Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Dangerous occurrence at Todmorden [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch on 19 June 2026.

Investigation into a dangerous occurrence at Todmorden, West Yorkshire, 7 May 2026.

At around 22:28 on 7 May 2026, the driver of an out-of-service passenger train, operated by Northern, was given permission by the signaller to move their train closer to a signal on Todmorden West Curve, in West Yorkshire. However, the driver was not aware that their train was already standing with its driving cab beyond this signal. This resulted in the train making an uncontrolled movement towards Todmorden Viaduct Junction. The driver realised what had happened and brought their train to a stop close to the junction.

Around 12 seconds after the out-of-service train came to a stop, the 21:57 Manchester Victoria to Leeds passenger service, also operated by Northern, passed through the junction at about 45 mph (72 km/h). This service had just left Todmorden station.

There were no injuries or damage caused as a result of the incident, which occurred during a period of revised working arrangements that had temporarily increased the number of shunting movements involving Todmorden West Curve.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the near miss. It will also consider:
- any factors that may have influenced the actions of those involved
- the status and function of the signalling systems in the area
- the management, training and competence of staff
- how the risk of revised working arrangements was being assessed and controlled
- any underlying management factors.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency minded to approve Powerfuel Portland permit [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 June 2026.

The permit variation will change the types of waste allowed to be incinerated on site.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue a permit variation for Powerfuel Portland Limited to change the permitted waste types that can be incinerated at their Portland facility.

A consultation on the permit application took place between 5th November 2025 and 18th December 2025, and approximately 685 comments were received.

The Environment Agency has carefully considered the documents provided by Portland Powerfuel Limited and explored several issues of concern, such as emissions to air, odour, noise and arrangements for the storage and handling of wastes.

The Environment Agency is now satisfied they have all the information needed and cannot find any reason to refuse this permit variation application and is minded to issue the permit variation.

This means that the Environment Agency thinks the draft permit is ready to be issued but will not make the final decision until they have considered all comments carefully.

A consultation has been launched so that the public can have their say on this draft decision.

The Environment Agency may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will cause significant harm to the environment or to human health.

If all the requirements are met, the Environment Agency is legally obliged to issue a permit.

The planning and permitting processes are separate from each other. A local authority can grant planning permission without an environmental permit in place, and the Environment Agency can grant a permit without planning permission having been provided.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

We have considered all responses to our consultation carefully and are now minded to issue the permit variation.

At this stage, we can only refuse the permit variation if new evidence is brought to light showing the site will cause significant harm to the environment or human health.

We cannot consider planning issues such as the suitability of the location.

The consultation is open and runs until 31 July.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you,

The UK welcomes the Independent Expert’s report, which coincides with the alarming rise of anti-rights activity worldwide.

The report makes clear that lesbian, bisexual and queer women and girls, and trans and gender-diverse people face unique and disproportionate exclusion, discrimination and violence – often at the hands of those seeking to uphold gender stereotypes and norms.

We are concerned by the clear evidence that LBQ+ women and girls face exclusion, discrimination and violence, including barriers to accessing health, protection and participation in public life. These harms are compounded by their invisibility in data, policy and service provision.

The UK is steadfast in its commitment to ending gender-based violence against women and girls in all their diversity, both at home and overseas. Through the All-In Coalition – launched by the UK in 2025 – we are working with partners to drive global action to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence.

Our approach is underpinned by the UK’s International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls. Its four pillars – educating girls, empowering women and girls, championing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and ending gender-based violence – will guide our efforts to ensure that all women and all girls, in all their diversity, can realise their rights and potential.

Thank you.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor backs former coalfield areas with new investment to end decline and encourage local talent [June 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2026.

