Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three Hundreds of Chiltern

    PRESS RELEASE : Three Hundreds of Chiltern

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 May 2026.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Joshua Cameron Simons to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Youth Justice overhaul to keep streets safer [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Youth Justice overhaul to keep streets safer [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 18 May 2026.

    Children and young people will get earlier support to steer them away from crime under a major overhaul of the youth justice system unveiled by the Government today (Monday 18 May).

    • Landmark reforms will intervene earlier and stop more young people falling into crime.
    • Parents and carers to face tougher accountability when children offend.
    • New youth intervention courts to tackle repeat offenders.
    • Part of Government action to cut crime and create safer streets.

    Published by the Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, a new Youth Justice White Paper provides the blueprint for earlier intervention, more targeted support, and tackling the root causes of youth crime to create safer communities and fewer victims.

    The announcement comes as figures show eight out of ten prolific offenders committed their first crime as a child, while two-thirds of those released from custody reoffend within a year.

    New measures announced today include piloting new Youth Intervention Courts, which will for the first time bring together judges, youth justice services and specialist support to tackle the drivers of offending and keep young people on track. The courts will also provide intensive supervision and tailored interventions, including health or educational requirements, while closely monitoring compliance to break cycles of repeat reoffending.

    Parents and carers will also face greater responsibility for children who commit crime or cause anti-social behaviour, recognising the vital role families play in reducing reoffending. The Government will strengthen and expand Parenting Orders, which can compel parents or guardians to address their child’s behaviour – including attending counselling or guidance sessions – or face penalties such as fines.

    The move comes after the use of Parenting Orders declined dramatically, from more than 1,000 in 2009/10 to just 33 in 2022/23.

    There will also be a greater emphasis on addressing children who present the highest risk of committing the most serious and violent offences. Ministers will explore strengthening Youth Rehabilitation Orders with intensive supervision and surveillance, allowing electronic monitoring to track their whereabouts alongside robust rehabilitation activity to keep the public safe. However, the Government is clear custody will always remain essential for the most dangerous offenders.

    Crucially, the reforms look to modernise the youth justice system, ensuring it keeps pace with new and emerging risks faced by today’s children including online harms, exploitation and rising vulnerability.

    Further measures set out in the White Paper include:

    • An extra £15.4 million per year investment in the Government’s flagship Turnaround programme to help a further 12,000 children at risk of entering the youth justice system, over the next three years. As of December 2024, just 7% of children who had completed Turnaround interventions had gone on to receive a sentence or caution.
    • Fundamental reform of the youth out-of-court resolution framework, setting out our proposals in autumn 2026.
    • Taking a fundamental look at the function and purpose of criminal courts for child defendants, reporting by August 2027.
    • A commitment to end unnecessary custodial remand for children – slashing its use by 25% this Parliament to ensure children awaiting trial or sentencing are not held unless public protection requires it, backed by £5 million for robust community alternatives.
    • Widening the range of tough community sentences available to the courts and reducing ineffective short custodial sentences – which combined with remand reforms could reduce the youth custodial population by 20%.
    • Consulting on childhood criminal records reform by the end of the year. This will consider potentially ending lifelong disclosure requirements for childhood offences so people aren’t forever held back by mistakes made as children.
    • Delivering on the commitment to create a new child criminal exploitation offence – going after the adults who prey on children and draw them into offending.

    Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy said:

    Too many young people are being drawn into crime, with devastating consequences for victims, communities and their own futures.

    These reforms lay the foundation to intervene far earlier, support families, and tackle the drivers of offending so fewer young people become trapped in cycles of crime, creating safer streets and fewer victims.

    Minister for Sentencing and Youth Justice, Jake Richards, said:

    Put simply, the youth justice system is not working – not for children, victims and communities blighted by crime.

    These reforms will modernise the system, keep pace with emerging risks and ensure young offenders get the support they need to turn their lives around, while improving public safety.

    The reforms announced today are backed by figures which show more than two-thirds of children released from custody reoffend within a year, but just over one-third of children sentenced to community sentences reoffended.

