UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies continue to fall under taskforce crack down [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies continue to fall under taskforce crack down [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 October 2025.

    The number of robberies involving a knife, or the threat of one, continues to fall in England and Wales.

    The government has pledged to halve knife crime over the next decade, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The new figures show a 10% reduction in offences under this government across the 7 police forces most impacted by knife crime, with areas like West Midlands seeing a 30% drop, following targeted policing efforts.  

    Interventions include the use of hotspot policing, acting on better intelligence on offenders, increased patrols using knife arches, drones and plain clothes officers. 

    A dedicated taskforce was set up in October 2024 for an initial 6 months to turbocharge this work after seeing a stark rise in incidents between July 2023 and June 2024, bringing together the Metropolitan Police, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset, and British Transport Police.  

    With efforts continuing throughout the past year, all 7 police force areas are now seeing a reduction in robberies involving a knife since June 2024, collectively turning a 14% year-on-year increase in knife-enabled robbery into a 10% year-on-year reduction. 

    Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: 

    Those who have been robbed at knifepoint know how terrifying and traumatic that experience can be, and this government took immediate action through the Plan for Change to reverse this troubling trend.  

    Through relentless focus, targeted policing and strong partnerships, we are turning this worrying rise into a sustained fall, and we have also started to see a reduction in overall knife crime for the first time in 4 years. 

    But there is so much more to do, which is why we are bringing in the toughest measures yet to crack down on the online sale of weapons and invest in the futures of our young people to set them on a better path.

    As the latest figures show, between the year ending June 2024 and the year ending August 2025: 

    • West Midlands Police saw a 30% reduction, the largest percentage fall, with 771 fewer robberies
    • the British Transport Police also reported a notable fall of 107 offences, down 26% 
    • Avon and Somerset recorded a 14% drop, or 82 fewer offences 
    • South Yorkshire saw a reduction of 8%, or 49 offences
    • West Yorkshire saw a 7% decrease with 66 fewer cases
    • the Metropolitan Police recorded a 5% drop in knife-related robberies, or a decrease of 484 offences 
    • Greater Manchester Police reported a decline of 3%, or 35 offences

    The fall in these types of robberies comes alongside a series of major interventions by the Home Office and police forces to tackle knife crime more broadly.  

    In August it became illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or import ninja swords. This measure, introduced under Ronan’s Law, followed years of campaigning by the family of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was murdered with a ninja sword in 2022.  

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan Kanda, said: 

    The statistics show that the government has taken a proactive approach to reducing knife-enabled robberies.  

    The significant drop we are seeing is a positive sign and a step closer to the government’s mission of halving knife crime within a decade – something I’m confident we will achieve with the continued support and hard work of campaigners and the government alike.

    This coincided with a nationwide weapons surrender scheme that saw thousands of deadly weapons handed in by members of the public. 

    The scheme included 37 new surrender bins and a mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty, and reached high-risk areas like London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.  

    Beyond the ban, Ronan’s Law is introducing age verification for online knife sales, fines for tech executives who fail to remove illegal knife content, and new offences for possession with violent intent. 

    The government is also piloting new multi-agency Prevention Partnership Panels to proactively identify and refer vulnerable teenagers – who may currently be falling through the net – to a range of different support services much earlier, including Young Futures Hubs. 

    Backed by a £2 million cash injection, 8 of these hubs will launch this year in areas with high levels of knife crime and antisocial behaviour, offering a lifeline to vulnerable young people. It is expected that 50 Young Future Hubs will be launched over the next 4 years. 

    Patrick Green, CEO for the Ben Kinsella Trust, said: 

    Reducing knife crime is about more than just bringing down crime statistics; it’s about making a profound investment in public safety and the future of our young people. When we successfully drive down knife-enabled robbery, we actively remove the fear that can often make people feel unsafe. Critically, this also helps dismantle the dangerous misconception that leads some young people to believe they must carry a weapon for ‘protection’.

    The government’s targeted strategy to reduce knife-enabled robberies is crucial, because it also addresses the clear and harmful connection between robbery and the fear it can instil in young people.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 13 October 2025.

    Pro-growth changes to the government’s landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill to get Britain building faster.

    • New measures to slash delays and get Britain building faster through landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill 
    • New powers for Secretary of State could stop councils rejecting planning permissions, tackle blockers in the courts, alongside plans to accelerate reservoirs, windfarms and large housing schemes   
    • Turbocharging the Plan for Change to create high-paying jobs, put money back into people’s pockets, and secure more homegrown clean energy

    New homes, more clean energy, and greater water security will be within reach for hundreds of thousands of working people and families, as the government vows to sweep aside blockers standing in the way of growth and dismantle barriers to get Britain building.   

