Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Church of England charity must rapidly accelerate safeguarding reforms [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 14 November 2025.

The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England must rapidly accelerate the delivery of safeguarding improvements and close gaps in its approach to handling complaints, the charity regulator has warned.

The Charity Commission has set an expectation that the Archbishops’ Council should implement independent safeguarding structures as endorsed by the Church’s General Synod in February 2025 within 18 months from now – a year sooner than current plans indicate – and in the meantime, put robust interim measures in place to keep people safe.

The expectation is part of a Regulatory Action Plan issued to the Archbishops’ Council, a registered charity whose objects are to co-ordinate, promote, aid and further the work and mission of the Church of England. It follows the Commission engaging with the charity over whether its trustees are taking sufficient steps to address the safeguarding concerns and implement recommended changes raised in a number of safeguarding reviews.

Background

The Commission’s engagement with the Archbishops’ Council began towards the end of 2024, following the publication of an ‘Independent Learning Lessons Review’ into the case of John Smyth (the “Makin Review”). This followed other independent reviews in recent years, including the report by Sarah Wilkinson into the Church’s Independent Safeguarding Board, and the ‘Future of Church Safeguarding’ report by Professor Alexis Jay.

Public debate about the Church’s approach to safeguarding following publication of the Makin Review – and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation over the issue – exacerbated regulatory concerns that progress towards safeguarding improvements identified in the various independent reports was not happening with sufficient pace.

The regulatory compliance case was informed by information provided by bishops and Diocesan Boards of Finance, as well as the Archbishops’ Council, at the Commission’s request.

While the Commission does not investigate individual allegations of abuse, it does have a responsibility to assess concerns about the extent to which trustees are taking necessary action and ensuring their charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team is a department of the Archbishops’ Council and develops proposals for safeguarding guidance, processes and procedures for consideration by the General Synod which the trustees of other Church charities are required to follow.

Findings

In summary, the Commission has found that:
- there is insufficient urgency and pace in implementing responses to past safeguarding reviews, and the current approach to doing so is fragmented and overly complex. For example, the Council’s current timescale of 2028 to pass the necessary legislation to implement independent safeguarding is too slow, representing a four year gap since the publication of the Jay Review
- currently the Church does not treat allegations of abuse from an adult not assessed to be “vulnerable” as a safeguarding allegation. The Commission’s guidance is clear that trustees must take reasonable steps to protect from harm all people who come into contact with their charity
Conclusions

The Commission found no evidence of mismanagement or misconduct by the trustees of the Archbishops’ Council, and recognises that the charity has made progress and delivered some improvements to the Church’s safeguarding in recent years. However, the Commission has made it clear that it expects the Archbishops’ Council to take all steps within its powers to implement outstanding safeguarding reforms at a much faster pace.

Where legislative changes will not address safeguarding risks quickly, the charity’s trustees should facilitate interim arrangements sufficient to address identified safeguarding risks until the legislative changes are in place. These should reflect the Commission’s guidance to trustees as well as Church policy and procedure.

Next steps

The Commission has issued a Regulatory Action Plan setting out steps the trustees need to take to address the Commission’s concerns. These include closing the gap on how allegations made by a non-vulnerable adult should be handled in different circumstances, and quicker delivery of the new structures for independent safeguarding which the General Synod “endorsed as the way forward in the short term” in February 2025.

The Commission notes the recent appointment of Dame Christine Ryan as executive chair of the Church’s Safeguarding Structures Programme Board to lead work on the structural changes agreed by the Synod.

The Commission now expects the Archbishops’ Council to identify any safeguarding risks that may require interim non-legislative measures to keep people safe and to put suitable measures in place. Reflecting this approach, the Archbishops’ Council has told the Commission it plans to establish an interim independent scrutiny body for Church safeguarding ahead of legislation.