Communities in former coalfield areas of Britain will benefit from new jobs and business opportunities, as the Chancellor confirms investment in projects that support local talent and boost growth.
- Former coalfield areas in England, Scotland and Wales are set to get a share of £13.5 million to construct new industrial developments for businesses.
- Projects will create hundreds of new jobs and support thousands more, bringing opportunity to areas that have suffered decline overseen by previous governments for decades.
- Investment is part of this Government’s plan to build a stronger and fairer economy by creating the conditions for growth through local investment.
Cowdenbeath in West Fife, St Helens in Merseyside and Seven Sisters in Neath Port Talbot are among six locations that have been selected to get a share of £13.5 million – breathing new life into areas neglected for decades by previous governments.

The money from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund will pay for half of the construction costs of new industrial developments which will house small and medium-sized businesses. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust – a charity dedicated to creating jobs and injecting growth into coalfield areas – will fund the other half.

Former coalfield areas have been selected to receive this funding as the Chancellor pushes to return jobs, opportunities and investment to areas that were once a hub of industry.

The funding will support entrepreneurs in those areas who want to start their own business – or business owners who want to expand their company – in their hometown, rather than feeling forced to go to the next biggest town or city with a stronger economy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

These areas have been overlooked for decades by the previous government. Our investment in new industrial developments is one way we’re making it a stronger business destination where jobs and opportunity are created, not wasted.

If you are an entrepreneur in a former coalfield area wanting to start your own business – or are already a business owner there wanting to expand your company – we are backing you.

Andy Lock, Chief Executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said:

This is fantastic news for coalfield communities, and this investment will deliver benefits for many years to come.

Our industrial developments will create hundreds of jobs and economic growth for the coalfields, while the income generated will support more grassroots community organisations and vulnerable people in the coalfields.

This funding will change thousands of lives in coalfield communities, taking us another step forward to address the challenging legacy of the pit closures.

The investment is part of the Chancellor’s work to build a stronger and fairer economy, making previously overlooked parts of the country better places to live, work and start a business.

Subject to approval of the final business cases, the six areas set to receive funding are:
- Cowdenbeath (Perth Road): 51,000 square feet of light industrial units will be built along with a substation and 87 car parking spaces. 103 jobs will be created on site with hundreds more supported.
- St Helens (Robins Lane, Sutton Fold): 32,000 square feet of light industrial units will be built alongside 54 car parking spaces. 64 jobs will be created on site with hundreds more supported.
- Thoresby (Thoresby Vale Colliery): A 22,500 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer.
- Ashington (Ashwood Business Park): 49,500 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
- Resolven (Vale of Neath Business Park): A 30,000 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
- Seven Sisters (Nant y Cafn Business Park): A 45,000 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
Once complete, sites will be self-sustaining, with rent revenue reinvested back into the local communities.

Welcoming the investment in Cowdenbeath, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

We are immensely proud of Scotland’s coalmining heritage. The UK Government’s partnership with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust develops new businesses, creates jobs, and generates revenue to support local communities, ensuring these communities are not just part of Scotland’s past, but will play a leading role in its future. The UK Government is backing them to achieve that.

Stephen Percy-Robb, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce said:

We strongly welcome this investment in Cowdenbeath and Fife’s wider coalfield communities, recognising both their proud industrial heritage and future potential.

Creating high-quality industrial space in former coalfields will help local businesses grow and ensure talent can stay and succeed within the area.

Fife Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with partners to maximise the opportunities this brings for jobs, enterprise and long-term economic growth.

Welcoming the investment in Resolven and Seven Sisters, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

As a result of this investment, people and businesses in former South Wales coalfield communities will receive greater access to the jobs and opportunities they deserve.

For too long, these communities have been left behind – with many people having been forced to leave their local areas to seek employment elsewhere.

The UK Government is acting to stop this cycle, by delivering jobs, prosperity, and growth right across Wales. We are backing our coalfield communities with the support they need, helping local businesses thrive, and ensuring our coalfield communities reap the benefit of a strengthened and fairer UK economy.

Dr Fiona Withey, COO, Chambers Wales South East South West and Mid, said:

Chambers Wales SESWM fully supports this commitment to rebuilding prosperity where it matters most in our region. This investment is a powerful catalyst for renewal in Wales’ former coalfield communities.

