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  • PRESS RELEASE : Dental patients to benefit from 700,000 extra urgent appointments [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dental patients to benefit from 700,000 extra urgent appointments [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 21 February 2025.

    Government delivers on its manifesto commitment to roll out extra urgent appointments across the country.

    • Government delivers on its manifesto commitment to roll out extra urgent appointments across the country
    • ‘Dental deserts’ where patients struggle to get appointments targeted
    • Plans mark first step towards rebuilding NHS dentistry – with government also set to deliver supervised toothbrushing to improve children’s oral health

    Hundreds of thousands of people across England will soon be able to access urgent and emergency dental care as the government and NHS rolls out 700,000 extra urgent appointments, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock announced today (21 February 2025).

    Delivering on the government’s manifesto pledge, NHS England has today written to integrated care boards (ICBs) across the country, directing health chiefs in each region to stand up thousands of urgent appointments over the next year.

    Access to NHS dentistry is increasingly a lottery across the country. Statistics from the GP Patient Survey 2024 show that around 1 in 4 patients who tried to see an NHS dentist in the past 2 years were unable to do so.

    This has led to desperate scenes across the country, such as at St Paul’s Dental Practice in Bristol, where hundreds of patients gathered outside in the hope of seeing an NHS dentist and police had to intervene to manage the queue when the practice re-opened in February 2024.

    Previous interventions have failed to address the crisis in NHS dentistry. For example, the new patient premium – introduced as part of the dental recovery plan published in 2024 – revealed to have cost £88 million but with no impact for patients.

    Data published last week showed the number of new patients accessing NHS dentists has actually fallen by 3% since the scheme was introduced.

    This government has confirmed it will be scrapping the new patient premium, and today sees it already begin the work of rolling out new appointments across the country.

    As part of the government’s manifesto commitment, the extra appointments will be available from April and have been targeted at dental deserts – areas where patients particularly struggle to access NHS dentists. This includes parts of the east of England, such as Norfolk and Waveney, where there are just 31 NHS dentists respectively for every 100,000 people – way below the national average.

    The announcement marks the start of the government and NHS delivering on the manifesto pledge to provide 700,000 extra urgent and emergency dental appointments to address the crisis in NHS dentistry.

    Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, said:

    We promised we would end the misery faced by hundreds of thousands of people unable to get urgent dental care. Today we’re starting to deliver on that commitment.

    NHS dentistry has been left broken after years of neglect, with patients left in pain without appointments, or queueing around the block just to be seen.

    Through our Plan for Change, this government will rebuild dentistry – focusing on prevention, retention of NHS dentists and reforming the NHS contract to make NHS work more appealing to dentists and increase capacity for more patients. This will take time, but today marks an important step towards getting NHS dentistry back on its feet.

    Each ICB has a target of urgent appointments to roll out, based on estimated local levels of unmet need for urgent NHS care. Levels of unmet need are calculated by measures including looking at how many people tried and failed to get an NHS dentist appointment.

    These extra appointments will be for patients who are likely to be in pain – including those suffering from infections or needing urgent repairs to a bridge – and require urgent treatment. NHS commissioners will be working fast to secure these extra appointments this year, with appointments to start coming online from April. Patients will be able to access these appointments by contacting their usual dental practice or calling NHS 111 if they do not have a regular dentist or need help out of hours.

    The plans are the first step towards securing more urgent care for patients over the longer term and will allow for a more fundamental reform of urgent dental care provision.

    Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England, said:

    Dentists are working hard to help as many patients as possible but too many people experience difficulties in accessing NHS dental services.

    It is vital that we do more to improve access – we are working with local systems to prioritise this, which includes providing 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments to help make it quicker and easier for those most in need to be seen and treated on the NHS and we are incentivising dentists to work in underserved areas so that all areas of the country can receive the care they need.

    After inheriting an NHS dental sector in crisis, the government is acting now to make it fit for the future, following years of neglect and unsuccessful interventions.

    A recent report by the National Audit Office found that access to NHS dentistry remains below pre-pandemic levels, with the previous administration’s dental recovery plan not on course to deliver its target of 1.5 million extra treatments by the end of 2024 to 2025.

