Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Government cuts price of everyday items and summer essentials [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 April 2025.

The Government has cut prices on the imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices to boost economic growth.
- Prices slashed on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over next two years
- Cheaper imports will save businesses at least £17 million per year in a further bid to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change
- Savings could be passed onto families, mixologists and amateur gardeners through lower prices on everyday items and summer essentials
- UK committed to economic growth, business security and lower prices through free and open trade
UK businesses and consumers could benefit from lower prices on imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices as the Government takes further action to make the UK the best place to do business and kickstart economic growth.

In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to free trade and responding to business need, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products saving UK businesses up and down the country at least £17 million a year.

The products include plywood and plastics, which are essential for construction – making life easier for chippies all over the country.

Working in partnership with industry, the government has decided to suspend import tariffs on a whole range of products to lower costs for businesses, tariffs will now be cut to zero until July 2027.

The savings to businesses on products such as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil and pine nuts could be passed onto consumers just in time for the summer season, meaning lower food prices in supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.

Products including agave syrup, often used in margaritas, and plant bulbs will also see tariffs removed meaning keen cocktail-makers and amateur gardeners could enjoy lowered costs as the warmer weather approaches.

These changes will support key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy to compete with international rivals, supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy with the Plan for Change.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we’re cutting tariffs on a range of products.

From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of everyday items for businesses, with savings hopefully passed onto consumers.

As we face a new era of global trade, this government is going further faster to make Britain the best country to do business, delivering on our Plan for Change. These suspensions are just another example of that.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

In a changing world we know families are anxious about the cost of living, and businesses uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve announced lower prices on imports of everyday essentials – helping businesses to thrive and pass on savings to customers.

Through our Plan for Change we’re supporting British business and putting more money in people’s pockets.

The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.

Businesses across the UK apply for temporary suspensions on a regular basis by providing evidence of the benefits to themselves, their sector and the wider economy.

CBI Europe and International Director Sean McGuire:

In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products. Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.

The UK has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, benefitting British consumers with better choice, quality and prices on products like fruit juices from Peru and vacuum cleaners from Malaysia.

The Government is going further and faster in negotiating trade deals with partners including India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland which will unlock new opportunities for businesses, support jobs, and boost wages.

These measures come as the government acts swiftly to protect UK businesses and workers in a new era of global trade, through increasing flexibility on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, cutting the red tape and bureaucracy that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector, investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service and backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.
13/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government acts to save British steel production [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 April 2025.

Urgent action by the Government sees vote on emergency powers to save British steel production.
- Parliament recalled to introduce emergency powers that will allow the Government to protect the Scunthorpe site
- Unique action to gives the best chance of safeguarding steelmaking, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains.
- This strategic decision aims to secure domestic steel production for nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing and deliver growth at part of the Plan for Change.
Steelmaking is set to continue in Scunthorpe following urgent action by the UK Government on Friday 11 April.

The Prime Minister requested the recall of Parliament to vote on emergency legislation to prevent the blast furnaces being shut down.

The move will maximise the chances of securing domestic steel production – a crucial national capability which was at risk of collapse under the site’s current ownership. This is a very specific intervention taken in exceptional circumstances.

British Steel’s owners Jingye confirmed their intention to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe immediately, despite months of negotiations in good faith and a generous offer of co-investment from the UK government of £500 million.

If the blast furnaces were to be immediately switched off, this would put at severe risk the future of steelmaking at this unique site.

The legislation will give the Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnace running.

In the meantime, the Government has instructed the company’s UK management to continue the running of the plant to ensure the furnaces keep burning. This legislation means that anyone employed at the plant who takes steps to keep it running, against the orders of the Chinese ownership, can be reinstated if sacked for doing so.

Steel is vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing, and crucial for the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million new homes in the UK as part of its Plan for Change, with construction projects requiring millions of tonnes of steel.

Given global economic instability, it is crucial that manufacturing is protected at home. That’s why the Government took action earlier this week to support the car industry by easing the path to the EV mandate and deliver a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.

“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process, and left us no choice but to act.

“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this government has done.”

A Bill was voted on by MPs on Saturday 12 April to ensure continuity of production at the Scunthorpe site – avoiding the danger and cost of allowing it to stop.

Funding for the site will come from the Government’s £2.5bn steel fund, to help rebuild the industry over the next five years.

