Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign AI invests in UK startup reinventing AI chips [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign AI invests in UK startup reinventing AI chips [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 3 August 2026.

    Government’s Sovereign AI invests in UK startup reinventing the chips that make AI possible.

    • UK Government’s Sovereign AI backing OLIX – one of Britain’s newest unicorns and most ambitious tech firms, developing the next generation of AI computer chips
    • Sovereign AI is the government’s big bet on promising AI companies to help them grow, scale and succeed from Britain, driving the modern reindustrialisation of Britain
    • OLIX is the fifth company to receive equity investment from Sovereign AI since it launched – with the venture fund moving fast to back ambitious founders growing promising AI businesses in the UK

    OLIX, a British company designing the next generation of AI chips has secured backing from the UK Government’s Sovereign AI venture fund as part of a nine-figure fundraise announced today (Thursday 30 July).

    Based in London and with offices in Bristol, OLIX is developing faster, cheaper and more energy-efficient AI chips and is one of the UK’s newest unicorns – meaning it is valued at more than $1 billion. The investment reflects the UK’s ambition to back homegrown companies developing the critical technologies that will drive the modern reindustrialisation of Britain, and power the next wave of AI innovation.

    As countries around the world race to build the infrastructure needed for AI, supporting British firms developing advanced chips will help strengthen the UK’s domestic AI capability, create high-skilled jobs and ensure more of the economic benefits of AI are realised here in Britain.

    OLIX is reinventing the chips that underpin AI, with a view to making the technology much cheaper and better-performing than it is today. They are doing this by developing a family of ‘inference chips’ – designed specifically with AI in mind – each of which specialises in a particular part of an AI model’s ‘thinking’ process. Specialised chips working together in this way – like how work is coordinated across a factory production line – could pave the way for AI that is cheaper, uses less energy, and performs better.

    Advances in chip technology will be critical to unlocking the full economic potential of AI, strengthening Britain’s domestic AI capability and ensuring more of the value created by the AI revolution is developed here in the UK.

    Sovereign AI is the government’s big bet on promising early-stage AI companies to help them grow, scale and succeed from Britain, offering a range of backing to high-potential AI businesses that are starting out on British shores.  

    Combining the pace and ambition of venture capital with the weight of the state behind it, Sovereign AI is moving fast, backing ambition and cutting through the red tape that so often holds brilliant ideas back, so they can go on to succeed globally.

    AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said:

    The future of AI will be built on chips that power models. Countries that build chips will build leverage.

    OLIX is exactly the kind of ambitious company we want to back through Sovereign AI. In just two years, it has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting AI startups, developing breakthrough chip technology with the potential to help shape the future of AI.

    If we want Britain to lead in AI, we need to back the technologies that sit underneath it. That’s how we’ll attract investment, create high-skilled jobs and ensure the UK remains a country that builds the future of AI, not just uses it.

    The global AI chips market is expected to reach one trillion dollars in the early 2030s. This is a field with vast opportunities for Britain. If the UK could secure just 5% of this market it would bring fifty billion dollars in revenue to the country, with tens of thousands of highly paid jobs in tech.

    British companies like OLIX are already leading the next generation of AI hardware. As the market shifts from general-purpose chips to bespoke AI hardware, there is a huge opportunity for British firms to lead in the AI infrastructure of the future.  

    Founded in 2024 by James Dacombe, OLIX is one of the UK’s most ambitious young deep-tech companies. Before founding OLIX, James established neurotechnology company CoMind. Earlier this year, at 25, James led Olix as it secured $220 million Series A financing – one of the largest Series A rounds ever raised by a UK technology company.

    This backing brings the number of startups receiving equity investment from Sovereign AI to 5 since it launched, and the overall number of startups receiving Sovereign AI backing – including support accessing compute – to 11.

    Sovereign AI Head of Ventures Joséphine Kant said: 

    I left my first meeting with James convinced he’d be one of the most important founders of his generation.

    OLIX is completely rethinking what an inference chip should be from first principles and doing it from the UK. The company is two years old and already one of the most ambitious hardware businesses in Britain.

    James not only wants to win globally, but he’s also proud of where he’s from. You can see both in the name he chose for his holding company: Bletchley Industries.