    Children’s oral health is also in crisis, with tooth decay being the number one reason that children aged 5 to 9 years old are admitted to hospital. More than a fifth of 5-year-old school children have signs of dental decay, according to data published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities last week.

    The data also showed stark regional inequalities in terms of good oral health – with areas of high deprivation having rates of tooth decay more than double that of wealthier areas. For example, almost 1 in 3 children (32.2%) living in Merseyside showed signs of decay, compared to just 13.6% of kids in Gloucestershire.

    To tackle this, the government will introduce a new supervised toothbrushing scheme for 3 to 5 year olds – which is aimed at providing advice and tooth brushing guidance in the school setting to children living in the most deprived areas in England, as well as providing toothbrushes and toothpaste.

    The government is also recruiting new dentists to areas that need them most and will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focusing on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists. This includes the golden hello bonus incentive payment of £20,000, which is being offered per dentist for up to 240 dentists who agree to work in areas of the country that have traditionally been hard to recruit to. Until July, none of the 240 roles had been filled, but the government has since delivered 68 posts, with more to come.

    Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices, said:

    NHS dentistry has been left in a sorry state, with far too many people experiencing pain and discomfort because they can’t access basic care.

    These extra urgent appointments will be welcome and are a helpful first step, but fixing the nation’s oral health crisis will require a sustained effort.

    We now need local NHS leaders to work creatively to ensure available capacity is targeting those most in need, whether treating an infected tooth or ensuring cancer and transplant patients get the dental check-ups they need before starting treatment.

    Urgent care appointments to be delivered by individual integrated care boards

    Region ICB Additional urgent care appointments to be purchased
    East of England Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB 6,041
    East of England Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB 14,195
    East of England Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB 5,712
    East of England Mid and South Essex ICB 6,098
    East of England Norfolk and Waveney ICB 21,520
    East of England Suffolk and North East Essex ICB 15,413
    London North Central London ICB 8,976
    London North East London ICB 17,452
    London North West London ICB 11,445
    London South East London ICB 8,616
    London South West London ICB 6,402
    Midlands Birmingham and Solihull ICB 9,005
    Midlands Black Country ICB 14,473
    Midlands Coventry and Warwickshire ICB 2,740
    Midlands Derby and Derbyshire ICB 16,298
    Midlands Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB 12,970
    Midlands Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB 10,137
    Midlands Lincolnshire ICB 12,017
    Midlands Northamptonshire ICB 17,826
    Midlands Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB 24,360
    Midlands Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB 7,408
    Midlands Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB 16,190
    North East and Yorkshire Humber and North Yorkshire ICB 27,196
    North East and Yorkshire North East and North Cumbria ICB 57,559
    North East and Yorkshire South Yorkshire ICB 19,983
    North East and Yorkshire West Yorkshire ICB 32,312
    North West Cheshire and Merseyside ICB 46,617
    North West Greater Manchester ICB 17,897
    North West Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB 20,822
    South East Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB 15,454
    South East Frimley ICB 6,626
    South East Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB 30,032
    South East Kent and Medway ICB 20,319
    South East Surrey Heartlands ICB 6,585
    South East Sussex ICB 26,546
    South West Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB 13,990
    South West Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB 19,076
    South West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB 10,910
    South West Devon ICB 24,269
    South West Dorset ICB 13,569
    South West Gloucestershire ICB 11,464
    South West Somerset ICB 13,498

    Total additional appointments, England: 700,018.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Essential reforms to pave the way for clean power by 2030 [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Essential reforms to pave the way for clean power by 2030 [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 21 February 2025.

