Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Unclaimed Estates list reinstated following review [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 January 2026.

The Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been reinstated following a review of its publication.

Publication of the list was suspended in July 2025 following allegations of fraud within the probate system.

The review found no evidence the Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been the source of fraud.

However, the Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) has concluded it is prudent to restrict the data provided to protect the list’s integrity, whilst still providing sufficient information for people to identify a family member.

Information published may assist people to identify estates to which they could have an entitlement. To safeguard this list going forward, it will only display the deceased’s name, date of death, area where they died and BVD case reference number.

Any requests for more information will be considered in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements.

The Bona Vacantia Division will continue to keep the list’s publication under review and if there are any further allegations of fraud or misuse, access may be restricted or removed without notice.

January 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Stronger parental leave rights to give millions of working families the “security they deserve” [January 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 January 2026.

New day one rights to parental leave set to enter force from April.
- Over 18 million workers across the UK to benefit from stronger protections at work, with most insecure workers set to gain the most.
- New day one rights from April confirmed for parental leave, whilst bereaved partners set to gain further rights to paternity leave.
- Changes create more secure jobs and raise living standards, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of the UK.
Millions of workers who were previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for new day one rights to parental leave from April, through measures being laid in Parliament today (Monday 12 January).

The changes, which stem from the recently passed Employment Rights Act, will see parents no longer be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between being there for the first weeks of their child’s life or going back to work to avoid losing their job.

An additional 32,000 more dads per year will be able to access Paternity Leave immediately, as a mother would with maternity leave.

This comes as the Government continues its Parental Leave and Pay Review, which will assess the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.

Around 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work due to caring responsibilities but want a job, including parents. The reforms to parental leave include the right to take Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job, giving a further 1.5 million parents more flexibility to share caring responsibilities. If even 1% of those out of work were able to take up a part-time job as a result of this move, it could boost economic output by around £150m a year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.

The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.

We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.

Our improvements to sick pay and parental leave are about giving workers and their families the security they deserve. They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most.

Following campaigning from individuals such as Aaron Horsey, a new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave will also be introduced from April, providing up to 52 weeks of leave for fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child’s first birthday. This fixes the previously unfair system where bereaved partners had to rely on the compassion of an employer in order to be granted time off to grieve and care for their child.

Aaron Horsey, campaigner for Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, said:

Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave ensures that new parents and their employers have a clear route for support at one of the most difficult moments imaginable. It gives them the time and space they need to grieve, care, and begin to rebuild their lives with dignity.

By embedding this protection in law, it shows how listening to lived experience can lead to practical, compassionate change that will support families for generations to come.

Analysis published last week showed that over 18 million workers are set to benefit from the Government’s wider Plan to Make Work Pay, with it particularly supporting the lowest-paid workers, those in insecure jobs, and people facing unfair treatment at work.

The benefits in the Employment Rights Act significantly outweigh the costs. By restricting exploitative practices like unscrupulous fire and rehire, and giving more workers access to flexible working and guaranteed hours contracts, this country will see improved worker wellbeing, boosted productivity, and a more level playing field for employers. This is all worth billions of pounds per year and is expected to deliver a small yet positive impact on economic growth.

The government is also bringing in changes to ensure up to 1.3 million additional employees in lower-paid or part-time roles are able to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and make sure everyone can access it from the first day of illness.

This is a substantial shift from the former three-day wait for SSP to kick in, which left people working whilst ill risking increased long-term sickness, one of key factors draining British businesses and the wider economy.

By improving the quality of work and ensuring that everyone has job security when it matters most, the Government is delivering on its mission to drive growth that is felt by everyone.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common-sense reforms for millions of people across the country – including sick pay for all workers and better leave for parents.

Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections. And crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.

Good employers will also welcome these changes – the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.”

Simon Kelleher, Head of Policy and Influencing at Working Families, said:

Day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave are a positive step forward. Removing the 26-week qualifying period means parents can change jobs without losing essential leave entitlements, something we know has held many people back and can trap families in roles that no longer work for them.

To build on this progress, we are looking forward to continuing our engagement with the Government’s ongoing Parental Leave Review to ensure all parents can access a meaningful period of leave.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

It can be hugely stressful if a worker is not paid during an illness or dealing with a major life upheaval like a birth or bereavement.

These new measures give greater protections for working people that get ill, and create capacity to handle unpredictable moments when they need it the most. Reducing stress and anxiety for staff can also help support good relationships with employers and support business growth.

