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  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK End of Session Statement [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK End of Session Statement [October 2025]

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

    UN Human Rights Council 60: UK End of Session Statement. Delivered at the 60th session of the HRC in Geneva.

    Mr. President.

    The UK unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, and remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling these injustices.

    Regarding resolution L28. Rev 1, whilst we appreciate the efforts of the resolution’s sponsors, the UK wishes to place on record that, had it been a member of the Human Rights Council, it would not have been able to support the resolution.

    The UK reaffirms our commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (or “DDPA”).  Yet, its provisions do not alter the established legal principle against retroactive application of international law in matters of State responsibility. The resolution’s language must remain within the scope of the DDPA.  

    The UK fully acknowledges the profound and enduring legacy of historical injustices, including colonialism, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade. The UK remains committed to constructive engagement and continued dialogue.

    The UK also commends the OHCHR’s support to the DRC. However, references in both DRC resolutions to “hate speech” and Article 20.2 of the ICCPR are problematic. 

    The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits the incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. For accuracy, therefore, we ask that the Secretariat corrects the translation of “discours d’incitation a la haine” to “incitement to hatred” in the resolutions.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The stakes in Ukraine are high and should matter to us all – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The stakes in Ukraine are high and should matter to us all – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2025]

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

    Ambassador Holland explains what is at stake in Ukraine and why Russia’s narrative that it is on a path to an inevitable victory is false.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Last week Ukraine marked Defenders’ Day.  This is a day when Ukrainians honour those who defend them and remember those who gave their lives so that Ukraine could live.

    Today millions of Ukrainians stand united in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.  Once again, they are defending their statehood, their culture and their independence.  On these grounds alone, Ukraine’s fight is an honourable one worthy of the world’s backing.  But the stakes are, in fact, even higher, and they should matter to us all.

    Because Ukraine stands between a world that is based on agreed principles, norms and laws, which has, for the most part, delivered stability and prosperity for our populations over several decades. And the alternative: a world where would-be aggressors are rewarded rather than punished.  A world without rules and principles governing international relations and conduct.  And a world where conflict and instability increase while prosperity and cooperation decrease.

    The Kremlin’s propaganda machine wants to convince us all that Russia’s war against Ukraine is now on the path to an inevitable victory.  They want to give the impression that Russia’s army is relentlessly advancing.  In doing so, they hope to create a self-fulfilling prophecy where Ukraine’s allies reduce their support.

    But this narrative is nonsense.  Look at the statistics.  Since November 2022, Russia has gained only 1% of Ukrainian territory.  Its losses are both unconscionable and unsustainable – more than one million soldiers have been killed or wounded.  Russia is also losing huge amounts of materiel that it can’t replace fast enough, including over 4,000 tanks, 9,000 armoured vehicles and 2,000 artillery pieces.  Failing to achieve its goals on the battlefield, Russia has resorted to terrorising Ukraine’s civilians through aerial bombardments, including strikes this past week on a maternity hospital and gas infrastructure.

    In this room, Russia tries to distract us by telling us about our economic challenges.  Yet in Russia, the economy is stagnating.  Even those around President Putin are publicly admitting that the economy is in trouble.  Meanwhile, the cost of the war is piling up, and ordinary Russians are footing the bill.  The 2025 budget deficit is now set to be almost five times greater than the original target; VAT is rising to 22%; taxation thresholds are dropping from 60 to 10 million roubles, and social spending faces real-term cuts.

    I will conclude with a segment from a recent opinion piece in The Financial Times by Yuval Noah Harari under the title ‘Why Ukraine is winning the war’.

    “It is impossible to tell how the war will develop, since it depends on future decisions. But in one crucial respect, the Ukrainian victory is already decisive and irreversible … War is not won by the side that conquers more land, destroys more cities, or kills more people. War is won by the side that achieves its political aims. And in Ukraine, it is already clear that Putin has failed to achieve his chief war aim — the destruction of the Ukrainian nation.”

    We should all be grateful to those defending Ukraine.  And they can rest assured that they do not stand alone.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new homes get the go ahead in North Sussex [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new homes get the go ahead in North Sussex [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

    21,000 new homes in North Sussex unlocked after four-year bottleneck.

    Families in North Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of new homes following a landmark agreement between government, regulators and industry – resolving a four-year pause on development while safeguarding local wetlands and wildlife.

    This marks a major step forward in delivering homes for local families, supporting community growth and protecting the natural heritage of the Arun Valley.

    Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled will now proceed while enabling a further 17,000 to be built.