    All of the startups Sovereign AI supports have a meaningful presence here in the UK, and create well paid jobs right across the country – supporting the Government’s ambition for good growth in every postcode. These startups are all firmly anchored in the UK with either their founders, leadership, operating headquarters or a large proportion of their talent based here in Britain.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Brunei – Mel Barlow [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Brunei – Mel Barlow [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 August 2026.

    Ms Mel Barlow has been appointed British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam. Ms Barlow will take up her appointment during September 2026.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name:  Melanie Barlow

    2023 to presentVientiane, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2022 to 2023Kathmandu, Deputy Ambassador and Consul General
    2019 to 2022FCDO, Deputy Head, Consular Strategy and Network Department
    2018 to 2019FCO, Lead Trade Negotiator, Third Country Agreements Unit
    2018Illegal Wildlife Trade Joint Unit, Senior Manager, Private Sector Engagement
    2015 to 2018Seoul, Trade Policy and Economic Diplomacy Counsellor
    2013 to 2015FCO, Head, India and Nepal Team, South Asia Department
    2013FCO, Head, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives Team, South Asia Department
    2011 to 2012FCO, Team Leader and Programme Manager, Conflict Department
    2009 to 2011Tokyo, Second Secretary (Trade)
    2006 to 2008Tokyo, Second Secretary (Political)
    2004 to 2005Japanese Language Training
    2003FCO, Project Manager, Department for Strategy and Innovation
    2003FCO, Desk Officer, Iraq Political Team
    2002 to 2003Trade Partners UK, Special Projects Manager Japan and China
    2002Joined FCO
    1996Private Sector
  • PRESS RELEASE : National Grid backs PM’s education reforms with new £5 million jobs programme to help 5,000 young people into work [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Grid backs PM’s education reforms with new £5 million jobs programme to help 5,000 young people into work [August 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 August 2026.

    National Grid has today unveiled a major new commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training over the next five years.

    • National Grid launches a new £5 million fund to help 5,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training get into work
    • Follows the Prime Minister’s reforms to ensure every young person has a clear route into skilled work and give technical education the respect it deserves
    • Fund will provide practical training, qualifications, mentoring, and skills support, including routes into careers in energy and infrastructure sectors
    • Supports PM’s ambition to rebuild the skilled workforce Britain needs to drive growth, support reindustrialisation and create opportunity across the country

    National Grid has today unveiled a major new commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training over the next five years, becoming one of the first major employers to respond to the Prime Minister’s drive to help more young people into work.

    The new £5 million ‘Power Within Employability Fund’ will support up to 1,000 young people a year across the UK starting from the first half of next year, helping them develop the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to access long-term career opportunities, including across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    The announcement comes less than a week after the Prime Minister unveiled plans to put technical education on an equal footing with academic study, ending the outdated disparity between how vocational and academic pathways are treated, and ensuring every young person has a clear route from the classroom into skilled work.

    The reforms are designed to rebuild the ladders of opportunity that once helped young people move from school into good local jobs. For too long, practical, and technical skills have been treated as a second class, despite growing demand for skilled workers in sectors that will power Britain’s future – from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to construction, engineering and the infrastructure projects that will help modernise the country.

    Under the Prime Minister’s plans, employers, schools, colleges and local leaders will work much more closely together to ensure young people can develop the skills businesses need and access opportunities closer to home. 

    Rather than being designed solely in Westminster, these new technical pathways will be shaped around the industries driving growth in local communities and supporting the government’s mission to reindustrialise Britain and create opportunity in every part of the country. National Grid’s new fund is one of the first major commitments from an employer to back the Prime Minister’s announcement and it builds on the growing movement of employers supporting young people into work.  

    By investing directly in training, qualifications and routes into employment, National Grid will help thousands of young people gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to move into work, while helping address skills shortages in sectors critical to Britain’s future and infrastructure. The fund forms part of National Grid’s wider commitment to powering progress and opportunity in the communities it serves, while helping develop the skilled workforce needed to deliver the energy and infrastructure projects the country needs.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    Last week, we announced fundamental reforms to the education system to ensure there’s parity between academic and technical routes – giving all young people the chance to a clear path in life.  A key part of this is matching employers to young people to ensure they get the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need.  

