Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : John Tuckett to step down as Immigration Services Commissioner [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 October 2025.

Following a successful pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year, the Home Secretary has approved the appointment.

John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, has been appointed as the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration and will assume the role immediately.

The government is in the process of recruiting a new Immigration Services Commissioner, which will be confirmed shortly. While this recruitment process concludes, immigration advice will continue to be provided by registered organisations and advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said:

It has been an incredible five years leading the IAA through both challenges and change. I am immensely proud to have supported our dedicated staff in transforming the IAA into the organisation it is today – one that remains committed to protecting advice seekers upholding the highest standards across the immigration advice sector.

Heather Laing, Chief Executive, said:

We are deeply grateful for John’s leadership and dedication over the past five years, guiding the IAA through significant transformation. On behalf of the organisation, I want to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best for the future. As we move forward, I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to strengthen the IAA’s vital work.

John joined the IAA in 2019, having worked in senior leadership roles across multiple regulatory and governmental bodies. With a wealth of experience in public service, he guided the IAA, formerly the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, through a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the organisation strengthened its role in protecting advice seekers and promoting best practice across the immigration advice sector. His dedication to integrity, accountability, and organisational development has left a lasting impact, shaping the IAA into the organisation it is today.

To ensure continuity for the IAA, John will continue to serve as Immigration Services Commissioner for a short period on a part-time basis while the process for his successor is finalised.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : John Tuckett appointed as new ICIBI [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 October 2025.

The Home Secretary has today announced John Tuckett’s appointment as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI).

The Home Secretary has today (7 October) announced John Tuckett’s appointment as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI).

This follows successful pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year. He will replace David Bolt who has been serving as interim ICIBI since June 2024.

Mr Tuckett joins from his previous position as Immigration Services Commissioner, which he has held since July 2019, and brings more than 30 years of experience to the role.

Following a career as a Royal Navy submarine commander, Mr Tuckett moved into senior Home Office positions where he successfully led the merger of Prison and Probation Services

He also served as Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation and has led major organisational change programmes across multiple government departments.

The ICIBI plays a vital role in independently monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK’s border, immigration and citizenship system, making recommendations directly to the Home Secretary. The role will be conducted from the UK full time.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said:

John Tuckett brings exceptional experience in public service leadership and organisational transformation, which will be invaluable as we secure Britain’s borders and reform our immigration system.

I would like to thank David Bolt for all his hard work during his time as interim Independent Chief Inspector.

Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, John Tuckett, said:

I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this important role and committed to providing robust, independent scrutiny of the UK’s border security and immigration processes.

My priority will be to help ensure the immigration system works efficiently and effectively while upholding the highest standards of fairness and security.

This appointment forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which includes major reforms to streamline the immigration system and strengthen borders while maintaining robust security checks.

The government is in the process of recruiting a new Immigration Services Commissioner who will be confirmed shortly.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Independent Football Regulator appoints first Chief Executive Officer [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 October 2025.

Richard Monks appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Football Regulator.
- Monks brings nearly 20 years’ financial and regulatory experience to CEO role
Independent Football Regulator (IFR) Chair David Kogan has today appointed Richard Monks as the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer.

As the IFR’s first executive appointment, Monks brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the financial regulation sector.

Most recently, Monks was a Partner at EY, one of the City’s ‘Big Four’ professional services and accounting firms. While at EY, Monks was responsible for advising regulators on Government’s growth objective and financial services clients on regulatory implementation.

IFR Chair David Kogan said:

Richard brings extensive financial and regulatory clout to the IFR, providing balance and insight to our senior leadership team. We are drawing on a wide range of knowledge from the worlds of regulation and football and Richard will build on this as he develops our executive and regulatory skills.

This appointment demonstrates the IFR is hitting the ground running.

Monks previously worked at the Financial Conduct Authority and its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority. There he held several senior positions in strategy, policy and supervisory roles, including Director of Strategy for the FCA, where he was responsible for leading on market-wide analysis, Brexit implementation and design of new financial regimes for investment firms. He also created the FCA’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime.

Monks previously provided advice to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for its work in response to the Fan Led Review of Football Governance, including design of the financial regime which underpins the Football Governance Act.

