Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Security and Defence Partnership Treaty – the projects the UK and Poland will deliver together [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2026.

Projects agreed between the UK and Poland on the basis of the Treaty signed by the 2 countries on 27 May 2026.

On 27 May 2026 the UK and Poland signed the Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. As part of our implementation of the Treaty, they agreed to deliver a range of priority projects. These projects span the breadth of the Treaty focusing on making the UK and Poland safer and stronger, demonstrating a step change in our ability to counter threats to our security, including not only closer collaboration on defence capability and military interoperability, but also bolstering our economic and energy security and securing our borders.

1. Developing together the weapons of the future

Building on a strong bilateral partnership in air defence and high-tech weapons, the UK and Poland will become joint European leaders on the manufacture and development of the next generation of missiles. The UK and Poland will work to jointly increase our capabilities, across air-to-air, ground-based air defence and land arenas.

2. Deepening our defence industrial co-operation

To complement our work on the development of technically advanced weapons, the UK and Poland will work together to strengthen ties between our defence industries, promoting defence education, training and workforce mobility to build shared expertise. This will also enhance coordination on defence procurement to support joint capability planning, improve NATO interoperability and build industrial resilience and support third‑country exports. UK and Polish defence industrial partners will expand large-calibre ammunition production capacity and capability, supported by government-enabled collaboration between industries to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and strengthen supply chain resilience.

3. Working together to strengthen Europe’s eastern flank against the threat from Russia

Through a Strategic Land Partnership, the UK and Poland will maximise the ability of UK and Polish Forward Land Forces to deliver a credible deterrent across Eastern Europe. Large-scale exercises will strengthen interoperability, focusing on counter-drone warfare, electronic warfare, and missile defence. By working together on the development of integrated doctrines we will ensure both nations remain ready to respond to the conflicts of the future.

4. Protecting our seas and collaborating on maritime security

Focusing on sea co-operation in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, this project will improve our analysis and monitoring of the security situation in our seas and help us to work together to safeguard vital lines of communication in the sea and further enhance operational agility and deterrence to protect people in the UK and Poland. The project also supports the modernisation of our capabilities through joint training for next‑generation frigate crews and cooperation on air defence missile procurement. We will continue to promote further co-operation and co-ordination between our Joint Maritime Security Centres to complement ongoing collaboration with other countries to ensure critical infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea is kept safe.

5. Protecting the UK and Poland from cyber attacks

The UK and Poland have both witnessed an increase in cyber-attacks from criminal and hostile state actors. We will work together on two fronts: on defensive cyber through our respective militaries, focusing on achieving mutual goals, protecting common interests, and responding effectively to the growing threats in the cyber domain. We will also work across civilian agencies sharing approaches on cyber deterrence, attributions of hostile activity and cyber sanctions and responses.

6. Co-ordination on sanctions policy

As a key part of providing an economic deterrence for those who threaten our mutual security, the UK and Poland are working to strengthen co-ordination on our sanctions implementation and enforcement. This includes embedding stronger joint working practices and deepening cooperation on sanctions in areas such as, in particular, Russian aggression against Ukraine, other overlapping EU and UK sanctions regimes, combatting the shadow fleet, promoting freedom of navigation and irregular migration sanctions.

7. Countering hybrid threats

The UK and Poland are facing increasing hybrid threats from states, especially Russia. A new comprehensive counter-Hybrid threats cooperation agreement will enable the UK and Poland to more proactively disrupt malign actions and support our common objective of more proactive disruption and raising the cost of action for Russia. A UK-Poland Counter-Hybrid Working Group will coordinate joint working to raise the costs for hostile states seeking to undermine our security through hybrid activity.

8. Countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)

The online space also provides scope for hostile states to propagate false information, but also to distort truthful information by taking it out of context and presenting it in a way that reinforces divisions that threaten democratic processes. The UK and Poland will lead efforts to protect democratic discourse and strengthen resilience against information warfare. This includes joint campaigns to expose and disrupt the networks manipulating our information spaces and co-ordinated efforts to build resilience in third countries through capacity-building.

