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  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces sanctions against perpetrators of human rights violations in Iran [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces sanctions against perpetrators of human rights violations in Iran [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2026.

    UK sanctions 10 individuals and one organisation for their role in recent brutality against Iranian protestors.

    • Foreign Secretary announces sanctions in response to those who have committed human rights violations in Iran
    • ten individuals and one organisation designated, including Minister of the Interior, Police Chiefs and prolific IRGC members for their role in recent brutality against protestors
    • announcement follows commitments set out by ministers earlier this month to hold the Iranian authorities to account

    The UK has today announced a sweeping package of sanctions, as part of work to hold the Iranian authorities accountable for a number of serious human rights violations.

    Ten individuals and one organisation are today (2 February) sanctioned for their role in enabling and facilitating brutality and violence against the Iranian people, both in recent peaceful protests and previous events.

    The announcement follows commitments set out by both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary earlier this month, where they committed to bring forward sanctions to hold the Iranian authorities to account for its violent response to recent peaceful protests.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The reports and shocking scenes of violence that have been seen around the world are horrific.  

    We committed to bringing forward sanctions and warned the Iranian regime of further measures.

    We were clear that we would hold the Iranian authorities to account – and today’s package does just that.

    Today’s package comes as the Foreign Secretary called on the international community to hold the Iranian authorities to account for recent violence and follows human rights sanctions imposed by the EU and the US over recent days.

    It also follows the commitment set out by the G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative which condemned Iran’s deliberate use of violence against protestors and outlined that members would be prepared to impose additional restrictive action if it continued. 

    The following organisation is today sanctioned for its prominent role in policing protests in Iran and is subject to a director disqualification and asset freeze immediately: 

    • The Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FARAJA)  

    Alongside this, the following individuals are subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification immediately: 

    • Eskandar Momeni: Iranian Minister of the Interior who is responsible for Iran’s police force, therefore he bears responsibility for police violence against protestors  
    • Mohammad Reza Hashemifar: the Police Chief in Lorestan Province, a province where multiple protestors have been killed by the Police
    • Seyed Majid Feiz Jafari: the police chief of Iran’s Public Security Police who has directed violent crackdowns against peaceful protesters
    • Yadollah Bouali: an Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) commander of Fars Province who is responsible for the lethal violence used by the Fajr Corp against protesters
    • Babak Zanjani: an Iranian businessman who runs a network of companies which generates funds and enables the criminal activities of the IRGC, including its suppression of protesters
    • Colonel Ahmed Amini: a Police Chief who has presided over human rights abuses in Noor province in 2024   
    • Mohammad Ghanbari: Commander of Iran’s Criminal Investigation Police who has presided over human rights abuses in Iran, including the arbitrary detention and torture of protestors in 2022 and 2023
    • Ahmad Darvish Goftar: a Judge in the Revolutionary Court of Rasht who is responsible for human rights violations in Iran, including sentencing a labour rights activist to death in 2024
    • Mehdi Rasakhi: a Judge in the Revolutionary Court of Rasht who is responsible for human rights violations in Iran, including imposing excessive sentences on women’s rights and labour activists
    • Mohammad Zamani: an Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) officer, responsible for a number of human rights violations in Iran

    The UK has long criticised Iran’s unacceptable human rights record and continues to call for the Iranian authorities to be held accountable for their role in the recent violence and brutality against protestors.

    Alongside partners, the UK recently led the international response to the brutal crackdown of the protests by pushing forward a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 January, and also summoned the Iranian Ambassador on the 13 January in response to recent events. 

    We continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. The UK already has imposed more than 550 sanctions on Iranian individuals and organisations who enable such behaviour. This includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in its entirety and over 90 sanctions in place for Human Rights violations. 

    Background

    Definitions

    1. Asset freeze: an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world.   
    2. Director disqualification: Where director disqualification sanctions apply, it is an offence for a person designated for the purpose of those sanctions to act as a director of a UK company, or a foreign company that is sufficiently-connected to the UK, or to take part in the management, formation or promotion of a company.  
    3. Travel ban: a travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, as the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and Trade and Cooperation Agreement Partnership Council meetings [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and Trade and Cooperation Agreement Partnership Council meetings [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 February 2026.

    Joint statement by the UK Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds and the European Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič.