    Ambitious reforms to the government’s flagship renewables scheme will pave way for more projects to come online for clean power 2030 – helping build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    • Government sets out proposals that pave the way for more homegrown, clean energy projects in the UK
    • consultation on flagship Contracts for Difference scheme includes proposals to remove planning barriers, bringing clean power online faster
    • changes ensure auction remains fit for purpose and drives investment and growth, enabling government’s mission for clean power 2030 as part of Plan for Change

    Building on the success of last year’s AR6 round, which delivered a record-breaking 128 projects with 9.6 GW of capacity – enough to power around 11 million homes – the government is today (Friday 21 February) consulting on proposals to provide greater certainty to investors and a better deal for consumers, including:

    • relaxing the eligibility criteria on planning consent for fixed-bottom offshore wind, helping to speed up new offshore wind farms coming
    • changing how offshore wind budgets are set and published, enabling funding to be invested more efficiently
    • increasing the Contracts for Difference contract term beyond the current 15 years, making renewables contracts more cost effective

    The UK is already home to the 3 largest operational offshore wind farm projects in the world, but the UK must secure even more to deliver clean power by 2030. Today’s reforms set out plans to secure the additional offshore wind the UK needs at a good price, delivering value for money to UK bill-payers.

    Electricity generated by renewables will be the backbone of the clean power system by 2030, and the Contracts for Difference scheme is vital to deploying enough renewables that will deliver the capacity targets set out in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This will get the UK off the rollercoaster of global fossil fuel markets while creating good jobs and driving economic growth.

    The UK already has 30.7 GW of offshore wind either installed or committed, with a further 7.2 GW of capacity consented, against a target capacity range of 43 to 50 GW needed for clean power by 2030. These reforms will enable the UK to go further and faster to secure its position as a clean energy superpower.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Last year, we celebrated delivering the most successful auction round in history – now we want to go even further.

    British families and businesses are bearing the cost of the reliance on petrostates and dictators who set the price of gas on the global market.

    Our bold new reforms will give developers the certainty they need to build clean energy in the UK, supporting our mission to become a clean energy superpower and bring down bills for good.

    Neil McDermott, Chief Executive Officer of LCCC, said:

    The CfD scheme has been instrumental in delivering low-carbon electricity to date. As we move towards the government’s 2030 Clean Power target, the CfD will play an even more significant role, maintaining GB’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.

    The proposed changes outlined in the consultation published today include the repowering of existing onshore wind sites, enable floating offshore wind to scale up through phased CfDs and increasing the CfD contract term beyond the current 15 years.

    Maintaining investor confidence is crucial to delivering Clean Power by 2030 and LCCC remains committed to ensuring any changes are implemented smoothly, helping to unlock further private investment in the sector.

    These proposals are the latest actions taken by the government to deliver clean power by 2030 and support growth. The government announced the launch of the Clean Industry Bonus, incentivising offshore wind developers to invest in cleaner supply chains and create jobs in industrial communities.

    The consultation on reforms to the Contracts for Difference scheme is open for 4 weeks until 21 March, with a government response expected ahead of the AR7 round.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence Statement on Conclusion of the Jaysley Beck Coroner’s Inquest [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence Statement on Conclusion of the Jaysley Beck Coroner’s Inquest [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 February 2025.

    A statement from the Minister for Veterans and People on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

    Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:

    Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. I acknowledge what has been said in this inquest and the Army will now reflect on the evidence heard and the failings identified to learn lessons from the Coroner’s findings.

    The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices. Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken.

    Let me be clear: There is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military. This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system. We will honour Jaysley’s legacy by ensuring this is done in the shortest possible time and in the most effective manner.

    Anyone – military or civilian – who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact our confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, which is available 24/7.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor backs Britain’s financial services to drive development and kickstart economic growth [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor backs Britain’s financial services to drive development and kickstart economic growth [February 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 February 2025.

    Rachel Reeves urges financial industry leaders to seize growth opportunities in emerging markets, creating new business for British firms and boosting trade links with fast-growing economies, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    • Chancellor launches coalition to improve sustainable sovereign debt financing to developing economies, shoring up London’s position as development finance leader amid growing global uncertainty
    • Reeves aims to boost private capital mobilisation for development ahead of her attendance of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s annual meeting on 13-15 May in London

    In Canary Wharf today (20 February) the Chancellor met with some of the UK’s biggest financial services firms such as Aviva, HSBC and Schroders and urged them to work with development institutions including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and British International Investment. To go further and faster in delivering the government’s Plan for Change and put more money in people’s pockets, the Chancellor encouraged firms to seize investment opportunities in emerging markets for Britain’s brightest and best companies.

