Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Trail hunting set to be banned [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 March 2026.

Trail hunting is set to be banned in England and Wales – delivering a key manifesto commitment. A public consultation will open today on how to take the ban forward.

Trail hunting is where hounds follow a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting. It became popular in the UK after the Hunting Act 2004 became law, as an alternative to traditional fox hunting.

This can result in wild animals, including foxes and hares, being injured or killed by dogs, as well as household pets in some cases. The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger as a result of dogs picking up their scent, as opposed to the intended animal-based scent trail.

Concerns also persist around whether trail hunting is being used by some as a “smokescreen” to facilitate illegal hunting with dogs.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has previously said he believes trail hunting is providing a smokescreen and it “gives people the opportunity to carry on hunting – as they always said they would when the ban came in 20 years ago”

We want alternative practices such as drag hunting and clean‑boot hunting, which use non‑animal scents, to continue to thrive. We recognise that hunts can support jobs and local businesses, and bring people together across the countryside. We are committed to ensuring that responsible rural pursuits, where there is no risk to our precious wildlife, can continue.

Baroness Sue Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, said:

We pledged to ban trail hunting in our manifesto and that is exactly what we intend to do.

The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.

We understand that this is a complex issue and so we are seeking views from everyone with an interest to help shape how we bring this forward.

This announcement follows the publication of the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy which outlined the most ambitious reforms to animal welfare in a generation – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK.

A public consultation will open today on how to take the ban forward. It will run until 18 June.

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina – UK statement [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, welcomes the OSCE Mission’s continued public advocacy and work on election integrity, reconciliation and dialogue between communities.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

And welcome Ambassador Holtzapple to the Permanent Council. As you know, the United Kingdom is a strong supporter of your Mission’s work.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more inclusive, stable and transparent Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We are working with our international partners to support domestic institutions to respond to threats to Dayton, and to encourage constructive engagement from leaders in the wider region.

We believe that following the recent presidential elections in Republika Srpska there is an opportunity for the new RS President to draw a line under the past and move towards a functional, stable Republika Srpska entity respectful of the BiH constitution. We encourage all politicians – including the current leadership of Republika Srpska – to work for the benefit of all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The United Kingdom strongly values the OSCE Mission’s strong public advocacy and continuing work on reconciliation and facilitating dialogue between communities. A more inclusive and cohesive society is essential to achieving a positive future for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We particularly value the insight and proactive engagement by the nine OSCE Field Offices across the country and their role towards strengthening inter-ethnic relations. This has remained especially important amid recent divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.

We welcome ongoing efforts to draft reforms to BiH’s Constitution and Election Law, to address electoral discrimination and bring BiH in line with European Court of Human Rights requirements. It is positive news that the Working Group, established to advance this process, has committed to meeting again this month to discuss reform proposals. We urge continued and sustained efforts to implement these reforms ahead of October’s general elections.

The UK is pleased to have contributed to the Mission’s programme of support for improving the integrity of electoral processes in BiH. The successful rollout of election technology is a key part of strengthening political plurality and bolstering trust in democratic processes.

Lastly, I wanted to recognise the role played by OSCE field missions in delivering cost savings which allowed the adoption of the 2026 OSCE budget, for the first time in five years. Decisions around staffing cuts have been difficult, and we thank you for engaging so constructively with the process.

Thank you again, Ambassador Holtzapple, for your leadership of the Mission at this important time. We highly appreciate the hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you continued success.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Mali [Mach 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Mali’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the Independent Expert. Respect for human rights, justice and accountability is fundamental to achieving lasting security and stability, and we urge the government of Mali to maintain their engagement with the Independent Expert.

The human rights situation remains concerning. We are troubled by ongoing reports of violations and abuses affecting civilians, including women and children. As the Independent Expert notes, armed opposition groups violate international humanitarian law with impunity. Restrictions on civic space, the detention of opposition figures and journalists, and limitations on political participation are also of concern.

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Malian people. This financial year, the UK is providing around $55 million in assistance, including support for health, education, and humanitarian assistance for those displaced by conflict.

We welcome efforts taken by the government of Mali to address challenges facing the Malian people and encourage them to take further steps to strengthen the protection of human rights and end impunity.

Mr Vice President, what further steps could the international community take to support Mali in strengthening accountability and protecting civic space?

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The UK thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the challenges and concerns that she has raised. We urge the DRC government to engage with these.

The UK remains gravely concerned by the situation in eastern DRC, where the security and human rights situation continues to deteriorate, driven by M23’s advances with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force.

