Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Water company fines fund local restoration projects [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 October 2025.

Over £10 million in water company fines has been channelled into cleanup projects to repair the damage done by sewage– directly benefitting communities and the environment which have been harmed by rule breaking. 

Through the Water Restoration Fund, money from fines handed to five water companies will fund 51 projects across England, from active measures such as rewilding and restoring floodplains to funding for assessments of water quality and development of improvement plans.

Anglian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities were forced to pay millions after causing pollution incidents between April 2022 and October 2023. 

From restoring riverbeds in Exmoor National Park to tackling septic tank spills into Windermere, these projects will restore precious habitats, improve flood resilience and enable local wildlife to thrive.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

I share people’s anger at the damage caused by sewage pollution and want communities to once again feel they can take pride in their environment.

This money from water company fines will be directed back into local projects to tackle pollution and support long-term plans for nature restoration.

Under our Plan for Change we’re resetting the water industry – holding water companies to account and reinvesting in areas harmed by their rule breaking.

Projects, which span the length and breadth of the country, include a £1.2 million floodplain and river restoration project on the River Witham in Lincolnshire, as well as river restoration, nutrient capture and wetland creation in the Evenlode catchment in Oxfordshire.

The Water Restoration Fund delivers on the government’s Plan for Change – empowering communities to invest money raised from water company wrongdoing back into the environment.

The Government is committed to restoring our waterways to good health and will continue to direct water company fines and penalties into projects to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. With increased accountability, record investment to fix broken pipes, and a new powerful regulator responsible for the entire sector that will stand firmly on the side of customers and the environment.

Projects and funding distributions:

Thames area (£3,318,392.84)
- Coate Water Site of Special Scientific Interest Restoration Project (£83,306)
- Restoring the River Ching (£175,729.13)
- Citizen Crane, Catchment Scale Restoration of an Urban River (£133,755)
- The Wandering Wandle (£161,217.18)
- Emm Brook Restoration Project (£743,146.64)
- Ilford Arrival, Restoring the Lower Roding (£113,415)
- Improving the Evenlode Catchment (£780,780)
- Rye to Good Phase 3 (£100,236)
- The Keston Ponds Project (£248,853)
- Colne Catchment (£143,737.89)
- Rediscovering the River Colne (£198,807)
- Ealing Regional Park River Restoration Plan (£250,000)
- River Windrush and Sherborne Brook Catchment Improvement Project (£102,822)
- Roundmoor and Boveney Chalk Stream Restoration Project (£82,588)
East England (£3,036,664)
- Upper Witham River and Floodplain Restoration Project (£1,185,957)
- Great Ouse Blue Connections (£85,674)
- Recovering the Deben (£248,274.32)
- Slade Brook Natural Flood Management Project (£187,782)
- A Collaborative Restoration Plan for the Cam (£179,602.54)
- Welland Headwaters Nature-based Solutions (£107,053)
- 20-year Strategy for restoration of river & floodplain habitats in the rivers Nene, Ise and Tove (£165,976.57)
- Broadland Catchment Partnership Development Plan (£205,376.49)
- Stanwick Lakes Hydrological Survey (£118,272)
- Panford and Blackwater Catchment Regeneration Project (£552,696.08)
South West (£1,849,513.04)
- Heddon Valley (£162,694)
- Otter Catchment- Source to Sea (£75,000)
- Upper Barle River Restoration Project (£147,496)
- Teign and Taw Fisheries Management (£664,286.50)
- Arlington Lake, Fish Opening and Habitat Enhancement (£80,558.68)
- Water Wise Farming (£81,105)
- Restoration of the River Mere Catchment (£202,267.24)
- Washfield Wetland (£202,609)
- Improving the West Looe River Water Body (£95,394.34)
- Catchment Planning – Avon, Gara & Slapton Ley, and Kingsbridge Salcombe Estuary (£138,102.28)
Yorkshire (£1,533,722.28)
- Dewsbury Country Park (£76,570.85)
- Ashfoldside Metal Mines Project (£81,730)
- Solutions for the Swale, Ure, Nidd, Ouse, Foss, Wiske, & Wharfe (£75,236)
- Water in the Wharfe (£249,445)
- Foss & Esk River Restoration Improvement Studies (£130,060)
- Derwent Site of Special Scientific Interest Project (£79,054.44)
- Swaledale and Wensleydale Environmental Farmers (£222,960)
- Connecting Limbs (£225,817)
- Upper and Lower Staveley Weirs (£75,039.99)
- Pickhill Beck (£93,473)
- Feasibility Study for Doe Lea Catchment (£75,045)
- Hornsea Mere Restoration (£149,291)
North West (£758,161.50)
- Stalybridge Restoration Planning (£97,055.50)
- River Tame Barriers Modification Feasibility Study (£247,500)
- Lakes Biosecurity Priority Area Project (£140,320)
- River Cocker Catchment Restoration (£150,182)
- Windermere STEP (Septic Tank Engagement Programme) (£123,104)
October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Taser approved for UK police forces to protect public [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 October 2025.