    In addition, following sustained efforts across the system for many years, the number of children entering the youth justice system has fallen significantly. The result is a far more complex cohort of children, many victims of exploitation and with extensive offending histories including serious offences.

     The White Paper seeks to address this challenge head on – ensuring the youth justice system intervenes earlier, is firmer where necessary, and is consistently focussed on preventing harm.

    Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said:

    As Children’s Commissioner, I have consistently been clear about the need to reform the youth justice system. We must build an approach that keeps children safe, diverts them from crime wherever possible, and prioritises meaningful behaviour change.

    Education is central to this. It is the most powerful tool we have to prevent offending in the first place, and it remains vital for those in Young Offender Institutions who have already fallen through the cracks. I am therefore pleased to welcome the Youth Justice White Paper published today, and that I have been asked to undertake a review of the education children in YOIs receive, with the aim of improving outcomes and giving these children a better chance for the future.

    Anti-knife crime campaigner and founder of Fazamnesty, Faron Paul, said:

    Fazamnesty welcomes the Government’s proactive approach in the Youth Justice White Paper, which focuses on early intervention, prevention, and support for young people facing growing pressures and exploitation. Prevention is always better than cure. By working together with organisations like Fazamnesty and other community groups, we can help guide young people away from crime and create safer communities for everyone.

    These reforms build on recent Government action to tackle the most serious issues affecting young people including knife crime and violence against women and girls.

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

    Meanwhile, the Government’s violence against women and girls strategy seeks to better protect girls from abuse and steer young boys away from harmful misogynistic influences.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Seven-year ban for cleaning director, Philip Walker, who used Atherton scheme and transferred almost £200,000 to new company [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Seven-year ban for cleaning director, Philip Walker, who used Atherton scheme and transferred almost £200,000 to new company [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 18 May 2026.

    • Philip Walker used the Atherton scheme to walk away from more than half a million pounds of debt owed by his cleaning company
    • He made net payments of almost £200,000 from his insolvent business into a new company he controlled, knowing Solus Facilities Limited could not pay its creditors
    • Walker has been disqualified as a company director for seven years following Insolvency Service investigations into users of the scheme

    A cleaning boss has been banned as a company director after transferring almost £200,000 out of his insolvent business into his new company.

    Leicestershire-based Philip Walker was the director of Solus Facilities Limited, a company providing cleaning services for restaurants.

    However, by April 2023, the company was in financial difficulty, and unable to pay its debts.

    Instead of following standard insolvency procedures, the 44-year-old used the Atherton scheme to avoid paying his debts, leaving creditors more than half a million pounds out of pocket.

    Atherton was advertised as a corporate rescue service where directors of distressed companies were encouraged to sell their businesses as an “alternative” to entering formal insolvency proceedings such as liquidation.

    Walker paid Atherton Corporate (UK) Ltd £16,500 in three instalments across the summer of 2023 for it to purchase Solus Facilities Limited’s liabilities.

    During this period, Walker also set up a new phoenix company, Carbon White Group Ltd, of which he was director.

    Solus Facilities Limited did not trade after Walker resigned as director and was replaced by Karen Mortimer, one of Atherton’s main enablers, in December 2023.

    Despite this, Walker accessed the company’s account, making net payments of £198,100 to Carbon White Group Ltd between November 2023 and January 2024 when he knew that Solus Facilities Limited was insolvent.

    Solus Facilities Limited went into liquidation in September 2024 owing creditors £513,090.

    Walker, of Wykes Close, Quorn, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years.

    Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Philip Walker made payments to his new company when he knew his former business had no reasonable prospect of avoiding liquidation, leaving creditors seriously out of pocket.

    Indeed, many of these transfers were made when Walker had resigned as a director of Solus Facilities Limited yet was still accessing the company’s bank account.

    These actions are deeply damaging to creditors and are completely unacceptable. Those who deliberately use companies repeatedly to avoid debts – known as abusive phoenixism – should be in no doubt that we will pursue them using all the enforcement tools at our disposal.