Intensifying armed conflict has displaced more than 5 million people, and widespread human rights abuses and violations are being committed by all parties to the conflict. We remain particularly concerned by the scale of conflict-related sexual violence. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to hold perpetrators to account.

At the same time, humanitarian workers face unprecedent obstacles. We urge all parties to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access.

The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and implement their commitments under the Doha Framework and Washington Accords.

Thank you.

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New legislation to keep brothers and sisters connected in care [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 March 2026.

Right to maintain contact with siblings to be strengthened in law for children in care via amendment to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Children in care will be better supported to build and maintain relationships with their brothers and sisters under new measures brought forward in law by the government, making life better for vulnerable children and ensuring they have the opportunity to get on in life.

All local authorities in England and Wales will be required to promote and facilitate contact for children in care who are separated from their siblings. This change puts sibling contact on an equal footing with parental contact —recognising the vital role these relationships play in providing stability, continuity and emotional support.

Currently, sibling relationships are not prioritised as much as parent relationships for children in care by local authorities. Many care-experienced people have talked about the difficulties of losing contact with siblings as a result of being placed in care, and the long term impact this can have.

The new legislation will ensure that local authorities will do all they can to provide sibling contact, even if, for instance, they are living a long way away from each other. This includes half and step siblings.

It will apply unless it is not in children’s best interests, such as in cases of violence or abuse or where social workers have other concerns about wellbeing.

Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister said:

It’s a travesty that children in care can end up losing contact with their brothers and sisters when they go into care, and we want that contact to be maintained wherever possible for the sake of their emotional stability and their futures.

Every child’s circumstances are different, but this amendment is aimed at making life better for more vulnerable children and giving them the best possible start in life.

Chris Hoyle, who was in the care system as a child, said:

After being initially separated, being reunited with my brother in the same foster placement changed my life. My brother is the longest relationship I have ever had, by some distance. How do you define the value of that? How do you put a price on still being in contact with the person who loved you first? I can’t.

Jonny is a rock in my life. A 6’2 rock who supports the wrong football team. He keeps me grounded in my identity and provides a safety net that has lasted a lifetime.

The Department for Education once called us ‘The Hoyle Brothers’. We are a package deal thanks to the bravery of senior staff who decided that sharing a bedroom was not worth losing something that cannot be bought.

Wherever it is safe and possible, the relationships of siblings in care should be a priority. Those relationships can last a lifetime and are priceless.

Parice, who has experienced the care system, said:

Sibling relationships are often built on a strong foundation of support, offering both emotional reassurance and practical help throughout life.

For those who have experienced the foster care system, these bonds can be especially significant, providing a vital sense of belonging in times of uncertainty. Shared history and memories create a unique connection, alongside similarities that can feel unlike any other relationship.

The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was welcomed in the House of Lords on Wednesday 25 March, following continued discussions with stakeholders and parliamentarians. Final confirmation is expected following further debate in the House of Commons after Easter.

This change forms part of the government’s wider work to reform children’s social care and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a stable, loving environment.

This includes work to reduce care placements far from home, and allocating £10.8 million for an expansion of Regional Care Co-operatives to enable better placement planning for children in care.

The DfE is also supporting more siblings in care to stay together with ambitious plans to create 10,000 more foster care places, backed by a total investment of £88m, including £25m to expand existing foster carers’ homes so they can foster more children, including sibling groups.

This is on top of £2.4 billion of investment in the Families First Partnership Programme to help keep families together through early intervention, a pilot for financial support for kinship carers, and reforms to support for adoptive families.

Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said:

Growing up alongside brothers or sisters is a fundamental part of childhood that so many of us take for granted. Yet, for too long, our care system has overseen a quiet injustice that the wider public rarely sees: breaking the links between siblings, often when they need one another the most.

By tabling this amendment, the Government is finally righting this historic wrong. When we provide young people with the right scaffolding, we set them up for a lifetime of success, and sibling bonds are the very foundation of that support. This is a victory for care-experienced young people to ensure our system actively protects the relationships that matter most.

Anela Anwar, Chief Executive of Become, said:

We’re delighted the government has agreed to change the law to better protect relationships between children in care and their siblings.

Too often, children are separated from their brothers and sisters, with little done to maintain those relationships. This change will strengthen duties on local authorities to keep siblings connected and better protect these vital bonds.

The amendment is part of the government’s landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which is the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation and will put children at the centre of education and social care.