NOTES TO EDITORS
- All funding required for the site will come out of existing budgets, within the departmental spending envelope set out by the government at Spring Statement 2025.No further government borrowing is envisaged to support any intervention
- As the Chancellor and PM have made clear, the UK’s fiscal rules remain non-negotiable.
13/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Coalition of the Willing – Joint UK-France statement following 10 April meeting [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 April 2025.

A statement from Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on 10 April 2025.

The UK Defence Secretary and the French Ministre des Armees convened counterparts from 30 countries and representatives from the EU Commission, EU Council and NATO, to reaffirm our commitment to work together to drive progress towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Euro-Atlantic security. Only a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its strength, security, and sovereignty will deter Russia from further aggression in the future.

Our work today is part of detailed military planning led by the UK and French Chiefs of Defence over the last month supported by hundreds of military planners from across Europe and beyond, and directly supports the ambitions laid out by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron at recent international Summits.

We are leading this work together, side by side to secure the best possible outcome for Ukraine. The UK and France are building this coalition on solid foundations, having spent almost 15 years developing the common tools and culture to enable such a force through our Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.

Planning so far has looked across the full range of military capabilities from Europe and beyond. Discussions have centred on how participating nations can contribute their own capabilities to ensure Ukraine’s future security, whether by strengthening Ukrainian capacity or direct contributions. Our objectives are to reassure, support and protect Ukraine to ensure that any peace settlement secures against the risk of future Russian aggression.

It is important to maintain discretion when commenting on the specific details of these discussions, until the conditions of the necessary ceasefire are clear. But we are making solid progress, as a Coalition, on building a multi-national effort to support Ukraine’s transition to peace time in a position of strength.

We are showing that through this coalition, Europe together with other international partners are willing to step up and support the US and Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.

President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a full and unconditional ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. We are working very closely with Ukraine on developing these future plans, as well as NATO to ensure that our collective support to Ukraine strengthens the wider European-Atlantic security architecture.

This Coalition will continue to meet regularly to drive progress and generate firm commitments in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

12/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals – UK statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2025.

Explanation of position by Tara Soomro, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, at CPD58.

Thank you, Chair. The UK aligns itself with the statement delivered by South Africa.

We extend our appreciation to you and the co-facilitators for your commitment and steadfast efforts to progress this important agenda.

Despite the broad cross-regional commitment and goodwill demonstrated by many in this room, we are disappointed to have not achieved a consensus outcome that upholds and advances the mutually reinforcing principles and ambitions of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Agenda 2030.

Neisha, the UK’s youth delegate to the CPD, came before this Commission and spoke with passion and conviction about the realities young people face, the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent girls, the devastating impacts of humanitarian crises on their futures and the urgent need for policies that reflect their lived experience.

The inability to achieve consensus on this year’s CPD resolution is not just a procedural failure, it is a failure to uphold the commitments we have made to people around the world.

The ICPD Programme of Action recognises that investing in human rights, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to sustainable development.

That truth has not changed.

Yet today, we stand at a crossroads where previously agreed principles are being questioned and hard-won rights are being chipped away.

Let us be clear, universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights are not an abstract debate.

This is about whether women and girls can make decisions over their own bodies, whether young people have access to comprehensive information that can save their lives, and whether those most at risk, especially in humanitarian crises, receive the care, justice and services they need.

Over 700 women a day die from preventable causes.

This is the reality of the issues we debate here in this room.

We are letting these women and girls down.

A text that weakens these commitments does not reflect progress, it signals retreat.

Ignoring the links between health, climate change, and inequality does not make them disappear.

The world’s most vulnerable populations, women and girls, migrants, those facing humanitarian crises continue to bear the brunt of these overlapping global challenges.

The UK and our many cross-regional partners, remain steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

These are not just words on a page, they are promises we have made to future generations and to each other.

We recognise the progress made at all levels by grassroots organisations, civil society, national governments and also commend UNFPA’s leadership and remain committed to supporting this, making real change for women and girls around the world.

As we reflect on this outcome, we must ask ourselves, what kind of world are we building? One that advances dignity, equality, and progress? Or one that turns its back on those most in need?

The UK chooses to stand on the side of ambition, rights and the future we all committed to in 2015 when we pledged to leave no one behind.

12/04/2025
NEWS STORY : Mayor announces new £1m sports investment featuring holiday activities for young people at greatest risk of violence [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 9 April 2025.
- Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) investing in a range of activities this Easter and over the next year
- Since the VRU was set up, it has delivered more than 400,000 diversionary activities for young people
- Funding for community-led projects to deliver physical activity and mentoring for up to 2,000 young people in areas of the capital most underrepresented by sport
- Compared to when the VRU was set up, there has been a 31 per cent reduction in homicides and a 28 per cent fall in hospital admissions for knife injuries of under-25s
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the first in England and Wales, is investing a further £1m to deliver sports and physical activities for young people at greatest risk of being affected by violence.