    Co-hosting a roundtable with Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the EBRD, the Chancellor launched the “London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt”. This will be co-chaired by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds.

    The Coalition will bring together government and private sector stakeholders to find innovative solutions to more sustainable sovereign debt financing in developing economies.

    Promoting orderly and transparent debt restructuring and more resilient borrowing will mean that emerging economies can make progress meeting their climate and development targets. The Coalition capitalises on London’s financial services expertise and will help cement its position as a global leader in development finance, in turn supporting economic activity and financing investment across the country. Investing in emerging markets themselves can boost UK growth by creating new opportunities for British businesses in areas such as financial services, and boost trade ties with fast-growing economies amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Business and government must work together to seize opportunities in emerging markets and kickstart economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Today’s roundtable shows how the UK’s world-leading financial centre can help countries unlock new opportunities for our brightest and best British companies to create wealth and drive growth.

    President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso said:

    Mobilising private capital is key to meeting global development needs. I’m delighted to co-host UK business leaders with the Chancellor to discuss how multilateral banks like the EBRD can help channel further financing to emerging markets. By joining forces, we aim to deliver the much-needed impact for developing countries while creating new opportunities for businesses from developed economies.

    The Chancellor and Renaud-Basso also signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out cooperation on the EBRD annual meeting and business forum in London, which will be held from 13 to 15 May this year.

    The Chancellor will attend the bank’s first annual meeting in London since 2016 where it will see governors approve the bank’s next 5-year strategy and highlight opportunities for UK businesses to work with the EBRD in its key markets such as Ukraine, Poland and Turkey.

    Reeves and Renaud-Basso discussed with business leaders how to create the right environment for investment. This is being done at home, for example through reforms to the pensions system which could unlock around £80 billion in productive investment and the launch of the Transition Finance Council led by Lord Alok Sharma. It is also key to work overseas, where British International Investment and UK-backed programmes including MOBILIST and the Private Infrastructure Development Group have unlocked billions in private investment for climate and development around the world. A new Institutional Investor Taskforce will advise government and institutional investors on how they can work together to open up even more of this much-needed investment and establish London as the world’s leading climate and development finance hub.

    Reeves outlined the UK’s growth priorities, both at home and abroad, and highlighted the financing tools and instruments to help achieve this such as the National Wealth Fund, which is expected to mobilise over £70 billion in private investment into the high-growth industries of the future. Reeves also underscored the importance of multilateral development banks in helping to mobilise private capital, through working together more effectively as a system and with the private sector.

    As the largest institutional investor in Ukraine, the EBRD has also been working with the UK government to support Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. In December, the UK confirmed its participation in a EUR 4bn capital increase which will unlock billions each year to support critical sectors of Ukraine’s economy. The EBRD and Aon also launched an innovative $110m war insurance facility with UK support in the same month to rebuild the country’s insurance market.

    Elsewhere, the EBRD invests in 36 economies across three continents including in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. This year it will also begin operations in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The roundtable comes ahead of the Chancellor’s visit to Cape Town, South Africa, next week to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting. She will be advocating for the UK’s Growth Mission on the global stage and championing how private capital and the role of the City will kickstart economic growth and raise living standards around the world.

    Baroness Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential PLC and Co-Chair of the World Bank Private Sector Investment Lab, said:

    It is critical for governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector to work together to mobilise, at scale and pace, greater levels of finance for climate and development where it is most needed – in emerging and developing markets. I particularly welcome the focus today on practical steps to develop and deploy risk-sharing and blended financial instruments.

    Dame Elizabeth Corley, Chair of Schroders PLC, said:

    I firmly believe asset managers play a key role in crowding in private capital and unlocking it at scale in emerging markets. Schroders, with its impact pioneer BlueOrchard, is eager to share our expertise in blended finance and impact investing to overcome barriers to private sector investment, redressing some of the world’s biggest challenges like climate change and inequality.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Councils to receive exceptional support [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Councils to receive exceptional support [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 20 February 2025.

    Additional support confirmed for councils in exceptional difficulty to set balanced budgets. Long-term reform underway to fix foundations of local government.