    This breakthrough builds on the government pledge to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, a core milestone of the Plan for Change.

    Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
    This breakthrough ends a broken status quo and shows how we can build the homes the community needs while protecting nature.

    Under the government’s Plan for Change, we are taking a win-win approach that unlocks growth while protecting and restoring the natural world we all depend on.

    We are getting Britain building again while securing a brighter future for our precious wetlands, wildlife and local rivers.

    Discussions were led through Defra’s Water Delivery Taskforce, a forum for government departments, water companies, regulators and developers to drive progress and resolve issues like this one.

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
    This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.

    A thriving natural environment is at the heart of a strong economy and is vital to all of our health and wellbeing. We know that people want to live near nature and cases like this where sound nature regulations prompted innovative solutions mean we can continue to make that possible.

    Jennie Donovan, Environment Agency Director Nature and Place, said:
    The Environment Agency are committed to protecting the environment whilst supporting growth and sustainable development, ensuring new homes are built with adequate flood risk protection, supply of drinking water and sewerage services.

    This agreement shows how working together to manage our water needs can unlock development and enable new homes for local communities, whilst helping nature recover at the same time.

    Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:
    The breakthrough achieved in Sussex North demonstrates how through smart policy interventions we can unlock precisely the kind of win-win for development and nature that this government is committed to achieving.

    Building work had been halted since 2021 due to concerns over the amount of water being taken from rivers and wetlands in the Arun Valley, which risked impacting protected wildlife and local water resources.

    Work will begin from 1 November, with local authorities and developers working together to deliver homes that meet high environmental standards.

    Under the agreement by Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water, the water company will change its water abstraction permits to limit the amount of water taken from local rivers and wetlands, as well as provide funding to restore habitats. This will be paid for by the company and not by consumers.

    The agreement ensures protection for rare species like the Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a unique part of the Arun Valley’s ecosystem.

    New homes will also be built to higher water efficiency standards in line with the building regulation guidance for water scarce areas, reducing daily water use and easing pressure on local watercourses.

    This follows our announcement on changes to Building Regulations that will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and unblock stalled developments in areas of water scarcity.

    Notes to editors:
    In 2021, Natural England issued a water neutrality position statement in relation to the Arun Valley. As a result, new housing developments in parts of Horsham, Crawley and Chichester were paused.

    Today’s agreement enables development to continue, building work will resume on 1 November.

    This government recognises the significant contribution by local authorities in managing the implications of water scarcity and the future challenges involved in getting appropriate development back underway, and we will continue to work with them to this end.

    The projected number of homes is based on estimates provided by local authorities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry – statement on full and fair financial redress [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry – statement on full and fair financial redress [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 October 2025.

    Introduction

    This statement is provided by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Post Office in response to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, which recommended that:

    The Minister and/or the Department in conjunction with the Post Office shall make a public announcement explaining what is meant by the phrase ‘full and fair financial redress…’.

    Since the launch of the Horizon redress schemes, Government and the Post Office have been committed to providing full and fair redress. Paragraph 6.4 of the Inquiry report states:

    The evidence adduced at the Inquiry satisfies me that the commitments to provide financial redress which is full and fair and to provide it promptly were made in good faith and represented the genuinely held aims of the Post Office, the Department and Ministers. I am satisfied too, that the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt.

    DBT and Post Office joint statement on full and fair redress

    ‘Full’ redress means:

    • For both financial and non-financial losses, at least as much redress as the postmaster would receive if they were awarded damages by a court. For financial losses specifically, it means restoring the postmaster to the position they would have been if they had never been affected by the Horizon Scandal.
    • Where there is an appropriate range, decision makers should always apply a generous approach to assessing within that range.

    ‘Fair’ means there should be fairness in the amount offered (considering the harm suffered by the individual applicant and the background of the Horizon scandal) and the way in which the redress process operates. In particular:

    • Schemes should aim to ensure that all relevant elements of loss and damage have been identified and considered.
    • Although the schemes are underpinned by legal principles and procedures, postmasters should be compensated for the impact of the scandal on them, without having to prove losses under strict legal principles or by way of an adversarial and legalistic process. If fairness demands it in a particular case, it is permissible to depart from the established legal principles which would normally govern the assessment of damages in civil litigation.
    • Fairness in the context of these schemes goes beyond the recompense provided by the courts and it should reflect the context in which the schemes were established. It should acknowledge the lifelong impacts of these events on the postmasters affected, and the time it has taken for their experiences to be recognised, acknowledged and truly heard. It should also acknowledge the struggles faced by postmasters to reach the point where they have achieved public recognition that they were wronged, along with Post Office’s failure to acknowledge this at a much earlier date.
    • Fairness requires an acknowledgement of the lack of evidence held by postmasters. The passage of time means that some evidence has not been retained; and during the scandal, the Post Office in some cases wrongly withheld or destroyed it. Wherever it is fair in the particular circumstances of each case, postmasters should receive the benefit of the doubt.
    • Ultimately, fairness also depends on the particular circumstances of each postmaster’s case. When considering claims, a range of factors should be examined, considered in the round and assessed on their own merits, ensuring fairness in each individual case. At the same time, the schemes should aim for broad consistency in redress awards where claimants have endured similar experiences.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Two Climate Change Adaptation Committee members appointed [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two Climate Change Adaptation Committee members appointed [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

    Two new appointees will support efforts to prepare and adapt the UK for climate change.

    Defra and the Devolved Governments have appointed Dr Michael Keil and Mr Ian Dickie to the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee.

    The Adaptation Committee is comprised of experts in the fields of climate change impacts, science, environmental economics, conservation, public health and business. It provides independent, expert advice on preparing for and adapting to climate change to UK and devolved governments and parliaments. 

    Dr Michael Keil and Mr Ian Dickie’s appointments will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. The appointments have been made in line with the guidance set out in the Ministerial Governance Code for Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    Dr Michael Keil said:

    It’s an enormous privilege to be given this opportunity to play a key role in shaping the UK’s response to climate change. You don’t have to look far to see the impact it’s already having on our lives, not least in the water sector where we are facing a race against time to secure enough water to meet our future needs.

    The UK has a wealth of unrivalled expertise which can find effective solutions but we need to accelerate our efforts. This means not only developing new infrastructure but, crucially, inspiring much-needed changes in people’s behaviour and habits where there remains so much untapped potential. It’s also critical we work with, rather than against, the natural environment to bolster our resilience.

    Ultimately, every individual, across current and future generations, has a stake in the decisions we take now to ensure we have a well-adapted UK that not only keeps people safe but allows communities and nature to flourish.

    Mr Ian Dickie said:

    It is a pleasure and honour to be joining the Adaptation Committee to help apply environmental economics to the increasing urgent and current challenge of adapting to climate change.

    I will contribute to the Committee’s work to consider the full range of adaptation options available to society. It is important to promote both the costs and benefits of acting on adaptation and identify the potential synergies and trade-offs with other societal challenges. These include achieving net zero, particularly in agricultural and other sectors heavily dependent on natural capital, as well as nature recovery and public health.

    I aim to ensure that adaptation options are relevant across the diversity of the UK, from remote rural to inner city communities, and from our seas to our street trees. I will endeavour to build on the advice of my colleague at EFTEC, Ece Ozdemiroglu, who was a member of the committee for six years.

    Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said:

    I am delighted to welcome two new members to the committee and congratulate them on their appointment. As the need to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change becomes ever more urgent, they will help build our analysis for the fourth UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. Michael’s knowledge of the water industry and of consumer issues and Ian’s expertise in the economics of climate adaptation will be immensely valuable contributions to our upcoming advice.

    Biographical details

    Dr Michael Keil

    Michael is Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water, the statutory consumer body for the water sector. He brings over two decades of experience across Ofwat, Severn Trent Water, and the Met Office, with a strong focus on climate change adaptation, resilience, and consumer advocacy.

    Michael holds a PhD in Meteorology from the University of Reading and began his career at the Met Office, where he led the Middle Atmosphere Group and contributed to the development of climate and weather models. At Ofwat, he established the regulator’s climate change policy framework, introduced carbon accounting, and assessed over £2 billion in climate-related investment proposals.

    At Severn Trent Water, Michael led the development of the company’s Climate Change Adaptation Report and spearheaded the £350 million Birmingham Resilience Scheme — one of the largest climate adaptation investments in the UK water sector. His work involved strategic planning, business case development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

    At the Consumer Council for Water, Michael has championed consumer interests in climate resilience, led major affordability reviews, and launched public engagement initiatives such as the ‘Waterfall’ podcast. He has served on multiple boards and advisory panels, including the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management’s climate change panel and the MOSL Strategic Panel, and has contributed evidence to national climate risk assessments and adaptation planning under the Climate Change Act.

