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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK secures £840m in valuable fishing opportunities for 2026 [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK secures £840m in valuable fishing opportunities for 2026 [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 December 2025.

    Agreements between the UK, EU, Norway and other coastal states secure access to over 80 stocks for British fishing industry.

    The UK has reached agreement with the EU, Norway and other coastal states on catch opportunities for shared stocks for 2026, including agreements for popular whitefish stocks in the North Sea. These provide access to over 520,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities for 2026, worth an estimated £830 million. 

    Additionally, the UK participated in multilateral consultations which brings the total UK fishing opportunities secured in deals to £840m. This includes an increase of bluefin tuna quota from 63 tonnes up to 231 tonnes. 

    The deals come amid challenging scientific evidence showing that certain stocks, such as cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice are under significant pressure. As part of the agreements all parties are required to take action to recover stocks and safeguard them for future generations. 

    Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle said:  

    This year, more than others, it has been vitally important to respond to concerning scientific evidence about fish stock levels.   

    By working closely with the EU, Norway and other countries, the UK has secured over 520,000 tonnes of valuable fishing opportunities for British fisheries next year while taking action to safeguard stocks for future generations.   

    This is a balanced and sustainable approach which will help recover important stocks to healthy and productive levels whilst also giving fishing communities the opportunities they need to thrive.”   

    The negotiations demonstrate the UK’s commitment to working constructively with the EU, Norway and other coastal states to navigate difficult scientific advice and find pragmatic solutions that protect marine ecosystems whilst supporting coastal communities. 

    Sustainability has been at the heart of the UK’s approach to negotiations. The UK has based its approach on the best available science from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, to manage fisheries sustainably while securing opportunities for UK fleets. 

    This approach has also considers the experiences of stakeholders within the UK most affected by the outcome of these negotiations, including the UK fishing industry, the recreational sector, and environmental NGOs. 

    Throughout the negotiations, the UK government has worked closely with the devolved governments to ensure the benefits are spread across the UK. 

    ENDS 

    Negotiations breakdown in detail 

    As an independent coastal state, the UK negotiates with other coastal states each year to manage shared fisheries. These talks determine the total allowable catches (TACs) for around 100 fish stocks – setting limits on how much can be caught the following year based on the health and vulnerability of each stock and ensuring that fishing levels respond to the latest scientific advice about which stocks need protection and which can sustain higher catches. 

    UK-EU bilateral 

    Through a bilateral deal with the EU, the UK has secured fishing opportunities of 150,000 tonnes for the UK fishing industry worth around £430 million, based on historic landing prices. The UK also secured continued access to fish non-quota stocks in EU waters, worth around £25 million in 2024. 

    In the face of challenging scientific evidence, the UK has secured key priorities for UK industry, including increased opportunities for the pollack and seabass fisheries, a commercially viable total allowable catch (TAC) for Irish Sea herring, the removal of a maximum landing size for spurdog, and geographical flexibility for sole in the Celtic Sea (Area 7). 

    In direct response to the depleted status of cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice stocks in the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Channel, the agreement will see the introduction of new technical measures for EU and UK vessels to reduce overfishing of these vulnerable stocks. For example, the adoption of larger mesh sizes for some EU and UK vessels in the Celtic Sea and Channel and new selectivity devices for the Nephrops fishery in the Irish sea.

    Defra will continue to work closely with the fishing industry to support them to implement new measures in 2026. 

    UK-EU-Norway trilateral 

    The trilateral deal with the EU and Norway secures UK fisheries 290,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities in the North Sea and surrounding waters, worth up to £380 million based on historic landing prices. 

    This year the UK have also secured a landmark deal on North Sea herring to deliver more sustainable trilateral management of the stock. The trilateral agreement secured a workable outcome for the UK whitefish industry in the face of very challenging scientific advice, alongside measures to help protect Northern Shelf cod which will be implemented from January 2026. 