    National Grid’s announcement is exactly the kind of response we want to see. Not only are they powering our country every day, but they’re putting real energy behind helping thousands of young people gain skills, build confidence and take their first steps into work.  

    We’re determined to fix the youth unemployment crisis and restore opportunity and hope across the country.

    Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

    Demand for skilled workers in clean energy is growing thanks to our drive for clean power, which has attracted over £100 billion in private investment.

    Young people up and down the country will benefit from 400,000 extra clean energy jobs by the end of the decade, and we’re working closely with companies like National Grid to make sure people are trained up and taking advantage of these opportunities.

    Zoë Yujnovich, Chief Executive, National Grid, said:

    I agree with the Prime Minister that too many young people are being left behind, unable to access the opportunities, skills and support they need to fulfil their potential. That’s why National Grid is launching a new £5 million fund to help around 5,000 young people not in education or work, to develop the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to build long-term careers.

    As the UK invests in the infrastructure needed for a more secure, more resilient and cleaner energy future, we will help thousands of young people build confidence, gain qualifications and take meaningful steps towards employment. By working with expert delivery partners, colleges and employers, we can shape pathways into rewarding careers while helping to strengthen the communities we serve.

    The programme will be delivered through specialist employment and skills partners, helping connect young people to opportunities across the UK and ensuring support is matched up with local needs.

    The fund will invest in practical training, employability skills and qualifications to help participants overcome barriers to employment and build long-term careers. National Grid’s £5 million fund will help participants access a range of support tailored to the needs of young people furthest from the labour market, including:

    • Practical support to access work, including help to gain a driving licence where transport is a barrier to employment opportunities.
    • Industry-recognised qualifications and accreditations, including Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards and other qualifications needed to access jobs across the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors.
    • Dedicated employability coaching and mentoring, providing one-to-one support to help young people build confidence, identify career goals and prepare for the workplace.
    • Job readiness and life skills training, including CV writing, interview preparation, communication skills, workplace behaviours and other support designed to help young people succeed in employment.
    • Direct links to employers and job opportunities across National Grid, its suppliers and the wider energy and infrastructure sector, creating clear pathways from training into work.
    • Access to real employment opportunities, including with National Grid and its UK supplier network.

    National Grid’s commitment shows the difference employers can make when they work alongside local communities to create new opportunities for young people. Many businesses already play an important role in expanding opportunities for young people to get into work, but the Prime Minister has been clear that more needs to be done across the board to ensure every young person has a clear route from the classroom into a good job. 

    The government will continue working with employers, mayors and local leaders across the country to expand work experience, skills support and routes into work, and better connect young people to the industries driving growth in every part of the country. The reforms announced last week are the first step in rebuilding the ladders of opportunity and ensuring more young people can access the good jobs being created in their own communities.

    Whether that’s advanced manufacturing in the North West, clean energy on the east coast, life sciences in the Midlands or creative industries in our cities, the Prime Minister’s reforms will help prepare young people for the future being built around them. As we reindustrialise our regions, new vocational and technical pathways will ensure growing local industries have the skilled workforce they need to succeed, strengthening local economies and helping make working people better off.

  • Churnet Valley Railway – 2026 Statement on Vandalism

    Churnet Valley Railway – 2026 Statement on Vandalism

    The statement made by Churnet Valley Railway on 1 August 2026.

    Whilst we always try to keep our posts positive, celebrating the incredible work of our volunteers and staff, and sharing the wonderful experiences our visitors have, occasionally something happens that simply leaves us shaking our heads.

    Over recent days we have discovered that the fence we erected at the site of the future Leek station has been deliberately dismantled. Rather than being damaged accidentally, the fence has been carefully unscrewed, paling by paling, with the screws removed as well.

    Sadly, that wasn’t the end of it.

    Our small JCB mini digger, generously funded by one of our volunteers some years ago, had been left on our land for just 24 hours awaiting collection back to our maintenance depot. During that short time, someone decided to vandalise it. Controls have been ripped off, electrical components torn out, the dipstick removed and, unbelievably, dirt and grit poured into the engine sump.