    Councils in exceptional need of help will today receive letters confirming government support to help balance their budgets.

    30 councils in exceptional circumstances have been confirmed to receive support for the coming financial year to ensure delivery of vital public services, protecting vital community assets and promoting economic stability as committed to in the Plan for Change.

    As part of this support package, for the first time additional expectations have been set out to protect treasured community assets, culture and identity, with councils using capitalisation instructed not to dispose of community and heritage assets.

    Recognising the financial hardships facing the sector, earlier in the month, the government announced more than £69 billion for local government, a 6.8% cash terms increase in councils’ Core Spending Power on 2024-25 in the Final Local Government Finance Settlement. This included a new targeted £600 million Recovery Grant to help councils with greater need and demand for services.

    Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:

    We are under no illusion of the state of council finances and have been clear from the outset on our commitment to get councils back on their feet and rebuild the foundation of local government.

    We are working with local leaders, encouraging councils to come in confidence where needed to seek help and be assured we will offer a relationship of partnership – not punishment – in our joint mission to improve public services for communities and create economic stability as set out in our Plan for Change.”

    Our long-term commitment is to fix the foundations of local government, including reforming the outdated and inefficient funding model by bringing forward the first multi-year settlements in a decade, creating an updated and fit-for-purpose assessment of need and reforming the local audit system to provide transparency, security and stability to council finances.

    However, there are councils in financial difficulty in need of immediate help, and a record number of councils have reached out to the government asking for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to help them balance their budgets this year.

    The Exceptional Financial Support process has existed since 2020 to support councils facing unmanageable financial pressures. In line with the previous government’s approach, support is provided through a financial flexibility, known as capitalisation, where the government permits councils to treat revenue costs as capital costs and means councils can meet those costs using their existing borrowing powers or via capital receipts.

    However, unlike previous years, where local leaders deem it necessary to borrow to support recovery, the government has removed the condition that made borrowing more expensive through a 1% premium. The government will instead work with councils on improvement and actions they can take to help manage their position to ensure value for taxpayer money.

    To ensure financial stability and better outcomes for residents the government has consulted on how to best streamline the outdated funding model and distribute taxpayer’s money more fairly, based on an updated assessment of need, enabling every council to deliver high quality services to their communities.

    As part of handing local leaders more power and control of their funding, the government will end outdated processes and bureaucracy of bidding for different funding pots and bring forward the first multi-year settlement in a decade in 2026-27 to provide certainty and economic security to councils setting budgets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK has information that Proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK has information that Proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

    President, like others I extend condolences to the fallen Tunisian peacekeeper’s family, and express our gratitude for the personal sacrifices that peacekeepers and their families make in support of peace.

    We condemn all attacks on UN peacekeepers.

    I will make three points today.

    First, the UK welcomes the work by the government of CAR, in coordination with MINUSCA, to advance voter registration for elections.

    The elections should be an important milestone in expanding the political participation of all individuals in CAR.

    However, the UK has information that Proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate.

    These actions demonstrate that Russian proxies act without regard for CAR’s sovereignty in order to secure continued support for their destabilising objectives.

    Furthermore, they jeopardise the dedicated UN role, mandated by this Council, to help support inclusive, free and fair elections in 2025 and 2026.

    Second, the UK also welcomes progress by the government of CAR to improve its security and accountability capacity.

    This includes delivering the first disciplinary sanctions against magistrates since 2013.

    However, as the Secretary-General’s report highlights, CAR faces many security challenges.

    Attacks by Sudanese Rapid Support Forces in CAR threaten progress made in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement.

    The UK calls on all actors to respect CAR’s territorial integrity.

    We also encourage the government of CAR to enhance border management with Sudan to support refugees and prevent their exploitation by armed elements.

    Third, we remain concerned at the human rights situation in the country.

    The UK condemns reports of ‘Wagner Ti Azande’ and other armed groups committing atrocities against civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence.

    Grave violations against children are also increasing.

    We urge the government of CAR to enhance their efforts to identify recruited children and secure their handover to child protection actors.

    We also call on all actors to the conflict to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.