    Coastal States negotiations  

    The UK has reached agreement with other coastal States on fishing opportunities for blue whiting and Norwegian spring-spawning (Atlanto-Scandian) herring in the North-East Atlantic in 2026. These opportunities are worth an estimated £20 million to the UK fleet, based on 2024 landing prices. TACs for these two stocks have been agreed in line with ICES advice.   

    Discussions on the 2026 TAC for mackerel, and associated management measures, are ongoing among coastal States.   

    North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) 

    The UK worked with other parties to secure new monitoring, control and surveillance measures. This included taking steps to bring the NEAFC scheme into alignment with guidelines published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations on at-sea transhipment.  

    Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) 

    Following negotiations with Contracting Parties to the Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO), the UK has secured fishing opportunities for cod in the North-West Atlantic, worth an estimated £5 million based on historic landing prices. 

    International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) 

    The UK secured an increase from 63 tonnes to 230.65 tonnes of bluefin tuna per year for 2026 to 2028. This will enable the further development of commercial and recreational bluefin tuna fisheries in the UK and Crown Dependencies from 2026 to 2028. UK fishing opportunities secured in this forum for 2026 are worth around £5m based on historic landing prices. The UK also progressed important measures to further tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and to protect vulnerable species of sharks.  

    UN General Assembly Consultations (UNGA) 

    At the UN General Assembly consultations on the sustainable fisheries resolution, the UK secured references to the latest findings regarding the status of global fish stocks and new text addressing bycatch of endangered albatross and petrels. 

    NOTES TO EDITORS 

    • The outcome of annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State determination of fishing opportunities for British boats by the end of the year. 
    • The values in this press notice are based on full uptake of fishing opportunities and 2024 landing prices. In cases where 2024 landing prices were unavailable, historic prices or the price of a comparable TAC have been used as an alternative. All figures are rounded and may change slightly once a full analysis has been completed.  
    • Consistent prices are applied across each year to allow for a direct year-on-year comparison of negotiated outcomes, avoiding accounting for price fluctuations due to other factors external to the negotiations. 
    • Bilateral fisheries negotiations between the UK and the Faroe Islands are currently on-going.    
    • Negotiations with other coastal States on North-East Atlantic mackerel are ongoing. 
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK “All In” on AUKUS submarine and tech delivery as partnership powers full steam ahead [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK “All In” on AUKUS submarine and tech delivery as partnership powers full steam ahead [December 2025]

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

    The Defence Secretary met with his US and Australian counterparts in the United States to discuss the progress on AUKUS.

    • AUKUS partnership “full steam ahead” as US review concludes and focus shifts to delivery.
    • UK has committed £6 billion to AUKUS in the last 18 months alone, bolstering Britain’s security and driving growth.
    • Continuous UK submarine building under AUKUS set to deliver up to 12 new attack submarines and support over 20,000 British jobs.

    Attack submarines and advanced military technology will help protect the UK, US and Australia as all three nations fully commit to the historic partnership, with the work set to create more than 7,000 UK jobs.  

    Following the conclusion of the United States’ AUKUS review, the partnership is “full steam ahead” for delivery of cutting-edge equipment which will help deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.  

    Defence Secretary John Healey joined his counterparts, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, at the Pentagon today to collectively shift the focus of the AUKUS partnership to delivery – declaring that business as usual is “not an option”. 

    With global instability rising, the three nations agreed that AUKUS must now move at pace to translate plans into hard capability. The meeting marked a decisive shift towards delivery for submarine development and turning advanced military technology projects into frontline warfighting capabilities under Pillar II. 

    The UK is backing this commitment with action, investing £6 billion under the current government into critical infrastructure at Barrow and Derby that will realise the ability to construct a new AUKUS submarine every 18 months.

    SSN-AUKUS will be the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, creating more than 7,000 new jobs across the UK supply chain and backing 21,000 jobs at peak production, making defence an engine for growth and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.  