The Commission understands the risks associated with acting in undue haste, and notes that the Archbishops’ Council’s trustees need to consider how to plan for future engagement with victims and survivors in a meaningful, sensitive and structured way so that it supports the timely delivery of change needed to keep people safe in the future.

The regulator is monitoring the Archbishops’ Council’s progress against the Regulatory Action Plan. Should it receive evidence that raises new regulatory concerns, it will assess this in line with its usual process.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said:

It’s time for the Archbishops’ Council and the Church of England to move from review to reform, and from debate to delivery.

Everyone recognises that improving safeguarding is an ongoing journey, but in the Archbishops’ Council’s case the progress on that journey must be made in bigger, bolder steps, informed by the experience of victims and survivors.

The Commission will monitor the charity’s progress against our Regulatory Action Plan, and reserve all regulatory options for the future if sufficient progress is not made at pace.

Ends

Notes to Editors
1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its role in safeguarding matters is set out in this policy document.
2. The Archbishops’ Council is a registered charity (1074857) established in 1999 to co-ordinate, promote, aid and further the work and mission of the Church of England. It does this by providing national support to the Church in dioceses and locally, working closely with the House of Bishops and other bodies of the Church. The Archbishops’ Council is one of the seven National Church Institutions.
3. The Commission’s safeguarding guidance sets out the steps trustees should take to protect people who come into contact with their charity from abuse or mistreatment.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission marks His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday by celebrating the ‘Four Nations’ [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2025.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, to welcome guests to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s 77th birthday in Islamabad.

The celebration followed an important year for the UK-Pakistan relationship. It saw connectivity between the two countries improve with the lifting of the air safety ban on Pakistani airlines, leading to PIA’s first flight to Manchester in 5 years. This year also saw the UK introduce eVisas for students and workers, making travel easier and strengthening ties.

2025 also saw bilateral trade reach £5.5 billion, crossing the £5 billion mark for the first time. The UK continued its support for Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts, while the launch of the UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue opened new opportunities in services and innovation.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

“Just as Pakistan is made up of rich and diverse cultures, the UK has incredible diversity through its four nations. And all four of our nations- England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales- have a vital part to play in our partnership with Pakistan.”

The event celebrated the cultural ties between the UK and Pakistan, with guests arriving to music of Bagpipers from the Pakistani Military. There was a special performance from Maria Unera who played a medley of classic British hits from across the four nations.

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : This resolution will support the Council’s ability to monitor and deter violations of the arms embargo in Yemen: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2025.

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

Today’s adoption underlines this Council’s continued commitment to advancing peace and stability in Yemen.

The resolution will support the Council’s ability to monitor – and therefore deter – violations of the arms embargo. In so doing, it will help constrain the Houthis’ capacity to destabilise Yemen and threaten regional maritime security, while avoiding negatively impacting the humanitarian situation for the people of Yemen.

We welcome Council members’ support in ensuring that the sanctions regime evolves to reflect the increasing complexity and scale of Houthi smuggling and financing.

This includes looking more at issues such as the transfer of dual-use components to the Houthis and the mechanisms for vessels suspected of carrying arms or related materiel.

We continue to call for the 2140 Committee to coordinate with other relevant Sanctions Committees to closely monitor cross-border arms flows, financial transactions and personnel movements between Yemen, Al-Shabab and designated groups in Sudan.

The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the vital role UN sanctions continue to play, as part of our collective efforts towards achieving a durable, inclusive and lasting peace in Yemen.

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : No-fault evictions to end by May next year [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 13 November 2025.

Historic reforms as part of the Renters’ Rights Act will kick in from 1 May 2026, benefitting 11 million renters across England.
- Countdown begins for the biggest increase to tenants’ rights in a generation
- New protections will also end in-year rent rises, bidding wars and discrimination against families receiving benefits
- Clear timeline will support landlords and letting agents to prepare for these changes
Renting in England will be transformed with a raft of major changes coming into effect from 1 May 2026 for 11 million renters across the country.