    A pro-growth package announced by the government this week (Tuesday 14 October) will look at supporting the full potential of the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill – a key driver for growth to slash planning delays currently shackling the UK economy.    

    If voted through, Ministers will get new powers to prevent applications being rejected by local councils while they consider using ‘call-in’ powers to decide whether or not they should be approved. Currently some councils are dragging their feet to get on and build with nearly 900 major housing schemes blocked in the past year alone.    

    New proposed measures would greenlight reservoirs faster, pumping fresh water into the taps of people’s homes, and unlocking new opportunities for housebuilding after more than 30 years without a new reservoir in the UK.  

    Pro-growth changes will pave the way for cleaner energy, including onshore windfarms, to drive millions of pounds of investment into local areas, prevent bill hikes and create thousands of new jobs.  

    Allowing Natural England to streamline its role by freeing it up to make sensible choices on when to provide advice to local authorities will free up valuable resources. This will enable the organisation to focus on higher priority planning applications and nature recovery, helping to accelerate approvals for new homes and infrastructure.   

    Under government plans builders will also receive a helping hand to stop planning permissions from being timed out on vital housing projects tied up in the courts, accelerating and unlocking stalled schemes so money can be better spent on getting spades in the ground rather than starting back at square one. 

    If passed, each of these pro-growth changes will accelerate the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes, achieve clean power by 2030, raise living standards in every corner of the country and put more money back into working people’s pockets.

    Housing Secretary, Steve Reed said:

    “Britain’s potential has been shackled by governments unwilling to overhaul the stubborn planning system that has erected barriers to building at every turn. It is simply not true that nature has to lose for economic growth to succeed. 
      
    “Sluggish planning has real world consequences. Every new house blocked deprives a family of a home. Every infrastructure project that gets delayed blocks someone from a much-needed job. This will now end.    
      
    “The changes we are making today will strengthen the seismic shift already underway through our landmark Bill. We will ‘Build, baby, build’ with 1.5 million new homes and communities that working people desperately want and need.”

    As the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill rapidly continues its way through Parliament and is set to become law this year, this week’s wide-ranging package fully embraces the government’s drive to go further and faster in unleashing the biggest era of building in the country’s history. Key changes include:

    • Ministers will be able to issue ‘holding directions’ to stop councils refusing planning permission whilst they consider using their ‘call-in’ powers. Under existing rules, they can only issue these holds when council are set to approve applications. This will ensure Ministers can properly use their call-in powers where necessary to boost growth and build more homes.  
    • Speeding up the approvals for large reservoirs by enabling non-water sector companies to build reservoirs that are automatically considered as nationally significant infrastructure projects.  
    • Unlocking more onshore windfarms, securing around 3GW of onshore wind and up to £2 billion extra investment for UK based businesses, whilst safeguarding UK defence and seismic detection capabilities.
    • Stopping planning permissions from being timed out for approved major housing schemes facing lengthy judicial reviews, building on existing measures to cut back meritless legal challenges for major infrastructure projects from three to one and slashing a year off the statutory pre-consultation period.    
    • Securing a win-win across land and sea by allowing the Nature Restoration Fund to support the delivery of marine development, securing better environmental outcomes for marine habitats whilst accelerating the construction of coastal projects.  
    • Natural England is currently wasting precious resources because they are required by law to respond to every query from local authorities that relates to nature. Streamlining Natural England’s role will speed up approvals for new homes and infrastructure by reducing unnecessary duplication and allowing greater discretion to focus on applications that pose higher risks or present stronger opportunities for nature recovery, with standard guidance provided to local authorities for straightforward cases.

    Thanks to new pro-growth reforms, the government remains firmly on track to make 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects, with a record breaking 21 decisions in the first year of any Parliament, and has already greenlit projects including hot-off-the-wheels Gatwick airport expansion and the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    “The outdated planning system has been gummed up by burdensome bureaucracy and held to ransom by blockers for too long.  

    “Our pro-growth planning bill shows we are serious about cutting red tape to get Britain building again, backing the builders not the blockers to speed up projects and show investors that we are a country that gets spades in the ground and our economy growing.”