    That benefit is already being felt, with more than 3,000 new jobs across key UK sites for nuclear work have been created since July 2024, with an additional 4,400 construction roles expected to be created over the coming years. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

    This is full steam ahead for AUKUS. Our reviews are done. Now, we deliver.   

    In this new era of threat, with adversaries who are increasingly cooperating, business as usual is not an option.   

    AUKUS is too significant and the stakes are too high for it to be allowed to drift. Our driving focus now is overcoming any barriers to delivery. And the UK is all in.   

    With billions being invested in UK infrastructure, this programme demonstrates defence as an engine for growth – boosting our shared security, keeping our people safe and creating good jobs across our three nations.   The work builds on the UK leadership as part of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, and the UK’s move to be at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, including through the pioneering hybrid Navy approach announced earlier this week. Britain is also providing increased technical and military assistance to Australia through the Geelong Treaty to accelerate Australian capability to operate nuclear-powered submarines.  

    AUKUS will deliver significant economic benefits for communities across the UK. The partnership will expand Britain’s submarine fleet with up to 12 attack boats, supported by continuous production delivering a new submarine every 18 months. 

    The wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise is projected to support around 65,000 UK jobs by 2030. These are highly skilled, well-paid positions, with nuclear sector salaries averaging £45,500 – 20% above the national average. This investment is bringing prosperity to areas of Britain with the greatest need, demonstrating how defence spending delivers real benefits to working people across the country. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal George Thomas Hooley [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal George Thomas Hooley [December 2025]

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

    It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died in Ukraine on 9 December 2025.

    Lance Corporal Hooley died following a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. He was 28 years old. 

    Lance Corporal Hooley was born on 12 February 1997. He joined the Army in November 2015, attending the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed the renowned Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company). Completing the course top of his cohort as ‘P Company Champion’, he joined The Parachute Regiment. 

    Lance Corporal Hooley was an exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience. He progressed swiftly through key promotion courses. He completed The Parachute Regiment’s Junior Non-Commissioned Officers’ course in October 2020, passing with a Distinction grade, and securing promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal. More recently, he completed the Section Commanders’ Battle Course, held at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, again securing an impressive Distinction grade. As a result of his exceptional performance and potential, Lance Corporal Hooley was due to promote to Corporal in January 2026, and as such, was trusted with the responsibilities of a Corporal on this, his latest, deployment. Lance Corporal Hooley had previously deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe. 

    His Commanding Officer said:  

    Lance Corporal Hooley’s future within The Parachute Regiment was incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer-group over the coming years. All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time. 

    His Company Commander said:  

    If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it. George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so. 

    At work, he was the model of professionalism. George didn’t just do his job; he excelled at it. A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively. He approached every task with dedication, integrity and pride. His colleagues will tell you that he wasn’t just part of the team, he was the character within it. The glue. The laughter. The calm voice of sense. The soldier who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

    Lance Corporal George Hooley served our country with distinction and professionalism. He was an exceptional soldier who will be very deeply missed.  

    My thoughts are with George’s family, loved ones and his colleagues. The tributes that have been paid to him are a testament to his exceptional attitude and ability.  

    George’s tragic death reminds us of the courage and commitment with which our outstanding Armed Forces serve every day to protect our nation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States, President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States, President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany [December 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz today.

    The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing. 

    Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days. 

    They agreed that this was a critical moment – for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Construction of a new British High Commission in Nicosia begins [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Construction of a new British High Commission in Nicosia begins [December 2025]

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

    The British High Commission has announced that construction on the new buildings have started at the existing site in Nicosia.

    Our historic site, which was formerly part of the Central Prisons’ compound, will soon house a new, fit-for-purpose, eco-friendly High Commission, which will better symbolise the strong and growing partnership between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus. 

    The €40 million-plus project – the largest current project on the UK’s diplomatic estate – constitutes a mark of confidence in the strength of the bilateral relationship. And with the prime contractor being the Cypriot-owned firm Atlas Pantou, it is also a significant British investment into the Cypriot economy.