    This wasn’t an abandoned machine. It wasn’t causing anyone any harm. It was simply waiting to be collected after helping our volunteers maintain the railway.

    The real victims are our volunteers. They give up their own time, freely and willingly, to preserve and improve this railway for everyone to enjoy. They now find themselves without a vital piece of equipment that makes so many maintenance tasks quicker, safer and easier. We must now either find a replacement or hope that someone with the necessary expertise can repair what has been damaged.

    We simply cannot understand why anyone would choose to do this. It serves no purpose, benefits nobody and only diverts money and volunteer effort away from improving the railway.

    If anyone has seen anything suspicious around the Leek extension or has any information that may assist us, however small it may seem, we would be grateful if you could contact us privately.

    Let’s hope that the vast majority of people, who support and care about the railway, continue to outweigh the actions of the very few who do not

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 August 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by setting out how much the UK valued its friendship with Jordan.

    From defence and security to the growing economic ties, it was a unique and vital relationship for both countries, the Prime Minister added.

    Turning to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Prime Minister said he was focused on de-escalation, adding that the UK would continue to support Jordan in its self-defence.

    The leaders also discussed the appalling situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

    The Prime Minister condemned the attacks by Israeli settlers taking place in the West Bank and said he would look at what further measures could be taken to deter the unacceptable violence.

    The Prime Minister added he looked forward to building a personal friendship with His Majesty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government takes action to crack down on rogue funeral operators [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government takes action to crack down on rogue funeral operators [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 31 July 2026.

    Urgent work to take place to protect bereaved families.

    • Proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector to be developed following harrowing case in Hull
    • DHSC to lead cross-government work to ensure that every person in every setting is treated with the respect they deserve in death.
    • Work will formally commence following the sentencing of criminal funeral director Robert Bush today

    The government has announced urgent plans to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector and ensure better protection for bereaved families after the sentencing of Robert Bush today.

    Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading, and theft.

    The Department for Health and Social Care will now drive forward work alongside other government departments, including the Ministry of Justice and the Law Commission to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector, and to protect bereaved families against the heartbreak of having their loved ones mistreated in death.

    This will include developing a range of detailed proposals to drive up standards, including regulation of the funeral sector. These will be drawn up in discussion with established operators, faith groups, families, and other stakeholders.

    As part of this work, the Law Commission will undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed.

    For bereaved families, there can be few things more painful than knowing a loved one was not treated properly after they died. The deceased cannot speak for themselves, which is why clear safeguards, stronger oversight and consistent standards are needed to protect their dignity and give families the reassurance they deserve.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

    Robert Bush’s actions were utterly abhorrent, and my thoughts are with all the bereaved families in Hull who have been so badly let down.

    In the wake of this horrific case, we will now bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, including proper regulation of the funeral sector. We are determined to drive rogue operators out of this industry, and protect other families from suffering this same heartache.

    Every person in every situation deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves certainty that their loved ones are being treated with care and respect.

    The Government will work closely with bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups and others to ensure that future policy is proportionate, effective and informed by those with relevant experience. 

    This will ensure action is designed to give families confidence that funeral providers are meeting clear, consistent standards, no matter where they live or which provider they choose.

    It will also reinforce the profound responsibility placed on anyone entrusted with caring for someone after death.

    This case is another horrendous example of where the deceased have not been honoured with the care and respect many of us would have expected. The findings from Sir Jonathan Michael’s independent inquiry into the actions that allowed David Fuller to commit his horrific crimes showed that we need to consider how we can ensure better standards across all settings that look after our loved ones after they die, including where some level of regulation is already in place.

    Many funeral providers offer compassionate and professional care every day. Stronger oversight, including regulation and other measures, would protect families from poor practice, support good providers, and restore confidence in a sector people rely on when they are at their most vulnerable.

    Andrew Judd, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Funeral Directors, said: 

    We welcome the government’s commitment to raising standards and oversight across the whole funeral sector and look forward to working with government to ensure that every single deceased person and their bereaved families are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

    We will work with Government and industry during the engagement to secure meaningful change for all bereaved families as soon as possible. We believe that statutory regulation can best achieve this aim and will continue to make that case during this process.