His appointment will complement the extensive football industry and broadcast media experience brought to the organisation by Chair David Kogan.

IFR CEO Richard Monks said:

I am delighted to be appointed CEO of the IFR. My full focus will be on building the organisation and regulatory regime that delivers the right result for the football pyramid and its millions of fans, and supporting clubs throughout the process.”

Monks’ appointment will accelerate key organisational and operational decision-making as the body prepares to regulate the football industry.

In the coming weeks and months, the IFR will launch further public consultations on its policies, rules, and guidance, to gather industry feedback and familiarise industry with its provisions as set out in the Football Governance Act.
October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Malaysia deepen climate co-operation with new adaptation initiatives [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2025.

Minister Seema Malhotra has launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia.

The UK Minister for the Indo Pacific, Seema Malhotra, has launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia, at a ceremony held at the Forest Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (6 October). The event was also attended by Datuk Mas Rizal bin Mohd Hilmi, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

The UK will work in partnership with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Malaysia to support Malaysian efforts to protect itself from the effects of climate change. This includes the use of innovative financial tools to attract new green investment from businesses and banks for climate-related projects.

The UK will also partner with Monash University Malaysia on a project that helps local leaders in Selangor make informed decisions about water, energy, and food consumption. The project will fund economic models to show how changes in one area – like building more hydropower – could affect others, such as farming or wetlands. This in turn helps the local leaders make choices that protect their people, nature and economies.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Malhotra said:

The UK and Malaysia have a long history of working together on climate and the environment. Today, we are taking our climate partnership further still. These joint projects will deliver practical, community-focused solutions that strengthen Malaysia’s ability to respond to climate impacts such as flooding and heat stress.

This work is part of the UK’s wider commitment to supporting climate resilience across Asia and is supported through the UK’s flagship Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme.

Representatives from UNDP Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia joined the ceremony to exchange grant agreements and present their project plans. The event marks a key milestone in UK-Malaysia climate cooperation, ahead of COP30, where Malaysia is expected to play a leading role in shaping regional climate outcomes.

Mr. Edward Vrkić, UNDP’s Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam said:

Climate change is not a distant challenge. It is already reshaping lives and livelihoods in Malaysia. Scaling up climate finance, especially for adaptation, is critical to ensure communities, ecosystems, and economies remain resilient. With this support, UNDP is working closely with financial institutions, regulators, and government partners to unlock new pathways for sustainable investment. This collaboration builds on our ongoing initiatives, including the Climate Finance Network and MyClimateFinHub, and reflects our shared commitment to direct finance towards solutions that leave no one behind.

Professor Stephen Boyle, Monash University Malaysia’s Vice President for Education shared:

CARA’s support aligns perfectly with Monash’s commitment to building thriving communities in a changing climate. This funding will support the development of strategies that optimise water, energy, and food systems while conserving our natural ecosystems – an integrated approach essential for climate adaptation.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Industrial Strategy hits the ground running, securing £250bn in investment and supporting 45,000 jobs [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 October 2025.

The Government has announced that it has secured over £250 billion of investment into the IS-8 sectors since July, supporting 45,000 high-quality jobs in communities across the UK.
- The Government has welcomed over £250 billion of investment since the launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy in June.
- 45,000 jobs will be supported thanks to investment commitments made into the strategy’s key growth driving sectors.
- Figures reinforce the government’s commitment to driving growth in communities all across the UK as it delivers on the Plan for Change.
Since July, the Government has secured over £250 billion of investment into the IS-8 sectors, supporting 45,000 high-quality jobs in communities across the UK.

These achievements mark a significant milestone since the launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy in June, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to long-term economic growth, innovation, and national resilience.

From advanced manufacturing to clean energy, creative industries to defence and digital technologies, the strategy is already delivering tangible results — unlocking private investment, creating high-quality jobs, and positioning the UK as a global leader in future-facing sectors.

