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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : New law to tackle AI child abuse images at source as reports more than double [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New law to tackle AI child abuse images at source as reports more than double [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 November 2025.

    New legislation sees government work with AI industry and child protection organisations to ensure AI models cannot be misused to create synthetic child sexual abuse images.

    • World-leading legislation sees government work with AI industry and child protection organisations to ensure AI models cannot be misused to create synthetic child sexual abuse images. 
    • Technology Secretary and Home Secretary will have new powers to designate AI developers and charities like the Internet Watch Foundation as authorised testers. 
    • Comes as fresh Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) data shows reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material have more than doubled in the past year, rising from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025.(note)

    Children will be better protected from becoming victims of horrific indecent deepfakes as the government introduces new laws to ensure Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be exploited to generate child sexual abuse material. 

    Data from the Internet Watch Foundation released today (Wednesday 12 November) shows reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material have more than doubled in the past year, rising from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025. (note)

    There has also been a disturbing rise in depictions of infants, with images of 0–2-year-olds surging from 5 in 2024 to 92 in 2025. (note)

    Under stringent new legislation, designated bodies like AI developers and child protection organisations, such as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), will be empowered to scrutinise AI models, and ensure safeguards are in place to prevent them generating or proliferating child sexual abuse material, including indecent images and videos of children. 

    Currently, criminal liability to create and possess this material means developers can’t carry out safety testing on AI models, and images can only be removed after they have been created and shared online. This measure, one of the first of its kind in the world, ensures AI systems’ safeguards can be robustly tested from the start, to limit its production in the first place.

    The laws will also enable organisations to check models have protections against extreme pornography, and non-consensual intimate images. 

    While possessing and generating child sexual abuse material is already illegal under UK law, both real and synthetically produced by AI, improving AI image and video capabilities present a growing challenge. 

    We know that offenders who seek to create this heinous material often do so using images of real children – both those known to them and those found online – and attempt to circumnavigate safeguards designed to prevent this.

    This measure aims to make such actions more difficult by empowering companies to ensure their safeguards are effective and to develop innovative, robust methods to prevent model misuse.

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    We will not allow technological advancement to outpace our ability to keep children safe. 

    These new laws will ensure AI systems can be made safe at the source, preventing  vulnerabilities that could put children at risk.

    By empowering trusted organisations to scrutinise their AI models, we are ensuring child safety is designed into AI systems, not bolted on as an afterthought. 

    Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

    We must make sure children are kept safe online and that our laws keep up with the latest threats. This new measure will mean legitimate AI tools cannot be manipulated into creating vile material and more children will be protected from predators as a result.

    It comes as new Internet Watch Foundation data also shows the severity of the material has intensified over the past year. Category A content – images involving penetrative sexual activity, images involving sexual activity with an animal, or sadism – rose from 2,621 to 3,086 items, now accounting for 56% of all illegal material compared to 41% last year. (note) 

    Girls have been overwhelmingly targeted, making up 94% of illegal AI images in 2025.(note)

    To ensure testing work is carried out safely and securely, the government will also bring together a group of experts in AI and child safety.  

    The group will help design the safeguards needed to protect sensitive data, prevent any risk of illegal content being leaked, and support the wellbeing of researchers involved.  

    These changes, which will be tabled today (Wednesday 12 November) as an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, mark a major step forward in safeguarding children in the digital age. 

    They reflect the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with AI developers, tech platforms, and child protection organisations to build a safer online world for children. 

    We want the UK to be the safest place in the world to be online, particularly for children, and this includes when using AI Models. This measure aims to help us achieve that goal by making AI models used by the British public safer and more robust at preventing offenders from misusing this exciting technology for criminal activity.

    This proactive approach not only protects children from exploitation and re-victimisation but also reinforces public trust in AI innovation - proving that technological progress and child safety can go hand in hand. 

    Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), said: 

    We welcome the government’s efforts to bring in new measures for testing AI models to check whether they can be abused to create child sexual abuse. For 3 decades, we have been at the forefront of preventing the spread of this imagery online – we look forward to using our expertise to help further the fight against this new threat. 

    AI tools have made it so survivors can be victimised all over again with just a few clicks, giving criminals the ability to make potentially limitless amounts of sophisticated, photorealistic child sexual abuse material. Material which further commodifies victims’ suffering, and makes children, particularly girls, less safe on and off line. 

    Safety needs to be baked into new technology by design. Today’s announcement could be a vital step to make sure AI products are safe before they are released.

    Notes to editors

    (note): Internet Watch Foundation research – trends of AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) (data compares January to October 2024 vs January to October 2025)

    • AI reports actioned more than doubled, rising from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025.
    • While the overall number of AI images and videos decreased slightly (6,459 in 2024 to 5,560 in 2025), severity has intensified. Category A content rose from 2,621 to 3,086 items, now accounting for 56% of all illegal material compared to 41% last year.
    • Gender analysis shows girls remain overwhelmingly targeted, making up 94% of illegal AI images in 2025, though there is a small increase in boys appearing. Age profiles reveal a disturbing rise in depictions of infants: images of 0–2-year-olds surged from 5 in 2024 to 92 in 2025, while older age brackets saw reductions.