    The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) today held meetings of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Partnership Council in London. The meetings were co-chaired by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, and European Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič.

    These were the first meetings of the two joint bodies to take place since the UK-EU Summit on 19 May 2025 in London, when the EU and UK leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the full, timely and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework and of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, as well as agreeing on areas to strengthen the relationship through a new Strategic Partnership.

    Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee
    The Joint Committee took stock of the state of play of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, focussing on citizens’ rights, the Windsor Framework and the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

    On citizens’ rights, the co-chairs reiterated their joint priority in protecting the rights of UK nationals in the EU and EU citizens in the UK, now and in the future. They welcomed the solution on the true and extra cohort enshrined in UK law and agreed to accelerate the transition from temporary to permanent residence of these citizens. They committed to further strengthen their cooperation on all pending citizens’ rights issues.

    On the Windsor Framework, the co-chairs welcomed the positive trajectory in its implementation. They highlighted the new milestones reached for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland, including new simplified customs arrangements since May 2025 and reduced sanitary and phytosanitary checks since December 2025. They noted the transition to veterinary medicines arrangements in January 2026. They also noted positive developments in the delivery of safeguards for the protection of the EU Single Market, including customs IT access to all relevant UK systems and progress on sanitary and phytosanitary aspects. They agreed to continue work swiftly on delivery of all remaining safeguards.

    The co-chairs welcomed a newly adopted Joint Committee decision on the implementation of the Windsor Framework. They also took stock of the ongoing exchange of views on the implications of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber

    Resilience Acts for the proper functioning of the Windsor Framework and agreed to work towards a conclusion at pace.

    The co-chairs also discussed the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus and agreed to accelerate work to reach effective implementation of the Protocol in all areas.

    TCA Partnership Council
    The Partnership Council welcomed the Common Understanding agreed at the UK-EU Summit in May 2025 and the positive progress made in the implementation of the Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The co-chairs highlighted key deliverables achieved since the last meeting of the Partnership Council in May 2024, including the conclusion of the Competition Cooperation Agreement negotiations and decisions stemming from the UK-EU Summit. In particular, the UK and EU agreed to put reciprocal arrangements on fishing access on a long-term footing, to secure stability and continued access for both parties and to extend the TCA’s energy chapter on a continuous basis. The Partnership Council also noted the conclusion of negotiations between the Commission and the UK for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027 and the conclusion of exploratory talks on the UK’s participation in the EU’s internal electricity market. The EU and the UK will proceed swiftly on these issues in line with their respective procedures, legal frameworks and in respect of their decision-making autonomy.

    The UK and the EU recalled that the Common Understanding led to a number of negotiations for new agreements. They aim to conclude by the time of the next EU-UK Summit the negotiations on the Youth Experience Scheme, on establishing a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area and on linking their Emissions Trading Systems.

    In this light, the co-chairs also discussed the commitment under Article 776 of the TCA to jointly review the implementation of the agreement. They acknowledged the evaluation of implementation already undertaken by both sides, the on-going role of the Specialised Committees in considering and addressing new or outstanding points of implementation, and the agreement to hold annual summits. They also noted the importance of input from stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and the Domestic Advisory Groups.

    The Partnership Council welcomed the third UK-EU dialogue on Cyber issues in December 2025, and discussed the next steps towards progressing cooperation on cyber security in line with Articles 704–707 of the TCA. The co-chairs looked forward to deepening the UK-EU partnership across these areas to address shared threats based on reciprocity and mutual interest.

    In the area of trade and the economy, the co-chairs exchanged views on global challenges, including measures relating to global steel overcapacity, economic and

    supply chain security, and parties’ respective industrial policy measures. They also discussed the development and implementation of their respective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.

    The co-chairs also welcomed continued cooperation on security of supply and exchanges on clean energy technologies.

    Finally, the Partnership Council took stock of the relationship on fisheries, acknowledging successful bilateral consultations, and discussing UK-EU cooperation in coastal state forums as well as upcoming fisheries management measures.

    The co-chairs agreed that the joint bodies should continue to work at pace to take forward these priorities and reaffirmed their commitment to fully exploiting the potential of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Victoria Buhler as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment, and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and NetZero [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Victoria Buhler as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment, and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and NetZero [February 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 February 2026.

    The Prime Minister has appointed Victoria Buhler as The Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as The Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and NetZero.