    Mr Ian Dickie

    Ian is a Director at EFTEC (Economics for the Environment Consultancy), with over 25 years of experience as an applied environmental economist. He specialises in biodiversity, natural capital accounting, and the economic appraisal of environmental policy and infrastructure.

    Ian has led over £3 million of research for UK Government departments and developed more than 50 natural capital accounts for sectors including transport, water, forestry, and finance. His work has supported policy development for Defra, the Natural Capital Committee, and the Cabinet Office, and includes contributions to the 25-Year Environment Plan and the UK’s first Natural Capital Risk Assessment.

    He is a member of Defra’s Biodiversity Expert Committee and has served on advisory panels for the Royal Society of Arts, the Capitals Coalition, and the Peatland Code. Ian was also a technical editor for the British Standards Institute’s Flex 701 nature markets principles standard, published in 2025.

    Ian’s expertise spans ecosystem market design, biodiversity finance, and climate adaptation economics. His work includes modelling climate risk in floodplain management, valuing storm protection in the Caribbean, and integrating climate scenarios into asset valuation. He is a published author in environmental economics and has contributed to guidance used by the United Nations Development Programme, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Cabinet Office, and all UK governments.

    Further information

    • The Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body created under the Climate Change Act (2008). The Adaptation Committee is jointly sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.
    • The Board for the Adaptation Committee comprises a chairperson and six members.
    • Further information on the Climate Change Committee is available at: www.theccc.org.uk.
  • PRESS RELEASE : World-leading UK higher education sector expands in India and bolsters growth at home [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : World-leading UK higher education sector expands in India and bolsters growth at home [October 2025]

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

    The UK’s world-leading higher education sector is set to bring in a £50 million boost to the economy as part of a major expansion of British universities in India.

    • Prime Minister confirms UK universities will open new campuses in India as part of trade mission to Mumbai
    • Higher education is one of the UK’s greatest exports, and international education was worth £32 billion in export revenue in 2022
    • Expansion in India will boost the UK’s soft power while driving millions back into the UK economy – boosting growth and supporting UK jobs as part of the government’s Plan for Change

    The UK’s world-leading higher education sector is set to bring in a £50 million boost to the economy as part of a major expansion of British universities in India. 

    The Prime Minister has confirmed that the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey have been given approval to open new campuses in India, to help meet their booming demand for higher education places.

    Currently, there are 40 million students at university in India, but 70 million places are needed by 2035. The UK’s world-renowned higher education sector is capitalising on that demand by giving thousands of Indian students the chance to study for a UK degree without leaving home – while bolstering our economy by millions of pounds.  

    International education brought over £32 billion of export revenue to the UK in 2022, with nearly £1 billion of that coming from international campuses – showcasing its power as a growth market. 

    Thanks to the new campuses announced today, the UK is set to become the country with the biggest higher education footprint in India – in a major boost for the UK’s reputation abroad. 

    The UK’s network of international campuses in India is growing – the University of Southampton opened a campus in Delhi earlier this year. The University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Coventry will open campuses from as early as next year. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the milestone in a meeting with UK Vice Chancellors in Mumbai today. 

    The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Our great British universities are admired all over the world for their teaching excellence, high-quality research and commitment to innovation. 

    “I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future – strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home.” 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    “British higher education is world-leading – and this expansion shows its global appeal.  

    “Opening new campuses in India will give more young people the chance to benefit from a UK education, while delivering real returns for our universities at home. 

    “As we prepare to set out our International Education Strategy, these new campuses are a marker of our ambition: building long-term partnerships that deliver growth, innovation and opportunity for both countries.” 

    Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement for the University of Southampton, said: 

    “The University of Southampton was proud to become the very first international university approved by the University Grants Commission to establish a campus in India thanks to our reputation for excellence in education, research and enterprise.

    “Our first students are already benefiting from this flagship initiative and this week’s UK delegation offers further opportunities for our university to further strengthen our links with India. 

    “Led at the most senior level in the UK government, the visit is a powerful commitment to India-UK relations.

    Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said:

    “Through Surrey’s new International Branch Campus at GIFT City, we’re proud to be part of a new wave of British university partnerships with India, using higher education as a powerful skills and research accelerator for UK and Indian economic and trade relationships. As part of this ambitious new Universities in India Alliance, our nine universities can work together to realise the enormous potential of UK higher education combined with India’s remarkable talent and ambition.”

    Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global, said:

    “Lancaster has always believed in the power of education to transform lives. As a research-intensive University and a sector leader in Transnational Education, we are boldly and purposefully outward looking in our ethos and approach, committed to building academic bridges across the world to make a positive impact. 