By backing new industry, expanding businesses and local entrepreneurs, it will create jobs, attract further investment and unlock opportunities in areas long overdue for economic revival. Chambers Wales SESWM fully supports this commitment to rebuilding prosperity where it matters most.

Welcoming the investment in St Helen’s, Paul Cherpeau, CEO of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said:

This is really encouraging news for the wider St Helens area and helps to reinforce confidence among local businesses about the economic growth potential of the plans for Parkside.

It also strengthens opportunities to drive investment, support innovation, and fast-track major property developments in the borough through the Liverpool City Region’s new Industrial Strategy Zone.

Given its proximity to major motorways and the existing manufacturing base, Newton le Willows is perfectly positioned to attract engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses, creating highly-skilled jobs and training opportunities, and boosting the local supply chain for generations to come.

The Growth Mission Fund, from which this investment comes, is focused on supporting projects that have been previously overlooked which contribute to local growth, create jobs, support the regeneration and maintenance of heritage and culture assets, or other important local policy objectives.

Almost three hundred areas across the country are also receiving up to £5.8 billion of Pride in Place funding over the next ten years, helping to revitalise local areas through building thriving places, strengthening communities and putting local neighbourhoods back in control of their own areas.

This includes St Helens, which will benefit from up to £40 million of flexible funding for Newton-le-Willows and the Town Centre East and Fingerpost neighbourhood. This allows the community to invest in things like youth clubs, libraries, community grocers, cultural venues, and health and wellbeing services.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Homebuying shake-up to slash delays, cut costs and stop sales falling through [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 18 June 2026.

New rules introduced to simplify homebuying and selling making the process easier and simpler.
- Families and first-time buyers set to save time, money, and stress under major changes to the homebuying process – supporting the next generation and those locked out by a slow and unfair system
- New sales packs to ensure buyers have the information they need upfront, earlier binding agreements, and digital tools will halve the number of sales that fall through saving millions
- Reforms will cut buying times by around four weeks, save first-time buyers an average of £650, and get the housing market moving more quickly
Buying and selling a home is set to become faster, cheaper, and less stressful under major reforms unveiled today (Friday 19 June) to cut delays, reduce and digitalise paperwork, and stop sales collapsing.

At a time when families are feeling the squeeze, new changes will cut homebuying times by around four weeks, save first-time buyers an average of £650, and stop the nasty surprises that cost time, money, and heartbreak. This will ensure the chance to own a home isn’t determined by who can afford to take the biggest risk.

Sellers and estate agents will have to provide key information upfront in ‘sales packs’ at the point of listing. This will set out a home’s condition, leasehold costs, and chain status so buyers can make informed decisions, and property professionals can get to work sooner – while creating a fairer, more transparent process for everyone involved.

Changes will also see new earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason. This will help to give young people confidence in the system and better plan for their next steps, not put them on hold.

In addition, a new Code of Practice will raise standards for estate agents, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector which could ensure agents are properly equipped to support efficient transactions and rebuild trust in the sector.

With the average home purchase taking around 120 days, one in three sales falling through costing sellers around £400 million per year, and failed transactions costing the economy up to £1.5 billion every year – these reforms will fix a broken system.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Getting the keys to a home you can call your own is one of the biggest events in anyone’s life. But right now, the system that should provide support instead turns it into a battle, leaving people in limbo and putting that opportunity out of reach.

We’re turning the page. Our reforms will bring this outdated process into the modern age, saving people time and money, and giving them the certainty they deserve.

This is about building a stronger, fairer Britain, one that works for the next generation and makes the dream of home ownership a reality for many more hard-working people.

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed said:

Buying or selling a home should be one of life’s great moments and not a drawn-out nightmare of delays, hidden costs, and failed deals.

These changes will make the system faster, fairer, and more secure – giving families and first-time buyers the certainty they need all while saving them time and money.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

Delays, hidden costs, and deals collapsing at the last minute are not only bad for homebuyers, it’s bad for the economy too.