The government will continue working with the sector to support implementation, share best practice, and ensure children across the country benefit from stronger, more stable care arrangements.

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea and continued aggression against Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s attempts to justify its illegal occupation of Crimea. He reaffirms that Crimea is Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its occupation and cease its wider war of aggression.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week, Russia used this Council to “celebrate” the so‑called reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation. Russia even claimed that this “confirms that there are alternatives to violence and hatred”.

Mr Chair that was disinformation not worthy of this forum, and it warrants a clear rebuttal. Russia knows that its invasion, occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014 was achieved through force. And nothing in the reality of Crimea today supports the narrative Russia presented here last week.

In the drafting of the Helsinki Final Act, the USSR itself was insistent on the inviolability of frontiers in Europe. It is notable that Russia is now the State seeking to erode this foundation of our collective security.

Indeed, Russia’s actions in Crimea in 2014 violated multiple Helsinki principles, including: sovereign equality; the inviolability of frontiers; territorial integrity; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The events of 2014 were not a spontaneous expression of popular will. They followed an anti‑constitutional seizure of territory, conducted under military occupation, and accompanied by systematic pressure on local populations. This included Crimean Tatars, whose fundamental rights have since been routinely violated.

Twelve years on, Russia’s attempts to retroactively justify its actions do not alter these facts. Nor do they change the reality that Crimea’s occupation marked another milestone – alongside Russia’s actions in Moldova and Georgia – in Moscow’s assault on European security. Russia’s actions of 2014 culminated in the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and of course continue today.

Independent reporting shows that the tactics Russia employed in Crimea have since been applied across other occupied areas of Ukraine: methods like detention, disappearances and deportations, targeting Ukrainian communities and attempting to erode Ukrainian identity.

And Russia’s continued large‑scale aerial assaults across Ukraine demonstrate how this same pattern of coercion and disregard for civilian life continues today. Earlier this week, Russia launched nearly one thousand drones and dozens of missiles in the largest attack over a 24-hour period since the war began. Among the sites damaged were Lviv’s 16th‑century Bernardine Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and a maternity hospital. These attacks are part of a sustained strategy of intimidation that demonstrates, yet again, Russia’s contempt for peace talks and its refusal to resolve disputes through diplomatic or lawful means.

Mr Chair, OSCE participating States have repeatedly reaffirmed the Helsinki Final Act and underlined that its principles are non‑negotiable. Russia agreed to these principles freely; in fact, it strongly advocated for some of them. It cannot choose to invoke them when convenient while discarding them in practice.

The United Kingdom reaffirms that Crimea is part of Ukraine, today as in 2014. We call on Russia to meet its OSCE commitments by ending its occupation of Crimean territory, and all occupied territory, and ceasing its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you.

March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government safeguards critical UK CO2 supplies with restart of plant [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 26 March 2026.

The Government has shored up the UK’s critical supplies of CO2 vital for Britain’s nuclear, packaged meats, fresh food and healthcare by temporarily restarting the Ensus bioethanol plant in Wilton, Teesside.
- CO2 supplies vital for critical sectors protected as government backs plant to resume production.
- Three-month temporary plant restart measure provides resilience for CO2 supply essential for healthcare, food supply, and civil nuclear.
- Government had safeguarded CO2 production at the plant for this situation, ensuring Britain maintains critical supply during Iran war disruption.
The Government has shored up the UK’s critical supplies of CO2 vital for Britain’s nuclear, packaged meats, fresh food and healthcare by temporarily restarting the Ensus bioethanol plant in Wilton, Teesside today.

The Ensus plant will operate for a three-month period, to bolster domestic CO2 production significantly, providing more resilience to essential sectors. The plant ceased production in Autumn 2025 and was set to close permanently; however, following intervention by the Government, the company agreed to keep it on standby to provide resilience for critical sectors.

Disruptions to European fertiliser production — combined with difficult market conditions — have significantly reduced the reliability of CO2 imports, and rising gas prices driven by the Iran conflict, plus unplanned maintenance at several European CO2 producing sites, mean that the UK’s market for CO2 risks being undersupplied.

Given the potential impact of a shortage on essential UK sectors, including healthcare, nuclear and food and drink production, the Government has taken the decision to back the restart of activity at Ensus to safeguard critical national infrastructure and maintain a resilient supply of CO2.

When the Government could have stepped back and let the plant close last year, we stepped in to keep it on standby.