    Victoria Buhler

    Victoria brings extensive experience as a finance and strategy professional, with a background spanning investment banking, management consulting and a range of sectors.

    Victoria will advise Ministers while working across No10 and Government advising economic, business and trade teams.

    Since 2015, she has worked at Robey Warshaw (Evercore), advising corporate boards on complex M&A transactions, UK public takeovers, and shareholder activism, contributing to deals worth approximately £85bn across diverse industries. Previously, she was a consultant at Boston Consulting Group in London and New York.

    Victoria holds an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Economics and Global Affairs from Yale University. She has also worked as a research assistant to Nobel laureates Robert Shiller and George Akerlof.

    Hannah Bronwin

    Hannah brings with her extensive experience as a senior policy professional, a strong background in energy policy, and a range of roles within and external of Government.

    Hannah will advise Ministers while working across the No10 and Government energy teams, having already supported our ambitions as an expert adviser to the Clean Power Commission.

    Before this she was the Director of Business Development for SSE Thermal responsible for strategy, origination of new projects and partnerships and M&A.

    In addition, she has worked as Commercial Director at the innovation agency Energy Systems Catapult; Deputy Director for new nuclear financing at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; and spent ten years as a project finance lawyer at global law firm Linklaters LLP.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Summons Russian Ambassador and Revokes Diplomat’s Accreditation

    NEWS STORY : UK Summons Russian Ambassador and Revokes Diplomat’s Accreditation

    STORY

    The Foreign Office has summoned the Russian ambassador to London and revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat, in a reciprocal move after Russia expelled a British diplomat last month, the government said on Monday 2 February 2026.

    In a statement, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said the UK “condemns in the strongest possible terms” what it called Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified” decision and “baseless accusations” against British embassy staff, adding that a senior official told the ambassador the UK would not tolerate intimidation of its diplomats. The action comes amid continuing strains in UK-Russia relations, with London warning that further steps by Moscow would be treated as an escalation and met with a response

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Office summons Russian Ambassador [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Office summons Russian Ambassador [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2026.

    The Russian Ambassador was summoned for a meeting to revoke the accreditation of a Russian diplomat.

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified decision to expel a British diplomat last month and its baseless accusations against our staff.

    “Summoning the Russian Ambassador, a senior FCDO official made it clear that the UK will not stand for intimidation of British Embassy staff and so we are taking reciprocal action today, revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat.

    “It is deeply disappointing that Russia continually seeks to disrupt the work of the UK’s diplomatic missions and deter our support for Ukraine. Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Parents prioritising primary schools with free breakfast clubs [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Parents prioritising primary schools with free breakfast clubs [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 2 February 2026.

    Over 300,000 children are set to benefit from Best Start free breakfast clubs in April, as the government prioritises support to tackle the cost of living and help parents juggle work and family life.

    Schools already enrolled on the programme have served up 7 million meals to date and saved families up to £450 per year, while giving them up to 95 hours of precious time back each morning. Meanwhile, children are benefitting from healthy breakfasts and being in school earlier, with evidence showing improved attendance, attainment and behaviour.

    With the government’s free breakfast clubs already proving to be a lifeline for so many, it is now calling on more primary schools to sign up, as new polling reveals nearly half (45%) of parents prioritise schools offering them.  

    Crucially, the clubs are also helping to cut stigma which still exists, with six in ten (60%) parents more likely to access support when it’s available to everyone.

    This comes as data reveals nearly four in ten (38%) single parents feel guilt when accessing free support, compared to 28% of parents raising a family with a partner.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Free breakfast clubs are revolutionising morning routines up and down the country, becoming an essential part of modern-day life for working families.

    From settling a child into the school day to helping parents get to work, free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life – delivering on our plan for national renewal.

    I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet and how important it is to tackle outdated stigmas with practical support that people can feel every day.

    Applications open today for 1,500 schools to join in September, so that 680,000 children will benefit by September.

    Backed by £80 million targeting the most disadvantaged areas, the scheme builds on the government’s decisions to prioritise investment to help families with the cost of living, including:

    • Delivering 30 hours a week of free childcare, saving parents up to £7500
    • Expanding free school meals to half a million more children
    • Building school-based nurseries, creating thousands more places
    • Cutting the cost of branded school uniforms
    • Scrapping the two-child limit. lifting 450,000 children out of poverty

    Diane Newton, Head Teacher, Field Road Academy, West Midlands said:

    For our school, a free breakfast club will enormously improve attendance and set our pupils up for a day of learning.