    “By opening a branch campus in the city of Bengaluru, a vibrant hub of technology, education, and enterprise, Lancaster University aims to partner with Indian businesses, industry and local universities to collaboratively spark growth, generate opportunity, and ensure above all that Lancaster University students across the globe are empowered to succeed and to make a difference to India and the world.”

    By enabling Indian students to access UK-quality education at home, the UK enhances its global influence and soft power without adding pressure to domestic migration figures. 

    British Council research shows that students who experience UK education retain positive views of the UK for decades. 

    This growing network of UK-India higher education partnerships also lays the groundwork for deeper ties in science, technology, and innovation – nurturing the next generation of global talent and training the CEOs of the future. 

    Joint campuses, dual degrees, and collaborative research will mean UK and Indian universities can co-develop and commercialise cutting-edge technologies – from AI and semiconductors to biotechnology and quantum computing. 

    Deeper engagement with India offers a sustainable funding stream for UK higher education institutions, bolstering their financial resilience.

    Notes to Editors:

    Other top UK universities are also expanding in India through exciting new partnerships, including Imperial College London.

    Imperial College London will join forces with Science Gallery Bengaluru – a pioneering hub for innovation and public engagement – to drive growth through discovery and scientific collaboration. The tie-up will initially see dozens of scientists join a groundbreaking fellowship programme in an exchange of talent and knowledge, as well as the development of new research facilities. The partnership will combine Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise with the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s unique lab and convening space in Karnataka to help deliver solutions to global issues.

    Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said:

    “This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered.

    “Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”

    Further quotes from Vice Chancellors on the trip:

    Professor Tim Jones, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool said: 

    “We are proud to be playing our part in the Indian government’s visionary plans to significantly increase enrolment in higher education. Higher education is one of the UK’s greatest export success stories and we are excited to continue to contribute to this through opening the University of Liverpool, Bengaluru next year. 

    “Here we will be building on our long-standing research and industrial partnerships in the region, with companies such as Hindustan Unilever, through collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharma India, Wipro, Axis Bank, Dream 11 and others. We look forward to educating the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow, providing talented students with access to an exceptional learning experience and a range of fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and employability.”  

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery said: 

    “The India-UK Vision 2035 opens an exciting new chapter in a relationship defined by shared values, talent, and ambition. Education and research are among the most powerful bridges between our two countries – enabling us to tackle global challenges together and drive inclusive, knowledge-led growth.

    “Our partnerships in India are already delivering real impact – from advances in health and food security to breakthroughs in climate resilience and green innovation.

    “With the University of York Mumbai campus, we are building on this momentum, placing research and collaboration at the heart of our engagement and supporting India’s ambitions in sustainability, future technologies, and the creative industries.”

    Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal Global Engagement at the University of Aberdeen,

    “We were delighted to gain approval from the Indian Government to progress our proposal for a campus in Mumbai. As the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world with an international presence in higher education, becoming the only Scottish university to be part of the UK Universities in India Alliance represents another step forward in our global ambitions. 

    “As a country of over 1.4 billion people with half of them under the age of 25, India has long been a priority area for our global engagement strategy focusing on educational partnerships, research collaborations and alumni networks.” 

    Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

    “We are delighted that Queen’s University Belfast is the first Russell Group institution to establish a campus at GIFT City, bringing the tradition of world-class research, academic excellence and industry engagement directly into India’s leading financial and technology hub. This initiative creates a bridge between India and the world, where excellence meets innovation.

    “At GIFT City, Queen’s students will learn from academics who are leaders in their fields, ensuring exposure to the latest innovations.  They will be equipped to lead, innovate and shape the future, creating a global hub of excellence where India and the UK co-create solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.  

    “Queen’s campus will offer opportunity and potential for a diverse range of students whilst also delivering social value and economic impact to the region. With a focus on fintech, artificial intelligence, health, sustainability and smart cities, the campus aligns closely with India’s national priorities and Queen’s global strengths. 

    “We look forward to offering a transformative learning environment that connects global expertise with local relevance.”

    Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University and Group CEO, said: 

    “It is a huge honour to be invited by Sir Keir Starmer to be part of this major delegation to India.

    “Higher education links between the UK and India are an important part of the bond between our two great countries, which continues to go from strength to strength.

    “India is a key part of Coventry University Group’s strategy to expand our global footprint and the launch of our Hub in New Delhi last year enables us to build stronger relationships and intensify our research, academic and industry links in India.