The Government has been in negotiations with Ensus since September to temporarily retain the plant and its operation, to give it the optionality to restart production when needed. This is the difference an active and strategic state makes.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

As a government of action we will always do what’s needed to ensure resilience and protect British businesses from the worst impacts of global uncertainty. That’s why we have been in discussions with Ensus since September to keep this critical plant on standby for situations like this.

By restarting this plant we’ve acted swiftly to boost the resilience of our supply chains and protect critical UK sectors like food production, water and healthcare, as well as the jobs and communities that depend on these industries.”

This action forms part of wider government work designed to ensure the UK maintains access to its critical industrial inputs during global supply shocks, such as the ongoing Iran conflict.

The Government will continue to monitor market conditions closely and will work with industry, including CO2 suppliers, to manage supply, and ensure value for money for the taxpayer.

The Government is also taking steps to diversify the UK’s long term CO2 supply, to strengthen UK resilience and reduce future reliance on imports. We will work with industry on our long term plan to secure resilience in the sector.

While previous governments closed Britain’s gas storage, time and again we have stepped in to support our resilience: from keeping the blast furnaces running at Scunthorpe to saving the chemical cracker at Grangemouth.

Grant Pearson, Chairman of Ensus, said:

This agreement of support from the UK Government is excellent news for our employees and those in our extensive supply chain. It strengthens the broader Teesside manufacturing economy and the UK’s resilience in relation to biogenic CO2 supplies, which are vital to food and drinks companies, as well as being important to hospitals, abattoirs and the nuclear industry.

When the production plant is in operation the deal will also be very supportive to the UK agricultural and fuel markets including the expansion required in more sustainable aviation and maritime fuels and the future manufacture of more sustainable chemicals.
March 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : £1 billion to cut costs for businesses, drive growth and clean up UK roads [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 March 2026.

The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and the Depot Charging Scheme aim to help businesses make the switch to electric vans and trucks.
- £1 billion boost for British businesses to roll out clean trucks and vans and install new EV chargers at depots – helping to build resilience against fuel price uncertainty
- companies will save up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero emission trucks – covering up to 40% of the cost – and up to £5,000 off new zero emission vans, cutting costs, supporting jobs, and slashing emissions
- Businesses and public authorities will also save up to £1 million when installing chargers for vans, coaches, and HGVs
Businesses across the UK are being backed to roll out electric vans and trucks with £1 billion of funding – saving them cash, cleaning up millions of journey miles, and helping hauliers become more resistant to global price changes.

The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and the Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) aim to tackle two of the biggest barriers to businesses making the switch – upfront costs and access to charging.

Global fuel price uncertainty is challenging for businesses, and these grants will support industry to switch to electric, helping to reduce exposure to fuel price uncertainty.

The truck grant will offer savings of up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero emissions trucks, covering up to 40% of the cost. The van grant will continue to offer discounts of up to £5,000 off the cost of electric vans.

On top of that, businesses and public authorities could save up to £1 million, covering up to 70% of the cost, when installing charging infrastructure for vans, coaches, and eHGVs, thanks to a £170 million boost to the government’s Depot Charging Scheme.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said:

This £1 billion investment cuts cost for British businesses, supports jobs, cleans up our roads, and gives operators protection against shifting global fuel prices.

The logistics sector is the backbone of the UK economy, worth £170 billion and supporting 2.7 million jobs. We’re helping them expand and decarbonise their fleets whilst saving them cash, driving growth up and down the country.

The new funding comes after the government announced an £18 million uplift in January to slash up to £120,000 off the cost of green lorries, making it cheaper for businesses to go electric, with companies like M&S and Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms taking advantage of funding to decarbonise their fleets and reduce operational costs.

Lee Holmes, Transport and Logistics Director at Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms, said:

Government investment gives businesses like Wren the confidence to accelerate fleet decarbonisation while maintaining operational stability, even in periods of economic uncertainty.

With this support, we’ve brought a number of 44-tonne e-trucks into our fleet alongside a rapid charging infrastructure, reducing our reliance on traditional fuels and strengthening resilience and reliability against ongoing market volatility.

Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, said:

In 2021, we set ourselves the ambitious target of becoming a net zero business across our value chain by 2040. Since then, we’ve made some great progress, which includes the onboarding of 24 battery electric vehicles across our transport fleet.

We welcome this investment which serves as a reminder of the importance of the logistics sector in the UK and its role in decarbonisation.