Following the Renters’ Rights Act – now passed in law – the timeline for implementing these new legal protections has been published today, giving time for landlords and letting agents to deliver these changes for their tenants.

In just under six months, private renters will no longer face being served with a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice – a practice leaving thousands vulnerable to homelessness every year. Tenants will be able to appeal excessive above-market rent increases that try to force them out and landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have a pet.

Meanwhile landlords will have stronger legally valid reasons to get their properties back when needed – whether that’s to move in, sell up or deal with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour – delivering a fairer system for both sides.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“We’re calling time on no fault evictions and rogue landlords. Everyone should have peace of mind and the security of a roof over their head – the law we’ve just passed delivers that.

“We’re now on a countdown of just months to that law coming in – so good landlords can get ready and bad landlords should clean up their act.”

Other changes which come into effect on 1 May will go further to tackle discrimination and financial exploitation, creating a more stable, fairer system for renters. It will become illegal for landlords and letting agents to:
- increase rent prices more than once a year
- ask for more than one month’s rent payment in advance
- pit prospective tenants against one another through rental bidding wars
- discriminate against potential tenants, because they receive benefits or have children.
Alongside the implementation timeline setting out when the changes will take effect, the government has also released advance guidance to support landlords and letting agents.

Councils across England will be legally responsible for overseeing these new rights from 1 May 2026, backed by stronger enforcement powers. This includes tougher fines of up to £7,000 for breaches, rising up to £40,000 if they repeatedly or continue to breach the rules or commit a serious offence. Tenants or local authorities will also be able to seek rent repayment orders, forcing landlords to pay back rent for offences.

After the first phase of changes in May, the Renters’ Rights Act will come in two further stages, with phase 2 (starting late 2026) introducing:
- The Private Landlord Ombudsman – a free, independent service helping tenants resolve complaints not dealt with by their landlord without going to court.
- A Private Rented Sector Database – a new central online place where all landlords must register themselves and the properties they rent out. It will be rolled out in two stages and the need for landlords to sign up will be staggered by areas across England from late 2026.
More protections to improve conditions in private rented homes will come in phase 3, with public consultations informing their introduction.

This includes introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time so tenants have safe, secure and warm housing. Extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector will also be consulted on soon, to protect all tenants from dangerous homes.

Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act, we will also see an improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System which will better assess health and safety risks in homes and making it more efficient and easier to understand – also supporting work to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented homes.

And there are also planned new standards to ensure privately rented properties are warmer and cheaper to run. The government has consulted on plans to require all domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) of EPC C or equivalent by 2030 unless a valid exemption is in place. Further details will be set out in the government’s response to the consultation.

Chief Executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey said:

“This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.

“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long our broken renting system has left renters staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness. For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing.

“This Renters’ Rights Act is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters. With change on the horizon, I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.”

Director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice and ACORN, Tom Darling said:

“Today’s announcement that the end of Section 21 evictions will come into force on 1st May is huge news for England’s 12 million renters. We have fought for this day for so long and to now have certainty about when the last ‘no-fault’ eviction will be is crucial for our members, who will be trying to ensure as many renters as possible are aware of their new rights.”

“In addition, it will be important that the government quickly implement the whole Renters’ Rights Act – including the Private Rented Sector Database and Awaab’s Law – so that renters can feel the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation upgrading of their rights as soon as possible.”

Chief Executive of Shelter, Sarah Elliott said:

“Today marks a pivotal step forward for England’s 11 million renters as the government unveils its roadmap for implementing the landmark Renters’ Rights Act. This is the result of years of determined campaigning by renters across the country who refused to accept the injustices of a broken private rental system.

“For too long, renters have lived under the constant threat of no-fault evictions. Families have been torn from their communities, with record numbers pushed into homelessness. Too many have been silenced about discrimination and unsafe conditions. Today we celebrate that their voices have finally been heard, and change is on the way.