    Each ‘report’ the IWF receives refers to a webpage or URL – each of which may contain one, or multiple, images or videos of child sexual abuse. A webpage only needs to contain a single confirmed image or video of child sexual abuse for the IWF to take action to have it removed.

    The image by image analysis refers to individual images and videos which the IWF has discovered (hence the higher numbers). Each number is an individual image or video – allowing for a more granular break down of age/sex/severity of the abuse in the imagery.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Niagara Region [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Niagara Region [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 November 2025.

    Joint Statement from the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA and the High Representative of the EU.

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met under Canada’s G7 Presidency, in Niagara, on November 11-12, 2025. We welcomed the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Brazil, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine, who joined us for discussions on maritime security and prosperity, critical minerals, economic resilience and energy security.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity, security and defence

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence.

    We reiterated that an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed. We agreed that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.

    We are increasing the economic costs to Russia, and exploring measures against countries and entities that are helping finance Russia’s war efforts.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war.

    We acknowledged the ongoing discussions on a wide range of financing options, including further leveraging immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets in our jurisdictions in a coordinated way to support Ukraine.

    We strongly condemned Russia’s recent direct attacks on energy infrastructure and reaffirmed our support for Ukraine’s energy security.

    Peace and stability in the Middle East

    We reiterated our strong support for President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We welcomed the ceasefire and the release of hostages. We stressed the urgency of returning the remains of deceased hostages. We also welcomed the increased flows of aid, but expressed concern about restrictions that remain in place. We called on all parties to allow for humanitarian assistance without interference at scale, through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions and INGOs, as stipulated in President Trump’s plan.

    It is vital that all parties continue to engage constructively on the next steps outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, in pursuit of a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples that advances comprehensive Middle East peace and stability.  We will also continue to maintain attention on the situation in the West Bank.

    We urged Iran to fully implement its obligations both under UN Security Council resolutions and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Iran must resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, including enabling inspections of all nuclear facilities and materials. We called on Iran to engage in direct talks with the United States, supported by the E3. We continue to call on all UN member states to adhere to their obligations following the legal implementation of the snapback mechanism.

    Regional security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific

    We reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We reiterated our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in particular by force or coercion, including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

    We expressed serious concern over the use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons in the South China Sea, as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea.  We reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is a significant milestone, binding upon the parties.

    We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by force or coercion. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through constructive dialogue. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned about China’s military build-up and rapid increase of nuclear weapons arsenal and call on Beijing to demonstrate its commitment to stability through improved transparency.

    We strongly condemned the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.  We expressed grave concern over the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts.  We urged DPRK to resolve the abductions issue expeditiously.

    Haiti

    We stressed the need for voluntary personnel and financial contributions to implement UNSC Resolution 2793. We urged the Haitian authorities to present a concrete plan and timeline toward free and fair elections. We welcomed the launch of a Regional Maritime Security Initiative to address transnational organized crime and foster greater stability and resilience in Haiti and the Caribbean through improved maritime security.

    Sudan

    We strongly condemned the recent escalation of violence and attacks that are often ethnically-motivated, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against unarmed civilians and aid workers, particularly in El Fasher and North Kordofan. We deplore the devastating impact of this war on civilians including the famine that has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence. We urged the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to respect human rights, de-escalate, commit to an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and ensure rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance.  We expressed our support for diplomatic efforts underway to restore peace and security and called upon external actors to contribute to that end.

    Eastern DRC

    We remain deeply concerned by ongoing violence and reports of human rights violations in eastern DRC, including conflict-related sexual violence. We called on all parties to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. We urged all parties to engage in good faith in the peace process, to deliver lasting peace and security, in line with UNSC Resolution 2773. We called on parties to uphold commitments to fully implement the June 27 Peace Agreement and July 19 Declaration of Principles. We welcomed the Paris Conference on peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, held on October 30, 2025.  

    Migration

    We noted the serious impact of conflict and instability on affected countries and regions, as well as on broader regional and international security, undermining growth and development, lessening opportunity and driving displacement and irregular migration. We committed to take up these issues at a future G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

    Maritime security and prosperity

    Maritime security and prosperity are fundamental to global stability, economic resilience, and the well-being of all nations. We reaffirm the principles reflected in the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.

    We recalled the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, adopted in Charlevoix, Quebec on March 14, 2025. We welcomed the work carried out by the members of the  G7 NB8++ Shadow Fleet Task Force.

    We reiterated our commitment to strengthen G7 coordination with partners to prevent the use of unregistered or fraudulently registered, uninsured and substandard vessels engaged in sanctions evasion, risky navigation practices, arms transfers, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, illicit trade, and maritime crime. 

    We reaffirmed our shared commitment to address hybrid threats, including activity against critical undersea infrastructure, and to strengthening partnership in securing maritime ports and routes against the trafficking of illegal drugs.

    Economic resilience, energy security and critical minerals

    Building on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, the G7 Roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals and the Production Alliance, we are pursuing partnerships that drive economic development, innovation, resilient and sustainable supply chains, and shared prosperity and security beyond the G7.