Activities begin this Easter with up to 20 community-led projects across London getting a slice of the investment over the next year to deliver opportunities during all school holidays for almost 2,000 young people most underrepresented in sport.

Since the VRU was set up, it has delivered more than 400,000 diversionary activities for young people. During this time, there has been a 31 per cent reduction in homicides, a 28 per cent drop in hospital admissions of under-25s as a result of assault with a sharp object, and a 12 per cent reduction in robbery. Last year also saw the lowest number of homicides of under-25s in more than 20 years. However, the Mayor has always been clear that one death as a result of violence is one too many and is committed to working in partnership to drive down violence in London.

Funding will be used to deliver a variety of sports interventions for young people over the next year. There will be a strong emphasis on targeted provision and delivery during school holidays to provide safe spaces for young people and access to activities to benefit both their physical and mental health. Diversionary activities will work to support young people during the school break when evidence shows they are more vulnerable to exploitation and to violence.

It’s part of the VRU’s approach to prevent and tackle violence by providing opportunities for young people and access to youth work, youth clubs and community hubs. Research suggests that sports interventions can have an impact in tackling violence.

Alongside funding for holiday provision, investment in sport over the next year will support a further 1,000 young people as they prepare to transition from primary to secondary school. Access to a mentor and sports sessions will combine to support those at greatest risk of exclusion to engage in education and school life.

It will also provide sports internships for young people in major sport sector organisations and build on connections and careers already developed with the likes of the Lawn Tennis Association, GB Snowsport and Formula E.

Funding for sport builds on the Mayor’s investment in his VRU, which he set up and funds to lead on prevention and early intervention to drive down violence in the capital. VRU investment in sport and physical activity since 2023 has already delivered activities including sport sessions, mentoring and internship programmes, for more than 10,000 young people.

Sport plays a key part in the VRU’s approach to tackling violence, which includes interventions to tackle school exclusions and keep young people safe in and out of school, and funding youth work and access to positive opportunities.

Today, the Mayor and VRU director, Lib Peck, visited a youth club in Westminster. The youth club is funded by the VRU to deliver activities including multi-sport, music production, wellbeing sessions and healthy cooking for young people during the holiday period. Sadiq and Lib did some cooking with chef and influencer Nathaniel ‘Natty’ Mortley during the visit. Natty spent two years in prison and has turned his life around. He is passionate about young people accessing positive opportunities to help set them up for their futures.

Other activities funded by the VRU, City Hall and others can be found on the Local Village Network app and signposting website, which offers thousands for live youth services, activities and job opportunities for young Londoners.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My top priority is to be tough on violence and tough on its complex causes to build a safer London for everyone.

“I have been clear that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue and that’s why a key part of my approach to tackling violence is investing in prevention and positive opportunities for young people, at the same time as providing record investment in policing for enforcement.

“My Violence Reduction Unit is investing a further £1 million for sports and physical activities during the holidays and beyond, delivering on my commitment to provide a further 250,000 positive opportunities for young people and access to youth clubs and hubs.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Sport and physical activity play hugely important roles in a young person’s life, providing opportunities to develop skills, teamwork and access to positive role models in coaches and youth workers.

“Working with the Mayor, we’re funding a range of activities and opportunities for young people during the holidays when we know they are at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.

“Prevention and delivering thousands of positive activities for young people is critical to tackling violence and whilst our work is having impact, it’s clear there is more to do. We’re committed to working in partnership across London to keep young people safe because we believe violence is preventable, not inevitable.”

Chef Nathaniel ‘Natty’ Morley, aka @nattycancook_ on socials, said: “I know first-hand how important it is that young people are able to access positive opportunities and role models, and how proper support can be lifechanging. If I had been able to take up activities like these, I believe I would have been able to get my life on track much sooner, so I’m really pleased that the Mayor has announced this £1m investment. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and the VRU programmes are helping level the playing field.”

Marcus Leon, programme manager at the Avenues Youth Project, said: “As a former member and resident of this area, I experienced first-hand how transformational The Avenues Youth Project can be. Many of my first experiences happened during the school holidays in this youth club.

“Having a free service that provides such a wide range of activities and experiences is invaluable in Westminster. The funding we received from the VRU ensures that we can give the children and young people of this area experiences that are not normally afforded to them. It also allows us to provide sports coaching for activities such as judo, boxing, and football — which can be unaffordable at times for some families.