    The fact this club is free and open to everyone will help break down any stigma attached to accessing free meals, ending the perception support should only be for those most in need.

    Everyone, from every type of family, has something to gain from using a free breakfast club – from putting some extra money back in parents’ pockets, helping them get to work easier, to improving children’s wellbeing.

    Maria Carnevale is a single mum of three living in Eastwood in Rotherham, balancing work, family life, and caring for a newborn. Reflecting on the difference breakfast club makes, she says:

    My kids absolutely love breakfast club – it gives them such a fun, positive start to their day and the chance to chat, play and engage with their friends before school begins.

    It’s become something they genuinely look forward to each morning, and it sets them up in such a good mood for the day ahead.

    For me, it’s made a huge difference too; it helps our mornings run smoothly, takes away the rush and stress, and means I can get to work on time or spend those precious moments with my newborn that I’d otherwise miss.

    The government has also secured industry partnerships with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix and Magic Breakfast, continuing until July 2026 to provide discounts, free deliveries and healthier meals. This will ensure top British brands can help schools benefit from discounts and free deliveries and kids to have access to healthier, varied meals. 

    Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind said:

    This is good news for parents and especially parents juggling the pressures of work and school drop offs.

    We know that parents want breakfast clubs and it helps them to get children to school and hold down jobs.

    It’s particularly important for children to start their day well and get ready for school. Parents will applaud this news.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary sets out new cooperation on illegal migration from Horn of Africa on visit to Ethiopia [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary sets out new cooperation on illegal migration from Horn of Africa on visit to Ethiopia [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2026.

    Foreign Secretary sets out how she is strengthening FCDO action to tackle illegal migration on her first visit to Africa in the role.

    • Foreign Secretary says UK must increase international partnerships with source and transit countries to tackle the drivers of migration and accelerate returns
    • follows changing patterns in small boat arrivals, with an increasing proportion of total arrivals across the Channel and across the Mediterranean coming from the Horn of Africa 
    • new co-operation includes job creation partnerships backed by UK investment to tackle the economic drivers of illegal migration as well as stronger partnerships to tackle criminal smuggler gangs in the Horn of Africa, and speeding up returns
    • modern partnerships are at the heart of the UK’s new Africa Approach, unlocking growth, investment, and opportunities on both sides  

    The UK is deepening its partnerships across Africa to tackle the factors that drive people into the hands of smuggling gangs – following the Horn of Africa becoming a key source region for illegal migration towards the UK, with around 30% of small boat arrivals over the past 2 years being nationals from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan.   

    On her first visit to the continent as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper will set out how she is strengthening FCDO action to tackle illegal migration – increasing prevention, law enforcement and returns along key routes. 

    She will meet telecoms firm Safaricom, backed by a British consortium including including and British International Investment (BII). They are one of the UK-supported companies who are increasing opportunities for Ethiopians to find work at home, support themselves and contribute to their economy, rather than making the long and dangerous journey to seek a new life overseas.  

    On her visit, the Foreign Secretary will put job creation at the heart of this effort – cutting off push factors driving people to migrate. She will sign a Joint Development Agreement to take forward 2 energy transmission projects totalling over $400 million developed by Gridworks – a British International Investment company that delivers UK investment across Africa. 

    This will cement the UK’s position as one of Ethiopia’s most trusted economic partnerships, positioning the UK as a key partner on COP32 which will take place in Ethiopia in 2027, the same year that the UK chairs the G20. She will also sign a MoU with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance on the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility II (EIAF2), the UK’s flagship economic partnership with Ethiopia.  

    The Foreign Secretary will also set out the work that the UK is doing to strengthen cooperation with the Ethiopian authorities to tackle the brokers and criminal gangs organising illegal migration from the Horn of Africa into Europe and the UK, and to speed up the return of Ethiopian nationals with no right to stay in the UK.  

    This partnership includes Border Security Command funding and support for Ethiopian law-enforcement agencies to help them carry out more effective investigations and improve information-sharing on criminal networks and their activities.     

    As part of the visit the Foreign Secretary will also be discussing greater cooperation with the African Union along with African foreign ministers on conflict prevention and resolution across the region to prevent people being forced to leave their homes by war and persecution. 

