the vital role they play in informing decision-making and serving the public. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the UK statistical system as we build on that important work together.

    In his role as National Statistician, André will be the principal adviser on statistics to the UK Statistics Authority Board, the Government and ministers. He will also serve as Head of the Government Statistical Service, the network of all professional statisticians working across the UK government. His appointment provides fresh leadership to drive forward priorities across the UK statistical system.