    Paul Allcock, Government Liaison at the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), said: 

    SAIF welcomes the DHSC’s commitment to engaging with the funeral profession on regulation. 

    Any framework must protect the deceased and their families as a priority, but must also uphold standards and recognise small and medium-sized independent funeral businesses. It should be proportionate, preserve family choice and maintain a diverse market. 

    We’re committed to supporting the engagement and cross-government work. 

    SAIF members currently follow the UK Funeral Director Code and undergo inspections of premises, mortuary facilities and administrative processes. Families also have access to an independent complaints and redress process, delivered by an externally audited alternative dispute resolution body certified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, providing an added safeguard. 

    We’ll continue working closely with the DHSC and MOJ to shape regulation that protects the deceased, their families and supports a sustainable funeral profession.

    Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:  

    We look forward to working with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice to ensure the improvement of standards in the funeral sector enable all families and communities to bury their loved ones with dignity and care.

    The Jewish community is proud of its high standards of care for the deceased and internal regulatory processes, which ensure that Jewish people are buried safely, respectfully, and in accordance with religious requirements.

    Mohamed Omer MBE, Chair, National Burial Council, said: 

    We have followed the Robert Bush (Legacy Independent Funeral Directors) case with deep distress. The findings are profoundly troubling and have caused immense pain to families who entrusted their loved ones to this service. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all bereaved families affected by this appalling breach of trust, care and decency. 

    The National Burial Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to urgent action to strengthen oversight, accountability and professional standards across the funeral sector. Muslim and Jewish communities have specific religious requirements for timely burial and respectful handling of the deceased, making dignity and transparency essential. NBC works closely with burial societies and funeral directors to uphold high standards and will support DHSC and the Ministry of Justice in strengthening safeguards and effective self‑regulation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Modi of India [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Modi of India [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India today.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strength of the UK-India partnership and the significant impact it has had on local communities across the UK.

    The Prime Minister set out his ambitions to further enhance the UK-India relationship, including through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and strong people-to-people links. 

    The Prime Minister praised the contribution Indian communities in the UK make to the fabric of UK society, with Prime Minister Modi noting the links between the two leaders’ own home cities of Manchester and Ahmedabad, in Gujarat,  which he called the “Manchester of India”.

    Turning to trade, the Prime Minister underlined the value of the recently introduced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India, which will create opportunities for people across both countries.

    The Prime Minister set out his personal commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, and both leaders noted the potential to work together on cutting edge technology, such as AI.

    The two leaders then discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing to continue to work closely together towards deescalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

    Both leaders look forward to speaking again soon and meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK adopts updated Khmer translation of its name [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK adopts updated Khmer translation of its name [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 2026.

    The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom.

    • new Khmer language name reflects all four nations of the United Kingdom and the UK’s modern political structure 
    • the revision was developed in consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts and the Royal Academy of Cambodia  
    • approved by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 

    The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom, following consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts, the Royal Academy of Cambodia and members of the British community in Cambodia, and with the approval of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

    The full official title of the United Kingdom in English is “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.  This remains the full and official title in English.  We have updated and modernised the Khmer language translation to ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”.  The new translation more accurately reflects the UK’s current political structure as a constitutional monarchy and the fact that it is a union of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The preferred short form will be ”ព្រីតថេន”, a newly minted Khmer word which is a transliteration of the English word “Britain”. 

    The revision reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the Khmer language accurately represents the identity of the United Kingdom, while respecting Khmer linguistic conventions and usage. It also highlights the value of collaboration between Cambodian and British partners in promoting mutual understanding between our two countries. 

    His Majesty’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, said: 

    I have had the tremendous privilege of an extended period learning Khmer and have deep respect for its fundamental importance in Cambodian culture.  I believe strongly in sustaining this vibrant, living language. 

    When I first learnt the Khmer word for my country, I discovered that the words used, when translated into English, do not reflect the modern, diversity of the UK nor my own personal identity, as someone with English, Northern Irish and Welsh heritage. 