    “We are the first English university to win in-principle approval for a campus in GIFT City, giving us the opportunity to make a real difference for the next generation of learners and workforce in India – leveraging our gold-rated teaching and track record creating career-ready graduates. 

    “This is just the beginning of our journey in India.”

    Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said:

    “The University of Bristol has always had strong and long-standing relationships with India. We also have several prestigious research partnerships with some of the leading universities and research institutes in India, including a recent agreement to develop new working initiatives aligned to areas such as translational research, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay – one of India’s most highly ranked universities.

    “Earlier this year we announced our intention to establish a new campus in Mumbai which marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we’re proud to build in partnership with colleagues in India. When our Mumbai Enterprise Campus welcomes its first students in summer 2026, we will be the highest ranked university in the UK delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to students in India. We will offer a wide range of subjects drawing on our reputation as a leader in artificial intelligence, data science, and areas like computational biomolecular and bio-systems design – accelerated by Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful supercomputer.

    “Mirroring the University’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in Bristol, which opens in a year’s time, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will bring together industry, academics, students and local community partners within a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem to deliver impact on a truly global scale.”

    Dr Michael Spence, UCL Provost said:

    “India is a vital part of UCL’s global community – past, present and future. Today, we’re working with Indian partners to pioneer MedTech research, and the UK-India Free Trade Agreement has real potential to facilitate the development and deployment of cutting-edge medical technologies being developed by UCL researchers with Indian counterparts that will transform lives. By deepening UK–India ties, we’re driving inclusive growth, advancing innovation, and tackling shared global challenges. Together, we’re building a future defined by openness, excellence and impact.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary to put boosting security and tackling illegal migration at the heart of foreign policy during meeting of European partners [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary to put boosting security and tackling illegal migration at the heart of foreign policy during meeting of European partners [October 2025]

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

    Foreign Secretary hosts meeting in Northern Ireland, focused on preserving security and stability in the Western Balkans. 

    The Foreign Secretary will host European partners today (9 October) to focus on preserving security and stability in the Western Balkans, boosting growth and trade, and increasing cooperation in the fight against organised immigration crime.  

    Yvette Cooper will host the Western Balkans Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hillsborough Castle to discuss how the UK can support a region where instability can cause a direct effect on the Government’s priorities to protect national security and secure the UK’s borders. 

    The summit will discuss the importance of building resilience in the Western Balkans to combat the constant flood of Russian hybrid threats aimed at destabilising the region, and fanning ethnic tensions. The Foreign Secretary will unveil a new £4 million project to reinforce cyber defences in the region, and share expertise in countering disinformation and other malign activity from hostile actors.

    Ahead of the meeting, the Foreign Secretary will announce the investment of £10 million in innovative programmes to tackle people smuggling in the Western Balkans and other key regions where international cooperation is essential to curb illegal migration.

    The funding will support new projects in the Western Balkans, including law enforcement training in Kosovo, stronger border security and help for potential trafficking victims in Serbia.  

    The summit will also focus on the continuing threat from organised immigration crime networks who are based in the Western Balkans, or use the region as a supply route for smuggling people and equipment into the rest of Europe. Close to 22,000 people transited through Western Balkan to Europe last year. 

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:    

    It is in all our interests to protect security and stability in the Western Balkans, and we must be alive to the full range of threats that our partners in the region are facing, from Russian efforts to revive ethnic tensions, to vile people-smuggling gangs trading in human lives.

    International cooperation is vital to boosting our economic growth, protecting our national security, and securing our borders. The partnerships we build abroad make us stronger here at home. 

    In particular, the support that we are giving our partners in the Western Balkans to tackle people smuggling will have a direct impact on the supply chains and profits of organised immigration crime networks, and reducing the threat that they represent to the UK.

    Since taking up her current role a month ago, the Foreign Secretary has been clear that she sees tackling illegal migration as a foreign policy “imperative”, building on new agreements secured with Iraq, France, Germany.   

    As a result, the department is increasing the number of staff working on the issue of migration, including helping to identify additional targets for the UK’s world-first sanctions regime targeting people-smugglers and their enablers, and progressing negotiations with other countries on the return of people with no right to be in the UK.   

    Taking place at Hillsborough Castle – the backdrop to the Good Friday Agreement – the UK will use the Summit to share its experiences of the Northern Ireland peace process, as the countries of the Western Balkans seek to continue turning their own history of conflict and division into a successful model of reconciliation and progress.     