    President, to conclude, the coming year will be important for supporting peace and security in CAR, including through elections.

    The UK remains committed to supporting MINUSCA and the government of CAR to embed genuine long-term security while preserving CAR’s sovereignty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-India defence agreements boost ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-India defence agreements boost ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

    The UK-India strategic partnership has taken another major step forward with the formal launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and the signing of several defence agreements at Aero India 2025.

    Announcing DP-I, UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker opened the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence that will serve as a one-stop shop for strengthening bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries.

    The UK and India have today agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Thales and BDL have signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year. This contract represents an important next step for UK-Indian defence co-operation in the critical area of air defence.

    Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister, said:

    It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defence relationship. Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition.

    This event showcases our collaboration in next generation capability, and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together.

    Following the signing of this initial LBRM contract, both Thales and BDL will further collaborate to produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This develops and expands the partnership between Indian and British industry, laying the foundation for BDL and Indian industry to form an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain. It will address mutual security concerns, create jobs in both countries and enable interoperability by both armies.

    Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

    India is taking significant steps in its journey to become Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.

    In a separate development, MBDA UK and BDL have been working together on the installation of a first of its kind Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad, arming current fleet of India’s fighter jets as well as exporting to the world.

    On the maritime front, the UK and India have signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. As next steps, GE Vernova and BHEL are working to develop India’s first maritime Land Based Testing Facility to deliver LPD in the water by 2030.

    The strengthening of UK-India partnership will directly support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition and deliver the UK Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change.

    Further information

    • Free-to-use high resolution images of the UK delegation at Aero India will be uploaded online: www.flickr.com/photos/ukinindia.
    • The British companies at Aero India 2025 are Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, Leonardo, Strongfield Technologies, ASL, SEKO Logistics, Jaguar Engineering Centre of Excellence, Aviation Defence Supplies Ltd and Ricardo.
    • Following the signing of the LBRM contract both Thales UK and BDL will further collaborate to co-produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles with BDL forming an integral part of the Thales supply chain, increasing manufacturing capacity for global export.
    • UK Defence invested £69 million to secure Thales UK supply chain for key components used in the manufacture of missiles in 2024.
    • The landmark maritime electric propulsion capability transfer will ensure self-reliance in the power and propulsion of the Indian Navy’s next generation fleets.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Somalia – Charles King [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Somalia – Charles King [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

    Mr Charles King has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in succession to Mr Michael Nithavrianakis MVO. Mr King will take up his appointment during May 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Charles Nicholas King

    Year Role
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Joint Head of Israel/OPTs Gaza Taskforce
    2020 to 2023 FCDO, Head of Levant and North Africa Department and UK Special Representative for Syria
    2017 to 2020 Paris, Counsellor, Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs
    2015 to 2016 FCO, Chief of Staff to Jonathan Powell, PM’s Special Representative for Libya
    2012 to 2015 Istanbul, Head of Syria Office
    2010 to 2012 FCO, Head of Afghanistan Reconciliation and Regional Team
    2009 to 2010 Baghdad, Deputy Head of Political Section
    2008 to 2009 Damascus, Second Secretary Political/Economic
    2007 to 2008 Cairo, Arabic language training
    2006 to 2007 FCO, Head of Africa/Middle East Consular Casework Team
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Deputy Head of EU Accessions Bill Team and Desk Officer for Romania and Bulgaria
    2004 Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future – UK Statement to the OSCE [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future – UK Statement to the OSCE [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

    Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan says that the UK’s priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is unwavering. Our support is not only about providing military assistance, which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but also about standing by Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace. As we take stock, it seems timely to reiterate the importance of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

    Principle I includes the phrase: ‘Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, including the right to belong or not to belong to international organisations.’

    On 14 February the Prime Minister yet again reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO and has since called for ongoing support from Allies, as agreed at the Washington Summit last year. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO reflects its desire for security and recognition of shared values on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The UK believes Ukraine’s NATO membership would strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European stability and security. NATO has shown its commitment to Ukraine’s security through military support, training, and intelligence-sharing, and remains determined to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Principle III includes the phrase: ‘Inviolability of frontiers. States will refrain from any demand for, or act of, seizure and usurpation of part or all of the territory of any participating State.’