    Mortimer, 67, was disqualified as a company director for seven years having put the creditors of 138 companies at risk of financial loss after taking control of businesses referred to her by Atherton Corporate UK (Ltd) and Atherton Corporate Rescue Limited.

    Her sister Joanna Seawright, 55, also received a seven-year ban for her role in the Atherton scheme.

    Atherton enabler Neville Taylor, 59, was disqualified as a company director for nine years in January 2025.

    Suzanne Harley-Davies, 68, who failed to ensure her Atherton-linked companies operated for legitimate corporate purposes, was banned for four years in May this year.

    Atherton Corporate (UK) Ltd and Atherton Corporate Rescue Limited, along with five companies which enabled the running of the scheme, were wound-up in the public interest in the summer of 2024.

    Four more companies which formed part of the Atherton scheme – Atherton Corporate Partners LLP, Jones & Harlington Ltd, TYA GRP Ltd and TYA Two GRP Ltd – went into compulsory liquidation in early 2026 after Insolvency Service investigations.

    Criminal investigations into the Atherton scheme remain ongoing. Six search warrants have been executed across the UK in the last three months with the support of the police.

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Walker, and his ban started on Friday 15 May.

    It prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    • Philip Walker is of Wykes Close, Quorn, Leicestershire. His date of birth is 10 November 1981
    • Solus Facilities Limited (company number 09796369)
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 May 2026.

    • The Red Arrows will tour the United States this summer to support the UK’s closest ally as it celebrates 250 years of independence
    • The iconic team will appear at 13 events across seven states this summer
    • Royal Navy ships will attend celebrations in New Orleans and New York

    The UK Armed Forces will visit the United States to mark 250 years of American independence with a series of high-profile celebrations across the US this summer.

    At the heart of the celebrations, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – widely known as the Red Arrows – will lead the UK’s contribution with a showcase tour spanning one month.

    Royal Navy ships will visit New Orleans later this month and attend the US Navy’s International Naval Review 250 in the port of New York and New Jersey in July.

    The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will also travel to the United States to perform at the celebrations and celebrate the close military relationship.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

    I offer our sincere congratulations to the United States as it celebrates 250 years of independence. The defence relationship between our nations is built on unparalleled trust, professionalism and shared purpose.

    British and American forces have served together with distinction for generations, and our alliance remains vital to the security of our countries and our allies around the world.

    The Red Arrows will deliver a series of spectacular displays at 13 events across New York, Washington, Wisconsin, Maine, Maryland and Michigan between 27 June and 26 July, commemorating the anniversary.

    On 4 July – Independence Day – the world-famous red jets will take part in a major international flypast over New York, performing in front of crowds expected to reach tens of thousands. Additional flypasts are set to be confirmed as part of the programme.

    The visit will highlight and celebrate the enduring and close partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States – its strongest and closest security ally.

    The Red Arrows will also appear at events across the United Kingdom before and after their visit to the USA.

    Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson, said:

    We’re honoured to accept the US military’s invitation for the Red Arrows to participate in these special July 4 events in the country’s 250th year.

    The Royal Air Force has a long, proud history of working side-by-side with the Armed Forces of the United States, whether that be on operations and exercises or by joining with other allies as part of NATO.

    I hope the Red Arrows’ trademark combination of close formation flying, speed and world-class precision will excite and inspire the hundreds of thousands of people attending these shows.

    Officer Commanding the Red Arrows Wing Commander Sasha Nash said:

    The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States – the tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts.

    The UK-US alliance remains central to the UK’s NATO-first approach to defence. For more than a century, British and American forces have operated side-by-side in some of history’s most significant conflicts and security operations.

    From the beaches of Normandy during the Second World War to joint operations in the Middle East and ongoing cooperation through NATO, this partnership has remained steadfast – playing a crucial role in maintaining global stability.

    Today, the UK and the US continue to share one of the closest defence relationships in the world, underpinned by deep intelligence cooperation, integrated military planning, joint exercises, advanced defence technology collaboration and shared strategic objectives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New reforms to stop waste criminals from exploiting loopholes [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New reforms to stop waste criminals from exploiting loopholes [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 May 2026.

    Stricter background checks to be introduced for waste carriers.