“But renters must understand that their rights will not change today. The current system remains in place until the new rights come into force from May 1, 2026. Until then, we stand ready to support renters and help them understand the vital changes the Act will introduce.”

Chief Executive of Crisis, Matt Downie said:

“The passing of the Renters’ Rights Act was a historic moment. It ushers in a fairer future for millions of renters, with more secure tenancies and protections like longer notice periods to help prevent homelessness. We are pleased to see the government moving quickly and implementing many important protections in the next six months. Evictions from the private rented sector have long been one of the biggest causes of homelessness and this landmark legislation will play a vital role in helping get the country back on track to ending homelessness.”

Policy and Research Manager at Centrepoint, Ella Nuttall said:

”This path-breaking legislation will put renters and landlords on a fairer footing and ultimately lead to fewer people facing homelessness.

“For far too long, young people have faced a private rental system that is often stacked against them. The Renters’ Rights Act promises to tackle long-standing problems in the rental market and create a fairer, more secure system for all, including young tenants.

“Ending homelessness would not be possible without private rented sector reform, so this is an important first step, but ensuring there is enough funding geared towards supporting those currently in crisis and a clear strategy from the centre remain vital parts of the puzzle.”

Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad said:

“We are delighted that the Government has set an implementation date for the Renters’ Rights Act, so renters, landlords and homelessness organisations like St Mungo’s can plan and prepare for these long-awaited reforms.

“Homelessness is spiralling, with many people being pushed into homelessness due to the way the private rental sector is currently operating. But from next Spring, renters will gain vital new protections, including an end to unfair ‘no fault’ evictions, which we hope will prevent more people becoming homeless.

“The private rented sector is an important part of the housing system for people moving on from homelessness. At St Mungo’s, we see how difficult it can be for people to secure an affordable private tenancy, which is why we particularly welcome the Act’s move to end the practice of discriminating against tenants receiving benefits so everyone has a fairer chance to find a safe and decent home. We also warmly welcome the Act’s provisions on allowing pets, which we know can be really important to our clients.

“The Renters’ Rights Act is one important part of the picture, and we look forward to the publication of the Government’s Homelessness Strategy to provide the overarching framework, direction and focus for national and local government and charities like St Mungo’s.

“St Mungo’s stands ready to work with the Government and the wider sector to create a system that prevents homelessness at all costs, while continuing to provide support to those who need it.”

Further information

The Renters’ Rights Act Implementation Roadmap will be published on gov.uk on Friday 14 November 2025. Advance guidance for landlords and letting agents will also be published on gov.uk on Friday 14 November 2025.

To ensure landlords comply with their new duties, councils will get:

New investigatory powers to:
- get information from landlords, letting agents and banks or contractors.
- enter business premises and sometimes homes to check compliance.
- seize documents if they suspect wrongdoing.
Expanded powers to penalise offenders:
- with bigger fines for breaches, tougher consequences for repeat offenders and strengthened orders for landlords to pay back tenants (rent repayment orders).
Local housing authorities will receive a share of over £18 million additional funding this year to help them prepare for the changes, with advance guidance to be published on Friday 14 November 2025.

The justice system will also be supported with extra funding to ensure the courts and tribunals have the resource and capacity required to handle these new reforms. This includes developing a new online digital service to simplify the possession process for landlords and tenants.

The government will publish guidance for tenants before their new rights kick in on 1 May 2026.

The government will soon respond to a consultation on extending the Decent Homes Standard to privately rent homes, confirming more details on the standard and an implementation timeline.

Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.