“We want to ensure that children and young people have equal opportunities, no matter their background or circumstances.”

Kyanne Auguste-Walker, a young person who uses the youth club, said: “Having The Avenues is like having a second family, that always has cool stuff happening and people that are there for you. Avenues is our safe space.”

Emily Robinson, London Sport CEO, said: “Sport has the power to change lives, and from our vital work across the capital, we know that access to physical activity and positive role models can play a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and future opportunities.

“London Sport is proud to support the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit in investing in community-led sports initiatives that provide safe spaces, mentorship, and life-enhancing experiences for young Londoners. This funding will help ensure more young people, particularly those at risk of violence, have the opportunity to benefit from the positive impact of sport.”
11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor’s St George’s Day Festival returns to the heart of the capital [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 10 April 2025.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the capital’s St George’s Day Festival will return to Trafalgar Square on Monday 21 April. Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free, family-friendly event celebrating England’s rich heritage through music, dance, and workshops.

Running from 12-6pm, this year’s festival promises an exciting main stage line up hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, who returns after a fantastic event in 2024.

The festival features an eclectic programme of live music, dance, spoken word, and interactive workshops.

Main stage acts include The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, South London-based dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, West End Kids who will perform musical theatre numbers and harmony group Vocal Shack.

Throughout the afternoon St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, with traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City, and the chance to meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

A wide variety of food and drink stalls will be available and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

Presenter and singer Harley Moon Kemp said: “Can’t wait to be back this year, hosting and performing for London’s St George’s Day celebrations! Looking forward to a full day of entertainment, great food, and fun for all! See you there!”

11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government extends ban on personal meat imports to protect farmers from foot and mouth [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 April 2025.

Ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products extended to cover all EU countries to safeguard the UK food system and farmers against food and mouth disease.

The Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe.

From tomorrow (Saturday 12th April), travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.

This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

Whilst FMD poses no risk to humans and there are no cases in the UK, it is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas, and the outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock.

FMD can cause significant economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy.

The Government has already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products, from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year in response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in those countries.

Today’s new EU-wide restrictions better safeguard the UK against the changing disease risk, and provide clear rules for travellers, helping them to comply with the regulations. The new restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & mouth.

That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.

UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said:

Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.

Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion.

I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Information for travellers entering the UK

From Saturday 12 April, it will be illegal for travellers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country. This is regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

Detailed information is available for the public which [sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules](https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain](https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain). For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.

Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.

Information for animal keepers

There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK, though the UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following an incursion of the disease in Germany, followed by an unrelated incursion affecting Hungary and Slovakia.

If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.

If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.

Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.

While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB.

Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.

Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:   * 03000 200 301 in England   * 0300 303 8268 in Wales     * your local  Field Services Office in Scotland .

11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Lord Latz in New Role [April 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2025.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointment:
- The Lord Katz MBE as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip)
11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Tax treatment of predevelopment costs: update on consultation [April 2025]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 April 2025.

Following the Court of Appeal judgement on 17 March on matters with significant readout across to this issue, the government is updating on the publication of the consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the government committed to publishing a consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs. On 17 March, the Court of Appeal handed down its judgement in the case of Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Limited and others v HMRC.

Following the Court of Appeal judgement on 17 March on matters with significant readout across to this issue, the publication of the consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs is being postponed. The government is considering the implications of the judgment for the consultation. To give stakeholders and government time to reflect on the judgement, the government will determine its next steps in respect to this consultation in due course.

In the interim, the government welcomes views on what this judgement means for you or the businesses you represent. Do let us know via predevcosts@hmtreasury.gov.uk

11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Political Peerages Announced [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2025.

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life.

Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party:

Amanda Spielman – Former HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

Citation provided by the Leader of the Conservative Party

Amanda Spielman has worked in the public, voluntary and private sectors. Her main interests are in education, children’s services and regulation, where she has worked for 20 years. She served two terms as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, promoting substance and integrity in education for all children and young people, and also high-quality social care. She previously chaired the exam regulator Ofqual, overseeing the programme of qualification reform.

She spent a decade with the ARK Schools academy trust, mainly as Research and Policy Director. She led a cross-government review of non-economic regulators. Her earlier career was in accounting, investment banking and private equity. She is now a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum and chair of the Academic Council at GEMS Education. She is also a Visiting Professor in Practice at LSE. She was born in London and brought up in Glasgow. She is married with two children.

11/04/2025