    Ground was broken in December and is the project is expected to be completed by November 2028. The project consists of a new High Commission office building, a security facility and a new Residence for the High Commissioner. The new compound will be carbon-neutral, contributing to Cyprus’ efforts to reduce emissions in our common fight to tackle the climate crisis.

    The existing High Commission buildings will continue to be functional until the opening of our new building. While there will be new temporary access points for visitors, our services will not be interrupted.

    British High Commissioner Michael Tatham, said:

    “Any new construction represents change and a departure from the past. We see this as a massive upgrade, reflecting the value that the UK attaches to its strong partnership with  the Republic of Cyprus. We are looking forward to seeing a new High Commission take shape – and to inviting our many Cypriot friends and partners to see it soon.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Escalation of Russian attacks undermines peace efforts in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Escalation of Russian attacks undermines peace efforts in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2025]

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

    Ambassador Holland highlights the intensification of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure in 2025, despite ongoing peace negotiations. He reiterates the UK’s grave concern and calls for Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, cease its aggression, and engage seriously in negotiations.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. As we conclude the FSC’s work for 2025, the United Kingdom reiterates its grave concern at Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine. Each winter since 2022, we have cited independent sources detailing Russia’s pattern of targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure. This year, that pattern has intensified. 

    Despite ongoing peace negotiations, Russia has escalated its attacks. Three data points make this very clear: 

    In 2025 Russia has killed over 2,200 Ukrainian civilians and injured more than 11,000. This is a 27% increase in casualties compared to last year.  

    Since Russia sent a delegation to the first bilateral talks with Ukraine in mid-May, it has launched the 35 largest air attacks of the entire war.  

    And from June to November, Russian drones fired have averaged over 5,300 a month. This is more than five times the 2024 monthly average.  

    This is not the conduct of a state seeking peace. That is why, at the Ministerial Council last week, our Minister said: “we are committed to holding Russia to account – for its illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war against Ukraine; for the forced deportations of innocent children; and for unlawfully detaining civilians, including, as has been referenced, three members of this organisation’s staff.” 

    Mr Chair, the UK hopes that this is the last time we sit at this Forum against the backdrop of Russia’s war. As we have established clearly in this Forum, the only obstruction to peace is Russia’s continued willingness to fight a war of aggression that it started. A war which continues to cause misery and death on our continent. 

    The path to peace remains clear.  It is a path that Russia must choose. It must choose to return to full compliance with international law and the Helsinki Final Act. It must choose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And it must choose to cease its attacks, withdraw all of its forces from all of Ukraine, and to engage seriously in negotiations. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three Board Members extended to UK Sport board [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Three Board Members extended to UK Sport board [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 December 2025.

    The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has extended the second terms of Sally Bolton OBE, Annie Panter, and Martyn Worsley.

    Sally Bolton OBE

    Sally was appointed Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club in August 2020, having been Strategic Planning & Operations Director since 2018. Prior to joining the Club in 2016, Sally spent two years as Managing Director of the Organising Committee for the London double header of World Athletics Championships in 2017. Sally assumed this role having led the team that delivered a highly successful Rugby League World Cup in 2013, a role for which she was recognised with the award of an OBE.

    Prior to this Sally was the Rugby Football League’s Director of Projects & Planning and played an integral part in the Rugby Football League team that won the rights to stage the 2013 tournament. Prior to joining the RFL, Sally held a number of other roles in sports administration at club and Governing Body level including a period as Chief Executive of Wigan RLFC and Orrell RUFC. In addition, Sally has worked in the highly regarded sports consulting group at Deloitte and runs her own sports consulting business.