Police across England and Wales will be able to equip themselves with new and improved taser devices to help protect the public and themselves from dangerous criminals.

Axon’s Taser 10 model is more effective than previous devices, being able to fire at greater distances, with better handling and improved safety mechanisms to reduce the risk of injury to both members of the public and police officers. The device can fire up to 10 single probes and the officer can determine where each individual probe is fired, unlike previous devices.

The device also provides an auditory warning, if activated by the officer before firing, alerting the public and serving as a deterrent to offenders.

The device has been subject to rigorous scrutiny, independent testing and medical assessments, with trials carried out by the College of Policing to ensure that the device is fit for purpose and can be deployed safely, accurately and with confidence.

The introduction of the Taser 10 comes after the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the College of Policing worked together to assess the new model. A joint implementation plan between NPCC and College of Policing has also been developed to ensure forces are supported with training, guidance, and operational readiness.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

Police officers up and down the country are at their best when diffusing stressful, and often dangerous, situations, but their safety, and the safety of the communities they serve is paramount.

The new Taser 10 offers a safer option for officers who find themselves in those dangerous situations.

This new device, backed by robust testing, will help our police forces and properly trained officers tackle crime more effectively while maintaining public trust and accountability, which is crucial to our Plan for Change.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, national policing lead for less-lethal weapons, said:

We are proud to operate a predominantly unarmed police service built on public consent, where officers resolve most incidents safely without force, and we continue to see a consistent decline in Taser discharges.

Taser provides vital support in high-risk, fast-moving situations. Officers who volunteer to carry Taser are highly trained, and in 92% of cases, its presence alone defuses danger swiftly and safely.

Accountability is paramount, and the new Taser 10 model enhances oversight and prioritises de-escalation, reinforcing our focus on public safety and trust.

The device is now available for purchase by forces, and it will be for individual forces to train officers and authorise deployments with the Taser 10.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said:

Taser 10 is an invaluable tool, and it is policing’s responsibility to make sure it is used wisely and effectively.

Our updated guidance was developed in consultation with experts and tested in real-world scenarios. The effective use of Taser 10 is about improving the safety of our police officers and fulfilling our duty to protect the public from harm, whilst using the minimum amount of force. It’s also about trust, as the public rightly expects police powers are used with care and accountability.

The College of Policing’s new guidance and training will ensure officers are not only prepared to the highest possible standards, but also that those standards are transparent. This will help build public trust and confidence and ensure officers are held to the high professional standards the service is proud to uphold.

Alex Lowe, UK and Ireland Regional Director at Axon, said:

We welcome the government’s approval of Taser 10 and its ongoing commitment to giving officers the tools they need to protect themselves and the public.

Taser 10 – supported by immersive VR (virtual reality) training – is a vital part of the technology toolkit alongside body-worn video and real-time digital evidence management that will help police deliver on the government’s Safer Streets mission.

Axon has been a proud partner to UK policing for over 20 years, and Taser 10 is just one example of the innovative, integrated solutions we provide. We look forward to deepening that partnership in the years ahead.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Somalia [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

Let me thank the Independent Expert. We are grateful for her work on Somalia since 2020. As we transition to a nationally led partnership with OHCHR, we recognise the invaluable work of the Independent Expert mandate since 1993 in documenting and reporting on the situation of human rights in Somalia and supporting the government.

We welcome the presence of the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development and her team from Mogadishu.

We welcome the passing of the Juvenile Justice Bill in March 2025, and the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code Bill in January 2025.

We remain concerned at the continuing loss of civilian life due to ongoing conflict and insecurity, continuing cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and restrictions on the freedom of expression, including detention of journalists.

We encourage the Somali government to strengthen the rule of law and enhance fundamental freedoms by finalising the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. We also emphasise the importance of promoting the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, protecting vulnerable and marginalised groups, and fostering a broad consensus, as Somalia prepares for timely, free and fair elections in the coming year. The UK stands ready to work with Somalia on all these issues.

To the independent expert: what action can the UN and other international partners take to support the work of the National Human Rights Commission over the next year?

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Martin Egan reappointed as Non-Executive Director [October 2025]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 2 October 2025.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has reappointed Martin Egan as a Non-Executive Director of the UK Debt Management Office (DMO) Advisory Board.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby KC MP, has reappointed Martin Egan as a Non-Executive Director of the UK Debt Management Office (DMO) Advisory Board.

In this role Martin will continue supporting the DMO’s Chief Executive and senior team and bring considerable experience, skills and judgement to the full array of Advisory Board issues.

Martin will serve a second three-year term.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

“I am very pleased to confirm the reappointment of Martin Egan.

“His extensive knowledge and experience will continue to support the Debt Management Office in delivering its objective to support economic stability by effectively managing government debt.”

Dame Sue Owen, Non-Executive Chair, DMO Advisory Board, said:

“I fully support this reappointment. Martin brings the deep market knowledge and perspective that is so valuable to the Advisory Board and DMO executives.”

Jessica Pulay, Chief Executive Officer, UK Debt Management Office, said:

“I am delighted that Martin Egan will continue to serve on our Advisory Board as a Non-Executive Director. Martin’s knowledge and experience has been of immense value to the DMO since he joined the Advisory Board and we look forward to his continuing contribution over the coming years.”

About Martin Egan

Martin Egan has 39 years of experience in financial markets. Most of his career was spent at BNP Paribas in various roles including Managing Director Global Co-Head Primary and Secondary Credit, Vice Chairman of the Global Markets Client Board, and Chair of BNPP UK Ltd. He was also Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Network at BNPP UK. Earlier in his career he held roles at JP Morgan Ltd., UBS Investment Bank and Credit Suisse First Boston.

Martin was also the Chair of the Board of the International Capital Market Association from May 2017 to May 2018, and a member of the Board for another 5 years before that.

Martin confirmed he has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

About the appointment process

The DMO is an executive agency of HM Treasury which is responsible for debt and cash management for the UK Government, lending to local authorities and managing certain public sector funds.

This reappointment was made by HM Treasury ministers, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Central African Republic [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Central African Republic. Delivered at the 60th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

We welcome the Central African Republic’s continued engagement with this Council and the Independent Expert’s scrutiny of the human rights situation. Ongoing implementation of national human rights policies remains vital to translate commitments into results.

The UK welcomes the Central African Republic’s commitment to hold local, legislative and presidential elections in December. However, holding combined elections presents significant challenges. We urge the government to strengthen the National Electoral Authority to ensure the constitutional timelines for elections are met and encourage stakeholders to support the Authority in delivering free and fair elections.

We are pleased the measures taken under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation has led to an improvement in the human rights situation, but we remain deeply concerned by abuses committed by Russian proxies and armed groups. These groups do not improve security or stability. We urge the authorities to strengthen the implementation of the Agreement, and to support the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) as it seeks to fulfil its mandate.

Intercommunity tensions represent a serious threat to peace and human rights. We ask the independent expert, what can the international community do to support the Central African Republic in combatting these tensions?

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on Haiti [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on Haiti. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We are grateful to the High Commissioner for his report.

Criminal gangs continue to commit abuses, including killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. Over a million Haitians have been displaced, and access to essential services is severely restricted.

Restoring security is essential to Haiti’s long-term stability. The UK supported the Multinational Security Support Mission by providing £5 million to the Office of the High Commissioner to ensure the Mission complies with international standards on human rights, conduct and discipline. We welcome the Office’s role in ensuring the Mission operates in line with the highest standards of human rights protection.

We also welcome efforts at the UN Security Council to develop a coordinated and sustainable way forward for Haiti’s security and stability. Any future arrangements should seek to protect the rights and civil liberties of Haitians.

Moreover, we will continue to act against perpetrators of human rights abuses in Haiti, including through our human rights sanctions regime.

How can the international community ensure that future security arrangements in Haiti support a Haitian-led political process that protects rights and freedoms?

Thank you.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission, and congratulates President Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity on its decisive election victory.

The United Kingdom notes the results of Moldova’s parliamentary elections on 28 September, and congratulates President Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity on its decisive election victory.

We look forward to further strengthening our partnership and friendship with the government and people of Moldova, and continuing our support to Moldova’s economic and democratic reforms as it works towards its European future.

The UK welcomes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that elections were competitive and offered voters a clear choice between genuine political alternatives. We are deeply concerned by the serious reported cases of foreign interference, illegal funding, cyber-attacks and widespread disinformation – as well as credible evidence of vote-buying schemes.

As was the case during presidential elections in 2024, the information environment during the electoral campaign was weaponised by malign actors to sow division in society in an attempt to subvert Moldovan democracy. We, alongside partners, will redouble our efforts to aid Moldova’s ability to hold elections that both meet international standards and that are free of external interference in the future.

The United Kingdom fully supports the findings outlined in the ODIHR preliminary conclusions, and encourages the Moldovan government to engage constructively with international partners to address outstanding recommendations. We will continue to support Moldova’s efforts to stop interference from Russia undermining democracy in their country.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the UK’s strong support for ODIHR, and its vital work in observing elections across the OSCE region.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Charity Commission Statement on the Heaton Park Synagogue [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 2 October 2025.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said:

Our thoughts are with those directly affected, and the wider Jewish community, after this abhorrent attack on a holy day. This attack is all the more abhorrent as it targeted people of faith and those serving in a charity simply for attending their place of worship. Violence and hatred have no place in our communities and society. Violence can never be justified and can never be excused.

Charities are at the heart of communities across the country improving millions of lives daily. We as the regulator will robustly defend their right to do so and stand ready to support charities as they do what they do best – bring communities together, protect society’s most vulnerable and work to make our country and world a better place.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Stephen Hardy announced as the new Certification OfficerStephen Hardy announced as the new Certification Officer [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 October 2025.

Hardy will be responsible for statutory functions relating to trade unions and employers’ associations.

The Department of Business and Trade has today (1st October) announced the appointment of Stephen Hardy as the new Certification Officer.

The independent Certification Officer is responsible for statutory functions relating to trade unions and employers’ associations.

Stephen Hardy will take up his role on 1 October 2025, replacing Sarah Bedwell, who has held the post since 2017.

Biography

Stephen Hardy is a Professor of Employment Law and formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law & Politics at the University of Hull (2020-2024). He has over 3 decades experience in higher education and was a practising Barrister, specialising in Employment and Public law, instructed in complex trades union, equality, redundancy, dismissal and judicial review cases; including being appointed Regional Treasury Counsel and on the Panel of Preferred Counsel of the Equality Human Rights Commission. Since 2011, he has been a Fee-paid Judge of the First-Tier Tribunal and was a member of the Judicial Pensions Board (2019-2023). Currently, he is a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee. In 2021 he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and since 2022, has been a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors to the National Wealth Fund [October 2025]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 2 October 2025.

Experts in investment, risk management and local and central government have been appointed to the National Wealth Fund Board, as it moves into a new chapter.

Catherine Cripps, Tom Riordan, and Joseph Schull have been appointed as new Non-Executive Directors by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves as the National Wealth Fund focuses on scaling up delivery: increasing the capital it deploys, expanding into new sectors, and building stronger regional investment pipelines.

Over the past year, the National Wealth Fund (NWF) has been at the forefront of investing public money in the UK’s future, supporting the government’s mission to put more money into the pockets of working people through our Plan for Change. It is now set to move into a new chapter under the leadership of Oliver Holbourn, who takes up the role of CEO on 1 November.

The National Wealth Fund Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to the organisation’s progress to date, and the appointment of Catherine, Tom and Joseph will significantly add to its capabilities.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: 

I would like to congratulate Catherine, Tom and Joseph on their appointments as Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund.

They bring exceptional track records to the NWF’s Board, spread across Investment, Risk Management and Local and Regional Government. Each of them will further strengthen an already capable and experienced Board as it supports our mission to boost economic growth and living standards through our Plan for Change.

Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg said:

I am delighted to welcome Catherine, Tom, and Joseph to the Board. Each brings vital expertise and perspective that will strengthen our ability to deliver on the NWF’s ambitious objectives, as we scale up our investment activity to support the government’s growth and clean power missions.

Catherine Cripps said:

It is a privilege to take up this role and support the NWF on its critical mission to drive growth and investment in the UK.

Tom Riordan said:

I’m delighted to be joining the team at the National Wealth Fund at such an exciting time and I’m looking forward to helping them deploy capital and create jobs that benefit the whole country.

Joseph Schull said:

I am delighted to join the NWF Board as it begins a new chapter and I look forward to supporting its mission to act as a catalyst for the growth of the UK’s digital businesses and green economy across the country.

Biographies

Catherine Cripps is a seasoned investment management professional, having held senior leadership roles at major institutions and smaller, entrepreneurial businesses. She has built a diverse board portfolio, serving on listed company boards, private equity backed businesses, government agencies and major international subsidiaries. Catherine currently Chairs Polar Capital Technology Trust plc and is a Non-Executive Director of Pool Re Insurance Company Ltd, Goldman Sachs International & Goldman Sachs International Bank

Tom Riordan brings extensive experience across central and local government. He began his career in government, subsequently serving as Chief Executive of a regional development agency. He later became Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, overseeing significant regeneration and public service transformation. Tom currently serves as Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Health and Social Care and will undertake the NED role alongside this position.

Joseph Schull is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of private equity firm Corten Capital. Previously, Joseph was Head of Europe at Warburg Pincus and a member of the firm’s Executive Management Group, responsible for overseeing investments in multiple sectors, with a focus on technology. Joseph is an experienced board member, having served as both an investment director and a non-executive director. He brings over 25 years of investing and business building expertise as well as strategic insight to NWF’s Board.

October 8, 2025