9. Countering the malign use of drones by criminals and hostile state actors

The UK and Poland will create a task force to counter the growing threat posed by hostile drone use, particularly in light of technological advances and the lessons we have learnt from drone use in the Ukraine conflict. Led by relevant institutions, the task force will bring together civil agencies from the UK and Poland to share operational expertise, jointly develop detection and mitigation tools and accelerate deployment of novel technologies.

10. Joint action plan on irregular migration

We will implement a comprehensive Joint Action Plan to step up action against people smuggling and irregular migration. The Joint Action Plan will create a bilateral framework to:
- work collaboratively with European and regional partners to tackle the migrant smuggling networks, including their use of social media as a key enabler
- maximise intelligence sharing and enhance diplomatic efforts on irregular migration upstream
- exchange the latest techniques, making the most of new technologies, to monitor borders and deter irregular migration to the UK and Poland
11. Closer collaboration on science and tech

The UK and Poland Treaty will drive secure and resilient economic growth by deepening collaboration on key technologies, supporting research and development with dual-use applications and deepening our institutional relationships. Our science and technology cooperation will be foundational to the growing industries that support the economic security and defence of our two countries.

We will advance British-Polish cooperation across science and technology, including by establishing a dialogue on the geopolitics of digital technologies to strengthen alignment and inform our strategic approach. We will enhance collaboration across quantum research by identifying fields of work we are both working on and promoting joint funding opportunities to accelerate innovation. Acknowledging the growing importance of space for defence and resilience, we will also advance cooperation on space-related matters, including through ESA and engagement between our respective space agencies, while supporting the growth of our space sectors.

12. Taking action to protect health security in the UK and Poland

Recognising healthcare as a pillar of national security and the growing Poland-UK health partnership, both countries will focus their cooperation on three core areas:

Health dialogue: A new Poland-UK health dialogue will be established, covering topics such as healthcare planning and resilience; antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and conflict; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats; medical evacuations; and the treatment and care of war-wounded persons.

Cyber security: Joint exchanges will facilitate the sharing of best practices in protecting health services from cyber attacks. This supports Poland and UK ambitions to secure critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and develop stronger partnerships with trusted allies.

Digital health (e-health): Visits and knowledge-sharing on telemedicine, data interoperability and digital inclusion will help modernise government services and improve patient access.

13. Joining forces to protect our energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition

It is clear that across the whole of Europe we face common challenges and opportunities in delivering clean energy transition whilst bolstering competitiveness strengthening energy security. In the context of today’s global energy crisis and rising geopolitical risk, closer UK–Poland cooperation on affordable, clean, and resilient energy is both timely and strategic, as the link between national security and energy security is clearer now more than ever.

As we face the second fossil fuel shock in less than five years, the UK and Poland recognise that a diverse, clean energy system is vital to lasting energy security. This package of activity aligns with both the UK and Poland’s priorities looking ahead to the long term.

The UK and Poland will bring together government and industry to collaborate on innovative new technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture through shared policy expertise and study visits. We will also deepen cooperation in other areas, recognising the role of modern, flexible grids and energy storage in making both countries’ power systems more resilient to shocks and support renewable energy integration, as well as innovative opportunities to decarbonise heating our homes – one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.

14. Deepening links between our diplomatic services

In addition to our existing co-operation on the joint training of our diplomats, we propose to create an established system of mutual attachments in both countries to share policy knowledge and promote our mutual understanding of how our systems work. This reflects our ever-closer foreign policy relationship.
27/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Millions to benefit from lower travel and food costs [May 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 May 2026.

The Government has published a list of 125 everyday essentials – including fruit, oils and core pantry staples – targeted for tariff reductions, alongside uprating mileage rates to support working people with the cost of living.
- Government launches consultation on suspending tariffs on OVER 100 everyday essentials with the full list now available.
- This Government is the first in 15 years to uprate mileage rates for 3 million people who use their own vehicle for work, saving over £120 a year for a worker doing 6,000 business miles.
- The support is an additional saving for motorists following the Chancellor’s third extension to the fuel duty freeze which has put another £120 back into their pocket since last year.
Working people are set to benefit from further cost of living support, as the Government publishes a list of over 100 everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years.

