The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 May 2026.
Thousands of patients with painful joint and muscle conditions will receive employment support and treatment to tackle health-related economic inactivity.
£3.2 million government investment to expand NHS programme that cut musculoskeletal (MSK) waiting lists by 20%
England-wide rollout to drive improvements across the country and increase access to care
Funding to ensure patients are offered employment support alongside treatment, tackling one of the UK’s leading causes of health-related economic inactivity
Thousands of people living with conditions like arthritis and back pain will receive faster care and help to get back to work thanks to the national rollout of a government pilot scheme.
Backed by more than £3 million of government funding, the expansion of NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) MSK Community Delivery Programme builds on a successful pilot, which cut 18-week waiting lists by 20% across 17 areas between December 2024 and March 2025.
The new funding will support MSK community appointment days – innovative one-day clinics that bring health specialists and mental health support and physical activity services together, allowing people to engage with multiple services in one visit.
It will also support ‘super clinics’, which rapidly increase clinical capacity and provide one-to-one, in-depth clinical diagnostics and targeted treatments.
Funding will also be directed at areas with the greatest need to remove the current postcode lottery and improve local services where the need is greatest.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Sharon Hodgson, said:
I’m delighted to announce the national rollout of such a successful scheme, which will help address the unacceptably long waits for painful MSK conditions.
Patients are suffering, and so is the economy, which is why this government is taking a new approach to cutting waiting lists while supporting patients back into employment.
The NHS should drive economic growth, and by getting people with painful MSK conditions the care they need faster, they stand a better chance of getting a job and back to normal life.
The rollout will address the long waiting lists for community MSK care that this government inherited.
The scheme brings together health specialists, employment advisers and wider support services so patients can access everything they need in a single visit, rather than being forced to get support in different settings – often while dealing with excruciating pain.
MSK conditions affect nearly 18 million people in England and are among the leading causes of health-related economic inactivity in the UK, accounting for 100,000 people currently signed off work. More than half a million people who are currently economically inactive for health reasons report an MSK condition.
Crucially, the programme places a strong emphasis on helping people get back to work. The expansion will ensure that access to work and health support is woven into community MSK care as standard – not treated as an afterthought.
This supports the government’s efforts to boost economic activity.
Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson MP, said:
No one should feel locked out of work because of a painful joint or muscle condition, and this investment will make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of people across England.
By ensuring MSK services direct people to employment support, we are making it easier for people to get well and get back to work, and the pilot results show this approach works.
Giving people the support they need to get into good, secure jobs is better for people who want to work, for business, and our economy – so that’s what this government is delivering.
The pilot, which began supporting 17 NHS areas in December 2024, demonstrated that faster, smarter, more effective community MSK care is achievable.
By working with health system leaders to use data, benchmark performance and trial new ways of working, participating areas saw long waits fall rapidly and significantly.
Innovative approaches tested during the pilot included digital tools to help patients manage their conditions remotely.
The new investment will now bring this approach to every corner of England.
Clinical leads will be appointed across all health systems to drive best practice, standardise the quality of care, and ensure patients are routinely connected to employment support alongside their treatment.
Professor Tim Briggs, National Director for Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery at NHS England and Chair of the GIRFT programme, said:
It’s hugely encouraging to see this transformative initiative now being expanded across every health system in England after seeing waiting lists fall by 20% across 17 pilot areas in just a few months.
MSK conditions are one of the biggest drivers of sickness absence and economic inactivity, affecting around 17 million people nationwide. This rollout will help many more patients get faster access to high-quality care closer to home.
By bringing together clinical care, employment support and wider community services under one roof, the GIRFT programme is transforming how the NHS supports people – helping patients not only recover more quickly, but return to work, independence and everyday life.
Sue Hayward-Giles, Assistant Director of Practice and Development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:
We welcome this much-needed focus on MSK issues, which have often been overlooked in the past.
Faster access to the expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment that physiotherapists and other key professionals provide will reduce waiting lists and help keep people in work – or help them return quickly – while reducing the impact on other parts of the system.
If successful, this initiative is good news for patients and the NHS, and represents a long overdue recognition of the critical importance of addressing MSK health.
The rollout is part of the government’s broader mission to:
shift more NHS care out of hospitals and into communities
reduce waiting lists
help more people live healthier, more productive lives
It sits alongside a wider package of employment support for people with health conditions as the government works to tackle economic inactivity and get Britain working.
Fergal Monsell, President, British Orthopaedic Association, said:
Improving access to high-quality care for patients with MSK health issues is key to enabling people to return to work, caring responsibilities and regaining their independence.
Patients must be seen by the right clinician in the right place with pathways facilitating care by orthopaedic surgeons, first contact practitioners and other MSK specialists in the most appropriate settings.
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK, said:
Community MSK waiting lists are among the longest in the NHS, with people waiting far too long in pain for treatment. An injection of funding focused on reducing community waiting times is a welcome step forward for people living with arthritis and MSK conditions across England.
Access to timely, holistic treatment and care remains a barrier for many, negatively impacting their mental and physical health, their ability to work and to live their lives. Much of this care can and is being delivered in a community setting but we must do more to ensure equitable access.
We hope the announcement of clinical leadership in every local area will start to tackle the existing postcode lottery, but it is essential this is underpinned by a well-trained workforce and an ongoing commitment from government to meet the needs of people living with arthritis and MSK conditions.
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 28 May 2026.
Households across the UK continue to embrace solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission.
269,000 solar installations completed in 2025 – the highest total ever recorded in a calendar year and 37% larger than the year before
23,000 new solar installations in April 2026, with more than half installed on homes – showing households are turning to homegrown energy following the war in Iran
9 of the 10 strongest months for solar deployment on record have happened within the last year
Households across the UK continue to embrace solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission to reduce Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets following the outbreak of the war in Iran.
New government data published today shows that 2025 was the strongest year on record for solar deployment, with 269,000 installations completed across the UK. Around 255,000 of these were rooftop solar – meaning at least 95% of all new solar was installed on homes, businesses and other buildings. This equates to a new rooftop solar installation every 2 minutes throughout 2025.
April 2026 figures published today also confirm that 9 of the 10 best-performing months ever recorded have occurred in the past year, with nearly 23,000 new installations in the last month alone – and more than 1 in 2 of those being rooftop solar on homes, showing households are increasingly choosing to generate their own power.
The milestone follows the UK surpassing 2 million total solar installations for the first time in March 2026, across homes, communities and solar farms nationwide. It also comes as new annual figures from the government today show that the cost of acquiring and installing solar PV has decreased by up to 9%.
The surge reflects growing government investment in solar power to deliver clean energy and help lower bills, with rooftop solar saving families up to £480 a month. This includes:
consenting Springwell Solar Farm, the largest power-producing solar farm in UK history
driving forward with the rollout of ‘plug-in’ solar panels (low-cost panels that families can put on their balconies or outdoor space) to be available in shops within months and save people money on their bills
ensuring solar panels are fitted on new homes in England as standard
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
As we face a second fossil fuel crisis in 5 years, Britain is taking back control of their energy by generating more clean power than ever before. Record-breaking solar growth means greater energy security, lower exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets which we can’t control.
This is what our clean power mission looks like: backing homegrown energy, giving people more control over their bills, and building a stronger, more resilient energy system for the future.
Businesses and public services are also embracing Britain’s solar revolution – cutting costs and strengthening energy security.
Numatic International, the maker of Henry the Hoover, has launched a new solar park expected to supply around 20% of its Somerset factory’s electricity demand.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has installed rooftop solar expected to cut bills by around £9,500 a year, while Wren Kitchens is building what is set to become the UK’s largest factory rooftop solar array.
These installations build on the success of Great British Energy’s solar scheme, with a further 100 schools and colleges set to receive rooftop solar this year.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 May 2026.
Ambassador Holland set out why Russia’s illegal war is failing: unsustainable casualties, minimal gains and mounting economic strain at home. Russia cannot outlast Ukraine’s partners. Russia needs to get serious about negotiations on a just and lasting peace.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
There are many reasons why Russia should get serious about negotiations on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: first and foremost, its war is illegal, unprovoked, and wrong; civilians continue to pay the highest price; and, the scale of destruction inflicted by Russia is beyond anything our continent has seen in 80 years. These facts alone should compel Russia to change course. But the Kremlin must also now realise that Russia cannot win this war and it is time to stop.
On the battlefield, Russia is exhausting its manpower at a rate it cannot sustain. Casualty levels remain staggeringly high, while the pool of volunteers continues to shrink. Russia is increasingly relying on coercion and compulsion, including the recruitment of third-country nationals.
Russia is paying this high price for minimal territorial gains. Its rate of advance has slowed markedly in 2026, despite casualties remaining high. This is not the trajectory of a state on the path to victory.
This is not to gloat. There are wider negative impacts that are a consequence of a frustrating campaign on the front line. When Russia cannot achieve decisive results on the battlefield, it intensifies attacks on civilians. And last weekend, it launched 600 drones at 90 missiles at Ukraine, primarily targeted at Kyiv. This was one of the largest air attacks on the capital since the full-scale invasion, and the largest missile attack on Ukraine since 2024. So far in May these attacks have killed nearly 200 civilians and injured over 1,500 more, meaning that tragically, May is on track for the highest number of civilian casualties since April 2022. A state confident of victory does not need to terrorise civilians. This behaviour betrays weakness, not strength.
That weakness is increasingly visible inside Russia. The war economy is under growing strain. Growth fell to 1% last year. The economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, and Russia has cut its growth forecast for this year to just 0.4%. Oil and gas revenues fell by 24% in 2025 and remain down in 2026 compared to the same period last year. Ukrainian strikes have reportedly driven Russian refining capacity to its lowest point since 2009.
And these pressures are being passed directly to the Russian public through higher taxes, reduced social spending and tighter controls. The public frustration that arises from this is suppressed rather than addressed, which runs counter to OSCE commitments on freedoms.
Mr Chair, Russia cannot outlast Ukraine’s partners. Ukraine continues to adapt and innovate. Those who support it remain united and resolute. Our combined economic strength and defence capacity far exceeds Russia’s. Russia’s victory is not inevitable. On current trends, it is increasingly implausible. All the more reason then, for Russia to recognise this reality, agree to a full, unconditional ceasefire and engage seriously on a just and lasting peace. We urge them to do so, and doing so would save many lives.
The United Kingdom will continue to stand with Ukraine, support its right to self-defence, and work with partners to ensure that aggression fails. Thank you.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 May 2026.
Mr Stephen Lillie CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic in succession to Mr Matthew James Lodge, who will be moving on secondment to another Whitehall Department. Mr Lillie will take up his appointment during September 2026.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 28 May 2026.
The Lord Chancellor has approved the further appointment without competition of Tim De Meyer as policing member of the Sentencing Council from 1 July 2026 until the earlier of the date of the appointment of his successor or 30 June 2027.
Ministers consulted the Commissioner for Public Appointments before making this appointment without competition. This is to ensure continuity of essential policing expertise on the Council while a full recruitment exercise is undertaken.
Biography
Tim De Meyer has 28 years of policing experience across a range of operational and strategic roles. He has served in the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police. In 2023, he was appointed Chief Constable of Surrey Police. Since 2019, Tim has held the National Police Chiefs’ Council portfolio lead for Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act Disclosure, contributing to national policy and practice through the Criminal Justice Coordination Committee.
He has declared no political activity.
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales was established to promote greater transparency and consistency in sentencing, while maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The primary role of the council is to issue guidelines on sentencing, which the courts must follow unless it is in the interests of justice not to do so.
The appointment of non-judicial members of the Sentencing Council, is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 28 May 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister, in his capacity as Secretary of State, has approved the re-appointment of Dr Jake Hard and Professor Seena Fazel as members of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody for a period of 3 years from 1 July 2026 for Dr Jake Hard, and 1 October 2026 for Professor Seena Fazel.
Established in 2009, the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) forms part of the Ministerial Council on Deaths in Detention in England and Wales. The IAPDC provides expert advice and challenge to Ministers, departments, and agencies with the central aim of preventing deaths in detention.
This appointment is made by the Secretary of State for Justice in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office, who co-sponsor and co-fund the IAPDC.
Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Biographies
Professor Seena Fazel
Professor Fazel is the Professor of Forensic Psychiatry and Director of the Centre for Suicide Research at the University of Oxford. He is an honorary consultant forensic psychiatrist for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and works clinically in a community forensic mental health team. His main research interests are in relation to suicidal behaviour in prisoners, the mental health of prisoners, and risk assessment in criminal justice and mental health.
Dr Jake Hard
Dr Hard is a GP with over 19 years’ experience of working in prison and is the Associate Clinical Director for the South West Prisons, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He was the Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Secure Environments Group from 2016 to 2022 and has published work with the IAPDC.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2026.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to lead UK-convened international coalition to tackle global emergency of violence against women and girls.
mirroring the UK Government mission to halve VAWG in a decade, the Coalition announced at the Global Partnerships Conference will see countries across the globe share expertise and scale up prevention work
eight countries have signed up to this new Coalition, driven by the Foreign Secretary
Women and girls across the globe will be better protected from violence and abuse, as the UK spearheads a new international effort to drive progress, to be announced by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper today at the Global Partnerships Conference in London.
The new coalition brings together eight countries to work together to prevent violence so that women and girls can live free from fear, no matter who or where they are. Member states will drive practical action to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, which affects 1 in every 3 women globally, as well as tackling online abuse, which is on the rise around the world.
Founding members are the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia.
As the world faces increasing conflict, the International Coalition will also look to strengthen global efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict and other forms of violence in humanitarian crises.
Next year, the UK will convene a major summit on tackling violence against women and girls where countries can set out further commitments and report on progress.
The Government has already pledged the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history, committing to halve these horrific crimes within a decade and introducing lifesaving policies like Raneem’s Law, which has seen domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms.
The Foreign Secretary has exported her domestic experience into foreign policy, declaring women and girls a departmental priority at the FCDO and protecting central spending on tackling violence against women and girls in a challenging fiscal context.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, said:
Violence against women and girls is a global emergency not just a national emergency. We are determined to work across borders to ensure women’s safety is a world wide priority. I visited the Sudanese border in February, and I heard girls speak of rape, abduction and abhorrent sexual violence. I will make sure their voices are heard and fight to end violence for every single one of them – and for the 1 in 3 women globally who will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime.
I’m delighted to launch this Coalition with countries around the world that share our ambition. Because from the UK, to Brazil, to South Africa and beyond, women deserve to live free from fear of violence. And because there can be no peace, security, or prosperity for any of us until they do.
Through the Coalition, countries will share expertise in tackling the issue and develop national action plans to scale up work to prevent violence, protect women and girls, and hold perpetrators to account.
Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Lewisham Police Station, alongside the UK Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet and Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation. They spoke to Met police officers and saw demonstrations of their V100 programme – a pioneering digital risk assessment using counter-terrorism tactics to identify, target and manage the most dangerous VAWG offenders in London.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Natalie Fleet said:
Violence against women and girls is a global emergency and tackling this issue requires more than warm words.
To create a world where women and girls feel safe from harm, we must build a united, global front and I’m proud to stand alongside international partners today who committed to doing just that.
But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the UK state to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
The launch comes alongside the publication of the UK’s new International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, which sets out how the UK will defend the rights of women and girls across the world, embedding this across diplomacy, trade, security, and development, using UK partnerships and resources to drive progress.
The Framework outlines the UK’s increased ambition to ensure women and girls are placed at the heart of everything we do, and includes a commitment that at least 90% of FCDO bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) will have a focus on gender equality by 2030.
Notes to editors:
In 2024, the Foreign Secretary (in her previous role as Home Secretary) set out new measures set out to combat violence against women and girls – GOV.UK, including the introduction of Raneem’s Law which saw domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms.
Last year, the UK unveiled its national VAWG strategy, setting out how the UK will meet its ambition to halve VAWG in a decade – a commitment made by the Foreign Secretary (in her previous role as Home Secretary).
In March, the Foreign Secretary made women and girls a departmental priority at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She also announced that central spending on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) will be protected at 2025 to 2026 levels.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
The Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, at RAF Northolt and a nearby military museum today.
The leaders began by reflecting on the historic relationship between the UK and Poland, including the strong links between the Polish community and RAF Northolt, where the 303 Polish Fighter Squadron had been based in the Second World War.
That military relationship was the foundation for the strong friendship the two countries shared today, the Prime Minister said.
Reflecting on the new Northolt Treaty they signed together, the leaders discussed how it marked a generational step up in defence and security cooperation between the two countries, which would strengthen NATO and European security, particularly on hybrid and modern threats.
Both Prime Ministers underlined the importance of Europe stepping up in NATO to ensure security across the continent. The increase in defence spending seen from Allies had to be coupled with strong alliances within Europe, they both agreed.
Turning to Ukraine, the leaders reiterated their steadfast support for the Ukranian people and condemned Russia’s continued aggression. It was vital a just and lasting peace was secured for Ukraine and peace restored in Europe, the leaders agreed.
The leaders also discussed the UK’s ambition to be closer to the European Union, both to protect security and boost prosperity, and the Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Tusk’s support on the issue.
Moving on to the Middle East, the leaders discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need for the ceasefire to hold. A swift diplomatic resolution that leads to a lasting settlement was vital, the Prime Minister said.
Both looked forward to seeing one another again soon.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, this morning.
The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s continued support for the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and plans for a future Multinational Military Mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahead of New Zealand’s Budget tomorrow, the leaders discussed the financial impact that widespread global instability was having on households in both the UK and New Zealand, and the importance of finding a way forward and ultimately, a resolution, to keep the cost of living down.
On Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s strong support for both the training of Ukrainian soldiers as part of Operation Interflex, as well as Ukraine’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
The leaders also discussed the appalling situation in the West Bank and reiterated their call for the Government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers and ensure accountability for settler violence.
The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Security and Defence Partnership.
The Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,
Resolving to strengthen close co-operation in security and defence and preparing for the challenges facing both States and Europe as a whole;
Guided by the desire to ensure a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for their citizens amid fundamental geopolitical change;
Cognisant of the current challenges to Euro-Atlantic security in an era characterised by increasing security threats and the return of warfare to the European continent, and acknowledging the challenges to their democracies and to international law and norms;
Identifying the Russian Federation as the most significant long term threat to that security and the need to counter its malign actions;
Determined to overcome these challenges by deepening their close co-operation as European neighbours and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies on the basis of the strong ties that connect their States, peoples and governments and their shared history, values and interests;
Reaffirming their ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of their security, and the foundation of collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area;
Guided by the importance of working together as strong bilateral partners to strengthen the transatlantic Alliance and enhance the defence and security of Europe;
Reaffirming their commitment to European unity and responsibility in matters of security and defence;
Reaffirming their commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and to an international order with the United Nations (UN) as its core;
Underscoring that economic growth and security are interdependent and vital to their future prosperity and the wellbeing of their peoples;
Resolved to strengthen prosperity and security through action to enhance the energy security of both States, to improve the resilience of their economies, to seize the opportunities offered by science, and to shape the technological change that will define their futures;
Recognising that prosperity and security can only be guaranteed by action to combat climate change, and reaffirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement done at Paris on 12 December 2015 (Paris Agreement) and its goals;
Ambitious to build upon the Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Defence and Security Cooperation, done at Warsaw on 21 December 2017 (2017 Treaty) and the Poland-UK 2030 Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration on Foreign Policy, Security and Defence, signed at London on 5 July 2023 (2023 Joint Declaration);
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Foreign and Security Policy Co-operation
The Parties commit to deepen co-operation in international security and foreign policy, in order to support international peace and security, promote human rights and the rule of law, and ensure the effectiveness of the international security architecture. Through regular engagement at ministerial and official level, the Parties undertake to share analysis, consult on the full range of international challenges, and coordinate on their respective policies, endeavouring to establish common positions and promote mutual interests.
The Parties shall intensify co-operation alongside other partners, and within multilateral formats such as NATO, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the UN in order to address international challenges. The Parties shall make the best possible use of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of 19 May 2025. Noting the shared commitment between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union (EU) to explore mutual involvement in relevant defence initiatives in accordance with the respective legal frameworks, they look forward to working together with NATO Allies and EU Member States to strengthen European security, in support of NATO.
The Parties shall seek to intensify their co-operation with other European partners, in order to jointly address international security challenges.
The Parties underscore the threat the Russian Federation poses to international peace and security. They reaffirm their commitment to countering and deterring Russian aggression and interference in all its forms. They resolve to apply appropriate pressure on the enablers of Russian malign activity and aggression, and to work together, including in international fora, to hold the Russian Federation (including its political and military leadership) to account for its violations of international law including international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed in the context thereof. The Parties will continue to work with Ukraine and other partners to pursue lawful ways to ensure the Russian Federation is made to meet its obligation to pay for damage it has caused Ukraine.
Guided by their enduring commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the Parties reaffirm their unwavering military support for Ukraine’s security and independence as well as Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including through supporting Ukraine to build a resilient economy, stronger democratic institutions, and further Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Parties shall cooperate closely to strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions policy and implementation. As appropriate, both Parties shall foster alignment within multilateral frameworks such as the EU, and the UN to ensure a unified and impactful response.
The Parties shall deepen exchanges on matters of strategic stability including deterrence and defence, arms control and non-proliferation, to strengthen Euro-Atlantic and wider international security.
Driven by their shared values and commitment to democracy, the Parties reiterate their commitment to the freedom of the press and independence of the media, and to freedom of expression. The Parties shall support these principles through their membership of the Council of Europe, participation in the OSCE, including supporting the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and through the UN.
The Parties undertake to strengthen coordination on conflict resolution and prevention and the application of international humanitarian law. The Parties shall work to increase women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in decision-making processes related to peace and security. The Parties shall promote the protection of and support for women and children during and after armed conflict and work to prevent sexual violence in conflict.
Driven by a shared commitment to the role international development plays in preventing and mitigating threats to national security, and acknowledging the valuable role of the EU as a development actor, the Parties agree to deepen collaboration and share best practice, including on projects in relevant States.
The Parties commit to continue and strengthen regular diplomatic training exchanges.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall create regular structured dialogues on foreign and security policy at ministerial and official levels that bring in relevant departments as necessary to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats and discuss the methods to address them adequately.
ARTICLE 2
Defence and Security Co-operation
Building on the 2017 Treaty and the 2023 Joint Declaration, the Parties reaffirm the commitments therein and agree to deepen their co-operation in defence, with the aims of:
a. strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, recognising that regional security is inseparable from the security of both Parties;
b. enhancing bilateral interchangeability and interoperability between their respective armed forces across all domains, including via enhanced joint training, education, and exercising and participation in multinational military structures located both in the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to build links between personnel;
c. supporting the defence and deterrence activities of NATO, bolstering co-operation between NATO and the EU, and supporting the peacekeeping activities of the UN;
d. supporting the defence industries of the Parties and their common projects, including developing joint capabilities, and enhancing co-operation in research and technology, inclusive of technology transfer.
The Parties reaffirm their determination to meet commitments as NATO Allies, including for multi-domain collective defence. To achieve this, the Parties shall provide forces, capabilities, resources and infrastructure as are needed to enable the execution of the Defence Plans of NATO.
The Parties shall work together, with other NATO Allies, to strengthen deterrence and defence of the NATO eastern flank acknowledging its strategic role and coordinating their forces and efforts where possible.
Recognising the volatile and increasingly challenging security environment in Europe and in its broader neighbourhood, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to NATO as the foundation of their collective defence, and to their obligations as stipulated in the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Washington on 4 April 1949 (North Atlantic Treaty), in particular Article 5. The Parties also affirm as close allies their deep commitment to each other’s defence.
As NATO Allies and strategic partners, the Parties affirm their deep commitment to each other’s defence and, in the event of an armed attack on the other, shall assist one another, including by military means in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The Parties recognise the urgent need for Europe to step up the development of new defence capabilities in all domains in order to strengthen their security and protect their territory, and are resolved to play their part in this generational effort. The Parties also recognise the mutually-reinforcing benefits of ensuring security of supply for national programmes and creating a reliable pipeline of orders for defence companies. Therefore, the Parties commit to: greater alignment of defence industrial and export strategies allowing for future partnerships; development and maintenance of interchangeable capabilities; joint procurement; work to identify and minimise regulatory barriers to joint programmes; work to improve dialogue and co-operation between defence companies of both Parties; and discussions of supply chain risks and ways to overcome them.
Recognising the imperative to strengthen defence financing in accordance with the ambition set out by the NATO, the Parties support efforts in this domain. The Parties are united in their resolve to accelerate the introduction of innovative instruments and methods for the mobilisation of financial resources, ensuring that such efforts are comprehensive and inclusive. The Parties shall cooperate to advance defence financing solutions that enable the timely and efficient achievement of defence objectives.
Recognising the Parties’ significant shared interests as nations that adhere to international law and norms, the Parties commit to strengthen the interoperability, interchangeability and integration of their defence strategies and armed forces. The Parties shall continue to articulate detailed plans for their growing military co-operation through the defence co-operation plans established through the 2017 Treaty. The Parties shall intensify their co-operation across all domains, including training, doctrine, education, exercising, and special operations. The Parties shall continue to enable the regular exchange of national security and defence personnel and their families, to deepen and forge their relationship for future generations and to ensure their Armed Forces have the conditions they need to perform effectively.
Understanding the ever-growing importance of disruptive technologies, deepened defence co-operation shall include increased collaboration in cyber security capabilities. The Parties shall also explore opportunities to work together on new and disruptive technologies, including dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, space and other defence technologies.
The Parties commit to developing and maintaining a close dialogue between their respective Defence Ministries on all defence issues of mutual interest, including on nuclear issues within NATO.
Acknowledging that investment in operational, capability and industrial collaboration must be underpinned by work to improve the personnel links between their forces, the Parties commit to enhance liaison officer networks and professional military education opportunities; increase joint exercising; and negotiate new agreements on the mobility of military personnel.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall further develop regular structured dialogues to discuss enhancing defence co-operation. The Parties shall hold annual strategic dialogues and consultations, which include Ministers, the Chiefs of Defence Staff and senior officials. This shall also include an increased exchange between respective expert communities of the Parties.
ARTICLE 3
National Security Co-operation
Recognising the rapid evolution and interconnected nature of threats to their internal security, the Parties commit to strengthen bilateral co-operation to tackle them, including threats to critical infrastructure (including land and maritime infrastructure), making best use of all suitable policy, legal, operational, diplomatic and technological tools and mechanisms.
Building on the Parties’ existing commitments in the Protocol on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part, done at Brussels and London on 30 December 2020, the Parties commit to joint action to counter transnational serious and organised crime, including action on criminality falling within the jurisdiction of the customs authorities. The Parties shall enhance their collaboration on strategic policy and operational co-operation. In pursuit of the most harmful groups, the Parties shall strengthen joint action, including advance cargo information sharing and pre-arrival risk analysis co-operation, where appropriate. The Parties shall work together and explore collaboration with the private sector and third countries to tackle other shared organised crime threats, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs, tobacco and firearms, fraud and illicit finance.
The Parties recognise that migrant smuggling is a shared challenge requiring joint solutions. They commit to cooperate in the fight against organised cross-border crime involving migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons. They shall, where appropriate, deepen dialogue and operational co-operation on border security and exchange best practice and shall work together to counter the instrumentalisation of migration by external actors.
The Parties commit to deepening comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address the upstream drivers of irregular migration. The Parties recognise the importance of safe, regulated migration and asylum systems that safeguard against abuse and can respond to modern challenges, and share a firm commitment to international law and human rights standards.
Acknowledging the key roles played by NATO and the EU, the Parties shall strive to strengthen resilience against, deter, and respond to hybrid threats, including cyber and information threats. They shall further their co-operation through information sharing where appropriate, development of tools, and coordination of disruption and response options. They commit to share strategic approaches to the growing threat from hybrid activities, including, but not limited to sabotage, and the malign use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, and to offer mutual support in response to specific incidents and attacks, where appropriate.
The Parties share deep concern at the threats and challenges which undermine security and democratic values through Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) by malign actors. The Parties commit to deepening exchange of risk analysis, growing trends and best practice, where appropriate, and working towards joint action and capability to tackle FIMI threats in a range of ways. They underscore the need for fast and agile responses against FIMI actors given the nature of the evolving threat.
Recognising the significance of critical national infrastructure and the diverse threat vectors that pose risks of disruption particularly in the energy sector, the Parties commit to sharing best practice in resilience, preparedness, response and restoration capabilities as appropriate.
The Parties shall strengthen coordination on counter-terrorism through continued intelligence co-operation and by increasing data sharing where appropriate.
Building on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Justice and Home Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Co-operation in Criminal Matters signed at Warsaw on 14 November 2024, the Parties commit to further strengthen their criminal justice co-operation, including through the opening of negotiations on a new prisoner transfer agreement.
The Parties reinforce their existing commitment to exchange information extracted from criminal records, focusing on both the support of criminal proceedings and the pursuit of key public protection objectives including employment vetting, conducting criminal records checks within migration procedures, and safeguarding. Specifically, the Parties shall share criminal records information for the purposes of protecting vulnerable adults and children including fostering and adoption arrangements where appropriate.
The Parties shall work together bilaterally and through multilateral organisations to improve their law enforcement capabilities. They shall work with INTERPOL to support the integrity of the international system and prevent its abuse by malign actors. They acknowledge the vital role of EU agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust.
The Parties commit to streamline Mutual Legal Assistance co-operation, including by digital means and measures to enhance operational co-operation.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall conduct a regular dialogue on national security to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats, including seeking views from their respective expert communities and civil society organisations where appropriate.
ARTICLE 4
Economic Security Co-operation
The Parties underscore that strong and resilient growth and national security and defence are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They confirm their shared principles of maintaining and improving a well-functioning international rules-based system, and their mutual commitment to secure and resilient trade. The Parties further stress the necessity of promoting diverse, secure and resilient supply chains, regulatory certainty and trusted trading relationships as integral components of a comprehensive approach to economic security.
The Parties shall strengthen their respective economic resilience to support and protect their national security. They shall exchange information, perspectives on global events and policy responses, where appropriate, to foster a common understanding on areas of concern in the trade and investment domain, including supply chain resilience.
The Parties commit to undertaking actions aimed at strengthening the resilience and security of the transport sector, bilaterally and multilaterally, including through the development of dual-use infrastructure designed for both civilian and military purposes. The Parties shall share information about the best practice in developing such infrastructure.
The Parties commit to regular discussion of barriers to growth, trade and investment including any challenges in the business environment. They shall identify opportunities for coordination and co-operation in areas of strategic importance to their economic security, including under their respective industrial policies.
Noting the profound impact of global health crises on economic growth and national security, the Parties shall deepen exchanges and strengthen international collaboration on global health risks, including provisions for industry dialogue.
Understanding the important role of sustainable agriculture in the bilateral relationship, the Parties shall continue to enhance dialogue on global food security and share information and approaches to regional food challenges.
The Parties recognise the role of bilateral investment in driving growth and commit to deepening collaboration, commercial exchange and dialogue with all relevant partners to facilitate this, including small and medium sized enterprises and large companies, as well as start-ups and accelerators.
The Parties shall advance strong science and technology collaboration, recognising its role in addressing global challenges, supporting the development of commercial technologies, and safeguarding research security. The Parties also recognise the contribution of technology start-ups to economic growth and shall explore ways to collaborate on technology transfer.
The Parties shall engage in dialogue on economic security to address cross-cutting issues and threats to their national security and mutual prosperity. This shall include the geopolitical implications of regulatory and technological changes, particularly in areas of critical infrastructure, dual-use technologies and supply chains dependencies.
ARTICLE 5
Energy and Climate Security Co-operation
The Parties firmly believe that the key to energy security is a diverse energy system that boosts energy independence, better protects consumers from price volatility, is resilient and secure, and mitigates the impacts of climate change through diversified clean energy sources, including renewable and civil nuclear energy generation.
The Parties agree to share experience and deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration on the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and implementation of the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement.
The Parties note the need to globally decarbonise energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner and to achieve net zero by 2050. The Parties also reaffirm the need to effectively support the development of renewable, nuclear and other zero- or low-emission energy sources and the stability of the energy system at the European level, as well as energy efficiency.
The Parties are committed to nature conservation and restoration which are essential to resilient energy, food, ecological, and economic systems. They commit to protect and preserve the natural environment, including forests and wetlands, which can provide important support to security objectives, where appropriate.
The Parties commit to undertake joint actions to support the development of and investment in zero- or low-emission sources of energy and clean technologies, boosting growth in both States.
Acknowledging the growing threat to the resilience and security of energy infrastructure, the Parties commit to a deeper exchange of analysis and policy approaches. They shall strengthen collaboration to address the full spectrum of risks, including the protection of maritime critical energy infrastructure, critical energy assets, incident response, and advances to repair and restoration capabilities, where proportionate and necessary.
The Parties uphold the importance of civil nuclear energy in their respective future energy mixes. They commit to support nuclear energy, as a clean energy source and to promote access to finance for the development of nuclear projects in Europe and globally, including through green financing and international financing institutions. The Parties shall take steps to counter the involvement of the Russian Federation in their respective civil nuclear supply chains (including in technology and raw materials), and encourage others to do the same, in order to minimise direct and indirect trade.
The Parties support co-operation at the level of Transmission System Operators and market regulators, underlining their important role in the security of supply and the protection of national critical infrastructure as well as the affordability of energy prices.
The Parties stress that delivery of their shared goals on energy security and resilience as well as energy transition will require a collaboration between relevant Ministries, state-owned organisations and enterprises as well as potential commercial partners. The Parties commit to working together with the above mentioned entities, as appropriate, to identify joint projects and support delivery.
ARTICLE 6
Treaty Governance
The Parties shall create a senior official coordination mechanism to review the implementation of the commitments contained in this Treaty. This shall include assessment of existing projects, consideration of new projects, and identification of further areas of co-operation, as needed. Prime Ministers of the Parties will hold biennial consultations to review implementation of this Treaty. Further ministerial‑level dialogues on individual policy themes and policy areas shall be held as necessary, including through the mechanisms specified in Article 4 of the 2017 Treaty.
ARTICLE 7
Relationship with other laws
The Parties shall give effect to this Treaty in accordance with their national law. Nothing in this Treaty shall be construed as prejudicing or affecting in any manner the rights or obligations of the Parties stemming from international law.
ARTICLE 8
Territorial scope
This Treaty shall apply to:
a. the territory of the Republic of Poland; and
b. the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and may be extended to any or all of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man by mutual agreement between the Parties by exchange of notes.
ARTICLE 9
Disputes
Any dispute concerning the interpretation, application or implementation of this Treaty shall be resolved solely by negotiation between the Parties.
ARTICLE 10
Amendments
The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Treaty. The amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 12 of this Treaty or on such date as the Parties may agree.
ARTICLE 11
Termination
A Party may terminate this Treaty by giving the other Party notification in writing. Such termination shall take effect six months after the date of receipt of the notification or on such date as the Parties may agree unless the notification is withdrawn by agreement before the end of this period.
ARTICLE 12
Entry into force
This Treaty shall enter into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the last notification by which the Parties notify each other that their respective internal procedures for entry into force of this Treaty have been fulfilled.
Done at …………… this ………… in duplicate, in the Polish and the English languages, both texts being equally authentic.
For the Republic of Poland
For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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