    Principle IV includes the phrase: ‘Territorial integrity of States. States will refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation or other measures of force in contravention of international law. No such occupation or acquisition will be recognized as legal.’

    We all want to reach a durable peace as soon as possible, no one more so than Ukraine. Russia could end this war tomorrow, if Russia chose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and withdraw its troops.  A just and lasting peace is only possible if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression.  The UK stands firmly with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and security.

    Principle V includes the phrase: ‘Peaceful settlement of disputes. States will use means such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, or other peaceful means of their choice, including any settlement procedure agreed to in advance of disputes to which they are parties.’

    We understand that peace cannot be achieved through force alone but through a comprehensive, diplomatic process that respects the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people. And we must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost. It is vital that Ukraine’s voice is at the heart of any talks. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have shown the most extraordinary resilience. This is why the UK continues to work closely with its allies to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for legitimate negotiation when the time comes.

    Peace comes through strength. This is the moment for us all to step up – and the PM has made clear that the UK will do so, because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security. Ukraine needs strong security guarantees, further lethal aid, and a sovereign future. The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine’s military – where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030.

    In closing, it is critical to note that Ukraine is still fighting with immense courage. Our priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations, and we believe Ukraine’s future is in NATO, as a member of a secure and stable Europe. The UK remains resolute in its belief that Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future. This illegal war instigated by Russia can end only when Russia chooses to withdraw its forces and cease its unlawful aggression, allowing Ukraine to chart its own course free from external threats. At this crucial moment, we will not step back but step up our support to Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Ronan’s Law’ to see toughest crackdown yet on knife sales online [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Ronan’s Law’ to see toughest crackdown yet on knife sales online [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 February 2025.

    Retailers will need to report suspicious and bulk purchases of knives on their platforms to police, with tougher sentences for selling knives to under 18s.

    Stricter rules for online retailers selling knives will be introduced by the government, along with tougher penalties for failing to enforce them, as we pursue every avenue to protect young people from knife crime.

    Following tragedies where the unlicensed sale of these weapons online has led to young people being killed, retailers will be required to report any bulk or suspicious-looking purchases of knives on their platforms to police to prevent illegal resales happening across social media accounts.

    Underlining our commitment to stop these weapons from reaching young people, we will increase the sentence for selling weapons to under 18s from 6 months to up to 2 years prison time, which could apply to an individual who has processed the sale or a CEO of the company.

    This increased penalty will also apply to the sale or supply of prohibited offensive weapons such as recently banned zombie-style knives, following police evidence outlined by Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, where he identified a discrepancy in current legislation which means there is more leniency for illegally selling weapons than possessing one.

    And in recognition of the broad array of knives – legal or banned – that are involved in knife attacks, a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill which will come with a prison sentence of up to 4 years in prison. This means that no matter if the weapon in possession is legal or not, if there is intent to cause violence, it is a crime.

    The government will also explore through a consultation later this year whether a registration scheme should be put in place for all online retailers selling knives so that only responsible sellers are able to sell knives. This follows the government’s recent announcement that we will significantly strengthen ID checks on the sale and delivery of knives to keep our streets safe as part of the Plan for Change.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

    It is horrifying how easy it is for young people to get hold of knives online even though children’s lives are being lost, and families and communities are left devastated as a result.

    Not enough has been done to tackle the online market over recent years which is why we made it an urgent priority in our manifesto and the measures today will be underpinned by investment for a new dedicated police unit to go after those who are breaking the law and putting children and teenagers lives at risk.

    We are honouring our commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law in memory of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022. I am so grateful to the Kanda family for their endless perseverance in ensuring governments take the right actions to protect young people from further tragedy.

    This government has set an ambitious mission for the country to halve knife crime over the next decade and we will pursue every possible avenue to save young lives.

    Last autumn, the Home Secretary commissioned Commander Clayman to conduct an end-to-end review into the sale of knives online. The review, being published today, exposed lethal loopholes in the sale of knives online which are allowing dangerous weapons to end up in the wrong hands.