    We expressed particular concern with the use of non-market policies and practices to disrupt critical minerals supply chains, as well as other forms of market distortions including overcapacity. In this regard, we welcome the results of the recent U.S. – China discussions and discourage any future policy impediments to predictable trade, including in critical minerals.

    G7 members agreed to pursue concrete initiatives, jointly with partners, to address vulnerabilities by reducing our dependencies, and strengthening our collective economic resilience and security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister teams up with England international to show economic benefits of hosting UEFA EURO 2028 [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister teams up with England international to show economic benefits of hosting UEFA EURO 2028 [November 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2025.

    UK government investing up to £557 million in tournament, which will deliver £3.2 billion socio-economic boost for the UK, promoting growth and creating jobs across the nations.

    • Prime Minister, Culture Secretary and England international Tyrone Mings host event at 10 Downing Street to mark UK and Ireland hosting UEFA EURO 2028, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin
    • Government hails the tournament as an unparalleled opportunity to bring millions of people together from all backgrounds
    • £45 million social impact fund to spark community activities from 2026 through to 2030

    A special event has been hosted at 10 Downing Street today, as the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary hailed the UK and Ireland hosting the UEFA European Football Championships in 2028 (UEFA EURO 2028) as a unique opportunity to bring the nations together, unite communities and generate a significant boost to the economy.

    The event, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and England international Tyrone Mings, coincides with UEFA today announcing the tournament match schedule with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium hosting the opening match and Wembley hosting the final. At the event school children had the opportunity to play football in a venue like no other when they played in the No.10 garden.   

    The tournament will be the biggest sporting event the UK and Ireland have ever jointly hosted and world-class football is expected to create shared experiences in packed stadiums, fan zones in city centres, pubs and living rooms.

    The UK government is investing up to £557 million into hosting the tournament, which will generate significant socio-economic benefits across all UK nations. Following an updated and upgraded independent assessment, UEFA EURO 2028 is now predicted to deliver £3.2 billion of socio-economic benefits across the UK – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and bringing a surge of international visitors whose spending will boost local economies.

    To coincide with this, the Governments and football partners across the UK and Ireland have committed around £45 million to a social impact fund for UEFA EURO 2028, with the UK Government contributing £23 million to deliver initiatives. This investment will fund programmes that will have ‘togetherness’ at its heart, directly supporting the Government’s mission of patriotic renewal by creating a more socially cohesive country with an inclusive national story. 

    It will be the first international men’s football tournament to be fully hosted in the UK and Ireland since UEFA EURO ‘96 when England staged the competition.

    UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

    UEFA EURO 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland and, as a lifelong football fan, I know how much international competitions like this matter. 

    This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits.

    UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    The summer of 2028 will be a massive moment for the whole of the UK and Ireland as we welcome football fans from across Europe. Football reaches people like nothing else – it crosses every boundary, speaks every language, and has the power to bring together communities in ways that other things simply cannot.

    We are poised to do all we can to make this an unforgettable experience. The legacy starts now, not in 2028. We will be launching activities years before the tournament that will continue long after the final whistle – creating new opportunities for children to get active and healthy in safe spaces, generating exciting moments for communities to unite around their shared excitement, and maximising the potential to boost economies in host cities and far beyond.

    From independent cafés to major suppliers, local businesses and communities across the country will reap direct economic rewards. Dedicated volunteering initiatives will enhance skills development and open exciting pathways into employment across the regions, creating opportunities that last long after the tournament ends.

    Today the UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock also chaired a meeting attended by Ministerial representatives from the Government of Ireland, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government and Welsh Government as well as UEFA to discuss the successful delivery of the tournament and how plans are progressing. 

    UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said:

    UEFA EURO 2028 is a fantastic opportunity for governments across the Devolved Administrations to work together closely to put on the best football tournament in a generation that benefits people right across the UK and Ireland.

    Major sporting events like this unite communities, giving them something to be proud of. I am pleased to work with my inter-governmental colleagues to deliver the best, most inclusive tournament that we can, across the UK and Ireland.

    Although the host nations may end up competing against each other on the pitch, off the pitch we will be working as one team to make the tournament a roaring success, whether that be encouraging engagement in sport, bringing communities together, or growing our economies.

    The tournament builds on the UK’s proud tradition as a world-leading host of major sporting events. Over the next decade, the UK will welcome the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and UEFA EURO 2028. The UK also has strong ambitions to secure the World Athletics Championships in 2029 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035. 

    Alongside our EURO 2028 impact programme, the government has also committed approximately half a billion pounds investment into grassroots community sport from 2025 to 2030, ensuring sport is accessible at every level –  from local playing fields where tomorrow’s champions take their first steps, to world-class tournaments that capture the imagination of the nation.

    Notes to editors: 

    Of the UK Government’s investment of £557 million, £195 million will be channelled through UK Sport to support tournament delivery and host city responsibilities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Netherlands forge ahead together to grow the industries of the future [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Netherlands forge ahead together to grow the industries of the future [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 November 2025.

    Tech Minister signs Innovation Partnership with Netherlands.