    The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:    

    We are forging new partnerships with countries across Africa and delivering long term solutions. We are working together to tackle the economic drivers of illegal migration and the criminal gangs who operate globally, profiting from trading in people.  

    That includes new partnerships to improve trade and create thousands of good jobs in Ethiopia so people can find a better life back home instead of making perilous journeys

    And it means new law enforcement cooperation between the Ethiopian authorities and the UK National Crime Agency to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks who exploit vulnerable people and put their lives at risk. This follows a rising trend of organised people smuggling from the Horn of Africa towards the UK.  

    Criminal smuggler gangs operate across borders around the world – so we are working together with countries right along the transit routes. This cooperation in Africa follows new partnerships with countries like Iraq, the Balkan states and Europe.

    The Foreign office is making international partnerships to tackle illegal migration a major priority because the partnerships we build abroad are crucial to making us stronger back at home.

    In meetings with the Ethiopian Government, the Foreign Secretary discussed the important role which Ethiopia can play in resolving regional security challenges peacefully and diplomatically. 

    With conflict in the Horn of Africa displacing millions of people, and acting as a further driver of illegal migration, the Foreign Secretary has emphasised throughout her visit that achieving regional stability and sustainable growth in the region is crucial to reduce migratory pressures from Africa into Europe.

    The Government’s recently published Africa Approach sets out a vision for modern partnerships between the UK and a continent of growth, ambition, and opportunity. From trade and investment to security and stability, these partnerships are intended to build shared prosperity, back African leadership and create the conditions for business and growth on both sides.

    Additional information

    In Ethiopia, the Foreign Secretary will also announce:    

    • £5 million of humanitarian funding to tackle violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict-affected areas. This will reach approximately 110,000 people
    • £4 million funding for UNICEF for life saving assistance to 68,000 children with Severe Acute Malnutrition  
    • £8 million funding towards ICRC’s annual appeal, ensuring access to clean water for 62,500 displaced people, increasing food production for 40,000 people, and supporting 4 medical centres, 5 hospitals, and 1 centre for violence against women and girls (VAWG) services
  • PRESS RELEASE : New powers for Defence personnel to defeat drones following doubling of incidents near bases [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New powers for Defence personnel to defeat drones following doubling of incidents near bases [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 February 2026.

    The security of key military sites will be strengthened as Defence personnel will be given stronger powers to defeat drones near bases as part of new measures being introduced in the Armed Forces Bill.

    • More than 250 drone incidents near UK military sites in 2025, double the number in 2024.
    • Defence personnel will be given new powers through the Armed Forces Bill to defeat drones threatening Defence sites.
    • New legislation will also allow personnel to take action against land and maritime drones posing a threat.

    The security of key military sites will be strengthened as Defence personnel will be given stronger powers to defeat drones near bases as part of new measures being introduced in the Armed Forces Bill.

    It comes as newly confirmed figures demonstrate the growing threat rogue drones are posing to Ministry of Defence sites throughout the UK. In 2025, there were 266 reported Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle incidents near Defence sites, a rise from the 126 incidents reported in 2024.

    The legislation will give authorised personnel the power to take out drones deemed to be posing a threat to any Defence site without the need for assistance from police.

    The Armed Forces Bill will also allow personnel to destroy land drones or those that can be operated on or under water, in addition to aerial drones.

    Current legislation that enables interference with drones for the purpose of preventing crime can only be used by the police and certain other agencies. The new measures allow defence personnel to protect their own sites and operations.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The doubling of rogue drones near military sites in the UK in the last year underlines the increasing and changing nature of the threats we face.

    Through the Armed Forces Bill, we’re giving our military greater powers to take out and shoot down threatening drones near bases. And stepping up investment in counter-drone technology to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    The new powers will add to the significant measures introduced by this government to increase the security of military sites, reversing years of under-investment and ensuring bases meet the highest security standards. 

    The Government has quadrupled its spending on Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems since taking office, allocating over £200 million this year alone, reflecting the priority of autonomy and counter-drone technology as a key deliverable throughout the Strategic Defence Review.

    Recent months have seen the introduction of restricted airspace at 40 defence sites, the deployment of new drones to guard military bases, investment in advanced CCTV and integrated threat monitoring systems to strengthen base security, and £20 million in digital transformation to modernise security systems.