After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:
- if a private landlord served their tenant with a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, any court possession proceedings must be made in line with the usual rules and no later than 31 July 2026, when using the Section 21 court process.
- after this date (31 July 2026), the landlord will not be able to use the Section 21 process and must use the new grounds for possession.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Chaco Indigenous and Rural Women at COP30 with UK Support [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

Rural, Indigenous, and young women leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay will represent the Great American Chaco at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Rural, Indigenous, and young women leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay will represent the Great American Chaco at COP30, the world’s most important climate summit, with support from the United Kingdom. Their participation is part of the Chaco Project, “Weaving Networks, Building Impact: Collective Synergies for the Gran Chaco Americano,” a UK-funded initiative promoting inclusive, gender-responsive climate action and regional cooperation.

The Great Chaco, South America’s second-largest forested ecoregion after the Amazon, is a region of immense ecological and cultural significance. Home to rich biodiversity and Indigenous communities, it plays a vital role in regional climate resilience. Yet, it faces mounting challenges—including deforestation, poverty, and climate stress. The Chaco Project empowers Indigenous women and youth to take active roles in climate governance—engaging in decision-making processes, shaping policy agendas, and advocating for sustainable land management.

Delegates from the Gran Chaco

The delegation includes six women leaders representing diverse roles and territories across the Gran Chaco:

Argentina
- Ibel Diarte, Youth Representative; Qom Coordinator of the Comar Cooperative; President of the Qomlashepi Association in Fortín Lavalle (Chaco, Argentina); specialist in ICT and youth engagement.
- Tochi Benitez, Chaco Women’s Collective, supports territories in Jujuy.
- Liliana Paniagua, Executive Secretary of Redes Chaco Argentina.
Bolivia
- Arline Dayana Estrada Vaca, Youth Leader from Villa Vaca Guzmán, Bolivian Chaco. She promotes the defense of women’s rights, youth, and the environment.
Paraguay
- Nidia Beatriz Morejuan De Ruiz, advocates for women’s and Indigenous peoples’ rights; Guarani leader; MIPY.
- Teresita Cabrera, Chaco Women’s Collective and Sunu Group.
A Turning Point for Climate Action

COP30 marks a critical moment in the global climate agenda. Hosted in Latin America for the first time in over a decade, and in a country with Chaco territory, this summit offers a unique opportunity to amplify regional voices and accelerate action.

The UK is committed to inclusive climate leadership and supports the participation of grassroots actors in shaping international policy. Through the Chaco Project, the UK is helping Indigenous and young women share traditional ecological knowledge, advocate for sustainable land management, and contribute to the global effort to keep the 1.5°C target within reach. This is essential to avoiding catastrophic climate impacts.

In the words of British Ambassador to Paraguay Danielle Dunne:

Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of climate change. Their leadership and wisdom are essential to protecting biodiversity and building resilient futures

Chaco Project impact: from Territory to Global Stage

With the Chaco Project’s support, over 120 rural, Indigenous, and young women from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay co-developed policy proposals and a shared climate agenda during the Trinational Gathering (30 September – 1 October). This was followed by the 6th World Chaco Summit (2 – 4 October), where more than 600 participants built a roadmap for COP30 through participatory diagnostics.

These collective efforts resulted in concrete contributions to international climate negotiations, including calls for climate finance access, land rights protection, and youth inclusion in national climate strategies—amplifying the voices of communities often left out of global decision-making.

UK Commitment

The UK continues to champion climate action that is inclusive, science-based, and regionally grounded. By supporting the Chaco Project, the UK is helping to elevate Indigenous and youth voices, foster regional cooperation, and promote sustainable development within vulnerable territories.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Megan Greene reappointed as external member of the Monetary Policy Committee [November 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 November 2025.

Megan Greene has been reappointed as an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee for a second term.
- Megan Greene has been reappointed as an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
- Her three-year term was due to end on 4 July 2026. Following her appointment for a second term, Megan will continue to hold the post until 4 July 2029.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

I am pleased to reappoint Megan Greene to the MPC. Her reappointment provides welcome stability at a crucial time, and I fully support the Bank of England in bringing inflation down. I am confident that Megan’s skills and background in financial markets will remain an asset to the MPC.

Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, said:

I welcome the reappointment of Megan Greene to the MPC. Megan has made a significant contribution to the Committee’s work at an important time. I’m pleased it will continue to benefit from her insight and expertise in the years ahead.

About Megan Greene

Megan is an external member of the MPC and Senior Fellow at the Watson Institute, Brown University, as well as at Chatham House. She teaches at London Business School and advises the San Francisco Federal Reserve, Rebuilding Macroeconomics, and Econofact. She is also affiliated with the Council on Foreign Relations and the Bretton Woods Committee.

Previously, Megan was Global Chief Economist at Kroll and at John Hancock Asset Management, a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and a Financial Times columnist. She has served on the International Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

She holds a BA in Political Economy from Princeton and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Oxford (Nuffield College).

About the Monetary Policy Committee

The independent MPC of the Bank of England makes decisions on the operation of monetary policy. It comprises the Governor of the Bank of England, 3 Deputy Governors, the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, and four external members. External members, appointed by the Chancellor, may serve up to two three-year terms.

The appointment of external members to the MPC is designed to ensure that the Committee benefits from thinking and expertise in addition to that gained inside the Bank. Each member of the MPC has expertise in the field of economics and monetary policy. They are independent and do not represent particular groups or areas.

About the appointment process

Reappointments are not automatic, and each case is considered on its own merits. This reappointment was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

Megan Greene confirmed she has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova – UK statement [November 2025]

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

Ambassador Holland underlines UK support for the work of the Mission across its three lines of activity, and welcomes recent statements by the Government of Moldova on an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria.

Thank you, Acting Head of Mission, for the work of your team over the last six months and for helpful presentation this morning. In the spirit of utilising your time to engage in dialogue, allow me to keep this statement brief and ask two questions.

The United Kingdom fully supports the continued work of the Mission across its three lines of action during the reporting period, particularly in promoting dialogue between communities, monitoring in and around the Security Zone, and supporting access of Transnistrian residents to documentation and healthcare services. We reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.

The UK reiterates our congratulations to Moldova on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections on 28 September, despite attempts by malign actors to weaponise the information environment and subvert Moldova’s democracy. The UK will continue to support Moldova in defending its democratic institutions from Russian interference – including through our close engagement on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation.

The UK also welcomes the recent statements from the Government of Moldova on the announcement of work towards an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. I’d be interested in your views, Acting Head of Mission, on how the OSCE Mission can best support this process.

Secondly, you referenced the high vacancy rate and the challenges in retaining staff. To what extent would agreement of a Unified Budget – even one at Zero Nominal Growth – positively impact the day to day working of the Mission?

In closing, I would like to reiterate that the UK will continue to support the OSCE Mission to Moldova in delivering across all areas of its mandate, and to Moldova’s continued peace and stability.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 50 – UK Statement on Honduras [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

UK Statement for Honduras’ Universal Periodic Review. Delivered at the 50th session of the UPR in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice-President.

The United Kingdom welcomes Honduras’s decision to lift the 14-year ban on the use and sale of the emergency contraceptive pill, a significant step for the rights of women and girls. However, we remain concerned by the sustained levels of gender-based violence, including femicide and sexual violence.

We also note with concern the challenges faced by Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in exercising their rights to resolving land tenure conflicts, including criminalisation, threats and violence. The murder of Juan López highlights the urgent need for stronger protections.

As Honduras approaches its election, we are concerned about the continued state of emergency, which increases risks for human rights defenders, journalists and civil society. These risks are compounded by the limited resources of the National Protection Mechanism, including insufficient technical personnel.

We recommend that Honduras:
1. Prioritises the approval of the Comprehensive Special Law on Violence Against Women.
2. Protects indigenous peoples and human right defenders who work on environmental issues through legal reforms and effective enforcement, including safeguarding the right to free, prior and informed consent.
3. Strengthens its National Protection Mechanism through allocating sufficient resources and implementing agile procedures that enable swift delivery of protection measures tailored to those at risk.
Thank you.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Police and crime commissioners to be scrapped [November 2025]

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

Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will be abolished, saving the taxpayer at least £100 million and helping to fund frontline officers to cut crime.