    New reforms are set to tighten the net on waste criminals with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste, and advanced background checks to help put rogue operators out of business.  

    As part of the major crackdown on waste criminals, underpinned by the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, laws being laid this week will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified to transport waste. 

    The current registration system is broken and outdated, relying on a basic registration process with limited identity and background checks. This has been exploited by rogue operators with a poor track record of dumping waste and leaving a huge clean-up bill. 

    The new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027, and require waste handlers to undergo identity, criminal record and technical checks before receiving a permit. They will also need to display their permit number in advertising, including on their vans, making it easier for the public to report unlicensed operators. 

    For those mishandling waste, they will now face up to five years in prison. The move to permitting will also give the Environment Agency stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.  

    If someone pays to have their rubbish taken away, they should be confident it won’t end up in a field a week later. These reforms will give households peace of mind their waste is being handled correctly and punish those who break the law. 

    Waste Minister Mary Creagh said: 

    Waste cowboys have abused the system for too long, blighting our countryside and cities alike.

    Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we’re introducing rigorous background checks for waste traders, shutting down corrupt operators and kicking them out of the industry for good.

    This is just one measure we’re introducing to stamp out waste crime, with law breakers now facing up to five years behind bars thanks to tougher penalties.

    Philip Duffy, Chief Executive at the Environment Agency, said: 

    Waste crime is evolving, but so are we. These reforms give us the tools we need to fight back. 

    With stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices, we will move faster to shut down rogue operators and protect communities from the damage waste crime causes. 

    The public are our eyes and ears. If you see fly-tipping or suspect an unlicensed operator, you must report it.

    These changes come as part of the government’s new Waste Crime Action Plan which sets out a wide-ranging crackdown on waste criminals, from those dumping rubbish on high streets and roadsides to operators running large illegal waste sites. These measures will strengthen regulations and make it harder for waste criminals to operate, as well as introducing stricter penalties for those caught attempting to abuse the system. 

    This legislation follows recent announcements on the game-changing digital waste tracking service and powerful legislative changes under the Policing and Crime Act that mean fly-tippers risk losing their licence under tougher court powers. 

    If you see fly-tipping or suspect illegal waste activity, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.  

    Kate Johnston at the independent charity Crimestoppers said:

    Waste crime damages our communities, harms the environment and often funds wider criminal activity. We welcome any measures that make it harder for criminals to operate and easier to hold them to account.

    The public play a vital role in this, if you know or suspect someone is involved in large-scale waste crime, you can speak up anonymously to Crimestoppers. Your information could make a real difference in keeping your community and countryside safe and free from harm.

    Dan Cooke at the Charted Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) said:

    It’s good to see these strong and practical measures being implemented to target cowboys and crooks operating at the fringes of our sector. We welcome this significant step as part of the government’s wider Waste Crime Action Plan.

    CIWM and the UK’s professional resources and waste sector have been calling for this loophole to be closed for some time, so kudos to the government and regulators for committing to this positive change. 

    We all have a responsibility to stay vigilant, and to report suspected illegal waste tipping and transporting. This should be made easier when these changes become law.

    Notes to editors 

    The key changes that will be brought into force in 2027 will include:  

    • Registration to permits – Operators will move from a simple registration system to a permit-based system, meaning they must actively demonstrate they meet requirements to operate, rather than just registering their details.  
    • Enhanced background checks – All operators will be required to undergo identity and criminal record checks, helping to prevent organised criminals from entering the sector.  
    • Technical competence – Operators must demonstrate they are competent to transport or make decisions about waste, a requirement that does not exist under the current system.  
    • Stronger enforcement powers – The Environment Agency will have greater powers to revoke permits, issue enforcement notices. The permit system will be self-funding, with permit fees covering the cost of regulation.  
    • Penalties – There are currently no custodial sentences for illegally transporting or dealing in waste. This SI will introduce penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.   
    • Permit number display – Operators will be required to display their permit number in advertising, including branding on vans, making it easier to identify and report unlicensed operators.
  • PRESS RELEASE : First Olympics in the North of England in government’s sights alongside stadium regeneration push [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : First Olympics in the North of England in government’s sights alongside stadium regeneration push [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 May 2026.