    Advanced technology like automated track-and-detect systems are now operational at multiple key sites, delivering 24/7 surveillance and enabling rapid response to threats.

    The Armed Forces Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 15 January 2026 and had its second reading on 26 January.

  • NEWS STORY : Pet owners to gain from major vet sector overhaul

    NEWS STORY : Pet owners to gain from major vet sector overhaul

    STORY

    Millions of households across the country are set to benefit from the most significant modernisation of the veterinary sector in over sixty years. The Government has announced a sweeping set of reforms designed to lower costs, increase transparency and give pet owners greater confidence in the care their animals receive.

    These proposals come as a direct response to a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation which revealed that vet fees have been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation. The watchdog estimated that these market inefficiencies could be costing British pet owners as much as £1 billion over a five-year period. With sixty per cent of practices now owned by large corporate chains rather than independent vets, the Government is moving to ensure that the commercial side of the industry does not compromise fair pricing or consumer choice.

    The new measures aim to remove what is increasingly an opaque nature of veterinary billing and ownership through several key changes. Practices will be required to publish clear price lists for common treatments, allowing owners to compare costs and find the best value before committing to care. Additionally, vet businesses must disclose who owns them, making it clear whether a local surgery is independent or part of a larger corporate network. For the first time, every veterinary practice will require an official operating licence, similar to the regulations governing GP surgeries and care homes.

    Beyond consumer protection, the reforms seek to update the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which has remained largely unchanged since 1966. Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman noted that while pets are cherished members of the family, the regulatory framework must keep pace with modern commercial realities. The plans include better legal recognition for veterinary nurses and a modernised disciplinary process that focuses on current competence, ensuring a more resilient workforce. The government has launched an eight-week public consultation on these proposals, which is set to run until 25 March 2026.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pet owners to benefit from biggest vet sector reforms in 60 years [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pet owners to benefit from biggest vet sector reforms in 60 years [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 January 2026.

    Clearer pricing will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money.

    Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector – the first overhaul in sixty years.

    The reforms help households understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets.

    They come after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. The CMA found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation – which is why this government is taking action.

    The proposals will make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners – while supporting veterinary professionals alike.

    Benefits for pet owners:

    • Clearer prices easing the ability to look around: Vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments, and be transparent about options and changes allowing pet owners to choose the best treatment for their animals. Knowing key prices beforehand helps owners to choose the best value.
    • More competition to lower costs over time: Vet businesses must disclose who owns them so pet owners know if their local practice is part of a larger chain or independent. This knowledge and price transparency helps owners to decide which practice to use which increases competition and bring down costs over time.
    • Greater confidence in care: Every vet practice will need an official operating licence – similar to GP surgeries and care homes.
    • Fairer treatment complaints process: Stronger rules on how veterinary businesses must operate with an easier and more effective route for customers to raise concerns along with more support offered to allow vets and vet nurses to carry out their roles successfully; benefitting animal health and welfare.
    • Better access to quality care: New measures will bring veterinary nurses and certain allied veterinary professionals into regulation, freeing up veterinary surgeons to focus on more specialist care, improving access and reducing delays.

    Benefits for veterinary professionals:

    • Legal recognition for veterinary nurses to strengthen professional identity, helping improve job satisfaction and boosting retention rates. 
    • Regulatory oversight of veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, so the responsibility for upholding standards is shared and clearer.
    • Modernised processes for registration and “fitness to practice”, focusing on current competence rather than past mistakes. 
    • A modern governance model for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), whose current structure has remained largely unchanged since 1966 and now lags behind other healthcare regulators. Proposals will reduce potential conflicts of interest and strengthen public and professional trust.

    Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said:

    “Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.

    “We’re focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals.”

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

    “Updating these rules will help build a modern veterinary service that is easier for the public to understand and navigate, while strengthening animal health outcomes and supporting a skilled, resilient workforce.

    “Reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more resilient profession. This consultation gives pet owners and professionals the chance to help shape a system that works better for everyone.”

    British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: 

    “Veterinary teams play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health. If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work; it’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape a veterinary sector that’s fit for the 21st century.” 

    Martin Coleman, Chair of the CMA Inquiry Group said:

    “We welcome the government’s consultation to update this vital regulation and protect pet owners. Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming to keep pace with commercial practice and further build pet owner trust in veterinary businesses.”