    The meeting lays the groundwork ahead of the Prime Minister hosting Western Balkans leaders in London on 22 October to further support the region on security, growth and migration.

    Background:

    • The meeting is part of the Berlin Process, an international platform which brings together governments of Western Balkans countries, alongside other European partners. Its aim is to increase regional cooperation, support economic development and accelerate its efforts for closer European alignment in the Western Balkans.   
    • Attendees at the Western Balkans Summit: Foreign Ministers’ meeting will be representatives from Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), and European partners (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the EU, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia).   
    • More information on the Berlin Process can be found here: https://www.berlinprocess.de/   
    • The Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions Regime is aimed at deterring people smuggling, human trafficking, and instrumentalised migration for the purpose of destabilisation. Further information can be seen here.   
    • The £10 million figure referenced is the FY 25/26 allocation for migration focused projects within the Integrated Security Fund (ISF). The ISF is a government-wide fund that addresses the highest-priority threats to UK national security. 
    • In the first year after the General Election, over 35,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK were returned, up 13% from the same period in the year before. The UK-France Treaty, signed in August 2025, is also for the first time allowing the UK to detain and remove people who enter illegally via small boats, blocking their access to the UK asylum system.
  • PRESS RELEASE : New defence deals with India deepen strategic partnership and boosts UK business [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New defence deals with India deepen strategic partnership and boosts UK business [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 October 2025.

    A new £350 million deal with India will support hundreds of jobs in Northern Ireland and supply India, a key strategic partner, with air defence missiles and launchers.

    • £350m deal set to deliver UK missiles for the Indian Army, supporting hundreds of jobs in the UK
    • New milestone reached in UK-India defence industrial collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval ships, worth an initial £250m
    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in Mumbai, hails the deals as an example of the growing strategic partnership between the UK and India

    A new £350 million deal with India will support hundreds of jobs in Northern Ireland and supply India, a key strategic partner, with air defence missiles and launchers.

    The contract is set to deliver UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) built in Belfast to the Indian Army, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change in another significant boost for the UK defence industry.

    It secures over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland as the air defence missiles and launchers due to be manufactured for the Indian Army are the same as those currently being manufactured in Belfast for Ukraine.

    The deal paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership between the UK and India, currently under negotiation between the two governments. A new milestone has also been reached in the UK and India’s cooperation on electric-powered engines for naval ships as both countries signed the Implementing Arrangement to advance collaboration to the next stage, worth an initial £250M.

    It comes during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s two-day visit to Mumbai, and as the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) participates in complex air and naval exercises in the Indian Ocean with the Indian Military, in a further sign of the growing strategic partnership between both countries.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    The defence deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs.

    I am hopeful that this will pave the way for a deeper relationship between our two defence industries, particularly in the development of electric engines for naval ships and in air defence.

    As we deepen our defence relationship with India, we will harness the UK defence industry as an engine for growth, securing vital jobs in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.

    The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales commenced Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy on Sunday 5th of October, in the Western Indian Ocean, marking another major engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific.

    The UK CSG, currently on an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region known as Operation Highmast, linked up with the Indian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, to begin 4-days of complex maritime exercises involving ships, submarines and aircraft from both the forces.

    Following the completion of the exercise, CSG units will visit Mumbai and Goa. During these visits, in addition to enhanced military interactions, the UK CSG will promote engagements between UK and Indian industries, facilitate cultural exchanges, and participate in outreach activities within the local communities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £1 billion of cocaine seized by Border Force this summer [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1 billion of cocaine seized by Border Force this summer [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 October 2025.

    15.6 tonnes detected in just 3 months – exceeding total of some previous years in their entirety.

    Border Force is set to smash records for cocaine seizures in a single year after intercepting more than £1 billion worth in a significant summer of action.

    Between 1 June and 31 August, officers confiscated 15.6 tonnes of the deadly drug – equivalent to the weight of a London double decker bus.

    This exceeds more than half the total seized in the whole of 2024 (26.5 tonnes) and the entire volume seized in the 2022 to 2023 financial year (15.22 tonnes).

    Through enhanced international intelligence sharing, Border Force and the National Crime Agency continue to strike blow after blow against the organised crime networks flooding Britain’s streets with dangerous substances. 

    Large quantities are illegally imported from South America via commercial vessels. Smugglers are trialling new methods to avoid detection, including one passenger who hid £800,000 worth of cocaine in a cheese wheel before being stopped by officers.

    In June, officers seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine worth £100 million from a vessel travelling into London Gateway. This was the sixth largest detection on record.