    • Ministers sign UK-Netherlands Innovation Partnership in London – deepening ties on AI, quantum and semiconductors
    • With leading science and tech companies and top-tier research talent, both countries are natural partners in science and technology
    • Partnership builds on research UK and Netherlands already pursue together through Horizon Europe, CERN, and more

    Efforts to develop the next generation of super-powerful computers, to put quantum products to work in settings from clean energy to medical research, and to support for the UK’s semiconductor  innovators, are all in line for a boost through a new UK-Netherlands new partnership on science and tech. The deal has been agreed by Ministers from both countries yesterday (Tuesday 11 November).

    The UK’s Minister for AI and Online Safety, Kanishka Narayan, and the Netherlands’ Cabinet Minister for Economic Affairs, Vincent Karremans, signed the UK-Netherlands Innovation Partnership at a meeting in London on 11 November. The agreement sets out how the 2 countries will forge closer ties in their work to seize the vast potential for AI, quantum, and semiconductors to be forces for economic growth and to help tackle major challenges facing both countries, from climate change to healthcare.

    These are 3 areas which the UK and the Netherlands are well-placed to collaborate on:

    • the UK’s semiconductor clusters in South Wales, Scotland and elsewhere harbour deep expertise in specialised fields like chip design and compound semiconductors, while the Netherlands is home to companies like ASML which are critical to the entire world’s semiconductors supply chain
    • both countries already work together closely on quantum, with a joint R&D scheme worth £1.2 million currently being delivered
    • as well as having considerable AI strengths, both the UK and the Netherlands are exploring new forms of computing, inspired by the workings of the human brain, to make future AI systems more powerful and sustainable

    UK Minister for AI and Online Safety Kanishka Narayan said:

    Breakthrough technologies like AI and quantum are at the heart of our ambitions for economic growth, better public services, and national renewal.

    These fields are already delivering breakthroughs: from life-saving medicines to next-gen batteries for clean energy, these breakthroughs are already changing lives.

    By partnering with the Netherlands, we can accelerate innovation and deliver more impact, faster.

    The Innovation Partnership agreed builds on strong science and tech ties that already exist between the UK and the Netherlands. Both countries’ researchers work together through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest programme of research collaboration, which has seen British solar energy firm Oxford PV work together with the Dutch Marine Energy Centre, on a £6 million project testing a floating solar farm on the North Sea.

    The UK and the Netherlands are also part of shared international endeavours like the PIXEurope consortium – a close to €400 million European initiative aimed at advancing photonic chip technologies. Among its 20 participating research organisations are the University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton from the UK and Dutch institutes TU Delft, the University of Twente, and TNO.

    While both countries are also part of shared international endeavours like the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, the European Space Agency, and particle physics laboratory CERN – where breakthroughs in particle accelerator technology have led to advanced cancer therapies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthening Ukrainian resilience ahead of winter at G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthening Ukrainian resilience ahead of winter at G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 November 2025.

    UK announces new support to make vital repairs to Ukraine’s energy sector and reallocates humanitarian support for those most impacted by the loss of power, heating, and water this winter.

    • Foreign Secretary announcing £13 million of funding to help repair Ukraine’s energy sector at G7
    • Ukrainian resilience in the face of Putin’s attacks is central to UK and G7 security
    • UK to establish maritime services ban on Russian Liquid Natural Gas

    UK announces new support to make vital repairs to Ukraine’s energy sector in the face of Russian bombardment, alongside reallocating humanitarian support for those most impacted by the loss of power, heating, and water this winter.

    Our support will help Ukraine restore vital energy infrastructure, keeping the lights on and the heating on in Ukrainian homes, hospitals and schools — even in the face of relentless attacks – which is paramount to the UK’s steadfast support for the country. 

    Russia has actively chosen to make Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure a target throughout the war. Now as we enter a cold winter, they are escalating brutal attacks on power and heating networks, as Putin tries to grind the Ukrainian people down. However, Ukraine continues to show remarkable resilience keeping the lights on against the odds. 

    As the Kremlin scrambles to expand its Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports to prop up its creaking war economy, the UK has today announced its intention to introduce a maritime services ban on Russian LNG, building on the recent targeting of Russia’s two largest oil companies – Rosneft and Lukoil.

    This action will significantly reduce Russian exports of LNG and directly cut off access to the UK’s world-leading maritime services. The ban will be phased in over 2026 in lockstep with our European partners.

    In addition, the £13 million winter package will help them to carry out vital repairs and deliver support those worst-hit by the loss of power, water & heating, ensuring Ukrainians can keep the lights and heating on as winter starts to bite.

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

    Putin is trying to plunge Ukraine into darkness and the cold as winter approaches.

    These cowardly strikes are not only an attack on Ukraine’s security, but a threat to the UK’s economic security, stability and growth.

    Ukraine’s security is our security and that’s why here at the G7, we are standing together as the closest of partners to drive forward support for Ukraine and overcome the challenges the world is facing today.

    The Foreign Secretary makes these announcements as she attends the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Niagara, Canada where she will galvanise our closest partners to continue to stand up for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s mindless aggression.