Notes to editors:
- The following Statutory Instrument will be laid in Parliament on Monday 12 January, in order for the parental leave measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 to take effect:
- The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Parental and Paternity Leave) (Removal of Qualifying Periods etc.) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026
- The following Statutory Instruments will be laid in order to allow Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave to take effect:
- The Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave Regulations 2026
- The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Parental Order Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
- The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Adoptions from Overseas) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
- Statutory Instruments for the Statutory Sick Pay changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will follow in the coming months, ahead of implementation in April.
January 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : How well is your council fixing your roads? [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 January 2026.

New map rates how record government pothole funding is being used.
- new red, amber, green ratings let public see which local highway authorities are fixing potholes effectively
- government’s record £7.3 billion funding announced at budget is helping councils get on with fixing nation’s roads
- record investment will drive real improvement, saving drivers money by preventing costly repairs and restoring pride in communities
Drivers across England can now see how well their local highway authority (LHA) is tackling the pothole plague thanks to a new traffic light rating system published by the government today (11 January 2026).

The new ratings – the first of their kind – grade 154 local highway authority (LHA) as red, amber or green based on current road condition and how effectively they are spending the government’s record £7.3 billion funding to fix potholes and invest in long term measures to maintain roads.

The interactive map shows every LHA’s rating, to highlight best practice and drive improved performance from councils.

It comes after the government backed LHAs with a record multi-year investment to improve the condition of their roads, after years of them calling for long-term certainty.

This allows them to repair potholes effectively and move away from expensive, short-term repairs and instead invest in long-term preventative measures. The fixes will mean more money in drivers’ pockets – with the average vehicle repair bill from hitting potholes around £320, with some motorists paying over £1,000 last year.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate. I have heard time and again their frustration on footing the bill because they hit a pothole – money they should never have to spend in the first place.

We’ve put our money where our mouth is, increasing the funding for local highway authorities with £7.3 billion to fix roads and given them the long-term certainty they have been asking for. Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely, and for the first time, we are making sure the public can see how well councils are doing in delivering the improvements they want to see in their local area.

This government’s record investment will save drivers money on repairs, make roads safer and help restore pride in our communities.

The government’s record £7.3 billion for local road maintenance is enough for LHAs to renew and improve tens of thousands of miles of roads in every corner of the country.

The red, amber, green ratings are based on 3 key areas:
- the condition of local roads
- how much LHAs are spending on road repairs
- whether they are following best practice in maintaining highways
The first-of-its-kind rating system shines a light on where local authorities are excelling and, crucially, where more needs to be done to deliver change people see in their communities.

Those that scored ‘green’, like Leeds, Sandwell and Manchester, were able to demonstrate they are following best practice, such as investing in more long-term preventative measures rather than just patching up potholes, while also maintaining good road conditions and investing significantly into improving local roads.

‘Amber’ ranked LHAs showed some of these qualities with room for improvement in individual areas, while those rated ‘red’ are not yet meeting the expected standards in one or several areas measured by the ratings – such as the current state of the roads, their plans for preventing potholes or investment into maintaining their local roads more widely.

To boost standards, LHAs currently rated red will receive dedicated support to bring them in line with best practices, backed by £300,000 worth of expert planning and capability assistance. The support programme will include peer reviews where sector experts will help improve processes and provide practical advice.

As an incentive to better roads, access to full future funding allocations will be linked to performance, ensuring councils are encouraged to get on with the job and use taxpayer money efficiently to repair and maintain their roads before potholes form.

To further ensure transparency from LHAs, 25% of local highway authorities’ £500 million funding uplift this financial year was withheld until they published transparency reports and set out how they comply with best practice. The withheld £125 million in funding was unlocked at the end of last year by councils which successfully submitted their reports.

In further support for local authorities, the government will extend the Live Labs 2 programme for another year, providing up to £300,000 to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials for repairing roads faster, more efficiently and far less often. These materials can unlock savings for the taxpayer, lower emissions and reduce disruptive roadworks long-term to keep drivers moving.

The announcement comes in the same week the government unveiled the first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, to save thousands of lives on the nation’s roads by tackling drink-driving, improving training for young drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.

Edmund King, AA president and founding member of the Pothole Partnership, said:

The top transport demand for 96% of AA members is fixing potholes with increased investment in repairing and upgrading roads.

We welcome this government initiative to hold local highways authorities to account, which should help to promote the Pothole Partnership objective of more proactive and permanent repairs.

Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director of British Cycling and founding member of the Pothole Partnership, said:

For cyclists, potholes are far more than an annoyance. One unexpected impact can cause a serious crash, life-changing injury or, in the worst cases, a fatality. Safe riding depends on safe roads, and a smooth, well-maintained surface isn’t a luxury for cyclists, it’s essential for their safety.

This new mapping tool is a step forward. It gives riders clear insight into how well their council is maintaining the routes they rely on every day, whilst holding decision-makers to account.

RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said:

These new ratings are a positive move that will help drivers understand how councils are performing when it comes to improving the state of local roads. While there are examples of good road maintenance practice taking place, this isn’t consistent across the country and means drivers have, for too long, been left with substandard roads.

We hope this initiative, plus the promise of longer-term funding for councils to allow them to plan and carry out much-needed preventative maintenance, means we’re finally on the way to having smoother, better roads.

Kerry Winstanley, Managing Director of Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG), said:

The release of the national ratings provides a clear opportunity to target support and strengthen the local road network where it is most needed.

For many years, highways authorities have worked hard to maintain roads despite declining budgets and resources and the ratings, released alongside record multi-year investment, will enable authorities to benefit from additional support and increase investment in preventative maintenance, while continuing collaborative work supported by LCRIG, including sharing best practices, adopting innovative solutions, and working towards a nationally green-rated road network.
January 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 January 2026.

The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.
- New ballistic missile could carry a 200kg warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometres.
- Missile will provide Ukraine a long range-punch to counter Russian aggression
- Project aims to boost UK defence industry, supporting innovation and growth while stepping up support for Ukraine into 2026.
The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

Under Project Nightfall, the UK has launched a competition to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometres and designed to operate in high-threat battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.

Nightfall missiles will be capable of being launched from a range of vehicles, firing multiple missiles in quick succession and withdrawing within minutes – allowing Ukrainian forces to hit key military targets before Russian forces can respond.

With a 200kg conventional high explosive warhead, high precision production rate of 10 systems per month and a maximum price of £800,000 per missile, NIGHTFALL is intended to provide Ukraine with a powerful, cost-effective long-range strike option, with minimal foreign export controls.

The Nightfall project builds on the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine, particularly to its long range capabilities, through the gifting of thousands of deep strike one-way attack drones.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry.

Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war.

We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.

We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Putin another thing to worry about.

In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them in the fight today, whilst working to secure the peace tomorrow.

The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings.

Nightfall is a project focused on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to scale manufacturing quickly, particularly in the UK.

Whilst aimed at supporting Ukraine, Nightfall will also inform future UK Armed Forces’ long range strike projects.

The detailed Nightfall requirements were shared with Industry Partners on the 19 December 2025 that had signed the required confidentiality and security arrangements. The deadline to receive Nightfall development proposals is the 9th February 2026, with development contract(s) aimed to be awarded in March 2026.
January 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens its commitment to protecting human rights defenders [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2026.

The UK Government has published the Guiding Principles on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and protecting those who work to uphold fundamental rights worldwide.

This document sets out how the UK seeks to support individuals and organisations at risk for their work in defence of human rights. The principles include:
- Diplomatic action to raise visibility and provide protection.
- Practical support, such as guidance and resources to reduce risks.
- International collaboration with governments, civil society and multilateral bodies.
- Promotion of safe environments, where defenders can work free from threats or reprisals.
Human rights defenders play a vital role in building fair and democratic societies. Yet many face intimidation, violence and criminalisation. Through these principles, the UK aims to strengthen protection and ensure their work can continue safely.

To read the full principles and access additional resources, visit the official link.
January 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Josh Simons [January 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 January 2026.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointment:
- Josh Simons MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He will remain Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office.
January 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : 2026 – A crucial year for Tax Justice [January 2026]

The press release issued by Tax Justice UK on 9 January 2026.

Happy New Year! And what a start to the year. On day one, we saw crowds taking to the streets of New York City for new mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration chanting “Tax the rich”. That’s the energy we need to bring to the UK as we head into a year full of opportunities to make the super-rich and mega-corporations pay their fair share, and for that money to be put to good use in our public services.

In early May 2026 Wales and Scotland elect new parliaments, and councils across the UK go to the polls. These elections matter. They give us the chance to win material reforms to our tax system that could change lives in the devolved nations, turn up pressure on the national government, and build the nationwide movement we need to win transformative change. And thanks to your generous support at our last fundraiser, we’re in a strong position to seize these opportunities.

We need to keep making it clear to everyone in Westminster that no party will win the next general election without offering a credible plan to improve people’s lives. This means the government standing up and tackling inequality, and showing they’re willing to face off the vested interests of the super-rich and corporations that are hollowing out our economy.

Mamdani’s victory in New York City showed how regional elections can spark hope far beyond their borders when they centre ordinary people make bold demands, and explicitly address inequality through tax reform.

But in just this first week of the year, we’ve also had stark reminders of the world as it is right now. A world where the rich and powerful rip up, rewrite or ignore any rules that don’t serve them, and where governments serve the interests of billionaires, by any means necessary.

Earlier this week, the OECD (an opaque club of rich countries that set a number of international tax regulations) announced that the 15% Global Minimum Corporation Tax (GMCT) will no longer apply to U.S. multinationals — effectively giving the green light to some of the world’s biggest corporations to continue dodging their taxes.