    Annie Panter

    Annie is a two-time Olympian, who competed in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games where she won a bronze medal in women’s hockey with Team GB. During much of this time, Annie was combining her sporting career with studying for a BSc in Mathematics and Economics at the University of Nottingham. Following her retirement from hockey in 2012, Annie pursued a career in finance with Goldman Sachs for several years, before moving back into the sports industry via TRM Partners in 2018 to lead the commercial programmes of premium sports properties. Following an acquisition, Annie is currently Managing Director at the sports marketing agency Two Circles.

    Whilst at Goldman Sachs, Annie stayed closely involved with high performance sport. Between 2016-2019 Annie chaired the Athletes’ Committee and was an Executive Board member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Prior to her initial appointment to the UK Sport Board in 2018, Annie had been a member of the UK Sport Mission 2016/18 Panel and the British Cycling Independent Review Panel. She is currently a member of the UK Sport Major Events Investment and Assurance Panel.

    Martyn Worsley

    Martyn grew up in the West Midlands and was educated at The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School before going to the University of Southampton where he gained a BSc Hons in Geography. He started off his career in 1997 as a graduate trainee at Lloyds TSB before spending time in a variety of organisations including BT Group, BNY Mellon, SAB Miller and Tate & Lyle undertaking Business and Human Resource roles globally until he joined Lockton Companies as Chief People Officer in November 2020. Martyn is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

    Martyn has had a life-long passion for both playing and being involved in sport including latterly coaching the Rugby Football Union for Women’s (RFUW) Academy for 5 years before being a non-Executive Director of the RFUW supporting the integration of the Women’s game into the Rugby Football Union. Martyn has completed the Trans- Atlantic Yacht Race, the London Marathon and undertaken multiple overseas expeditions whilst also being a Trustee for the London Youth Games. His other hobbies include skiing, sailing, mountaineering and spending time with his young family.

    Sally Bolton, Annie Panter and Martyn Worsley’s second terms have been extended to July 2026.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    UK Sport Board Members are remunerated at £218 per day. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

    Sally Bolton, Annie Panter and Martyn Worsley have declared no political activity.

    Notes to Editors

    DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 50,000 more young people to benefit from apprenticeships as Government unveils new skills reforms to get Britain working [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 50,000 more young people to benefit from apprenticeships as Government unveils new skills reforms to get Britain working [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 10 December 2025.

    • Major £725 million investment to deliver more apprenticeships for young people and help match skills training with local job opportunities.
    • Young people to benefit from increased access to training with full cost of apprenticeships at SME’s covered by Government.
    • New wave of foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as retail and hospitality sectors to get young people into work.
    • Backing thousands more apprenticeship starts for young people through a £140 million partnership with local leaders.
    • 50,000 young people across the country will be better equipped for jobs of the future through a major investment to create more apprenticeships and training courses.

    The £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with thousands more young people expected to benefit over the next three years.

    The latest funding includes a £140 million for a pilot where Mayors will be able to connect young people – especially those not in education, employment or training (NEET) with thousands of apprenticeship opportunities at local employers.

    By partnering with regional leaders who best understand their local economies, these pilots will ensure young people can access training that meets the needs of employers in their area.

    As part of the package, the government will also cover the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 at small and medium-sized businesses.

    Removing the 5% co-investment rate for SME’s means that the training costs for all eligible under 25 apprentices are fully funded opening up thousands of opportunities for young people. This will make it easier for young people to find opportunities and remove the burden from businesses, making it easier for them to take on young talent.

    Businesses will also benefit from a major boost in flexibility as new short courses in cutting-edge areas including AI, engineering and digital skills will begin rolling out from April 2026.

    This includes working closely with the defence sector to develop a new suite of flexible, work-based training options to help employers upskill their existing workforce in the critical skills needed for future success.

    Today’s announcement comes alongside plans to open up new waves of foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as hospitality and retail.

    The reforms will simplify and modernise the apprenticeship system, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of employers and learners. From April 2026, short courses will be introduced to provide more flexible training options and a new Level 4 apprenticeship in AI will also be introduced, supporting employers to develop the skills of their workforce.