    Economic security, growth and action on migration will remain top of the Foreign Secretary’s agenda at the G7, as she pushes the multilateral system to deliver for Brits back at home.

    In particular, the Foreign Secretary will highlight the critical importance of economic security for both growth and for national security across the G7 – and will warn of the risks of excess dependence on a small number of countries for vital materials including rare earths.

    Building on the work already underway by the UK government domestically, she will call for the G7 to go further to coordinate efforts to boost supply chain resilience – including to share learnings between partners, and align on efforts to diversify supply chains in third countries.

    Canada is among the UK’s closest foreign policy allies – our countries are the only two to be members of the Five Eyes, NATO, G7, and the Commonwealth. Before commencing the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Foreign Secretary met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, then joined her to pay respects to the British, Canadian and Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives for our collective freedom on Remembrance Day.

    Background

    • More information on the UK’s support to Ukraine can be found here
    • The UK has committed over £450 million for energy security and resilience in Ukraine
    • The UK banned the import of Russian LNG in January 2023. We are now going a step further by banning maritime transport and related services—like insurance—for Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to third countries. UK-linked ships and services won’t be allowed to help move Russian LNG globally.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 50 – UK Statement on Liberia [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 50 – UK Statement on Liberia [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 November 2025.

    UK Statement for Liberia’s Universal Periodic Review. Delivered at the 50th session of the UPR in Geneva.

    Thank you, Madame Vice President,

    The United Kingdom thanks the Liberian delegation for setting out its efforts to protect human rights. We welcome the steps taken to make progress on reconciliation and transitional justice, including early steps to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court.

    However, we remain concerned about ongoing discrimination against marginalised groups and continued barriers faced by women and girls in accessing their fundamental human rights, including continued high levels of gender-based violence, female genital mutilation and limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

    We recommend that Liberia:

    1. Abolishes the death penalty, in line with obligations under the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.
    2. Protects the human rights of individuals belonging to marginalised groups by preventing discrimination, guaranteeing equal treatment under the law and ensuring full access to justice.
    3. Fully complies with the Maputo Protocol, criminalising all forms of female genital mutilation.

    The UK looks forward to continuing our work with the government, civil society organisations and human rights defenders from across the region to advance human rights in Liberia. 

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New curriculum to give young people the skills for life and work [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New curriculum to give young people the skills for life and work [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 4 November 2025.

    Government to set out plans to bring the curriculum into the modern day and help young people step into the future.

    Children and young people will leave school fully equipped to thrive in the modern world of work under reforms to breathe new life into the national curriculum unveiled today.  

    Responding to the recommendations of Professor Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review (5 November 2025), the government has confirmed steps to ensure every young person has a cast-iron grip on the basics of reading, science and maths, alongside the knowledge and skills required for life and work over the next decade – raising school standards and boosting opportunity under the Plan for Change. 

    The revitalised curriculum is a core part of how the government will deliver the Prime Minister’s target of two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning by age 25, ensuring they have the skills needed to get on in life.

    For the first time, primary aged children will gain vital skills like how to spot fake news and identify misinformation and disinformation, helping them develop the critical thinking needed to challenge what they see and protect them from online harms. Primary pupils will also learn more about the fundamentals of money, recognising that children are now consumers often before they reach secondary school, while bringing important changes to strengthen children’s reading.

    The government will introduce a new statutory reading test in year 8 and a strengthening of writing assessment in year 6 to spot pupils who need extra support at a crucial point in their development. Currently around 1 in 4 children leave primary school without being able to properly read and too many are leaving school without passing their GCSE English. The new year 8 test will pinpoint those who could benefit from further stretch, while repairing falling standards in the “lost years” at the start of secondary, when too many working-class young people fall behind.

    Under the new arrangements, arts GCSEs will be given equal status to humanities and languages, recognising their value in boosting confidence and broadening skills for a competitive job market. To complement this, a new core enrichment entitlement will offer all pupils access to civic engagement, arts and culture, nature and adventure, sport, and life skills to build resilience and opportunity.

    Schools will also be expected to work towards offering triple science GCSE as standard, which comes alongside the government exploring a new qualification for 16-18 year olds in data science and AI – helping more young people succeed in the science and tech careers that power our economy.

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

    It has been over a decade since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s more crucial than ever that young people are equipped to face the challenges of today, so they can seize the exciting opportunities that life has to offer.

    The path to our country’s renewal runs through our schools: they must be an epicentre of the strongest possible foundations of knowledge, and the skills to excel in the modern world. 

    From the fundamentals of reading to the present danger of spotting fake news, as part of our Plan for Change, these landmark reforms will help young people step boldly into the future, with the knowledge to achieve and the skills to thrive as the world around us continues to rapidly evolve.

    The government will publish a new oracy framework to ensure more young people become confident and effective speakers, building on the success of the reading and writing frameworks, and help teachers strengthen their teaching of oracy through practical tips, tried-and-tested strategies and examples of best practice.  

    Evidence shows that increased participation in extra-curricular activities is associated with higher academic outcomes, so the government is also setting out a new core enrichment entitlement, so that every child – wherever they go to school – has access to sport, the arts and more. 