Even with the global minimum corporation tax agreed, the UK was already losing an estimated $9 billion a year to tax‑dodging by U.S. companies. Under the new “side‑by‑side system,” there’s no limits on the tax that U.S. giants’ can dodge by profit-shifting. This is an accounting trick used by multinationals to pretend they made £0 in profit on their massive sales & operations in countries like the UK, by recording £billions in profits from a tiny office somewhere in a tax haven like Luxembourg or the British Virgin Islands.

This change is technical, and with so much else going on it hasn’t got the headlines it deserves. But it’s incredibly important. It will mean yet another massive transfer of wealth into the bulging bank accounts of massive mega-corporations and their billionaire shareholders and CEOs, instead of being invested into services for our communities.

In June the UK is hosting a major summit on illicit finance and dirty money. With enough public pressure, this should be a turning point in the fight against profit shifting and tax evasion. We mustn’t let up on our demand to end UK tax havens that allow monumental amounts of tax dodging. The UK government must know the public is watching — and expects them to defend fairness, not fold to corporate pressure.

So we have a massive fight on our hands in 2026. We’ll be using every election, every platform, and every moment to push for a tax system that works for people, not just the powerful.

January 9, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

The leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security and agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North.

European Allies had stepped up in recent months to defend Euro-Atlantic interests, but more could be done to protect the area, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

January 9, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this afternoon.

The leaders began by paying tribute to the UK personnel involved in operations in the the North Atlantic and Syria in recent days to protect UK and Euro-Atlantic security.

Turning to the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday, both leaders welcomed the strong commitments by all participants in Paris. It was vital that the security guarantees for Ukraine ensured Russia was never able to invade again, the leaders reiterated.

The Secretary General then updated on the North Atlantic Council meeting this morning. They agreed that more needed to be done to deter Russia in the High North and welcomed discussions on how Allies could further protect the region from increasing Russian threats.

Both agreed to stay in close touch.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Border Force seizes over 250 endangered species [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 January 2026.

Hundreds of endangered species seized in crackdown on international wildlife smuggling.

Live snakes, tarantulas and lovebirds have been found crammed into vehicles at the UK border following a global crackdown on wildlife smuggling gangs.

In just one month, Border Force seized more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products at airports, ports and mail depots across the country.

The seizures this autumn were part of an annual international operation to combat illegal wildlife smuggling – representing a 73% increase from 2023.

They include two rainbow boa constrictors, which officers found hidden under blankets in a car in Dover. The driver had bought them at a German reptile show without a licence.

Border Force also discovered over 100 endangered birds crammed into a car, including scarlet ibis, green-cheeked conures and lovebirds. Some had died and the rest were kept in filthy conditions, risking the spread of disease.

There has also been a surge in spider trafficking since 2023. In one instance, Border Force intercepted a car transporting over 2,000 live tarantulas from Europe – worth an estimated £70,000. The consignment included more than 300 protected species without the appropriate licences.

Adult tarantulas can sell for between £50 to £500 depending on the species.

Other items prevented from reaching the black market included an elephant hair ring from the United States, king cobra balm from Thailand and a blacktip shark jaw from Australia.

Wildlife crime is worth up to £17 billion a year globally, making it the fourth largest international crime – behind firearms, drugs and human trafficking.

The intercepted items are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which is currently marking its 50th year.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said:

Wildlife smuggling is serious organised crime. It fuels corruption, drives species to extinction, and undermines our border security.

I congratulate Border Force on this year’s hugely successful operation, which has cut off a major source of funding for dangerous gangs.

But we won’t stop until we’ve broken this business model. Anyone attempting to bring illegal wildlife products into the UK – by air, sea, or post – will be searched and prosecuted.

DEFRA Minister Mary Creagh said:

The illegal wildlife trade is vile and destroys the natural world.

By tackling wildlife crime we’re sending a clear message to the criminal gangs that this government will strain every sinew to bring those involved to justice.

The seizures took place between 13 September and 15 October as part of Operation Thunder – an annual crackdown led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization to dismantle criminal smuggling networks.

Police supported this year’s operation, carrying out inspections across the country. Where sellers could not provide paperwork, officers seized items including shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle.

Border Force’s specialist CITES team at Heathrow is recognised as world leaders in detecting and seizing illegal wildlife products.

More than ever before officers are taking an intelligence-led approach – working with international partners to share expertise and shut the trade down.

Where possible, seized items will be rehomed or used for research.

As part of the Plan for Change, the government is determined to strengthen border security and break the business model of organised crime.

Anyone who suspects smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online using the report smuggling service.

January 8, 2026