    Why change is needed:

    60% of vet practices are owned by non-vets, with many operating under unclear ownership structures. The reforms propose a new licencing system requiring businesses to meet clear standards – with enforcement action, including potential loss of licence, where they fail to do so.

    A modern disciplinary process will accompany the reforms, with a wider range of sanctions to ensure customer concerns are properly addressed and support veterinary professionals to safely carry out their roles. This will work to improve care whilst reducing punitive outcomes and will benefit both owners and professionals alike.

    Veterinary professionals are essential to the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards. These reforms strengthen professional recognition, modernise outdated regulation and help safeguard the profession’s ability to continue to protect the UK from the threats to disease and food security. 

    This announcement follows the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy, and is part of this Government’s ambitious reforms to animal welfare – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK. 

    The consultation will run for 8 weeks.

    Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: 

    “For years, Which? has been exposing unclear pricing and poor practice in the vet industry so it’s good to see the government taking steps to modernise the sector and ensure it treats pet owners fairly. 

    “The current regulation is decades out of date and oversight of veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, is urgently needed. The government needs to ensure that its new licensing system has the right sanctions in place for businesses which break the rules. 

    “The government must ensure these changes are introduced as soon as possible to restore consumer confidence in the sector. As part of these reforms, it should also legislate to establish a mandatory Ombudsman scheme with the power to make binding judgements about customer complaints and take action against any vets or vet practices falling short.”

    Additional information:

    President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Professor Tim Parkin BVSc FRCVS said:

    “We’re delighted to see the launch of this consultation and are very grateful to Defra’s veterinary policy team, and all stakeholders, for the hard work and close collaboration over the last year to get us to this point. This really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all of us to help shape the future of the veterinary professions and animal healthcare industry, and to introduce a modern regulatory framework that’s fit for purpose in the 21st century. At nearly 60 years old, the Veterinary Surgeons Act is in urgent need of reform – it’s time for change.” 

    BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: 

    “At BVNA we are delighted that this consultation is now underway, representing an important step towards a potential reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. BVNA has welcomed the opportunity to represent the veterinary nursing profession throughout the entirety of the sprint process, which has demonstrated meaningful and effective collaboration between each of our respective organisations. We thank the team at Defra for their sustained efforts in arriving at this stage, and we look forward to continuing to work together towards legislation which truly reflects the veterinary landscape of today and the future.”

    Charlotte Beckett, interim Chief Veterinary Officer at the RSPCA, added:

    “This is really positive news for the veterinary profession, pet owners and animal welfare.

    “We know costs are a real concern for pet owners – and our Animal Kindness Index found more than half (52%) are worried about how to afford vet bills. That’s why clearer pricing is such an important step forward – bringing greater transparency to the sector, and helping current and future pet owners understand the potential financial implications of responsible pet ownership.

    “These reforms can equip pet owners with knowledge and confidence to deal with health and welfare concerns their pets may have promptly – protecting animals and ensuring many welfare issues do not escalate.

    “But we know these have been tough times for the veterinary profession too – so moves to modernise governance, legally recognise hardworking veterinary nurses, and provide better oversight are critical to a sector that does such vital work in communities across the country.

    “We now look forward to working with the UK Government, and the veterinary profession, to help inform and contribute towards these vital reforms, and keep building a better world for every kind.”

    Paul Manktelow, Veterinary Director at Blue Cross, said:

    “We were delighted to welcome Baroness Hayman to our Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London. We spoke with her about the work our veterinary team do, treating pets whose owners are amongst the most vulnerable in society and struggle with the cost of private vet fees.

    “We highlighted the pressures on the sector and welcomed Defra’s review of the outdated Veterinary Service Act and recognition of the vital role veterinary nurses play.”

    Karen Reed, Veterinary and Welfare Director at Dogs Trust, said:

    “Dogs Trust welcomes the decision to consult on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which the professions have been long calling for.  We work closely with the veterinary professions and rely on their support so we particularly welcome the announcement to review the regulations governing RVNs and other allied professions.

    “We recognise that clear information, transparent pricing and high professional standards are essential to protecting animal welfare. Pets are family members, and owners need confidence that they can make informed decisions about their care. Improving owner satisfaction while supporting veterinary professionals would be a positive step towards a system that works better for both animals and the people who care for them.”