The consultation is seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of a second package. It covers a wide range of everyday essentials, from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.

The list of 125 items include garlic, avocados, mangoes, nectarines, vegetable oil, olive oil and baked beans. This builds on the tariff suspension announced in April.

In parallel, we are also seeking views on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.

That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this Summer to help reduce the cost of days out.

This comes as carers, plumbers, builders and millions of other workers across the country who use their own vehicle on the job will have cheaper journeys after the Chancellor uprated mileage rates last week.

In the largest ever uprating of the rates a 10p per mile increase in tax‑free mileage rates for this tax year, backdated to April 2026, has been introduced to ease the cost of living for hardworking Britons.

Increasing the tax free per mile rates from 45p for the first 10,000 miles to 55p per mile will save around £120 for a worker doing 6,000 business miles. Up to two million employees and one million self-employed people will benefit.

This is in addition to savings drivers will make from the Chancellor’s further extension to the fuel duty freeze until the end of the year. That’s the third time Rachel Reeves has frozen fuel duty to support motorists, saving them £120 since last year.

Recognising how farmers and hauliers have been particularly exposed to high fuel prices, and their importance to UK supply chains, more relief has been announced.

For farmers and others who use red diesel and rebated biodiesel, the rate for those fuels has been cut by over a third – the lowest in over two decades. For hauliers, a road tax holiday has been put in place for a year from 1 July.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket.

The people who use their own vehicle for work are the backbone of our country – the carers, the tradespeople and the public sector workers who keep services running. For too long, they have been expected to shoulder rising costs with support that simply has not kept up.

We’re doing all we can to ease everyday pressures on working people – that means real money back in their pockets and delivering for the people who keep Britain moving.

Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison said:

This simple measure will provide immediate help for countless frontline workers in public services. Particularly at a time when living costs are going through the roof once again.

People who need their own cars for work have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket for far too many years.

UNISON has campaigned hard for this long overdue change. It’s good to know the chancellor has listened to the concerns of staff penalised by frozen rates.

There’s still more to do to ensure no one is losing out and the union will continue to campaign for more over the coming months.”

This follows a much wider package of support rolled out by the Chancellor last week branded ‘Great British Summer Savings’. It includes free bus travel for 5–15-year-olds in England, VAT slashed on children’s meals in restaurants, and VAT cut for all admissions to theatres, theme parks and other attractions.

This will help families enjoy the weekend treats, days out and staycations that make life enjoyable during the cost-of-living squeeze caused by the war in the Middle East while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.

Cutting £150 on average of costs from household energy bills, freezing prescription charges and rail fares, and increasing the national minimum and living wages by hundreds of pounds are some of the actions taken at the Budget that are continuing to support families each month.
27/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Competition opens to build a national Muslim War Memorial [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 May 2026.

The competition will be open to a single organisation, or group of organisations, that are willing to come together to deliver the project.
- Organisations can now apply for up to £970,000 to help design and build a first-of-its-kind national Muslim War Memorial
- The memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who served to help deliver peace across the world
- The successful applicant will also be tasked with driving interfaith dialogue and education about the remarkable story of Muslim soldiers
A search for an organisation to design and deliver a national memorial to mark the significant contribution of Muslims to the First and Second World War has been launched today (27th May).

The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslim soldiers who served alongside Britain and its allies – travelling from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent – to help secure victory and promote lasting peace.

Despite there being an estimated 70,000 war memorials across the UK, including several prominent memorials to the sacrifice and contribution of other faith groups to the war effort throughout the 20th Century, this memorial will be the first prominent national tribute to the Muslim soldiers who selflessly fought and died for Britain.