Our reforms will cut those delays, cut costs and make the process quicker and more reliable – getting more people on the housing ladder while keeping more money in their pockets.

We have the right economic plan – getting the housing market moving, building thousands more good-quality homes in every region, and transforming rights for renters.

At the heart of the reforms is a major shift to digital – replacing the outdated paper-based systems with faster, more reliable tools.

Digital property logbooks and sales packs will allow trusted information to be shared securely between professionals and accessed by buyers and sellers in real-time, cutting out the back-and-forth that cause so many delays.

The government will also back digital identity checks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing to strip out duplication, reduce fraud risk and accelerate transactions from start to finish. Together, these changes will create a modern, end-to-end system where people can track and progress their move more easily.

Phil Spencer, Property Expert & Move iQ Founder said:

For as long as I’ve worked in property, one of the biggest frustrations I’ve heard from buyers and sellers is that the process simply doesn’t work as well as it should. It can be slow, stressful and uncertain, with too many transactions falling through after months of time, effort and expense.

I welcome these proposals – they address many of the issues consumers have been grappling with for years, from a lack of upfront information to unnecessary delays and last-minute surprises. Giving people a clearer picture from the outset and creating greater certainty throughout the transaction process can only be a positive step.

These have the potential to make moving home a far better experience for everyone involved. Having spent decades at the heart of the housing market, I’ve seen first-hand the emotional and financial toll that a failed transaction can take. Anything that helps buyers and sellers move with greater confidence and fewer obstacles is to be applauded.

I look forward to seeing these changes brought forward and the difference they could make to the way we buy and sell homes.

Paul Whitehead, CEO, Zoopla said:

Zoopla sits at the heart of the UK property market and over 6 million homeowners are tracking the value of their most important asset and planning their next move. They deserve better than a home-buying process that takes months, falls through too often, and leaves everyone poorer for it.

These proposed reforms change that. Upfront sales packs, digital logbooks and binding contracts aren’t just technical reforms – they are the foundations of a market people can trust. Zoopla will continue to be an active partner to the Government and industry in building a faster more transparent system that makes moving simple.

Johan Svanstrom, CEO, Rightmove said:

This is an encouraging step towards a faster and more efficient property market, addressing some of the biggest frustrations that home-movers and industry participants face. By making more information available upfront, there is a clear opportunity to reduce fall-throughs and increase transparency. Our UK-wide data shows that it takes a lengthy 170 days on average to complete a transaction and that over one in five transactions initially falls through. Last year, fall-throughs alone meant that approximately £900 million in potential stamp duty receipts and estate agency commission in England was lost, and consumers lose both precious time, certainty and money when needing to repeat transaction processes. The implementation and phasing of these initiatives will be key to ensure consistency and adoption. It needs to be helpful to the vital role estate agents play in the marketplace, and to avoid any unintended consequences.

Increased mobility, transparency and certainty is key to overall economic growth. We strongly believe that further digitisation and improvements to the home-moving process can help to speed it up and reduce friction. It will require cross-industry collaboration and innovation to achieve the aims set out today.

Countries like the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland have already shown that reforms like these deliver real benefits for buyers, sellers and the industry alike.

The Netherlands uses a live tracking system for buyers and sellers to check their transaction status helping to achieve a final completion time of 20 days on average, whilst Norway’s efforts to streamline and digitalise the system has estimated savings of up to £1.4bn over 10 years.

This package will inject fresh momentum into the housing market and help people keep more money in their pockets by cutting the hidden costs and delays in buying a home to ease cost of living pressures and support a fairer housing market that works for ordinary families.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : We urge Israel to immediately remove unjustifiable restrictions on humanitarian access – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

President, last November this Council adopted resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict.

This provided a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace.

And as USG Fletcher’s briefing set out, there has been some progress since then on the humanitarian front, and in the return of all hostages.

But Mr Fletcher and Ms Khalidi also provided us with a stark reminder that the promise of this plan has not yet been realised, and urgent action is needed by both sides to fulfil their commitments and get implementation back on track.