These achievements – summarised in the first Quarterly Update, published today – are just the beginning of a long-term plan to build a more productive, innovative, and resilient economy. The Industrial Strategy is not just a vision — it is a delivery programme, already shaping the UK’s economic future.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Our Industrial Strategy has hit the ground running — securing over £250 billion in investment and supporting 45,000 jobs in just a few months. This shows our strategy is not just working — it’s transforming communities and industries across the country as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

From pioneering clean energy to scaling up advanced manufacturing and digital innovation, we’re backing the sectors that will define the future. This strategy is about delivery, not just ambition — and it’s already laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone.

Advanced Manufacturing

The newly launched DRIVE35 programme is injecting £2.5 billion into the automotive sector, supporting capital investment and R&D. A £650 million electric vehicle grant scheme is already accelerating consumer adoption, while over 50 cutting-edge auto projects have secured £70 million in innovation funding.

Clean Energy Industries

The UK’s clean energy ambitions are advancing at pace. The Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 has opened with a £544 million budget, while ten hydrogen projects from Allocation Round 1 are now moving forward — creating over 700 jobs. Two new Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) projects will join the HyNet cluster, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs across North Wales and the North West.

Creative Industries

The government is investing in the UK’s world-class creative industries, with £150 million from the Creative Places Growth Fund allocated to regions including the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. New higher technical qualifications and a Creative Careers Programme are being developed to inspire the next generation of talent.

Defence

An £182 million Defence Skills package will establish five new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, while £220 million is being invested in test and evaluation capabilities through the Defence Tech Scaler. A further £65 million is supporting SMEs and exporters in the defence sector.

Digital and Technologies

In digital tech, the creation of a new AI Growth Zone in the North East is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs and attract more than £30 billion in private investment. The UK-US Tech Prosperity Agreement is also unlocking new opportunities in AI, quantum, and digital trade.

Financial Services

The UK is sharpening its competitive edge in financial services with the launch of a new Office for Investment concierge service this October, designed to streamline support for firms and attract global capital. A bold consultation on regulatory reform is underway, including plans to merge the Payment System Regulator and Financial Conduct Authority—a move set to simplify oversight and boost innovation.

Life Sciences

The UK is cementing its position as a global life sciences powerhouse with the launch of Europe’s first Biofoundry for mRNA manufacturing in Darlington, backed by £30 million in government support. A £50 million Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is now live, alongside the opening of Moderna’s Innovation and Technology Centre, part of a landmark £1 billion, 10-year partnership. CEO and Chair recruitment for the new £600m Health Data Research Service is underway, with appointments expected by the end of the year.

Professional and Business Services

The UK’s professional services sector is gearing up for a digital-first future. A new Made Smarter delivery model is being co-developed with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, ready for rollout in 2026 to boost productivity and innovation. Meanwhile, the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshow landed in Edinburgh, connecting small businesses with global trade opportunities and showcasing the best of British enterprise on the international stage.
October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK clinical trial approval times twice as fast with AI and reforms [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 7 October 2025.

The time it takes to approve clinical trials in the UK has been cut by more than half – from an average of 91 days to just 41 days – following major reforms backed by new digital platforms at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), new research confirms.

This means patients can safely access promising new treatments – from cancer therapies to rare disease studies – several weeks sooner than before.

The progress helps support the Prime Minster’s ambition to turbocharge clinical research, to fast-track clinical trials and reduce set-up time to less than 150 days by March 2026.

Findings published this week (6 October) in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (BJCP), show the reforms are delivering consistently strong results, with 99 per cent of applications reviewed within statutory timelines, and most completed well ahead of target.

The study is the first comprehensive review of the MHRA’s new way of reviewing trials based on their level of risk, introduced in 2023, showing how it speeds up review timelines while protecting patient safety.

A fast-track route allows some lower-risk studies to be approved in just 14 days. For example, under the 14-day notification scheme, a haemophilia A trial was able to begin several weeks earlier than expected, giving patients with this serious bleeding disorder faster access to potentially life-changing therapy.

Building on this, artificial intelligence (AI) is now being introduced to further support assessors – helping review complex data and improve consistency – while final decisions continue to rest with experienced assessors to ensure patient safety.

The reforms also support wider Government efforts to modernise the UK’s research landscape through the 10 Year Health Plan – streamlining trial setup by slashing red tape, simplifying paperwork and introducing a national standardised contract to remove months of delay.