    Our decision to update the translation is an indication of the deep respect and importance we place on the Khmer language.  We did not want to impose a change that felt alien to Khmer speakers so we consulted widely.  It was fascinating to learn from the Royal Academy that the King Father had used a more accurate term for my country in the 1960s – “រាជាណាចក្ររួម”.  It feels respectful to revive this historic usage so we have put the King Father’s words at the heart of our updated translation. 

    I am grateful to the Royal Academy, our linguistic partners, members of the British community in Cambodia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for their expertise, thoughtfulness and collaboration in helping us reach this important milestone.  I hope this new translation will play a small role in enhancing the friendship and mutual understanding between our two great nations. 

    The updated translation takes effect immediately and will be used across official British Embassy communications in Cambodia. 

    Further information

    • the revision was formally proposed by HM Ambassador to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and has received ministerial approval
    • the previous term​ ”ចក្រភពអង់គ្លេស និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as “English Empire and Northern Ireland”, not ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
    • the updated Khmer translation is ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
    • the preferred short form is ”ព្រីតថេន”, which can be translated to either “Britain” or “Great Britain”
  • PRESS RELEASE : Gemma Stevenson appointed as HMTC for Middle East & Pakistan [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Gemma Stevenson appointed as HMTC for Middle East & Pakistan [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 July 2026.

    Gemma Stevenson has been appointed as HMTC for the Middle East and Pakistan and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

    The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is delighted to announce that Gemma Stevenson has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan, and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and will take up the role in September 2026.

    Prior to this role, Gemma was Director in the Department for Business and Trade covering the UK’s Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises. She previously held senior civil service roles focusing on the UK’s commercial relationship with the Indo-Pacific, and economic and investment security.

    Before joining the civil service, Gemma spent a decade in South Asia where she was an adviser to the Indian and Afghan governments on trade and commerce issues, and Director to the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan. She has acted as a consultant for private sector clients in the UK from the professional services, transport and consumer goods sectors.

    Gemma holds a degree in Modern History and Modern Languages from the University of Oxford and a Masters in Economic Public Policy from Princeton University.

    Gemma takes up the role at an exciting time, with the UK having successfully concluded a milestone free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a major win for the UK and the Gulf and is the latest step in our mission to grow the economy through high-quality trade deals that deliver real benefits for people across the UK.

    Gemma Stevenson said:

    Our work on trade and investment is more than the exchange of goods and services and capital flows. It is about shared ambition, trust and relationships that deliver innovation and growth. I look forward to working with government and private sector partners across the Middle East and Pakistan to realise these opportunities.

    Gemma replaces Sarah Mooney, who has covered the role on an interim basis since early 2025.

    Sarah Mooney commented:

    It has been a privilege to lead DBT in the Middle East and Pakistan in support of the government’s growth mission. Across every market, I have seen for myself the opportunities for UK business, as well as a genuine appetite from countries in the region to deepen their partnership with the UK towards shared economic growth.

    Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Middle East and Pakistan

    The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

    The HMTC has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work in the Middle East and Pakistan including:

    • growing the overall trade and investment relationship
    • improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
    • developing trade policy

    The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Bishop of Leeds [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Bishop of Leeds [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2026.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Dr. Toby Matthew Howarth, Suffragan Bishop of Bradford in the Diocese of Leeds, for election as Bishop of Leeds, in succession to The Right Reverend Nicholas Baines following his retirement.

    Background

    Toby was educated at Yale University, Birmingham University and the Free University of Amsterdam, and trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.  He served his title at St. Augustine, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 1993.  From 1995, Bishop Howarth served as a study partner with Crosslinks and The Netherlands Reformed Mission League in India and, in 2000, he was appointed Evangelist at the Pilgrim Father’s Church in Rotterdam.  From 2002, Toby served as Tutor with the Church Mission Society at Crowther Hall, Selly Oak, in the Diocese of Birmingham and was made Vice-Principal in 2003.

    In 2004, Bishop Howarth was appointed as Priest-in-Charge, Springfield St. Christopher, additionally serving as Inter-Faith Adviser to the Bishop of Birmingham from 2005.  He served as Secretary for Inter-Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Adviser for Inter-Religious Affairs from 2011.

    In 2014, Bishop Howarth took up his current role as Bishop of Bradford, and has been serving additionally as Acting Bishop of Leeds since 2025.