    The reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy build on the Prime Minister’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher level learners – academic, technical or apprenticeships – helping more young people gain the skills they need to start their careers.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    For too long, success has been measured by how many young people go to university. That narrow view has held back opportunity and created barriers we need to break.

    If you choose an apprenticeship, you should have the same respect and opportunity as everyone else. That’s why the Government is investing £1.5 billion through the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy – creating 50,000 more apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships for young people over the next three years.

    It’s time to change the way apprenticeships are viewed and to put them on an equal footing with university. This is a defining cause for this government and a key step towards our ambition to get two-thirds of young people in higher-level learning or apprenticeships.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

    Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed. When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them.

    That’s why we are introducing a range of reforms to help young people take that vital step into the workplace or training and to go on and make something of their lives.

    This funding is a downpayment on young people’s futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment.

    The reforms are designed to tackle the sharp decline in apprenticeship starts among young people over the last decade – which have fallen by almost 40% since 2015/16 and shift the focus towards supporting young people into high-quality training and employment.

    This latest intervention follows an £820 million investment guaranteeing every young person the chance to gain the skills they need for success and support to find a job. This package will create 300,000 more opportunities to earn and learn and provide guaranteed jobs to almost 55,000 young people.

    Over the coming months, DWP and Skills England will work intensively with business on the right balance to further boost apprenticeship starts for young people while delivering the right flexibilities for business.

    Skills England will drive forward, with the Office for Investment, the service to support major investors and help them navigate the skills system. It will also establish a new skills infrastructure development service to support businesses to get training for jobs off the ground as quickly as possible and support young people in their careers.

    McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer Nick Collins said:

    Apprenticeships are a critical pipeline for developing the next generation of talent. They provide an immersive pathway for young people to gain practical experience and learn in real world environments.

    At McLaren we recognise the importance of investing in people and skills to create the world’s most extraordinary supercars. We are proud to inspire and equip the next generation to continue this tradition of excellence.

    Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

    Small businesses are incredibly enthusiastic about apprenticeships, and we are pleased the Government is taking steps to make the system more small business friendly. It will help unlock more local roles, meaning small firms can do what they do best – taking people on and giving them a great chance in life.

    Rt Hon Robert Halfon, Executive Director, Make UK, said:

    Manufacturers support the Government’s commitment to a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy to boost investment in high-quality training. The development of foundation apprenticeships has been a positive step in ensuring that effective entry level routes into employment are there for young people.

    Industry is also keen to work with mayoral authorities to recruit more young people into engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships. Enabling more businesses to invest in work-based training is critical to supporting more young people into skilled work, and mayoral authorities bringing together employers and young people will help this to happen.

    Chris Perriton, Head of Learning Pathways, Marston said:

    At Marston’s, we believe apprenticeships are a vital pathway for young people to build confidence, gain practical skills and unlock long-term careers in hospitality. We welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities and driving skills development, and we’re proud to play our part by offering high-quality apprenticeships across our pubs and support teams. These programmes not only provide hands-on experience but also the structured training and mentoring needed to help the next generation thrive in our industry.

    Dan Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer, Lee Marley Group said:

    Apprenticeships play a vital role in sustaining the strength and capability of the construction industry. They give young people the structured development and real-world experience they need to carry essential craft skills forward, while building the confidence to pursue long-term, rewarding careers.

    As construction continues to evolve, apprenticeships help address skills shortages and uphold the high standards our built environment depends on. Supporting future talent is a responsibility we take seriously, and it remains central to everything we do at Lee Marley Group.

    Daniel Woolf, Head of Policy at small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said:

    This fresh flexibility in the Government’s approach to apprenticeships will open up new opportunities for young people within the small business community. Unpicking the complexity and unlocking funding will make a great deal of difference to small firms with no HR department, that often find these challenges tip the balance against apprenticeships.