    The government will publish a new set of enrichment benchmarks with schools asked to ensure every child has access to activities across five categories of enrichment. Ofsted will consider as part of routine inspection how this expectation is being met, with information also made available to parents through a new information service – school profiles.  

    Key reforms include: 

    • Making citizenship compulsory in primary, ensuring all pupils learn media literacy and financial literacy, law and rights, democracy and government, and climate education early on. 
    • Replacing the narrowly focused computer science GCSE with a broader, future-facing computing GCSE and exploring a new qualification in data science and AI for 16–18-year-olds.  
    • Changes to school performance measures – removal of the EBacc and reforms to Progress 8 – to encourage students to study a greater breadth of GCSE subjects including the arts, humanities and languages alongside English, maths and science. This follows the failure of the EBacc measure to encourage take up of subjects including languages and constraining student choice. 
    • Supporting schools to develop a triple science offer, ahead of introducing a statutory entitlement for all GCSE pupils. 
    • A new primary oracy framework, and a new combined secondary oracy, reading and writing framework so these are embedded across the whole curriculum.  
    • Exploring a new language qualification which banks progress and motivates pupils to want to continue studying, complementing existing GCSEs and A levels. 
    • A new core enrichment entitlement for every pupil – covering civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activities; and developing wider life skills.   

    For the first time, the new national curriculum will be digital and machine-readable, to support teachers to more easily sequence their school curricula. 

    The new curriculum will be implemented in full, for first teaching from September 2028. Government will aim to publish the final revised national curriculum by spring 2027 – giving schools four terms to prepare for the changes.

    Supportive quotes:

    Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said:

    We are delighted that the Government has pledged to create a new enrichment entitlement. This is a watershed moment that will ensure every pupil, no matter their background, can experience an enriched education and have equitable access to the activities and experiences that engage, inspire and develop, as a complement to the academic curriculum.

    At DofE we see every day the positive impact enrichment opportunities have on young people and their communities: they boost confidence and essential life skills, develop independence and social capital, improve wellbeing and resilience, and support belonging, school attendance and attainment.

    We look forward to continuing to work with Government to make the vision of an enrichment entitlement a reality for all.

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

    It is essential that every young person finishes their education with the knowledge and skills to move successfully into working life. 

    Business will welcome curriculum changes that improve employability – such as team working, oracy, literacy, digital and financial skills. It’s crucial that every student can access an appropriate qualification pathway to help keep them engaged – and in education or work.  

    With business, education providers and Government working together – we can ensure our future workforce is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

    Kate Varah, Co-CEO and Executive Director, National Theatre, said:

    The National Theatre welcomes the government’s commitment to put the arts and creativity back at the heart of school life and ensure that every child has access to high-quality education, wherever they grow up.

    Access to drama and arts subjects are an essential part of a broad, rich and inclusive curriculum. They introduce a huge body of knowledge and skills, helping students to build their understanding of the world, and supporting them to develop independence alongside key skills including confidence, problem solving, collaboration and self-expression.

    Removal of the EBacc, a stronger Drama curriculum at Key Stages 1-3, ensuring that content studied is representative of modern society, and entitlement to extra-curricular arts enrichment are all vital steps towards equal access to arts education.

    Our Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham and I look forward to working with the government and partners across the country to ensure all young people can enjoy a high-quality Drama education, and benefit from the essential skills for life and work that it provides.

    Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:

    The Government’s response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review shows principled determination to build on the very best practice that has been developed by schools. It spurs ambition and innovation while recognising the increasingly complex challenges faced by the sector.

    The demands that reform places on teachers have been acknowledged, with a sensible implementation timeline and signposting of reputable sources of support.

    Prof. Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE, University of Reading, said:

    It’s brilliant that all children will now learn about climate and nature at school. This will help the next generation to be better informed and choose their own future path. It will put young people, and the UK economy, in a stronger position to benefit from the green transition that the world is already going through. I can see many opportunities to shape the core climate education content in Science and Geography. The rare opportunity to ensure the detail in the curriculum is up to date with the latest science should not be missed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government acts to tackle rising childhood obesity epidemic [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government acts to tackle rising childhood obesity epidemic [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 November 2025.

    The government will underline its commitment to get children heathier and more active following new figures revealing the scale of the childhood obesity problem.

    • Shocking new childhood obesity figures highlight the urgent need for preventative action to create the healthiest generation of children ever
    • Government “won’t look away as kids become unhealthier”, as they push through preventative plans to reverse childhood obesity rates with support at school, in the playground and at home
    • Package of measures, including restrictions on junk food advertising, expanding free school meals and the universal free breakfast clubs will promote healthier eating and increase physical activity

    With shocking new figures revealing the scale of the childhood obesity problem, the Health and Social Care Secretary has today (4 November 2025) said that government “won’t look away as kids become unhealthier”, underlining its commitment to get children healthier and more active. 

    Data from over 1.1 million children measured across state-maintained schools in England during the academic year 2024 to 2025 shows that while the majority of children remain a healthy weight (75.4% in reception, age 4 to 5 years, and 62.2% in year 6, age 10 to 11 years), 10.5% of children in reception and 22.2% of year 6 children are living with obesity. The figures cover the period before the government’s current public health interventions have taken effect.