    Home Office Minister Mike Tapp said:

    Border Force’s record-breaking summer of seizures – costing criminals a staggering £1 billion – shows our mission to deliver safer streets is working. 

    Every kilo taken spares countless lives from addiction, prevents hundreds of drug deals and stops communities from descending into violence.

    The criminal gangs inflicting this misery on our streets should know we’re on to you. More than ever, we have the intelligence, expertise and determination to destroy your vile trade.

    Adam Thompson, head of drugs threat at the National Crime Agency, said:

    The NCA investigates some of the highest harm drugs groups to impact the UK and works across the globe to collect and share intelligence with domestic and international law enforcement partners to support their operations tackling organised crime.

    This intelligence was key to interdicting large sums of Class A drugs that crime groups tried to smuggle into the UK, and without NCA and Border Force intervention, these drugs would have been moved across the country and led to increased violence, crime and harm in our communities.

    Last month, Border Force revealed how traffickers are concealing drugs in high-value equipment to deter law enforcement with the threat of a large damages bill.

    Officers are using technology and intelligence more than ever to overcome these tactics.

    Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, highlighting the urgent need for robust enforcement action.  

    Under the Plan for Change, Border Force will continue to build on this summer’s success through ongoing operations targeting cocaine smuggling networks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government responds to Horizon Inquiry report recommendations [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government responds to Horizon Inquiry report recommendations [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 October 2025.

    The response accepts all but one of Sir Wyn William’s Horizon-related recommendations.

    • Improvements to Horizon scandal redress schemes announced today, including funding of legal advice for postmasters, redress for close family members and a restorative justice programme.  
    • Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed as senior lawyer to oversee the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).
    • The Government’s response is supported by the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.

    Redress schemes for postmasters involved in the Horizon scandal are to be improved, as the Government formally responds to Sir Wyn Williams’ Volume 1 Inquiry Report today (Thursday 9th October).

    Reforms will include the establishment of a new appeals process for people who have accepted HSS fixed sum offers, with funded legal advice for this. The Post Office will work to close the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) by 31 January 2026, to give postmasters who have not yet applied more time to put in applications.

    Subject to further review, the Government will also look at establishing an independent body who could oversee and manage the redress for any future scandals.

    Earlier this year, the Government announced it would move forward with redress for close family members of postmasters who were victims of the scandal. It also began work on a restorative justice project – a form of professional mediation, where those who have been wronged or traumatized work with those who caused the trauma to provide practical solutions.

    Today’s response sees all but one of Sir Wyn’s Horizon-related recommendations accepted. To ensure postmasters’ choices are not unfairly restricted, the recommendation to close the HSS Dispute Resolution Process has not been accepted. Instead, victims themselves will be able to decide whether they would like to remain in the HSS or proceed to the HSS Appeals Process.

    Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: 

    We must never lose sight of the wronged postmasters affected by the Horizon Scandal, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.

    There is clearly more to do to bring justice to those affected. The recommendations we are accepting today will be a crucial step towards this.

    Post Office Minister, Blair McDougall, said:

    The Horizon Inquiry has provided a vital platform for postmasters to share their experiences of a horrendous injustice.

    The Inquiry’s recommendations are a key milestone in correcting past wrongs. By accepting them today, we are setting out a path forward towards concluding this horrific scandal.

    Chair of the Advisory Board Committee, Chris Hodges said:

    The Advisory Board was consulted in advance about the Government’s response. We agree that it is the right way forward

    Reforms accepted today will include:

    • New appeal processes to be established, allowing postmasters to seek permission from an independent person to appeal against Horizon Shortfall Scheme fixed sum offers.
    • Legal advice will be funded for those seeking such appeals, including people who have previously settled for fixed sums.
    • A suitably qualified senior lawyer will be appointed to oversee the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
    • The Horizon Shortfall Scheme will now close to new applications on 31 January 2026, rather than the Inquiry’s proposed date of 27 November 2025, to ensure vulnerable claimants have more time to apply before closure.
    • The Government is publishing a clear definition of what constitutes “full and fair redress” to provide greater clarity for claimants and their representatives. This definition can be found here.
    • Work has commenced on a restorative justice project for postmasters and their families in partnership with Post Office and Fujitsu.
    • Post Office will also close the Suspension Remuneration Review scheme to new applications.

    Notes to Editors

    • In the past 15 months, over £993 million has been paid in redress – more than 5 times the total amount paid before last year’s election
    • The Government will provide a full response to Parliament once all parts of the Inquiry report are published.