    Initial strategic assessment commissioned into potential bid for Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s.

    • Assessment will test if hosting could deliver transformational regeneration and growth in the North  
    • Towns and cities across England also set to benefit from sports infrastructure accelerator programme, to remove barriers to major sports led regeneration

    The government has commissioned its expert arm’s-length body UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment examining whether the UK could host an Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England during the 2040s, as part of an ambitious growth drive to use sports to power regeneration of towns and cities. 

    Initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games for the first time since London 2012 will assess key factors such as potential cost, socioeconomic benefit and any bid’s chance of success.
    The Government firmly sees major sporting events and sporting facilities as playing a key role in driving economic growth, regeneration, improving pride in place, and bolstering the UK’s global appeal. 

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

    But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

    Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.

    That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.

    The Government has also announced a wave of new work to use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration and economic growth. This includes: 

    • A Stadium Regeneration Accelerator:In a further growth boost for towns and cities across England, a new cross-government programme will work with sporting bodies on priority sports infrastructure development projects  – such as stadiums – that can help deliver local regeneration and commercial growth. Funding will not be used for the regeneration of these stadiums but the government will work with sports clubs and leagues to unlock opportunities for large-scale housing delivery, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvement and community sports facilities. DCMS will work alongside the Office for Investment (OfI) HM Treasury and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government with sports bodies such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the WSL Football. Together they will identify, and unblock, barriers to development at both a national and local level – and will include projects across the sports sector. The OfI will act as the front door for potential investors to be involved in the programme. Planned projects across England include proposals in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and London that have the potential to regenerate their surrounding areas. The government will also look at how we can learn lessons and share best practice with counterparts from Europe and further afield.
    • A new Sporting Events Bill:Introduced to Parliament on Thursday, the new Bill will make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events in future, including UEFA EURO 2028. It will also make the unauthorised resale of tickets for designated major events a criminal offence, ensuring more tickets reach real fans at face value rather than being snapped up by touts and resold.
    • UK Government Strategy for Major Events:The government will set out its plans to support and provide leadership to the nation’s wider major events sector, by delivering a cross-sector strategy within the coming year. The strategy will cover major events in all sectors – cultural, sporting and business – and will ensure that major events continue to drive economic growth, enhance the UK’s soft power across the globe, and strengthen social cohesion in our towns and cities. This will build on the UK’s outstanding track record — from the 80th commemorations of VE day and the billions of pounds generated every year from hosting business events, to the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup last year. 
    • A Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events:The government has also appointed Lord McConnell as a Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events. Lord McConnell, who was central to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014, will support the government’s ambition to cement the UK’s position as the go-to destination for the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events, drawing on his experience in international affairs, public policy and supporting the delivery of major events.

    The UK has a phenomenal pipeline of major sporting events to look forward to. This summer alone brings the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grands Départs will be the most accessible major sporting event ever held in Great Britain. UEFA EURO 2028 is forecast to generate £3.2 billion in socioeconomic benefits – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and drawing a surge of international visitors to communities the length and breadth of the country.  

    The Government is already backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029, as well as the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as part of its commitment to driving a decade of change in women’s sport. 

    Alongside more than £500 million invested into the delivery of major sporting events, the Government is making a serious and sustained commitment to grassroots sport. At least £400 million is being invested in community facilities across the country, ensuring that the legacy of every major event is felt far and wide. 

    Additional quotes:

    Chair of The Great North, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

    From our great cities and towns to our coastlines and countryside, the North has the venues, the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games that showcases the very best of Great Britain to the world.

    A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England. This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted: inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action.

    Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive said: 

    Football clubs across the country are important institutions in their communities. The stadium investment pipeline across the Premier League now amounts to an estimated £5 billion, with a number of clubs actively considering significant additional projects. New and redeveloped stadiums will deliver over 100,000 extra seats for supporters, as well as thousands of new jobs. These private investments can deliver substantial public benefits, and accelerating delivery can help to boost economic growth. 