So I will highlight three priorities.

First, as we heard today, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.

Ongoing violations of the ceasefire are reported to have killed over 1000 Palestinians since October.

Repeated displacement, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to medical care have left children and families exposed to disease; too malnourished to fight infection.

And yet Israel continues to apply ‘dual use’ restrictions to block essential items, while also limiting aid delivery to a single crossing, creating congestion and further delay.

Resolution 2803 is clear. There must be full resumption of humanitarian aid immediately, including rehabilitation of civilian infrastructure.

The January 2025 ceasefire showed what can be delivered when there is political will.

That level of delivery must now be restored, in line with the Comprehensive Plan.

We urge Israel to fulfil its commitments under international law and immediately remove unjustifiable restrictions on humanitarian access.

It is also vital that the UN, including UNRWA, and international NGOs are able to operate safely and at scale to deliver their essential work, in line with international humanitarian law.

Second, we need renewed momentum on security arrangements and a political transition in Gaza.

Hamas must fulfil its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan to decommission its weapons and dismantle military and terrorist infrastructure.

The UK supports a phased and verified decommissioning process, alongside deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, training of a Palestinian police force, and a sequenced IDF withdrawal.

But let me be clear. Israel’s obligation to facilitate humanitarian access is not conditional on Hamas’ disarmament.

Humanitarian assistance must never be used as a political lever; this is one of the basic tenets of international humanitarian law.

Third, stability in the West Bank is essential to any lasting peace.

Yet violence against civilians is increasing at unprecedented levels.

We are horrified by footage of Israeli forces killing a seven‑month‑old baby in Hebron on 5 June.

Israel must take action to ensure the perpetrators face accountability.

Such acts of violence, alongside continued displacement, and the withholding of Palestinian Authority revenues of over $5 billion undermine the Comprehensive Plan.

This must stop.

President, now is the time to move decisively towards peace.

Last week, alongside Australia and Canada, we announced a new International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine to reinvigorate these efforts.

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with partners to lay the foundations for a different future, based on peaceful coexistence between two sovereign and secure states.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : It is vital that UNSMIL remains at the centre of efforts to support political reconciliation in Libya – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

I will focus on three points raised by the SRSG, covering the UN-facilitated political process, irregular migration, and military reunification.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the conclusion of the Structured Dialogue and the publication of its recommendations.

We commend the dialogue’s participants who worked to find consensus on difficult issues, demonstrating the Libyan people’s desire for political progress.

We urge all actors to seriously engage with the SRSG’s roadmap towards elections.

Recent UN-facilitated smaller-format discussions show that progress is possible where there is political will.

As international efforts supporting political reconciliation continue, it is vital that UNSMIL remains at the centre, facilitating an inclusive and durable political solution.

Second, recent protests directed towards UNHCR and UNSMIL reflect frustration among Libyan communities about irregular migration.

We are concerned by mis and disinformation fuelling inflammatory rhetoric about the UN’s work in Libya.

The safety and security of UN staff and their ability to implement their mandates remains vital.

We condemn the criminal gangs profiting from organised immigration crime and driving insecurity in Libya and beyond.

Their networks should be dismantled, informal detention centres closed, and protections for migrants and refugees strengthened.

And third, we welcome the successful conclusion of Exercise Flintlock last month, which saw eastern and western armed forces unite for joint exercises in Sirte.

Such cooperation is an important confidence-building step.

We encourage further efforts to build on this progress in support of the reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions.

President, the responsibility now lies with Libyan actors to seize this moment to agree a sustainable political settlement.

The Libyan people deserve institutions that can deliver security, stability, and opportunity.

We urge all parties to prioritise the national interest and to engage seriously in the UN-facilitated political process.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister announces new candidate for the Commissioner for Public Appointments [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 18 June 2026.