Millions of people will also be able to search for and sign up to lifechanging clinical trials, via the NIHR Be Part of Research service on the NHS App, allowing patients to browse and find the trials best suited to their interests and needs.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

“We are halving approval times and streamlining processes, so NHS patients are at the front of the queue and receiving life-changing treatments faster than ever before.

“As we shift from analogue to digital, we are harnessing AI alongside cutting red tape and reforming bureaucratic processes so patients can receive medicines in just 41 days instead of 91.

“We are getting on with modernising our NHS for patients and making it fit for the future – because when someone is fighting for their health, every day matters.”

MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon said:

“These reforms put patients first, helping them access innovative treatments sooner while maintaining the highest safety standards. They also give researchers and global companies the certainty they need to plan and invest here in the UK. By more than halving approval times through digital tools with proportionate oversight that prioritises patient safety, we are increasing the efficiency and attractiveness of the UK’s clinical trial ecosystem and reinforcing our global reputation as a leading destination for cutting-edge research.”

How digital reforms are transforming clinical trial approvals

AI is helping support clinical trial assessors, scanning thousands of pages of data to flag potential issues for human review. Two new bespoke MHRA AI tools are taking this further. The Knowledge Hub helps assessors spot common issues seen in past applications, so they can give trial sponsors clearer, higher-quality advice from the start – helping well-designed trials get underway sooner. The Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Compliance Checker verifies manufacturing documents in seconds instead of hours, freeing up experts to focus on complex safety assessments.

Meanwhile, digital dashboards provide real-time visibility of all active applications in the UK’s trial portfolio, helping the MHRA track performance and deliver more predictable timelines.

The MHRA’s Combined Review process with the Health Research Authority runs ethical and regulatory assessments in parallel, cutting duplication for researchers and industry, offering a single, streamlined route into the UK system.

Together, these tools mean the UK can maintain rigorous safety standards and handle increasingly complex studies, such as advanced cell and gene therapies or personalised treatments, without slowing down.

Proven results of a risk-proportionate approach

The BJCP analysis conducted by the MHRA in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, reviewed more than 4,600 clinical trials initial applications and amendments in the first year of the MHRA’s risk-proportionate approach, launched with patient input in August 2023. Almost all initial applications (99 per cent) were completed within the statutory 30-day timeframe, and 99.9% of amendments within 35 days – with many decisions delivered well ahead of target.

Professor Andrea Manfrin, MHRA Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials, and lead author of the study, said:

“The data confirms that our new approach is delivering for both patients and researchers, to create a system that is safe, faster, fairer and more predictable. Digital innovation and risk-proportionate oversight mean lower-risk studies can move ahead without unnecessary delay, while higher-risk trials still receive the detailed expert review they require. Researchers can know they’re in good hands, with a regulator ready to support complex, next-generation therapies – and patients can be confident that safety always comes first.”

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, co-author of the study at the University of Liverpool, said:

“The data on the risk proportionate approach are impressive showing that 99% of clinical trial applications are being completed within the statutory timelines. This is excellent news for trialists and for patients getting access to innovative medicines. It is always going to be important to continually review how well the system is working, ensuring that patient safety is the foremost priority in the assessment of the clinical trial applications.”

Building on success

The reforms deliver on government commitments in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and Life Sciences Sector Plan, and support the Prime Minister’s pledge to turbocharge clinical research and cut clinical trial set-up times to just 150 days.

The MHRA is now building on this progress. Its first nationwide study of the UK clinical trial landscape also highlighted opportunities to improve diversity in research, address under-represented conditions, and attract greater international investment.

New legislation coming into force in April 2026 will embed these reforms further. All UK clinical trials will be required to publicly register and publish their results, including easy-to-read summaries for participants. This means for the first time patients will be able to see, in plain language, what a study found – a move that could help strengthen trust in science and encourage more people to take part in research.

The legislation will also give sponsors more flexibility, by extending the deadline to respond to regulator feedback from 14 to 60 days – helping align with international trial timelines.

Together, these changes position the UK as a global leader in clinical research – offering speed, certainty and innovation while maintaining rigorous standards that protect patients and build public confidence in medical research.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Pupils to benefit from more specialist teachers in classrooms [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 6 October 2025.