    Excluding the pandemic peak, this is the highest obesity prevalence seen in reception since measurements began in 2006 to 2007.

    Children from Black ethnic groups are more likely to be living with obesity, while obesity prevalence is more than double in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived (14.0% versus 6.9% in reception and 29.3% versus 13.5% in year 6), and this deprivation gap has widened since the programme began.

    This data was collected shortly after this government entered office and before its current public health interventions have taken effect. We are urgently acting to turn the tide, remove those inequalities and improve children’s health.

    Measures include:

    • restrictions on junk food advertising and high-caffeine energy drinks
    • expanded free school meals
    • universal free breakfast clubs

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This government will not look away as kids get unhealthier and critics urge us to leave them behind. Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions.

    Today’s figures show the extent of the problem and the need to act now, which is exactly what we’re doing – in schools, on sports pitches and online – to make healthy choices the easy choices, support families and turn the tide on childhood obesity. This is prevention, not punishment, and will help families and children across the country.

    This government is restricting junk food and drink advertisements – on television before 9pm and online – to protect children from exposure to less healthy food and drink. This is expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories per year from children’s diets.

    Promotions such as ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘3 for 2’ on less healthy foods have also been restricted. The policy is projected to deliver health benefits worth £2 billion and NHS savings of £180 million over 25 years.

    We are consulting on plans to ban retailers from selling high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16.

    Around 100,000 children currently consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink daily and evidence links these drinks to negative impacts on physical and mental health, sleep quality and educational outcomes.

    The move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver long-term health benefits.

    We are improving the out-of-date system used to categorise what foods are less healthy and all large businesses will need to report on how healthy their sales are. Targets will be set to drive further changes to improve kid’s health.

    In August, the government also introduced new guidelines requiring baby food manufacturers to reduce sugar and salt levels and improve labelling, making it easier for parents to choose healthier options for their children.

    The move addressed misleading marketing practices and gave manufacturers 18 months to reformulate products for children up to 36 months old. This formed part of the government’s broader commitment to give every child the best start in life, tackling the concerning levels of sugar found in snack foods that contribute to childhood obesity rates among the highest in western Europe.

    Professor Simon Kenny, NHS National Clinical Director for Children and Young People, said: 

    These figures are extremely concerning – obesity can have a devastating impact on children’s health, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health issues and many other illnesses, which can sadly lead to shorter and unhappier lives.

    The NHS is transforming the lives of thousands of children and families impacted by severe weight issues through its specialist clinics, supporting them to lose weight, live heathier lives and improve their mental health through a personalised package of support, but prevention is key and continued joined-up action by industry and wider society is essential if we want to improve the health of our younger generations.

    At school, we are expanding free school meals to all pupils in households on Universal Credit. The new entitlement will see over half a million more children able to benefit from a free meal from next school year and lift 100,000 children out of poverty.

    Access to nutritious school meals is linked to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better life outcomes, with breakfast clubs proven to boost children’s reading, writing and maths by an average of 2 months. 

    Free breakfast clubs are being introduced so all primary school children in England will have access to a free healthy breakfast. The scheme aims to ensure no child starts school hungry.

    Alongside the free school meals expansion, the government will revise the school food standards to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals.

    Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey said:

    We are determined to make every school a place where children can access healthy, nutritious meals and be supported to live an active, healthy life.

    Whether it’s nutritious breakfasts in our new free breakfast clubs, or healthy free school meals for 500,000 more children, we are determined to give every child the best start in life.

    Being physically active and taking part in sport provides health and developmental benefits for children.

    To help provide more opportunities for children and young people to be active, the government will invest at least £400 million into grassroots sport facilities. We will also introduce new School Sports Partnerships and an Enrichment Framework with ‘school profiles’ helping provide parents with information on what schools are offering.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up aid and security support in Lebanon and Egypt [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up aid and security support in Lebanon and Egypt [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 November 2025.

    Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer visits the region to support peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives.

    • New UK-funded operating bases and training help the Lebanese Army deliver regional security
    • Support for vulnerable civilians and refugees in Lebanon announced by Minister to be delivered by the Lebanese Red Cross
    • Minister supports humanitarian efforts across the Middle East as he visits Egyptian hospital conducting UK-backed training of Egyptian doctors to support the treatment of Palestinian patients

    The UK is continuing to step up and support peace in the Middle East and humanitarian efforts as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer makes his first official visit to Lebanon.

    Visiting a newly built UK-funded Forward Operating Base for the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Minister saw how the UK is supporting the Lebanese Army’s ability to increase their presence in the south and bolster regional stability. UK support to Lebanese security forces helps to maintain stability for the wider region.

    Announcing £500,000 for the Lebanese Red Cross via the British Red Cross, the Minister emphasised how the UK will support them to boost crisis preparedness and disaster response. This is part of a broader package of UK aid to Lebanon that will provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, including displaced civilians and refugees, to help them meet their basic needs.

    Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer said:

    Across the region, the UK is supporting efforts towards a lasting peace through tireless diplomacy, humanitarian support, and security cooperation.