Removing PCCs will cut the cost of unnecessary bureaucracy, money that can be better spent on restoring neighbourhood policing. At least £20 million will be reinvested every year as a result of efficiencies in police governance, enough for 320 constables.

Since 2012, PCCs have been elected to hold forces to account, but turnout at the polls and public knowledge of who their local PCC is has been incredibly low.

Public understanding of, and engagement with, PCCs remains low despite efforts to raise their profile. Two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist.

Their roles will be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.

In areas not covered by a mayor, this role will be taken on by elected council leaders. The unique circumstances of devolved local government arrangements in Wales will be taken into consideration. The government will ensure there is continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses that are currently provided by PCCs.

The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.

The move comes as part of a major series of reforms to policing to raise national standards within the police, strengthen performance management and end the postcode lottery in crime outcome. The upcoming Police Reform White Paper will set out further powers to improve standards, while restoring local neighbourhood policing.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.

I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.

I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former police and crime commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Autumn Budget, which will focus on cutting NHS waiting lists, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living, and driving more productive and efficient use of taxpayers’ money by rooting out waste in public services.

Other key measures already announced by the government that will be in the white paper include a new National Centre of Policing, which will make the best use of taxpayer money by bringing together crucial support services such as IT and forensics, and a police performance unit to drive up standards. More detail on these, and a raft of other measures, will be announced for its publication.

This ambitious reform programme will run alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has seen named and contactable officers for every community, guaranteed police patrols in busy areas at peak times and will put 3,000 neighbourhood officers on our streets by spring next year.

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Social worker, Chloe Scott, who ran drugs and weapons network has sentence increased [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 13 November 2025.

A children’s social worker who had a double life running a large-scale drug and weapons enterprise had her sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General.

Chloe Scott (27) from Lewisham, London, had her sentence increased by three years and three months after the Solicitor General referred her case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The court heard that Chloe Scott was arrested in April 2024 after a 15-year-old boy was stopped by police at Tower Hill Underground Station.

The teenager was carrying a knife and class A drugs, as well as instructions on his phone from Chloe Scott and a man named Miles Addy to sell drugs. Miles Addy was in prison at the time.

Police seized Chloe Scott’s phone, as well as several burner phones, and uncovered evidence of a large-scale drug and weapons criminal enterprise across London and the South East run by Chloe Scott and Miles Addy.

From prison, Miles Addy sent Chloe Scott addresses for the delivery of weapons and drugs. The pair discussed how much profit they were making and sent sexually suggestive messages.

Chloe Scott had several notes on her phone and numbers of dealers, as well as photos and videos of her handling and weighing drugs.

In June 2023, armed officers had stopped Chloe Scott’s car in Islington, North London. Police discovered 500 grams of cocaine, five large hunting knifes and a small phone and charger wrapped in cling film, indicative of items being smuggled into prisons.

Scott was charged with drugs and weapons offences, as well as causing unnecessary suffering to an animal because her dog’s ears were found to have been cropped by an amateur.

The Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP said:

Drugs and guns are a scourge on our communities. Chloe Scott, fuelled crime across London by supplying drugs and weapons to criminals, enriching herself through the suffering of others.

I welcome the court’s decision to increase Chloe Scott’s sentence following my referral and hope this sends a clear message to organised gangs and criminals that they will be justly punished for their crimes.

On 13 June 2025, Chloe Scott was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 12 years for after being charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, two counts of selling/transferring a firearm, conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, conspiracy to possess ammunition without a firearms certificate, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possession of a bladed article.

On 12 November 2025, Scott’s sentence was increased to 15 years and three months’ imprisonment after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

November 17, 2025