Aspiring teachers can get up to £31,000 tax free through bursaries and scholarships, as the government boosts efforts to attract more great teachers.

Talented people with the potential to become brilliant teachers are being offered bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 to train to teach in subjects including chemistry, maths, physics, and computing that will help boost outcomes for young people across the country.

The government has made tangible progress to fix the foundations of education through its Plan for Change – attendance is up, with over five million fewer days of absence this year compared to last, and teacher recruitment and retention is also up, with over 2,300 more teachers in secondary and special schools across England.

In particular, the government has seen an increase in those training in Physics and Computing up by 33 per cent and 42 per cent, alongside languages and maths up by around 15 per cent compared to last year.

As part of today’s package, bursaries for teacher trainees in further education will also be available, with £31,000 for those teaching in key shortage STEM subjects, £15,000 for SEND-specialist trainees and £10,000 for those training to teach English. This reflects the importance that the government places on supporting colleges and other FE institutions to train and recruit high-quality teachers.

We are also offering schools up to £29,000 to cover the cost of training apprentices in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computing, as well as £20,000 in modern foreign languages, meaning apprentices pay nothing for their training and will earn a salary while they are training before moving on to a qualified teacher salary. The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA), a popular route into teaching, has seen a 55 per cent growth offering a brilliant way for people to gain the hands-on skills and experience they need in the classroom from day one to become expert teachers and build a successful career in teaching. PGTA funding will for the first time, will be equivalent to the ITT incentives in all subjects.

Getting more exceptional teachers in front of every classroom with a passion to inspire the next generation will drive high and rising standards in schools and boost outcomes for every young person, so no child is left behind. Recent data shows that more than one in ten maths lessons in the last year was taught by a non-specialist teacher, whilst only 72.2 per cent of physics lessons were taught by a teacher with a relevant post A-level qualification. Funding announced today will make sure that children and young people have high-quality, specialist teachers in these key shortage subjects.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

Inspirational teachers changed my life and change the lives of millions of children every day – this government is determined that we have more brilliant teachers, in more schools, improving the life chances of more children and young people.

Through our Plan for Change we’ve already begun to move the dial, with more teachers in our schools this year than last, and big increases in people accepting teaching training places in subjects including chemistry, physics, and maths.

But there is more to do, and we need talented people with the passion and drive to inspire the next generation – working their magic, making school a place pupils want to be, boosting outcomes and transforming the lives of our young people.

Action is already being taken to tackle the systemic challenges that the sector faces which drive high workload and poor wellbeing, with the government announcing teacher pay awards of almost 10% over two years and working with schools and colleges to improve staff wellbeing and workload through the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter, setting out commitments from government, schools, and colleges.

The launch of the new teacher training incentives today, comes ahead of the Education Secretary addressing teachers and school leaders from across the Southwest of England to highlight that there are still groups of children for whom school just isn’t working.

This includes children with special educational needs and disabilities, children from disadvantaged communities and white working-class children who have historically poor outcomes year on year, with wide variations in outcomes across the country. Too many pupils feel disengaged from school and that education just isn’t for them.

She will call on teachers and leaders to work together to break that cycle and set these children up for success.

Plans to make sure every young person, wherever they grow up, have the opportunity to succeed will be set out in the Schools White Paper later this autumn. This will drive a once in a generation reset between those left behind, pupils and schools, to give every child the opportunities they deserve in life.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2025.

Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN Security Council meeting on Women, Peace and Security.

25 years ago, this Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1325, delivering a united message that for peace to be sustainable, it must be inclusive. This means it must be with women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation.

Whilst there is much to celebrate since then, decades of hard-won progress are under threat. From Sudan to Ukraine to the DRC, conflict and violence is escalating and women and children continue to bear the brunt.

Women in Gaza are suffering from the unprecedented scale of violence and lack of access to basic services and healthcare. I pay tribute to the courageous women across the globe that have dedicated their lives to peace and security, often in the most challenging circumstances.

The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally. There are three areas on which we must focus our attention and take collective action:

First, as underlined by the Secretary-General, we must do more to turn our commitments on women’s participation into action.