    In Lebanon, I saw the devastating impact of conflict and how UK support is strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces through new Forward Operating Bases and training. Our humanitarian programmes are helping communities to meet their basic needs and children return to learning.

    In Egypt, I was privileged to see UK support in action. Delivered through WHO Egypt, UK funding is providing medical staff with the training required and vital equipment needed to deliver lifesaving care for Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.

    The UK is determined to work with regional partners to build stability and hope for the future. It is these partnerships abroad that make us stronger at home.

    During his visit to Lebanon, the Minister held talks with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, and Chief of Defence General Rudolph Haykal around the importance of security and advancing Lebanese state reforms.

    In a trip that reflected on conflicts in the wider region and the current situation in Gaza, Minister Falconer also visited a hospital in Egypt which is treating medically evacuated Gazan patients and training Egyptian doctors to continue supporting future waves of medical evacuees from Gaza.

    After healthcare provisions in Gaza have been decimated by bombardment and aid restrictions, the UK has supported those who have been medically evacuated to the wider region by providing funding to the WHO.

    The £3m in funding over the conflict has helped to improve care for Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza, and includes equipment and training for staff in hospitals treating complex injuries and long-term conditions.

    The Minister also represented the UK at the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a landmark cultural project showcasing Egypt’s heritage, and where the UK supported the Museum in achieving EDGE certification which recognises excellence in green building standards and sustainability.

    The UK is working intensively with regional partners to prevent further escalation in the region. This includes pressing for humanitarian access into Gaza, and long-term security cooperation with Lebanon through development of infrastructure, training, and equipment for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The goal is clear: we must turn these ceasefires into lasting peace and create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction across the region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New law to restrict protests outside public office holders’ homes [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New law to restrict protests outside public office holders’ homes [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 November 2025.

    A new law will restrict protests outside the homes of public office holders, in response to growing harassment and intimidation of those in British politics.

    Public officer holders, including MPs, peers and local councillors, will be better protected from harassment and intimidation under a new law to restrict protests outside their homes. 

    Under changes set out in the Crime and Policing Bill, the police will be given strengthened powers to stop this form of intimidation and abuse, and help clamp down on toxic behaviour in UK politics. This includes a new criminal offence of protesting outside the home of someone in public office where their intention is to influence them in their role or an aspect of their private life, with perpetrators facing up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

    This announcement follows a concerning rise in harassment of those in public office, with the Electoral Commission reporting that over half of the candidates who stood in last year’s general election experienced some form of abuse or intimidation.

    A second survey – conducted by the Speaker of the House – found that almost all MPs (96%) had experienced at least one instance of harassment or intimidation which had a corrosive effect on their ability to do their jobs.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: 

    The level of abuse faced by those taking part in British politics is truly shocking – it’s a threat to our democracy. People should be able to participate in our politics without fearing for their own or their family’s safety.   

    When good people choose not to put themselves forward, communities lose out and the country is poorer for it. 

    As Chair of the Defending Democracy Taskforce, I am leading work across government to drive out harassment and intimidation and strengthen our protections. This measure is a serious but necessary and proportionate step. Targeting public office holders at their homes crosses a line – it’s intimidation, not protest, and we’re putting a stop to it.

    Will Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation said: 

    We welcome measures to improve the safety and security of those in public office. Protesting outside someone’s home clearly poses serious safety concerns and can cause distress for the individual and their family.

    Protest and robust debate are important to our democracy, and there are many ways that people can make their voices heard without crossing the line into intimidation at someone’s home. 

    Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we work with a range of partners to address abuse towards politicians, their staff and families, and promote more respectful politics in order to strengthen our democracy.

    Samantha Dixon, Minister for Democracy, said:

    Intimidation and abuse of any kind is unacceptable, and I’m determined to protect those in public office so we can encourage more people to get involved in democracy.

    Alongside our new stronger sentences for those who intimidate campaigners, we are going further to defend democracy and restore trust in politics.

    The new protection is a major step in tackling the unacceptable harassment and intimidation faced by many public office holders and their families, and is an immediate recommendation made by the government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce as part of its wide-ranging review into this issue.

    The Defending Democracy Taskforce brings together a wide range of partners including government departments, the police, parliamentary authorities, and the Electoral Commission to look at how harassment and intimidation can be tackled head on.

    The government is determined to ensure that no one is deterred from representing their community or country because of fear, and today’s announcement builds on strengthened protections for elected representatives already set out in the Strategy for Modern Elections.

    This includes giving the courts greater powers to impose tougher sentences on those who threatened elected officials, and removes the final loophole which requires candidates who are seeking election to publish their home address when they don’t have an office address to use.

    Together, these measures will ensure greater privacy and safety for those standing for public office.

    These measures follow this year’s local elections in which dedicated police officers were in place in all forces across the country for the first time, offering security briefings to support local election candidates under Operation Ford. These force elected-official advisers (FEOAs) remain in place for locally elected representatives, such as councillors, metropolitan mayors, and police and crime commissioners. Meanwhile, under Operation Bridger, a dedicated police contact continues to be provided to MPs when they are outside of the Parliamentary estate.