    This announcement follows the Housing Secretary’s commitment to ‘Build, baby, build’, as the government begins to embark on the next phase of reforms to remove every barrier to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament as well as accelerate the construction of major infrastructure including roads, railways, and solar farms.    

    Planning reforms already made by the government will alone drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and this does not account for measures to be brought forward through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

    The government’s own analysis confirmed earlier this year that changes to get Britain building could benefit the economy by up to £7.5 billion over the next 10 years.

    Further information:

    The government’s package of amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill can be read in full here.

    The landmark Bill is set to return to the House of Lords for its Report Stage on Monday 20 October.

    John Foster, CBI Chief Policy & Campaigns Officer, said:

    “The CBI welcomes the latest amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as an important signal that the government wants to go further and faster in reforming our inefficient planning system.  

    “Action that cuts delays to planning processes and simplifies environmental approvals is critical to getting projects moving faster and unlocking the economic growth the country needs. 

    “Allowing ministers to act decisively on major applications, streamlining Natural England oversight, and broadening investment to key assets like reservoirs will unlock significant investment across the country.” 

    Vicky Evans, UKIMEA Cities, Planning and Design Leader, Arup, said:

    “Investing in critical infrastructure, such as housing, clean energy, and water security, is crucial to unlocking economic growth and building a sustainable, low-carbon future. 

    “The amendments put down by the government today are an important step forward in streamlining the planning system which will help significantly to speed up the delivery of water and energy infrastructure, and new homes.” 

    Ana Musat, RenewableUK’s Director of Policy and Engagement said:

    “We have ambitious targets across various clean technologies and our grid infrastructure to ensure we deliver the government’s Clean Power 2030 mission, and the measures outlined today represent a vital step towards realising these whilst protecting our environment and enabling local businesses and billpayers to directly feel the benefits. 

    “Onshore wind is one of the quickest and cheapest technologies to build and we welcome these proposals to ensure we can fully capitalise on this through a more efficient planning process, potentially enabling up to 3GW of capacity and £2 billion in additional investment for local businesses. Additionally, we welcome the introduction of the Nature Restoration Fund, which will work alongside the upcoming Marine Recovery Fund to deliver a joined-up approach to protecting the UK’s precious species and habitats while we construct and connect our substantial pipeline of clean energy projects. This will dovetail with the reduced administrative burden on Natural England, which will be freeing up its resources to work collaboratively on solutions to support the deployment of renewables.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : MI5 issues guidance on countering espionage and interference [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : MI5 issues guidance on countering espionage and interference [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 October 2025.

    MI5’s National Protective Security Authority issues new security guidance to protect democratic institutions from espionage and foreign interference.

    MI5’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has today published new guidance to help protect the UK’s democratic institutions from foreign interference and espionage threats.

    The guidance outlines how state backed actors and their proxies attempt to manipulate, discredit or secretly gather information on political figures at all levels. This is done often through subtle and deceptive means that blur the line between legitimate engagement and malign activity. 

    The guidance is designed to help MPs, peers, councillors, Parliamentary staff and candidates understand the threat and take simple, effective steps to protect themselves, their teams, and the integrity of the UK’s democracy.

    While the guidance highlights that the UK is a target of strategic foreign interference and espionage from elements of the Russian, Chinese and Iranian states, it takes an actor-agnostic approach, focusing on the behaviours, methods and warning signs that should raise red flags, regardless of where the threat originates from.

    Minister for Cabinet Office and Home Office, Dan Jarvis, said: 

    I urge anyone working in government, public service or politics to be alert and trust their instincts if something does not feel right, and follow NPSA’s guidance. Foreign intelligence officers frequently operate covertly and exploit professional networking sites and personal vulnerabilities to build influence.

    This new guidance builds on the work we are already doing to tackle these issues. Those engaging in political influence on behalf of foreign powers must register under the Foreign Influence Registration scheme, as Parliament and the public have a right to know who is seeking to influence political outcomes, and in whose interests.

    Elected representatives and those who work with them may be targeted for their access to information, their ability to shape policy or public opinion, or their relationships with others of interest. This includes not only classified material but also privileged or insider knowledge that foreign intelligence services find valuable. This could be through attempts to exploit overseas travel, online activity, and financial donations as routes to access and influence.

    MI5 Director General, Sir Ken McCallum, said: 

    When foreign states steal vital UK information or manipulate our democratic processes they don’t just damage our security in the short-term, they erode the foundations of our sovereignty and ability to protect our citizens’ interests.

    Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about the role they play in UK democracy. Take action today to protect it – and yourself.

    We have seen previous cases of political interference, including most recently the case of the former Member of the European Parliament, Nathan Gill, and previously Christine Lee, a lawyer who was working in coordination with an arm of the Chinese Communist Party.

    The guidance details key threat behaviours, including cultivation through long-term relationship building, blackmail, phishing attacks and disinformation activity.

    We encourage individuals to trust their instincts, remain alert to subtle changes in behaviour or intent, and report any suspicious interactions – however apparently minor – to their security teams.

    Engagement will now take place across Parliament, devolved administrations and local government.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Mayors and councillors to access LGPS under reforms [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Mayors and councillors to access LGPS under reforms [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 13 October 2025.

    The Local Government Pension Scheme is one of the largest pension schemes in the world, with over 6.7 million members and £400 billion of assets.

    Ministers are consulting on restoring access to the Local Government Pension Scheme for councillors in England and extending it to mayors. 

    The proposed reforms would align England with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where elected members already have access. 

    The proposals will show locally elected leaders the respect they deserve as dedicated public servants. This comes as local government reorganisation and devolution continue to reshape councils across England, the responsibilities held by mayors and councillors are expanding significantly. 

    Other measures being consulted on include: 

    • Making it simpler for Multi-Academy Trusts to apply for their staff from different schools to be in the same pension fund; 
    • Implementing new Fair Deal protections ensuring workers outsourced from local government keep seamless access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. 

    The LGPS is one of the largest pension schemes in the world, with over 6.7 million members and £400 billion of assets under management. The scheme serves those who work in local government including waste collectors, school staff including teaching assistants and dinner ladies, library managers and parks workers. 

    The consultation follows earlier reforms announced by the government this year focusing on investment pooling and local investment, designed to unlock the scheme’s full investment potential as it approaches £1 trillion in assets by 2030. 

    The consultation will run until December 22.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [October 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2025.

    The Prime Minister met President Erdoğan of Türkiye at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister thanked the President for his invaluable role in the process to achieve a ceasefire and bring an end to the war.

    Both agreed that now must be a turning point, and we must maintain momentum towards implementation of the peace plan.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK stands ready to play a leading role in the next phase.

    They ended the discussion on other shared priorities, including a commitment to collaborate more closely on defence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-Uganda Agro-Industrialisation – productivity for farmers [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-Uganda Agro-Industrialisation – productivity for farmers [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2025.

    Representatives of the UK and Ugandan governments, farmers, businesses and development partners discussed collaborations to boost productivity for farmers.

    The first UK-Uganda Agro-Industrialisation Forum was held on 27 August 2025, with representatives of the UK and Ugandan governments, farmers, businesses and development partners discussing collaborations to boost farm productivity, exports to the UK, regional food trade, and climate resilience.    

    Agro-Industrialisation is a pillar of Uganda’s National Development Plan, through which the government seeks to boost agricultural financing, expand agro-industrial infrastructure, enhance access to technology, and strengthen value chains to increase the country’s agro-exports. 

    The UK has a long history of collaborating with Uganda’s agricultural sector, for example UK business, Nexus Green, has worked with the Ministry of Water and Environment to roll out irrigation schemes with farmers across the country.

    The UK’s 39-million-pound Climate Smart Jobs programme is working with businesses, researchers and financial institutions to boost productivity and the climate resilience of farmers across Northern Uganda and through its Developing Countries Trading Scheme, the UK has made it easier for Ugandan exporters to get their produce on the shelves of UK shops. 

    British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney said:

    The UK is committed to our partnership with Uganda and working together to accelerate sustainable development and mutually beneficial economic growth. We know this goal cannot be realised without transforming agriculture as Uganda’s biggest employer. I’m therefore excited to bring together public and private sector leaders to discuss how the UK and Uganda can build on our deep existing links in the agricultural sector, to increase farm productivity, exports, climate resilience, and support Uganda’s ten-fold-growth ambitions.

    The forum is expected to: 

    • raise awareness of UK agricultural technologies which can boost productivity and support agro-industrialisation
    • link UK and Ugandan agribusinesses to work together 
    • boost Ugandan exports to the UK, using the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme and Uganda Airlines’ direct flight 
    • identify trade barriers and solutions for policymakers  
    • engage media houses to focus on climate change challenges and solutions for the agricultural sector
  • PRESS RELEASE : Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025 – Statement by UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025 – Statement by UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2025.

    UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, condemns persecution on the basis of religion or belief.

    Thank you, Madam Moderator. My name is David Smith and I am very pleased to be here today as UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.   

    The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.  These rights are not isolated – when one is denied, others are weakened. Freedom of Religion or Belief is a cornerstone of this framework, and its protection is essential to building peaceful, inclusive societies.  

    But, sadly, we must also confront the reality of rising intolerance. The surge in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate since October 2023 is deeply concerning. The recent horrific terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish calendar– is a harrowing reminder that hatred knows no borders.  

    Domestically, the UK is working to address hatred and intolerance at the roots. Antisemitism has no place in our or any society, and we have committed £72 million until 2028 to enhance security at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community sites, extending our funding to the Community Security Trust. We also work closely with our Independent Adviser on Antisemitism on the most effective methods to combat antisemitism and advocate for British Jewish communities.  The UK strongly supports the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism and we urge OSCE states to adopt and implement them.  

    In the UK, we also continue to support the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme with an annual grant of £29.4m for security of mosques and faith schools. These measures reflect our unwavering commitment to confronting hatred and to upholding the right of every individual to practise their faith freely and without fear.   

    Around the world, persecution on the basis of religion or belief is on the rise. According to the charity Open Doors, 380 million Christians alone are persecuted worldwide because of their faith. And as Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report underlines, the risks humanists and atheists face globally are significant.   

    In July, I launched the UK’s new strategy on FoRB, with the overarching goal of reducing the number of countries where FoRB is curtailed around the world. We will do this through five core strands of work: multilateral advocacy; targeted bilateral engagement; strengthening coalitions for collective action; mainstreaming FoRB across our foreign policy; and increasing civil society engagement. This ambitious strategy reflects our belief that FoRB is central to global stability.  

    Finally the UK proudly supports the vital work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights in confronting discrimination in all its forms. Thank you, Moderator.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France [October 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2025.

    The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France in Sharm El-Sheikh today.

    They welcomed the historic scenes of the last few days, with aid now pouring into Gaza and the hostages finally being reunited with their loved ones after unimaginable suffering. 

    Both leaders paid tribute to the vital efforts of President Trump and the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for securing the first phase of peace. They agreed this should mark a turning point for the region, and attention must now turn to the next phase. 

    The Prime Minister said the UK stands ready to play a leadership role in the process of decommissioning Hamas, then supporting the reconstruction of Gaza and participating in the ceasefire monitoring mission.

    Turning to Ukraine, they discussed continuing the momentum from today to drive towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and looked forward to convening a Coalition of the Willing meeting soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council in Geneva [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council in Geneva [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2025.

    Item 6

    We’d like to thank the LDC group for the efforts that they’ve made in finding alternative text which attempts to address all Members’ concerns, and want to acknowledge the compromises that they have made in doing so. The current draft appears unable to secure consensus from the membership, so clearly further work will be required. The UK remains committed to working with all members to try and help find a solution that is acceptable to all. Thank you.

    Item 13

    The UK welcomes China’s commitment to no longer seek Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) in new WTO agreements. It’s an important step, a step that we hope will create positive momentum in the ongoing discussions on WTO reform. We know that country classification and S&DT are key cornerstones of this organisation, but there are long-standing calls for reform from developed and developing countries which need to be addressed. We hope that China’s announcement will create positive momentum and we encourage China and others to continue to think ambitiously about further steps that can be taken to progress WTO reform and strengthen the multilateral trading system. Thank you.

    Item 14

    Business voices at this year’s Public Forum were clear: the Agreement on Electronic Commerce will provide the predictability and stability that they need and will make trade cheaper, faster, fairer and more secure. Recent analysis by the OECD and the WTO has shown that the implementation of the deal can increase global trade by 2.3%, an increase of up to 8.7 trillion US dollars by 2040, with lower and middle income countries set to benefit most. The evidence also shows that each year that the implementation of the deal is delayed, 159 billion US dollars of foregone trade is being left on the table. And yet, while the support and evidence is clear, more than one year on from the conclusion of the negotiations we’ve been unable to incorporate the agreement into Annex 4. We’re open to engaging with all WTO members to ensure that we can all benefit from the agreement as soon as possible, and we hope that our request in December will be considered faithfully. We’ve already missed out on a year’s worth of economic benefits. We shouldn’t delay further.

    And before I give up the floor, I also pass on my heartfelt thank you to Jeremy from Australia who’s personally played such a big role in this agreement. We will really miss his wisdom and his guidance on this and so many other issues. Thank you.

    Item 17

    Thank you, Chair. We would like to thank India for their interest and engagement from the UK’s Article XXVIII process, which concluded on the 1st of October. The UK issued eight extensions to the process over a seven-year period to allow time to address Members’ concerns, resolve negotiations and finalise administrative processes. We are ready to engage India bilaterally and in the most appropriate WTO forums on this matter. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : HMS Richmond ‘Alive With Opportunity’ showcase in Mumbai [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : HMS Richmond ‘Alive With Opportunity’ showcase in Mumbai [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2025.

    The UK hosted a flagship trade and investment reception on HMS Richmond at Mumbai Port, marking the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to India.

    The reception showcased how the UK and India’s free trade agreement (FTA) will make it cheaper, easier, and quicker to do business together – unlocking new opportunities across sectors from manufacturing and defence to clean energy and technology.

    The event followed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India in Mumbai this week, where he was joined by the UK’s largest ever trade delegation to India. The visit evidenced the vast opportunities for businesses across the UK and India following our historic FTA, and the launch of our refreshed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vision 2035, in July.

    UK Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood and Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker both attended the event after a day of productive business talks with leading UK and Indian businesses.

    The Minister for Investment met with Indian firms, outlining the sector-specific partnerships of the FTA framework, new investment opportunities and technology collaboration.

    Lord Vernon Coaker also attended a Defence Capability showcase onboard HMS Richmond and met with the India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) Shri Sanjay Seth, outlining the opportunities for stronger UK-India defence industrial cooperation to deliver growth and jobs in both countries.

    Investment Minister Jason Stockwood said:

    Our landmark trade deal with India is already delivering for businesses in both countries with investment boosted across the board.

    I have been inspired by the entrepreneurial energy of the wide range of business leaders, investors, and cultural representatives I’ve met during my visit, and this is a testament to the strong ties we have forged with our Indian partners as we continue to boost trade as part of our Plan for Change.

    UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said:

    It was a pleasure to visit India during a week which saw the UK-India partnership reach new heights. The UK Carrier Strike Group conducted Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy, led by their indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

    We are now entering the era of defence co-production, which will provide mutual benefits to both the countries. The various initiatives demonstrate the growing depth and trust in our relationship, which is even more important to promote peace, security and stability in an increasingly uncertain world.

    The reception followed the first ever British and Indian Carrier Strike Group joint exercise, Exercise KONKAN, which commenced earlier this week. New milestones for UK-India defence collaboration were also reached with a £350m deal set to deliver UK missiles for the Indian Army, and the signing of the Implementing Arrangement to advance cooperation on electric-powered engines for naval ships to the next stage, worth an initial £250m.

    The ‘Alive with Opportunity’ reception was made possible by the invaluable support of sponsors. The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai shared special thanks with the platinum sponsor, Premier League, gold partner HSBC India and in-kind partner Diageo India, whose contributions exemplify the strength of UK-India business ties. Their support, along with that of many others, helped to bring the celebration to life and reinforced the shared ambition of a prosperous future for both the UK and India.

    Hrishikesh Shende, Managing Director Premier League India, said:

    India is home to millions of football fans who follow the Premier League passionately and we are delighted to be supporting the ‘Alive with Opportunity’ showcase. The opening of the Premier League office in Mumbai earlier this year underpins the League’s long-standing commitment to India.

    Looking forward, we will be focusing on getting even closer to our hugely knowledgeable fanbase and continuing our grassroots programmes to support access to high-quality football for young people across the country. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a boost to UK companies looking to invest and expand in India – creating business confidence and a framework for closer collaboration.

    The event was attended by more than 400 leading figures representing government, businesses, investors, and cultural icons, celebrating the strengthening partnership between the UK and India spanning trade, investment and defence cooperation, demonstrating the depth and breadth of the UK and India’s relationship.

    Further information

    • The ‘UKxIndia: Alive with Opportunity’ campaign launched in 2023, celebrating the thriving partnership between the UK and India by showcasing the people, ideas, culture and innovation that drive collaboration across key sectors including tourism, education, retail, hospitality and trade.
    • The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is currently on an eight-month deployment known as Operation HIGMAST. This multinational deployment led by the UK Carrier Strike Group providing an opportunity for the UK’s Armed Forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies in the region. Read more here and here.
    • A new £350 million deal, welcomed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will see UK missiles supplied to the Indian Army. Read more here.