The UK has supported greater involvement of women in peace processes in Sudan and the Philippines; in peacebuilding in Myanmar and Syria; and in defence in Ukraine; and in reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The increasing threats and reprisals against women who engage in peace and security are unacceptable. The UK will continue to work with UN Women to help Member States prevent, and mitigate the impact of, reprisals.

Second, we need renewed efforts to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice and accountability for survivors.

Since 2012, the UK has spearheaded the flagship Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and we continue to work consistently to confront rising violence against women and girls, including in Ukraine, Sudan and the DRC.

We commend Ukraine’s leadership of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and their important work to respond to sexual violence perpetrated by Russian forces.

We call for an end to impunity and urge decisive action around the world to support survivors and to ensure their voices shape our response.

Third, we must address the changing nature of conflict, and the impact this has on women and girls.

On the frontline and online, people are being targeted because of their gender, undermining national security and exploiting societal vulnerabilities. The rights of women and girls are under attack, threatening our shared national security and our global security.

Humanitarian and health crises are exacerbated by reproductive violence and the gendered impacts of conflict. In Gaza and Sudan, pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and have lost access to critical reproductive health services. In Yemen, a woman dies in childbirth every two hours – less time than we will spend in this chamber today.

The past 25 years have shown us that efforts to champion the role and rights of women and girls in peace and security can deliver meaningful change. We must redouble our efforts to protect those gains and accelerate implementation – for the next generation of women and girls.

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Public urged to buy pets from reputable sources [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 6 October 2025.

New rules mean all commercial dog imports from Romania into Great Britain to undergo mandatory pre-import testing.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is today (October 6th) renewing calls on prospective dog buyers to source their dogs from responsible breeders in order to protect animal and public health.

Steps people should take include not only sourcing dogs from reputable breeders or rescue organisations, but ensuring proper health checks and documentation are in place, and understanding the potential risks associated with importing or rehoming dogs from abroad. Vets, breeders, and rehoming organisations should remain alert to the signs of disease and follow best practice when handling, testing, or managing dogs at risk.

There is a risk of imported dogs carrying diseases such as Brucella canis,  and even rabies, presenting a threat to the health of canine and human populations in the Great Britain.

Since 2020, there has been a steady increase in the number of Brucella canis cases in Great Britain, the majority of which have been found in imported dogs with around 50% of all identified infections since 2020 coming from Romanian dog imports.

Brucella canis is a serious disease affecting dogs that can lead to reproductive issues such as abortion, as well as joint pain and lameness. Many infected dogs show no obvious symptoms but remain infectious, meaning they can unknowingly spread the disease. Currently, there is no vaccine and no effective treatment to eliminate the infection or prevent its transmission.

To protect our biosecurity, the government has introduced a safeguard measure which comes into force from tomorrow (October 7th) requiring all commercial dog imports from Romania into Great Britain to undergo mandatory pre-import testing for Brucella canis (B. canis).The measure applies to commercial imports only (which includes rescue dogs that are to be rehomed) and is in addition to existing requirements under the Approved Importer Scheme. It does not apply to non-commercial pet movements from Romania.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Anyone considering getting a dog should make sure they are fully prepared for the responsibility. Importing dogs without the proper health checks or testing can increase the risk of introducing serious diseases like Brucella canis into Great Britain.

The new rules on dogs imported from Romania are a necessary step to safeguard both animal and human health. I strongly urge prospective dog owners to do their research, choose reputable breeders or rescue organisations, and ensure all required health checks and tests are completed before bringing a dog into their home.

This safeguard will remain in place until the disease risk is judged to have reduced sufficiently. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will review the measure regularly to ensure it remains proportionate, evidence-based, and targeted at the areas of highest risk.

The commercial import of dogs from other countries continues to be unaffected by this change.

While the overall risk to the public is low, the disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from dogs to humans. Those with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and children under five may be more vulnerable. Further public health information can be found here: Brucella canis: information for the public and dog owners – GOV.UK

October 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : David Kogan OBE confirmed as Independent Football Regulator Chair and Non-Executives appointed [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 6 October 2025.