    Developing partnerships to create transport and community infrastructure is often vital to unlocking redevelopment. That will help to strengthen the pipeline of viable projects and enable faster delivery, benefiting football fans as well as local residents and businesses. We welcome this programme and look forward to working with our clubs, the government, mayors and local authorities to help make it a success.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK deploys new low-cost anti-drone system in the Middle East [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK deploys new low-cost anti-drone system in the Middle East [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 May 2026.

    British citizens and regional partners will be better protected against drone attacks as the Royal Air Force deploys a new low-cost anti-drone weapon on operations in the Middle East.

    • UK deploys new low-cost missile system to defend UK citizens and partners in the Middle East from drone attacks.
    • Ministry of Defence worked rapidly with industry to move from testing to deployment in months.
    • Strengthens Typhoon fighter jets as backbone of UK combat air.

    British citizens and regional partners will be better protected against drone attacks as the Royal Air Force deploys a new low-cost anti-drone weapon on operations in the Middle East.

    The new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be fitted to RAF Typhoon fighter jets so that they can destroy targets precisely and at a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

    Rapid procurement and testing work by the Ministry of Defence and industry partners BAE Systems and QinetiQ has enabled the system to move from testing to deployment on operations in less than two months.

    March saw a successful test strike on a ground-based target, and RAF Typhoon pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron conducted successful air-to-air firing in April, demonstrating the system’s ability to defend against drone attacks.

    The system has now been deployed on operations in the Middle East with sorties flown by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoon fighter jets as part of the missions to defend British people, interests and partners from threats.

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

    This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost.

    Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting European’s Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East.

    The APKWS uses a laser targeting system which turns unguided missiles into low-cost precision weapons able to take down enemy drones and other threats. Developing low-cost systems provides a more effective and sustainable means of countering the increasing threat of drones to UK forces and partners.

    Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director BAE Systems Air sector, said:

    Our priority is to ensure the Royal Air Force and its allies have the advanced technologies they need today and into the future, to keep them ahead of evolving threats. This capability demonstrates Typhoon’s exceptional versatility and underlines its continued role as the backbone of combat air across Europe and the Middle East.

    Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said:

    From engineering expertise to live trials, our teams are providing the fundamental support needed by our armed forces, to deliver the urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready.

    UK aircraft continue to operate across the Middle East and are ready to defend British people, interest and partners from threats. Pilots and aircrew have surpassed 2,500 flying hours since the conflict in the region began, equivalent to over three months of continuous flying on defensive missions.

    Air Commodore Donal McGurk, Air 11 Group Deputy Director Operations:

    We welcome the speed of development and meticulous testing behind the deployment of these missile systems for use on our Typhoons. They are a valuable addition to the air defence package we are already employing with agility across the Middle East.

    UK ground-based and helicopter-based air defence assets are also deployed at very high readiness to support Gulf partners, including the Sky Sabre system in Saudi Arabia, the Lightweight Multirole Missile in Bahrain, and the Rapid Sentry and ORCUS systems in Kuwait.

    Today’s news comes just weeks after the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract with to buy Skyhammer interceptor missiles for the UK Armed Forces designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones. In January, the Ministry of Defence committed over £650 million to upgrade the RAF’s Typhoon fighter jet fleet, securing over 1,500 jobs across the UK and ensuring the fleet will continue protecting British skies until at least the 2040s.

    This Government is backing UK Armed Forces with the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered challenges across the world – UK statement at the UN Economic and Social Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered challenges across the world – UK statement at the UN Economic and Social Council [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

    Statement by Helen King, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Economic and Social Council meeting on Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation.

    The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered challenges across the world, most acutely felt in the Global South. 

    The higher costs for oil, gas, and fertilisers, rising interest rates, disrupted remittances, and increased displacement are making life harder for millions of people. 

    These problems threaten food and energy security and risk global economic instability and development rollbacks. 

    The UK is taking action on several fronts.  

    First, alongside others, we are using our diplomatic channels to try to get the Strait of Hormuz fully reopened, restore freedom of navigation, and get commercial shipping moving again so fuel, fertilisers, and goods can reach where they are needed most. 