    The review highlighted the lack of minimum standards for age verification and delivery checks. That is why the government has announced that a stringent two-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Knife Crime, Commander Stephen Clayman said:

    A key focus in our fight to tackle knife crime and improve the safety of our communities is limiting the accessibility of knives wherever possible, restricting their availability and the routes to purchase. All too often in policing, we are dealing with the horrific consequences of knife crime and seeing how it devastates individuals and families.

    The evidence in the end-to-end review clearly demonstrates just how easy it is for anyone to purchase a knife online, often avoiding any age verification at all, or where it is in place, exploiting vulnerabilities, especially with delivery.

    We welcome the government’s commitment in working with policing and partners to tackle knife crime and these new measures will significantly enhance our response to this.

    Today’s new measures will collectively be known as ‘Ronan’s Law’ in honour of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022 in a case of mistaken identity near his home in Wolverhampton aged 16.

    Ronan’s killers, who were also teenagers, illegally bought lethal weapons online and collected them from the Post Office on the day of the attack, with no age or identity verification taking place. It was later revealed that one of Ronan’s teenage killers had bought more than 20 knives online, including by using his mother’s ID. Today’s measures to close lethal loopholes in the online sale of knives deliver on a manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law and are the result of tireless campaigning by Ronan’s mother Pooja and sister Nikita to restrict young people’s access to weapons online and to protect other families from the same heartbreak.

    Mother of Ronan and campaigner, Pooja Kanda said:

    In 2022, I lost my son, Ronan, to knife crime and mistaken identity. In 2023, we sat in the courtroom where we were shown a Ninja sword and 25+ bladed articles. Looking at them, I knew my son didn’t stand a chance. Without proper ID checks, the online sale of these bladed articles played a crucial role in this tragedy. How was this allowed? A 16-year-old managed to get these weapons online and sold these weapons to other people.  I knew we could not go on like this, and our fight for what was right had begun. Proper ID checks by sellers, as well as postal and delivery services, played a crucial role.

    We welcome the government’s plans to tackle the online sale of these weapons. Retailers, social media, and sellers need to take on more responsibilities. We welcome the proposal of a registration scheme, where the government will continue to implement stricter measures on the online sale of bladed articles. We have so much work to tackle knife crime; this is a much-needed beginning.

    This part of Ronan’s law will provide much-needed barriers against knife crime. I wish this was done years ago, and my son would be with me today.

    Patrick Green, CEO of Ben Kinsella Trust said:

    I am pleased to see that the government is listening to frontline organisations and is tightening the legislation needed to eliminate the supply of dangerous and intimidating weapons.

    These new laws, particularly the focus on reporting suspicious purchases and stronger age verification, will compel retailers to take responsibility for their actions. It has been our stated position that a licencing system for retailers is only way to ensure that specialised knives are only sold to those with legitimate and lawful need.

    A licensing system will ensure that only reputable retailers who comply with the law and prioritise public safety will be able to sell knives.

    In the spring, the Home Office intends to launch a consultation into a registration scheme for retailers in order to sell knives online.

    The government has an ambitious mission to halve knife crime over the next decade and tackling the online space is a core part of that plan. We have already announced that we will introduce significant fines in the region of £10,000 for tech executives who fail to remove illegal knife crime content from their platforms and a mandatory two-step verification system for all retailers selling knives online. This will require customers to submit photo ID at the point of sale and again at the point of delivery. In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it.

    Since coming into government, ministers have acted with urgency to ban zombie-style knives and machetes, accelerate a ban on ninja swords and address the online market in order to keep weapons off the streets and out of the wrong hands. The government is also steadfast in its commitment to making prevention a central part of its knife crime action plan through the new Young Futures Programme, which will identify young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime and provide the interventions necessary to steer them in the right direction.

    Graham Wynn, Assistant Director of Regulatory Affairs at the British Retail Consortium, said:

    Retailers take their responsibilities seriously and are fully committed to playing their part in making sure knives don’t make their way into the wrong hands. We look forward to considering the full details of the new proposal and welcome the commitment from the Home Office to meet retailers on this vital issue to ensure the safe sale of knives.