David Kogan has been appointed for a 5 year term until 19 May 2030, including time served as Chair-designate prior to Royal Assent of the Football Governance Act. Dame Helen Stephenson and Simon Levine also appointed to the Board as Non-Executives.

David Kogan OBE

David Kogan OBE has held senior positions in the television and sports industries during a 45 year career as a media executive, business leader and corporate advisor. He negotiated a succession of multi-billion pound TV rights deals on behalf of major sporting bodies, including the Premier League and the English Football League. He has also advised UEFA, The Scottish Premier League, Six Nations, Premier Rugby and the NFL. Most recently he sold the broadcast rights on behalf of the Woman’s Super League.

He is a former managing director of Reuters Television (the global television news agency), and an ex-CEO of the Magnum photo agency. He has co-founded both Reel Enterprises and the Women’s Sports Group. He is currently an advisor to the New York Times Group and CNN on their commercial, digital and AI strategies. Among his public boards David was a non-executive director at Channel 4, a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Services board from 2007-14 and Chair of Westminster Kingsway Corporation. He is the author of three books.

The appointment of Mr Kogan will mean that the work in establishing the football regulator as a legal entity can continue at pace to improve the governance and financial sustainability in the game.

An inquiry regarding this appointment led by the Commissioner for Public Appointments is ongoing. We have cooperated fully with the inquiry by the Commissioner of Public Appointments and await the report’s publication.

Today, the DCMS also announces that two non-executive directors have been appointed to the board of the Independent Football Regulator for five year terms, commencing on 8 September.

Dame Helen Stephenson

Dame Helen Stephenson is a Non-Executive Director and former Chief Executive of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. She joined the Commission from the Department for Education where she was Director of Early Years and Child Care. Helen previously worked in the Cabinet Office where she was Director of the Office for Civil Society and Government Innovation Group. Helen joined the Civil Service from the Big Lottery Fund where she was Head of Strategic Policy and Partnerships.

She has worked for a large national charity as a development manager and as a researcher and consultant in the statutory and voluntary sector. Helen has a PhD from Bristol University.

Helen is a Non-Executive Board member of the National Lottery Community Fund and Chair of the People Committee. She is a Board member of the ECB Regulatory Board and on the People and Governance Committee at the Royal Academy of Dance. Helen is a Non-Executive Director for North West London Acute Provider Collaborative.

Previously, Helen was on the Board of the Big Society Trust and was Chair of NCT until her appointment at the Charity Commission. Helen was awarded the CBE in 2014 and was awarded a DBE in the Birthday Honours list 2024 for services to charity and regulation.

Simon Levine

Simon Levine has been a practising lawyer in the City of London for over 35 years providing litigation and regulatory advice across a range of sectors including technology, media and sport.

Until late 2024, Simon was for a decade the managing partner and co-global chief executive officer of a global law firm. He now acts as a strategic consultant to businesses in the technology, legal and professional services sectors.

Since 2018 Simon has sat on the board of the regulator for higher education in England, the Office for Students. He has also been a member of advisory boards of the Zoological Society of London, City UK, the International Development Business Exchange, and the Lord Mayor of London, and is an Ambassador for His Majesty’s King Charles III’s Sustainable Markets Initiative.

Notes to editors
- The appointment of a Chair and Non-Executive Directors of the Independent Football Regulator have been made as the result of a fair and open competition.
- The Chair of the Independent Football Regulator is remunerated at £130,000 per annum for an initial time commitment of three days per week.
- Non-Executive Directors of the Independent Football Regulator are remunerated at £20,800 per annum for a time commitment of one day a week.
- Once fully operational, the running of the IFR will be funded through a levy on licensed clubs. Until this point, it will be funded by the government, with this initial funding eventually recouped through the levy.
- Under the Governance Code on Public Appointments, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.
- Mr Kogan has declared that he has made donations to local Labour Party candidates over the last three years, as publicly disclosed on the Electoral Commission donation register. He stepped down as Chair of LabourList in 2025, an independent website covering the Labour movement.
- Mr Kogan appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. A transcript of this hearing is available here, including political declarations made by Mr Kogan that are outside the scope of the Governance Code which are noted here.
- Dame Helen Stephenson and Simon Levine have declared that they have not undertaken any significant political activity.
October 9, 2025