    Second, we are working with global financial institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and regional development banks to unlock emergency funding for countries hit hardest. 

    We welcome action that they are taking to use pre-arranged finance to stabilise economies.

    Third, for food and fertilisers, we are mapping supply chain risks and seeing where to strengthen resilience to help countries prepare for shortages, reduce dependencies, and keep markets stable. 

    We’re working to prevent export restrictions and investing in long-term solutions like clean energy, sustainable farming, and improving fertiliser so that countries are less exposed to shocks.  

    Fourth, this crisis underscores the need to reduce overdependence on imported fossil fuels and diversify to clean and renewable energy sources. 

    The UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance is working to address bottlenecks in this. 

    The UN has a critical role to play in aligning agencies, IFIs, and development banks behind a shared system-wide response.

    We commend efforts underway through the WTO, FAO, UNCTAD, and others, and encourage greater coordination. 

    We will continue to push for action at our Global Partnerships Conference, which is taking place next week, and the upcoming African and Asian Development Bank Meetings.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to work with partners to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Syrian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to work with partners to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Syrian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

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

    We welcome the progress on Syria’s political transition, including the start of legal proceedings against former Assad regime figures.

    These individuals committed heinous crimes. Their trials are a powerful step towards accountability and justice. 

    We will continue to support the Syrian Government in their efforts to uphold the rule of law for all Syria. 

    Of course, there is more work to be done to fully deliver an inclusive political transition. 

    We encourage continued efforts to integrate North-East Syria into unified state structures. 

    We also note that women remain underrepresented across Syria’s political and security institutions. 

    We encourage this Council’s continued focus on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda to support Syria in addressing this vital aspect of the transition. 

    Second, the UK offers our appreciation to the UN and all partners involved in the cross-border aid operations from Türkiye into Syria over the last 11 years. 

    In that time, over 65,000 operations provided vital humanitarian support to communities across northern Syria. 

    We welcome the operation’s successful conclusion and a shift to more sustainable commercial methods. 

    However, as we’ve heard today, the humanitarian situation remains challenging with 15.6 million people still in need. 

    So it is vital that humanitarian partners continue to enjoy unfettered access and a permissive operating environment. 

    Third, we welcome Syria’s firm commitment to peaceful co-existence with its neighbours. 

    Still, the situation in the region remains volatile with risks to Syria’s stability and economic recovery.

    De-escalation and dialogue are more important than ever, and we urge a return to direct talks between Syria and Israel with the objective of supporting long-term peace.

    President, the UN can play a vital role in supporting Syria’s reconstruction and stability. We look forward to the timely move of the Special Envoy’s Office to Damascus. 

    The UK will continue to work with the UN, this Council, and the wider international community, alongside the Syrian government, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Syrian people.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Colombia – Louise de Sousa [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Colombia – Louise de Sousa [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

    Mrs Louise de Sousa has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia in succession to Mr George Hodgson, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. 

    Mrs de Sousa will take up her appointment during August 2026. 

    Curriculum vitae 

    Full name:  Louise Amanda de Sousa   

    2021 to presentSantiago, His Majesty’s Ambassador 
    2020 to 2021Pre-posting training (including Spanish language training) 
    2016 to 2020Tunis, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2016Pre-posting training (including French language training)
    2014 to 2016FCO, Head of EU (Mediterranean) Department
    2011 to 2014FCO, Head of Human Rights and Democracy Department
    2007 to 2011Nairobi, Deputy High Commissioner
    2006 to 2007FCO, Change Manager, Europe Zero-Based Review
    2003 to 2006Maputo, Deputy High Commissioner
    2002 to 2003FCO, Deputy Head of Environment Policy Department
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Secretary to the Board of Management
    1997 to 1998FCO, Head of Section, Drugs & International Crime Department
    1993 to 1996Brasilia, Second Secretary (Political and Press) 
    1992 to 1993Pre-posting training (including Portuguese language training) 
    1991 to 1992FCO, Southern European Department  
    1991Joined FCO