    If we are going to build a local workforce fit for the future, we must continue to recruit and train our young people, so this package of reforms is excellent news.

    Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the Institute of Directors, said:

    Getting more young people into apprenticeships at SMEs will help the next generation into rewarding careers while helping small businesses to access the talent they need to grow. Removing the cost and bureaucracy associated with the 5% co-investment is an important first step in making the system easier for SMEs to navigate.

    Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at Logistics UK, said:

    Apprenticeships are an ideal way for young people to enter careers like logistics, and today’s announcement will help more of them to discover the varied opportunities our sector has on offer.

    Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said:

    The new apprenticeship reforms are a positive step forward for small builders who can often struggle to take on apprentices because of the cost burden. Enabling the nation’s small builders to train apprentices under the age of 25 for free is a much-needed boost to plug the construction skills gap. This new funding will help deliver the next generation of tradespeople to upgrade our existing homes and build the new ones we so desperately need.

    Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:

    This is clear recognition within the Government’s skills policy that hospitality is a vital employer of young people and key to getting people of all ages into employment, offering rewarding work, vital core skills, and swift career progression.

    The addition of hospitality to the sectors that can access foundation apprenticeships will provide more routes into work for young people and I look forward to continuing to work with the Government on its skills policy.

    Bill Buchan, HR Director Sodexo UK&I, said:

    Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of Sodexo’s talent and learning strategy, opening pathways for young people into hospitality and facilities management. We are long-time advocates of the opportunities that employment-based education can offer both to individuals and organisations in terms of additional skills, training new talent and allowing existing staff of all ages and backgrounds to retrain or upskill. We welcome any initiative that supports in the delivery of meaningful opportunities that will help to reduce NEET levels and strengthen the country’s skills agenda.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

    We welcome the new package of reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, particularly the introduction of short courses from April next year. Retail plays a crucial role in helping young people into work, so it is vital that it receives the same priority as industrial strategy sectors.

    We look forward to further detail on the proposed foundation apprenticeships for retail and the Youth Guarantee, as well as any additional measures that will add greater flexibility in how retailers can spend their Levy funds to boost skills development across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes on the escalation in South Kivu [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes on the escalation in South Kivu [December 2025]

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

    Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), have issued the following statement on the alarming escalation in South Kivu.

    The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) expresses its profound concern regarding the renewed outbreak of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the new offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, around Uvira (South Kivu) close to Burundi which risks destabilizing the whole region. The ICG expresses particular concern at the increased use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict. This represents a significant escalation in the fighting and poses an acute risk to civilian populations.

    The ICG urges the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern DRC, in particular in South Kivu, and calls on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC in line with UNSC resolution 2773 and on the M23 to uphold its commitments under the Declaration of Principles that was signed in Doha on 19 July 2025.

    The ICG calls on all parties to honour their obligations to protect civilians, adhere to all aspects of UNSC resolution 2773, including full respect of territorial integrity, to uphold their commitments under the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025 and immediately deescalate the situation. We urge all parties to avoid escalatory or provocative speech and actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and risk irreparably undermining the significant progress achieved with the Framework Agreement signed in Doha on 15 November 2025 by the Government of the DRC and M23. The ICG further calls on all actors involved to urgently and unequivocally recommit to the ceasefire and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded, humanitarian access so that critical assistance can reach those in need.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby [December 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

    The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln.

    Background

    The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln, in succession to the Right Reverend Dr David Court following his retirement.

    Jean was trained for ministry via the East Midlands Ministry Training Course, accredited by Nottingham University.

    She served her title at St George and St Mary’s Church, Gresley, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 2004. Jean served as Interim Minister at St Alkmund’s and St Werburgh’s from 2008 and was appointed Priest-in-Charge in 2013 and incumbent in 2018. Jean served as Archdeacon of Bolton and Archdeacon of Salford, both in the Diocese of Manchester, from 2018.

    In 2023, Jean took up her current role as Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester.