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  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK fully supports the new government’s efforts to advance security, stability and prosperity for the Yemeni people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK fully supports the new government’s efforts to advance security, stability and prosperity for the Yemeni people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 February 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

    I would like to start by welcoming the announcement of the new government of Yemen and commend the leadership of Prime Minister Zindani and the Presidential Leadership Council. 

    This marks an important step for Yemen and an opportunity for important economic, governance, and security reforms.

    The UK fully supports the government’s efforts to advance security, stability, and prosperity for the Yemeni people.  

    We would like, in particular, to welcome the three new women ministers in the Cabinet. An inclusive government is vital for lasting progress. 

    Second, following the adoption of Resolution 2831, we remain closely engaged on the orderly and safe drawdown of UN personnel and assets, as the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement, UNMHA, in Yemen closes. 

     We look forward to the Special Envoy’s continued efforts to deliver on the UN’s commitments under the Hudaydah Agreement.

    Third, Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world, as we’ve heard today, with 22 million people in need of assistance, spiralling food insecurity, and the potential collapse of the primary healthcare system.

    We need to act collectively and urgently to galvanise efforts to address these needs.

    Finally, we have heard again today in the Council, the unequivocal call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis.

    The UK strongly condemns the death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and the continued detention of aid workers. 

    These actions violate fundamental rights and due process. They also shrink the operational space for NGOs, which is vital to supporting Yemenis who remain in desperate need. They must be released.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary have agreed by mutual consent the Cabinet Secretary will stand down [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary have agreed by mutual consent the Cabinet Secretary will stand down [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 February 2026.

    Sir Chris Wormald to stand down as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.

    The Prime Minister and the Cabinet Secretary have agreed that Sir Chris Wormald will stand down as the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service by mutual agreement from today (12 February). 

    Sir Chris Wormald, said: 

    It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a civil servant for the past 35 years, and a particular distinction to lead the Service as Cabinet Secretary. I want to place on record my sincere thanks to the extraordinary civil servants, public servants, ministers, and advisers I have worked with. Our country is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals devoted to public service, and I wish them every success for the future.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: 

    I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year. I have agreed with him that he will step down as Cabinet Secretary today. I wish him the very best for the future.

    For an interim period, the responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary will be shared by Catherine Little CB, Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office, Dame Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary at the Home Office and James Bowler CB, Permanent Secretary at His Majesty’s Treasury. 

    The Prime Minister will appoint a new Cabinet Secretary shortly. The appointment process will be agreed by the First Civil Service Commissioner.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to publish new gender guidance for schools [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to publish new gender guidance for schools [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 12 February 2026.

    Guidance for gender questioning children is clear schools should take a careful approach when a child asks to social transition.

    Schools and colleges will soon have clear and pragmatic guidance instructing them that they must take a very careful approach when a child asks to socially transition.

    Legal duties will be absolutely clear after government embeds guidance within Keeping children safe in education, the established statutory safeguarding framework schools are expected to follow.

    Backed by Baroness Cass, whose review warned that strong evidence about the impact of social transition remains limited, the guidance says children’s wellbeing and safeguarding must be at the centre of every decision and schools cannot take a one size fits all approach.  

    It clearly sets out that single sex spaces must be protected. Without exception, no child should be made to feel unsafe through inappropriate mixed sex sport, and there should be no sharing of school and college toilet facilities over eight years old or mixed sex sleeping arrangements on trips.  

    It is also vital that schools and teachers are aware of any child’s birth sex to be able to take appropriate action where needed, so the guidance will also make clear that this must be accurately recorded in school and college records.  

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:  

    Parents send their children to school and college trusting that they’ll be protected. Teachers work tirelessly to keep them safe. That’s not negotiable, and it’s not a political football.  

    That’s why we’re following the evidence, including Dr Hilary Cass’s expert review, to give teachers the clarity they need to ensure the safeguarding and wellbeing of gender questioning children and young people.   

    This is about pragmatic support for teachers, reassurance for parents, and above all, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

    The guidance also provides much needed clarity by determining schools should always consider any clinical advice the family has received and seek parents’ views unless there is a genuine safeguarding reason not to.

    School leaders and unions including Star Academies and the Sixth Form College Association have backed the clear red lines set out in the proposed guidance to protect all children and young people.  

    KCSIE is kept under regular review to make sure it is meeting the need of schools, colleges and families, allowing for further changes as new evidence emerges.

    It is already used by teachers and schools and colleges every day – and the latest iteration includes strengthened guidance and guardrails on issues central to our children’s safety from violence and harassment to online risks and mental health.

    Dr Hilary Cass, Author of the Cass Review, said: 

    The safety and wellbeing of the child must be at the heart of any decision when a young person is questioning their gender. Schools, parents and government share this fundamental responsibility. 

    Integrating this guidance within Keeping Children Safe in Education ensures this. It places this work alongside other duties to protect children, on a clear statutory footing, with proper accountability for all involved. 

    The updated guidance is practical and reflects the recommendations of my review, giving schools much needed clarity on their legal duties so they can support children with confidence.

    Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:  

    This gender questioning guidance offers a considered and practical framework for schools and colleges navigating the complexities around gender-questioning children.   

    It rightly prioritises transparency with parents and a cautious, evidence-informed response to complex issues.  

    By setting out clear expectations and red lines within Keeping Children Safe in Education, it helps schools and colleges to navigate sensitive situations while ensuring that all children and young people are protected, respected, and supported. 

    Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

    We welcome the publication of guidance on supporting gender questioning children.

    Schools and colleges have done a very good job in dealing with this complex and sensitive issue over the course of many years, striving to create inclusive environments for all their young people. But they have had to do so amid an often-polarised public debate.

    We have long called for clear, pragmatic and well-evidenced national guidance to support them in this area and we are pleased to have reached this point.

    Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

    We welcome the publication of this guidance for consultation, as there is a clear need for greater clarity about how schools should manage this sensitive issue and support their pupils.

    Placing this within existing safeguarding guidance ensures that the key principles of safeguarding children underpin the approach schools take. It is important to remember that individual children and young people are at the heart of this, and schools remain focused on ensuring that every child in their care is safe and treated with compassion and humanity.

    Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said:

    Sixth form colleges make every effort to safeguard the welfare and dignity of all students, as well as to provide welcoming, inclusive environments for those who identify as trans or are questioning their gender.

    The major additions proposed today by DfE to the statutory safeguarding guidance will allow them to continue to do that with greater confidence, ending a long period of uncertainty about how to apply broad legal principles to the day-to-day reality on the ground in colleges.

    We are particularly pleased that DfE has addressed many of our questions and concerns about previous draft guidance, including by acknowledging that the best approach will vary by student age and stage.

    Polly Harrow, DfE Further Education Student Support Champion; Vice-Principal Kirklees College:

    The consultation on Gender Questioning guidance within KCSIE will be welcomed by the FE sector. The guidance is useful for all educators and gives clear information and advice on an issue that needs clarity and sensitivity.

    I would urge practitioners to take the opportunity to comment, as the final guidance will be invaluable for supporting our work in this space.

    Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts said:

    This is an important area, where schools need to follow the law while responding sensitively to individual circumstances.

    This updated guidance gives clarity, but also the flexibility to demonstrate respect and care for pupils and families.

    Working together we can help ensure all pupils are properly safeguarded.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Armed forces careers unlocked for tens of thousands through new recruitment drive [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Armed forces careers unlocked for tens of thousands through new recruitment drive [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 February 2026.

    People looking for a career in the Armed Forces will receive advice directly from military personnel in their local jobcentre, under new plans to boost military recruitment.

    • Partnership between Ministry of Defence and Department for Work and Pensions will boost Armed Forces training and careers
    • Move will create opportunities for tens of thousands of young people and bring skills into Armed Forces, strengthening Britain’s defence at time of rising threats
    • Young people will benefit from mentoring by serving personnel from diverse backgrounds and work coaches will receive specialist training to better promote Armed Forces opportunities

    People looking for a career in the Armed Forces will receive advice directly from military personnel in their local jobcentre, under new plans to boost military recruitment. 

    Opening up opportunities for tens of thousands of young people, the new agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Department for Work and Pensions (signed Wednesday 11 February) will connect Jobcentre Plus directly to military training and careers. Jobcentre staff will provide guidance on immediate opportunities, spanning roles from engineering and cyber, to healthcare and logistics.

    It will give young people skills for life and boost critical defence roles, helping our Armed Forces to meet growing security challenges. For the first time, military career opportunities will be actively promoted to jobseekers through the Jobcentre Plus network.

    Armed Forces Career Offices (the military’s local recruitment hubs across the UK) will be partnered with JobCentres and local Armed Forces Champions. The partnership is open to all jobseekers, with targeted support for care leavers and underrepresented groups through DWP’s Youth Hubs, breaking down barriers to defence careers and widening the pool of talented people considering a future in the Armed Forces.

    Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:

    I know first-hand what a career in the Armed Forces can do for young people. It gave me skills, purpose and opportunities I might never have found otherwise. This partnership is about making sure more people get that same chance – especially those who’ve never had defence on their radar. 

    Britain’s security is stronger when our Armed Forces draw from the whole of society. By reaching young people where they are, we’re opening doors and building the diverse, talented force our country needs. 

    After years of hollowing out, this Government is renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, delivering the largest pay rise in 20 years, scrapping 100 outdated recruitment policies, and introducing the first-ever Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life.

    The announcement comes during National Apprenticeships Week and, as the Armed Forces is the largest apprenticeship provider in the country, jobseekers will also learn about alternative entry routes available. These include over 100 apprenticeship programmes ranging from GCSE to Masters level, with training in sectors with transferable skills, from aviation engineering to medical services.  

    A new pilot in the West Midlands will also trial specialist Armed Forces recruitment support as part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee. The area has the highest youth unemployment in the country, where 9.6% of 18–24-year-olds claim unemployment related benefits. The Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force will nominate a dedicated representative to deliver tailored engagement activities for jobseekers and DWP work coaches to highlight the range of opportunities available in the Armed Forces. 

    Work coaches will receive improved training, including visits to Army and RAF sites to broaden their knowledge of the breadth of roles available in the military. This will better equip them to identify individuals who may be well suited to a Service career and signpost them to opportunities.

    Young people will also hear from serving personnel about their experiences of Service life through a mix of virtual and face-to-face events. For example, Royal Navy Mentoring Circles will connect young people with inspiring role models—building their confidence, sharpening their employability and showing them what an Armed Forces career could look like. 

    Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, said; 

    Apprenticeships are one of the best ways for young people to take the first step in their career, gaining qualifications and real-world experience that set them up for life. 

    The Armed Forces offers apprenticeships across an extraordinary range of careers – from cyber security and aviation engineering to healthcare and logistics.

    A career in the military doesn’t just open doors to a job; it builds skills, discipline and confidence that last a lifetime. This partnership will help more young people discover the breadth of opportunities available to them and take the first step towards a rewarding future.

    The government is providing the largest pay rise for military personnel in decades, scrapping 100 outdated recruitment policies, and introducing the first-ever Armed Forces Commissioner. This comes alongside a fast-track Cyber Direct Entry scheme with starting salaries over £40,000, and a Foundation Scheme offering young people a paid “gap year” in uniform. 

    It follows a wider drive to boost opportunities available to young people; an £820 million investment in the Youth Guarantee to support almost one million young people will create 350,000 new training and workplaces, 55,000 guaranteed jobs for the long-term unemployed, over 360 youth hubs across Great Britain.

    Notes to Editors:  

    • As the UK’s number one apprenticeship provider, the Armed Forces offer more than 100 different apprenticeship programmes from GCSE to Masters level, with over 13,000 personnel starting nationally recognised qualifications each year.
    • The West Midlands Youth Trailblazer is one of eight trailblazers across England which are testing innovative ways to identify young people most at risk of falling out of education, employment or training and matching them up to local training or job opportunities.
    • The partnership enables Defence to respond quickly to civilian sector redundancies through DWP’s Rapid Response Service, offering alternative career pathways careers when large-scale job losses occur.
    • The government also launched a major investigation spearheaded by Alan Milburn which will investigate the barriers preventing young people from accessing work.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministers kick off review to safeguard radio’s future [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministers kick off review to safeguard radio’s future [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 12 February 2026.

    Review will examine digital shifts, market trends and emerging technologies including use of AI.

    • Government is committed to helping UK radio to thrive and retain status as most trusted form of media, amid changing listener habits
    • Nearly 75% of UK radio listening now happens on digital or online platforms, and the government will work with key industry partners to help manage this transition

    Radio listeners across the UK stand to benefit as the government launches a review of the UK’s radio industry to ensure it continues to flourish as audiences increasingly shift to digital platforms.

    Radio remains the most trusted form of media in the UK, with more than 85% of UK adults tuning in every week. From national and international headlines to crucial local updates, radio stations provide timely, reliable content that reflects the diverse fabric of the UK’s communities. They offer companionship and social connection to millions of people. 

    However, the way people listen is rapidly changing. Almost 75% of UK radio listening now takes place on digital or online platforms, rather than FM and AM. To help the industry navigate this shift, the government will work with key partners, including the BBC and commercial radio, to examine changes in listener behaviour and audio markets in recent years, and make recommendations on the future distribution of radio services.

    The review will consider:

    • Whether there should be a managed transition away from FM in the 2030s and, if so, over what timescale;
    • The potential impact of a decision on the future of Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) on radio distribution;
    • The role of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the benefits and challenges they pose to the industry.

    A previous Radio and Audio Review in 2021 concluded that FM should continue until at least 2030, but recommended that in 2026 government and industry revisit a potential analogue switch-off. There has been broad support across the industry for this further review.

    The launch of this new review coincides with World Radio Day tomorrow (13 February), which this year focuses on ‘Radio and AI’, and how the technology could offer more personalised listener experiences and support fact-checking.

    Media Minister Ian Murray said:

    In the midst of the media revolution, radio remains a powerful and popular medium that holds a special place in people’s lives. It provides company for the isolated, entertainment to millions of people on their daily commute, and helps circulate vital news and information across the country.

    However, we also know that listening habits are changing as even more people access radio via digital and online platforms, whether at home or in the car. The use of AI as a tool is only going to keep increasing in the coming years and this will impact how radio is made and consumed.

    That is why it is so important that we carry out this review. We need to make sure that the UK radio industry has the right support to thrive long into the future.

    Radiocentre’s CEO Matt Payton said:

    Radio remains extremely popular, yet listening habits continue to change driven by new technology and innovation. Whether audiences are listening on smart speakers, a radio set or in a connected car, it’s vital to ensure that distribution and access to radio is secure for the future. We look forward to working together with government and industry to address this challenge.

    The BBC’s Director of BBC Sounds Jonathan Wall said: 

    We all have a common objective to secure and protect the future of radio for our listeners and welcome the opportunity to work together with our colleagues in commercial radio and across the industry during the Radio Review.

    Notes to Editors

    • The review’s Terms of Reference are to:
    1. Investigate future scenarios for the consumption of UK radio and audio content on all platforms into the 2030s, taking into account likely models of future listener behaviour, market trends, and technical developments. 
    2. Consider the impact of these scenarios on current and future distribution strategies for the UK radio industry and on the future availability of UK radio services for listeners on all platforms. 
    3. Make recommendations – based as far as possible on a cross-industry consensus – on the future distribution of radio services and provide advice to government on ways of strengthening the long-term viability of UK radio until the early 2040s.
    • The Radio Review will conclude in autumn 2026 with a report to the government.
    • This report will inform further policy development and the latter stages of the ongoing BBC Charter Review.
    • The most recent Rajar figures published on 5 February 2026 reported that 74.6% of all UK radio listening was via a digital platform.
    • The Steering Board for the 2026 Radio Review will be confirmed in due course.
    • This follows the recent uplift to the Community Radio Fund, which DCMS has increased to over £1 million to support nearly 50 radio stations across the UK, as announced by Ofcom on Tuesday.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Correcting Russia’s false claims about the OSCE – UK statement to the OSCE [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Correcting Russia’s false claims about the OSCE – UK statement to the OSCE [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 February 2026.

    Ambassador Holland rejects Russia’s false claims about the OSCE, stressing that it is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, refusal to engage with OSCE mechanisms and continued detention of OSCE staff that undermine the organisation. The UK remains ready for meaningful dialogue at the OSCE, but this should be based on facts and law.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you for the briefing this morning.

    Last week, ahead of the visit by the Chairperson-in-office and Secretary General, the Russian Federation released a statement claiming that Western participating States had destroyed the OSCE by drifting away from its founding principles. This is not correct. One participating State has been responsible for repeated and serious violations of those principles, and that State is Russia.

    The Helsinki Final Act and the wider body of OSCE commitments are clear. States must refrain from the threat or use of force, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and settle disputes through peaceful means. Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing attacks that have severely impacted civilians and critical infrastructure show a clear disregard for these commitments. It should be obvious to say, but to accuse others of abandoning the OSCE’s principles while pursuing a war of aggression is hypocrisy.

    Russia has also suggested that it has been pushed out of the OSCE framework. This is also not supported by events. In the lead up to the full-scale invasion, participating States made full use of the Vienna Document mechanisms to try to reduce risks and to seek transparency. For instance, participating States enacted the Renewed European Security Dialogue and the Early Warning Mechanism to engage Russia before its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. The fact is that Russia has repeatedly refused to engage, avoided meetings and spread false narratives. It has continued to deny access to the temporarily occupied territories, undermining OSCE mandated functions including monitoring the humanitarian situation. This is not a failure by the OSCE. It is a refusal by Russia to take part in good faith.

    Today, participating States, including the UK, continue to raise Russia’s actions in Ukraine every week in this Council and in the Forum for Security Cooperation. We are critical of the invasion and the conduct of it but we look for meaningful dialogue based on facts and law. Russia has so far not responded in that spirit. Instead, it has repeated propaganda, made accusations without evidence and used language that does not reflect the standards expected in this organisation.

    One example stands out: three OSCE staff members remain in Russian detention. Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov were detained in April 2022 while carrying out their official duties under a mandate agreed by all participating States. They have now spent nearly four years in detention. A State that imprisons its own OSCE colleagues cannot claim to defend its principles.

    Russia has also dismissed as illegitimate the OSCE mechanisms that it agreed to in the past but now finds uncomfortable, including the Moscow Mechanism. These tools were created by consensus. Their purpose is to allow the OSCE to respond when a participating State seriously violates our shared commitments. Rejecting them now does not change their validity or purpose.

    Mr Chair, the OSCE may face challenges, but the cause is not the behaviour of those who uphold its principles. The cause is the behaviour of one participating State that has chosen to break them. The way forward is also clear. Russia should end its aggression, respect international law, and release the detained OSCE staff members.

    The UK will continue to stand with Ukraine and support the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These remain the foundation of this Organisation.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tougher rules on political interference to keep UK elections secure [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tougher rules on political interference to keep UK elections secure [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 12 February 2026.

    Foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections, as part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation

    • New rules, set out in the Representation of the People Bill introduced today, will provide greater transparency and security around political donations, alongside extending voting rights in all UK elections to 16- and 17-year-olds
    • Sweeping measures will create a fair, secure and inclusive democracy, while delivering on government manifesto commitments
    • Small number of local authorities to test new flexible ways to make voting simpler, including opening up polling booths in train stations or supermarkets

    Foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections, as part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation being delivered through the Representation of the People Bill – introduced to Parliament today.

    Landmark changes to boost transparency and accountability in politics will begin being put into law through a wide package of political finance reforms – including strengthened rules on company donations, new “Know Your Donor” guidance, and tighter requirements for unincorporated associations.

    The measures will reinforce the government’s zero-tolerance approach to foreign interference in UK democracy, with growing international threats highlighting the needs for action.

    Recent cases – including former MEP Nathan Gill, and Christine Lee, the UK-based lawyer, identified as working covertly on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party – underline the need for strong action.

    The reforms will mean companies making political donations will be required to show that they have a genuine connection to the UK. This includes demonstrating that they are headquartered in the UK, majority owned or controlled by UK electors or citizens and have generated sufficient revenue to cover the donation – closing down foreign actors’ ability to use shell companies to influence UK politics.

    The Bill will also extend voting rights in all UK elections to 1.7 million 16 and 17 year olds, delivering a manifesto commitment and keeping the government on track to introduce sweeping changes before the next General Election.

    Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:  

    “The Representation of the People Bill will protect our democracy against foreign interference and give young people the right to vote. 

    “Growing threats from abroad mean we must make changes to keep our elections secure.    

    “We won’t let hostile foreign states use dirty money to buy our elections. We are keeping British democracy safe for British people.”

    These reforms will end the status quo, where a new company registered today, owned by anyone, funded from anywhere, without even a single day of trade, can donate and have influence in UK politics.    

    The reforms will also be informed by the findings of the Rycroft Review, which is exploring how we can go even further to tackle illicit money entering our politics from abroad, including cryptocurrencies.  

    As outlined in the Strategy for modern and secure elections published in 2025, the reforms will also allow the Electoral Commission to take action and enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules – strengthening the foundations of UK democracy.    

    Samantha Dixon, Minister for Democracy, said:  

    “I know from speaking to so many passionate young people just how keen they are to get involved in our democracy. With democracy taught as part of the national curriculum – millions of young people will have the knowledge and confidence to take part in our democratic process for the first time.  

    “This landmark Bill will make their voices heard, while cracking down on those who wish to intimidate people taking part in our democracy and subvert our elections with illicit foreign money.” 

    Alongside the Bill, several councils in England will test two new flexible voting options at the local elections in May 2026 – such as polling stations in supermarkets and train stations. By giving voters more choice about where and when they can vote, these changes aim to remove practical barriers that prevent people from taking part.

    These seismic reforms will empower millions of younger people to make their voices heard, helping to create fairer and more inclusive elections.  Votes at 16 will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales, bringing in the biggest change to UK democracy in a generation.

    Further reforms will crack down on harassment and intimidation and make rules around voter ID fairer and more accessible.  

    Additional measures include:  

    • Much-needed measures to protect candidates, campaigners, and electoral staff from abuse and intimidation, deterring people from taking part in public life. The harassment faced by elected representatives has risen to shocking levels in recent years, with women and minority ethnic representatives facing a disproportionate amount of that abuse.
    • This Bill is giving courts the power to impose tougher sentences for offences involving electoral intimidation, as well as removing the requirement for candidates acting as their own election agents to publish their home address. These new measures play an important part in the programme of work being driven forward by the Defending Democracy Taskforce, tackling the harassment of elected representatives.
    • The Bill also commits to explore new technologies and the harnessing of existing digital and data capabilities across Government to deliver improvements in voter registration. This will address the gap of some 7-8 million eligible people who are either unregistered or incorrectly registered to vote.

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:  

    • The reforms in the Bill will be delivered during the lifetime of this Parliament and the government is aiming for these to be in place for the next UK Parliamentary general election.   
    • Separately, the Government is partnering with local authorities to pilot two flexible voting options at local elections in May 2026, that will be evaluated before further steps are considered. Further details to be set out in the coming weeks.
    • Teaching about democracy and elections already forms a central part of the national curriculum for citizenship at key stages 3 and 4 and can be taught as a non-statutory topic in primary schools. 
    • We are going further by implementing the changes to citizenship proposed by the Curriculum and Assessment Review and making citizenship compulsory in primary school
    • Our new curriculum will ensure every child can identify misinformation and disinformation from a young age, and learn about law, rights, democracy and government from primary school.
    • As part of the Strategy, we will also work with the Electoral Commission, the devolved governments and civil society to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out further practical voter and civic education. 
    • Evidence from the Scottish independence referendum suggests that lowering the voting age leads to high levels of turnout and engagement amongst young people, strengthening the culture of participation from an early age.
    • The Bill’s introduction follows extensive engagement with younger people.
    • Eligible Irish companies making political donations to parties in Northern Ireland will be subject to equivalent checks.
    • In November the Security Minister told MPs that he will coordinate a new Counter Political Interference and Espionage Action Plan to disrupt and deter spying: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/action-to-disrupt-and-deter-threats-to-uk-as-mi5-issues-spy-alert

    Harriet Andrews, Director of the award-winning democratic education organisation The Politics Project, said:

    “We welcome the move by the government to extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. There’s a perception that this age group doesn’t care about politics, but after more than ten years supporting young people to engage in democracy, we know they care deeply about the issues that shape their futures.

    “As young people prepare to go to the polls, it’s vital that they’re supported by high-quality democratic education. We’re ready to help the next generation of voters build the skills and confidence to cast their first votes.”

    Laura Lock, deputy chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said:

    “The big change of votes at 16 will bring welcome harmonisation to the age of attainment for all elections across the UK, but seemingly smaller changes will also make a huge difference year-round. This is especially true for the postal voting system which, as we saw in 2024, doesn’t always meet electors’ expectations.

    “While we regret it is necessary at all, including electoral staff in measures to combat abuse and harassment is an important step. Intimidation of any kind around elections is unacceptable and threatens our democracy.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 February 2026.

    New half a billion pound package of air defence for Ukraine, including £150 million for NATO PURL, and additional 1,000 UK-manufactured missiles.

    The UK has announced it will urgently provide new air defence missiles and systems worth over £500 million to protect Ukraine from Putin’s brutal attacks on energy sites and homes, as the Defence Secretary co-chairs the 33rd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group today (12th February 2026) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

    The Defence Secretary will confirm that the UK will for the first time provide £150 million to the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which ensures the rapid delivery of air defence interceptors to defend Ukraine’s skies.

    The PURL initiative sees NATO coordinating the purchase of world-class defence equipment from the United States for the defence of Ukraine. 

    At the same time, the UK is set to deliver an additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), manufactured in Belfast, that will be critical to defending Ukrainian infrastructure and cities from Russia’s escalating drone and missile attacks.

    This £390 million deal builds on the deepening collaboration between UK and Ukrainian industry to transfer production and support of Rapid Ranger launchers and command and control vehicles to Ukraine. 

    The coming months will also see the UK deliver an additional 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine’s defenders through the Air Defence Consortium (ADC). 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    As we approach the fifth year of Putin’s full scale invasion, the UK and our allies are more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine.

    I’m proud of the UK’s continued leadership and pleased to confirm a new half a billion pound package of air defence, including £150 million for PURL, to help Ukrainians defend against Putin’s relentless drone and missile attacks.

    The UDCG meeting of 50 nations will be co-chaired by the UK and the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and attended by Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. 

    Ukraine’s supporters will discuss the country’s key military needs for 2026, share battlefield insights, plan equipment deliveries, and identify the gaps that need to be addressed.  

    The UK stepped up to co-lead the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with Germany, as well as the Coalition of the Willing with France, last year. Both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Every child caught with a knife to get tailored support [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Every child caught with a knife to get tailored support [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 11 February 2026.

    Every child caught carrying a knife in England and Wales will be given a mandatory targeted plan to stop them reoffending and protect the public.

    • Every child caught carrying a knife in England and Wales will be given a mandatory targeted plan to stop them reoffending
    • £320 million invested into Youth Justice Services to turn young people away from a life of crime
    • Delivers on Government’s commitment to halve knife crime within a decade and make streets safer as part of its Plan for Change

    Children will be given earlier, more targeted support to steer them away from crime under plans to drive down knife carrying among young people, the Deputy Prime Minister has announced today.

    The action, led jointly by the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, reflects the Government’s determination to halve knife crime in a decade and confront youth violence with a strong, coordinated national response.

    Every child in England and Wales caught carrying a knife will be given a mandatory specialised plans to stop them reoffending, part of the Government’s commitment to halve knife crime within a decade. 

    Meeting a manifesto pledge, police will refer every child knife possession case to Youth Justice Services – locally-led teams spanning health, education and community services tasked with mandating targeted action to help each child. 

    These specialised plans will address the root causes of a child’s offending, including potential exploitation by criminal gangs and childhood trauma, and could be forced to attend mentoring to stay in education or social skills training to boost employability. This will give children the foundations they need to turn their backs on crime and keep our streets safe.  

    These plans will be mandatory, with no child able to avoid the getting the support they need. Youth Justice services will intensively monitor the child’s progress and if they do not engage with their plan or are judged to still be of risk to the public, the police will immediately be informed and further action taken. Failure to engage will have serious consequences, such as possible criminal charges and time behind bars. The plans will be monitored and implemented, as will the young person’s progress, reassuring the public that they are going to have an impact.

    Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy said:

    Every life lost to knife crime is an unmitigated tragedy. With early targeted action, we can put children on the right path to a positive future and stop them falling into a toxic cycle of reoffending.  

    Our reforms will give local services the security they need to help more young people and make our streets safer for everyone.

    The plans announced today will be backed up with a first of its kind three-year wider funding package for Youth Justice Services, worth over £320 million, giving them more certainty to invest in the future, and roll out longer-term programmes to help even more young people.  

    Evidence demonstrates that prevention schemes can have a real difference in helping young people turn their lives away from crime, with more than 90% of children who engaged with the government’s Turnaround programme avoiding future police cautions or court.

    To continue this work, the government has also confirmed that the Turnaround programme will have guaranteed multi-year funding, including over £15 million this year. This will give the programme the stability to support even more children and stop them ever committing crime.

    The Government will also invest a further £5 million into regional partnerships to speed up community alternatives to custodial remand. Currently, around 40 per cent of children in custody are on remand, with more than 60 per cent later not receiving a custodial sentence – unnecessarily impacting their lives and futures. 

    The Home Office is also working closely with policing leaders to ensure that these interventions are supported by strong enforcement and rapid action when knives are found on our streets, strengthening the wider national effort to reduce youth violence.

    Policing Minister, Sarah Jones said:

    Carrying a knife will now trigger an immediate, mandatory intervention — no excuses.

    This guidance makes sure every child is referred straight to a Youth Justice Services team and is given the support needed to change course.

    As Policing Minister, I am working with forces across England and Wales to ensure officers have the full backing of the Home Office to crack down on knife possession, act quickly when knives are found, and prevent violence before it happens.

    We’re acting fast to stop violence before it starts and keep our streets safe.

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother of victim Ronan Kanda said:

    This is a great initiative from the government and is exactly what we need: a proper plan. We must not let youths who are caught with a knife be left isolated, with no support and crying out for help. I believe this plan would have stopped my son’s attacker from re-offending and eventually taking my son’s life. We must guide young people away from using knives. I am fully behind this initiative, and the government’s overall mission to halve knife crime in a decade.

    Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust said:

    It is vital that responses to serious youth violence are adequately resourced and recognise the realities that many vulnerable children and young people face. We welcome the focus on earlier, coordinated support for children and young people found carrying knives, and the commitment to timely, tailored interventions that prioritise safeguarding and rehabilitation over further criminalisation.

    Too often, children and young people are drawn into serious violence by entrenched vulnerabilities and systemic pressures such as fear, trauma, and criminal exploitation. A sustained focus on early intervention and prevention is essential and represents an important step towards tackling the root causes of knife crime.

    Today’s announcement is the latest step in the Government’s pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade, building on our wider work including taking thousands of knives off our streets and our County Lines Programme which saw record numbers of gang leaders charged last year. This complements broader Home Office‑led efforts to tackle the online sale of knives and coordinate national enforcement through the knife crime coordination centre.

    It also marks the first stage of the most significant overhaul of youth justice in a generation, making sure it is modern and better responds to children’s needs. This work comes alongside the first steps of fundamental reforms to the Youth Justice Board, following a government-wide efficiency review, which will see it take a renewed focus on supporting frontline workers.

    Further information

    • This Government have set an ambitious but essential target: to halve knife crime over this decade. We are already making tangible progress, since the start of this Parliament: 
    • Knife crime has fallen by 8%, meaning 4,229 fewer offences. 
    • Knife homicides are down by 27%. 
    • Hospital admissions for stabbings have fallen by 11%.
    • We have banned dangerous weapons such as ninja swords and zombie style machetes. 
    • And we have taken nearly 60,000 knives off our streets.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Hong Kongers offered new lives as UK expands safe and legal routes [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hong Kongers offered new lives as UK expands safe and legal routes [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 February 2026.

    Government expands Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route.

    Thousands more Hong Kongers will be able to build new lives in Britain as the government strengthens safe and legal routes to the UK.

    Adult children of British National (Overseas) status holders who were under 18 at the time of Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China will now be eligible to apply for the route independently of their parents. 

    Their partners and children will also be able to move to the UK under the expanded route. It is estimated 26,000 people will arrive in the UK over the next 5 years.

    The expansion honours the UK’s historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong and comes amid continuing deterioration of rights and freedoms in the territory. 

    Today’s sentencing of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, for 20 years, shows how the Beijing-imposed National Security Law has criminalised dissent, prompting many to leave the territory. The Prime Minister raised Mr Lai’s case directly with President Xi during his visit, opening up discussion of the UK’s most acute concerns directly with the Chinese government, at the highest levels. Now that the sentencing has happened, the government will rapidly engage further on Mr Lai’s case.

    In November, the Home Secretary further affirmed her commitment to Hong Kongers by confirming they will retain a 5-year pathway to permanent UK settlement – compared to a new standard baseline of 10 years’ residence for most other migrants.

    As part of the most sweeping reforms to the asylum system in a generation, the government has announced plans to create new humanitarian routes for those genuinely fleeing war and persecution. The capped routes will offer safe and legal alternatives to dangerous small boat crossings to people around the world and be established once order has been restored to Britain’s borders.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

    This country will always honour its historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.

    We are proud to have already provided a safe haven to almost 170,000 Hong Kongers since 2021. In the face of the continued deterioration of rights and freedoms, we are now expanding eligibility so more families can build new lives here.

    While we must restore order and control to our borders, the British people will always welcome those in genuine need of sanctuary.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Though Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms continue to erode, this government’s support for its people remains steadfast, and that’s why we are ensuring that young people who missed out on resettlement protection because of their age will now be covered.

    Since the BN(O) route was launched, over 230,000 people have been granted a visa and almost 170,000 have moved to the UK.

    The route’s expansion closes a gap in eligibility that has led to unfair outcomes within families, with some children able to resettle and others not.

    In September, the government extended the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme by another year. The UK has offered a safe place to live for 310,000 Ukrainians and their families while the war with Russia continues.

    Since 2021, the UK has also welcomed over 37,000 Afghans and their families, including over 12,000 who supported British troops during operations in the country.