Fiona Cannon OBE has been confirmed as the Prime Minister’s preferred candidate for the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has today confirmed Fiona Cannon OBE as the Prime Minister’s preferred candidate for the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Fiona brings extensive experience which will support the government’s objectives to bring in the best talent from across the country by holding the government to account on fairness, transparency, and the timeliness and diversity of its appointments.

The recommendation follows a fair and open recruitment process. Pre-appointment scrutiny by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) will follow in due course.

The current Commissioner, Sir William Shawcross CVO has held the post since September 2021 and his term will end in July.

The Rt Hon Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister said:

I am delighted to announce Fiona Cannon as the Government’s preferred candidate as the next Commissioner for Public Appointments. Fiona is an excellent candidate with a wealth of expertise, including from across the private sector, and I am sure she will do a fantastic job driving confidence in the system.

I would like to extend my thanks to Sir William Shawcross for carrying out this important role over the last five years and his commitment to transparency and improving candidates’ experience

Notes to Editors:

Fiona is currently the Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Yorkshire Building Society. She was previously the Sustainable Business Director at Lloyds Banking Group. She has served as a Member of the FTSE Women Leaders Review and was appointed an OBE for services to equal opportunities.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Changes made to The Crown Estate Board [June 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 June 2026.

Dan Labbad has been reappointed as Chief Executive and Second Commissioner of The Crown Estate. Anne Kavanagh and Clare Shine have also been reappointed as Board Members of The Crown Estate Board.

On the recommendation of the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Dan Labbad has been reappointed as Chief Executive and Second Commissioner of The Crown Estate, to serve a third four-year term from 1 January 2028. Anne Kavanagh and Clare Shine have also been reappointed as Board Members of The Crown Estate Board for second terms of four years.

Dan has served as CEO of The Crown Estate since 2019. Prior to The Crown Estate, Dan held a number of senior positions at the global property and infrastructure group Lendlease, including Group Chief Operating Officer and the dual roles of Chief Executive Officer, International Operations and Chief Executive Officer, Europe. Dan has actively championed sustainability and technology throughout his professional life, having previously served as a director of the Green Building Council of Australia and as Chairman of the UK Green Building Council.

In addition to her existing responsibilities on the Board, Anne will take on additional responsibilities as Commissioner with special responsibility for England, to ensure the Board’s decisions reflect the conditions, priorities and opportunities in England.

This follows the passage of the Crown Estate Act 2025, which provides for the appointment of Commissioners who, either solely or alongside their wider Board responsibilities, can support the Board’s understanding of English, Welsh and Northern Irish interests. This helps to ensure The Crown Estate’s strategic objectives are aligned with the conditions in each nation. Linked to this, the Crown Estate Act 2025 also increased the maximum number of Commissioners from eight to twelve in line with modern corporate governance standards.

On 19 May 2026, Michael Plaut OBE was announced as being appointed to The Crown Estate Board to serve a four-year term from 1 July 2026 as Commissioner with special responsibility for Wales. A further announcement on a Commissioner with special responsibility for Northern Ireland will be made in due course.

This non-executive appointment process was carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments have been approved by His Majesty The King, following recommendation by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in line with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity to be made public. Dan, Anne, and Clare confirmed that they have not engage in any political activity in the last five years.

18/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important work and today’s report. We commend her dedication throughout her mandate during which she has been a principled and authoritative voice for the protection of freedom of expression worldwide. We express our deep appreciation for her leadership, independence, and consistent defence of journalists, human rights defenders, and open civic space.

We remain committed to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline including through our role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition. This right is foundational to democratic societies, accountability and the protection of all other human rights.

Digital platforms and large technology companies play an increasingly significant role in shaping public debate. Their decisions have profound implications for access to information, media pluralism, and the safety of users. We therefore support efforts to promote greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design and governance of digital platforms.

We will continue to engage on this important matter, working with partners to ensure that digital technologies strengthen, rather than restrict, freedom of expression.

Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can states take to ensure technology companies respect freedom of expression while avoiding over-regulation or unintended restrictions on legitimate speech?

Thank you

18/06/2026