Alongside support for operators, the government is also helping families make the switch through the Electric Car Grant which has helped over 80,000 drivers buy an EV, by saving them up to £3750 in the process. This is tackling upfront costs which is one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

With 1 in 4 cars sold now electric, it’s crucial to expand the UK’s charging infrastructure and so the government is spending over £600 million to rollout hundreds of thousands of EV chargers across the country, giving drivers the confidence they’ll be able to charge up whether at home, at work or on the go. This will build on the over 118,000 chargers already available.

Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive said:

The Depot Charging Scheme is playing a vital role in helping fleet operators and rental companies to install affordable, reliable charging infrastructure at their depots.

The vehicle rental sector faces one of the most challenging paths to decarbonisation, and this additional support for depot charging will play a major role in building confidence. It will encourage more rental operators – particularly SMEs – to electrify at scale, reduce costs, and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals.
March 26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman [March 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 March 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, this evening.

The Prime Minister opened by wishing the Crown Prince, and those celebrating across Saudia Arabia, a very happy Eid, despite the circumstances in the region.

Iran’s ongoing attacks, including on critical national infrastructure, were appalling, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and updated on the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment.

The leaders discussed the need for deescalation, and the Prime Minister updated on planning around the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the UK-led joint statement last week, the UK was now working with partners on what a viable plan could look like to ensure the flow of goods through the key maritime route, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders agreed their teams should continue to work closely to defend the Kingdom and the wider region from further attacks.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

March 26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : We must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable: UK statement at the UN Security Council [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 March 2026.

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

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the conflict in the Middle East and its impact upon civilians.

Together with partners, we continue to strive for a swift resolution to this crisis.

And we cannot let this current period of crisis in the region distract us from the need to make progress on the 20-Point Plan for Gaza, or from the deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank.

So I will make three points.

First, the parties and this Council, through resolution 2803, have expressed their backing for President Trump’s 20-Point Plan.

But Gaza today remains unacceptably divided.

Repeated violations of the ceasefire are costing lives and undermining progress for peace.

It is essential that swift progress is made to implement Phase 2.

Hamas has no future in the governance of Gaza. It and other militant groups must demilitarise.

And I welcome and fully support High Representative Mladenov’s remarks on the importance of full decommissioning.

Swift progress also means the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza being given full support to lead the day-to-day administration of Gaza during the transition to Palestinian Authority governance, delivering for the Palestinian people’s immediate needs and the crucial recovery efforts needed across the Gaza Strip.

Second, Resolution 2803 is clear on the need for the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Yet for weeks, Israel has restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to one single crossing.

Last week, 1,063 trucks were offloaded, just one quarter of the weekly target of 4,200 trucks.

And Israel’s closure of the Rafah crossing on 28 February for 18 days delayed life‑saving medical evacuations for thousands.

This is wholly unacceptable.

A lack of essential goods is driving up commercial prices, while shelter materials, critical medical supplies, fuel, and repair equipment remain blocked by Israel under long‑standing dual‑use restrictions.

At the same time, the Government of Israel’s de-registration measures are shrinking the space for international NGOs in Palestine

The UN and its partners, including UNRWA and International NGOs, must be able to operate unimpeded in Gaza, with access to all parts of the Strip and the supplies needed to deliver essential and lifesaving services.

Finally, we cannot successfully implement the 20-Point Plan without resolving the situation in the West Bank.

The UK has repeatedly and strongly condemned Israeli steps to expand control over the West Bank.

We have been clear. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.

And the severe economic restrictions imposed by Israel are significantly undermining peace efforts.

The UK is appalled by recent killings, reports of sexual assault, torture, and degrading treatment of Palestinians at the hands of violent settlers.

We strongly condemn settler violence and terror, including the spate of attacks on West Bank villages over the weekend.

Since February 28, we have seen 6 Palestinians shot dead by settlers, as well as the killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces.

This is completely unacceptable, as is the apparent lack of accountability for countless reports of human rights violations at the Sde Teiman facility.

The Israeli government must take concrete steps to prevent any such egregious actions and ensure accountability.

Impunity for such horrific actions is inconsistent with international law.

President, we still have the opportunity to end the cycle of violence and build a better future for the region, a better future for the next Israeli and Palestinian generations.

A two-state solution is the only way to achieve this. There is no alternative.

Together, and urgently, we must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable.

To promote peace, security, and stability, the Israeli Government must reverse the Security Cabinet’s decision to expand control over the West Bank and take urgent action to halt the escalating violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

March 26, 2026