The memorial will pay tribute to many of these remarkable stories. Among them is Khudadad Khan, the first Muslim to be awarded the Victoria Cross. At Hollebeke, Belgium in 1914, Khan continued firing his machine gun alone after all his fellow soldiers had been killed, despite being severely wounded. Left for dead on the battlefield, he crawled back to his regiment under cover of darkness and carried on fighting. He was later presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace.

Another such story is that of Shahamad Khan, who earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery in Mesopotamia in April 1916. Manning a machine gun alone just yards from enemy trenches, he beat off three counterattacks after all but two of his men had become casualties. When his gun was knocked out, he held his ground with rifles until ordered to withdraw, and then personally carried back his gun, ammunition, and a severely wounded comrade who could not walk.

In the Second World War, Mohammed Hussain ran away from his home in Rawalpindi and volunteered for the British Indian Army at just 16. He went on to serve as a machine gunner at Monte Cassino – one of the war’s fiercest battles – before moving to the UK in 1960, where he dedicated himself to community service, supporting ex-servicemen and the families of former comrades until his death in 2025 at the age of 102.

Minister for Faith and Communities, Nesil Caliskan said:

Our country is made up of a strong, diverse tapestry of different faith communities – and we owe that freedom to the bravery and sacrifice made by those who fought alongside us for a better future all those years ago.

Muslim soldiers were a fundamental part of securing victory, but their story has been in the shadows for too long. This memorial will make sure their contribution stays in our memory now, and for generations to come.

The new memorial will also help to shine a light on the continued impact that Muslims make to British society – from politicians to athletes, and doctors to teachers, our Muslim communities continue to play a vital role in all aspects of our national life.

Beyond serving as a focal point for remembrance, the successful organisation will be expected to use the construction of the memorial as an educational resource to increase public awareness of this chapter of British military history, and encourage people of all backgrounds to reflect on the shared sacrifice that helped bring peace to the world.

The Muslim War Memorial complements the government’s wider Protecting What Matters strategy, which aims to build confident, strong communities and bring people of different faith backgrounds together.
27/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Ancient Cornish moors gain National Nature Reserve status [May 2026]

The press release issued by Natural England on 27 May 2026.

A unique Cornish moorland landscape shaped by thousands of years of history becomes a National Nature Reserve for local people and visitors to enjoy.

The Mid Cornwall Moors is today (Wednesday 27 May) declared the 14th site in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), bringing together over 1,100 hectares of moorland, more than doubling the area of land managed for nature in this historic landscape.

Forming a patchwork of semi-natural habitats, including heath, moorland, mire, and woodland, the Mid Cornwall Moors, creates a network across Cornwall’s distinctive ‘clay country’. Located in the heartlands of central Cornwall, with St Austell to the south, Bodmin to the east, and St Columb Major to the north, the area serves a community living in one of Cornwall’s most rurally deprived regions. The declaration aims to improve access to nature, create opportunities for learning and recreation, and help support the local economy through sustainable farming.

The reserve is home to rare habitats and species including wet ‘willow carr’ woodland, with the rare willow tit, and raised bogs with sphagnum moss, lesser butterfly orchid, royal fern and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew. Cornish moneywort, which is unique to Cornwall’s tin streaming landscape, also thrives.

This declaration celebrates places that have shaped Cornwall’s history, spanning prehistoric tin streaming, Iron Age hillforts and ancient woodland. Iconic sites including Helman Tor, the Iron Age hillfort of Castle an Dinas, and Goss Moor, known locally as King Arthur’s favourite hunting ground, all form part of this nationally significant landscape.

The reserve combines land managed for nature and heritage by Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust, the Gaia Trust and Imerys. It also includes land designated as the Mid Cornwall Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is land of exceptional ecological importance.

Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, said:

The declaration of the Mid Cornwall Moors as a National Nature Reserve is a powerful recognition of the landscape’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.

By bringing these landscapes together under one reserve, we are not only helping to restore precious habitats but also creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature, history and the unique character of this part of Cornwall for generations to come.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

The Mid Cornwall Moors is a truly special landscape, shaped by thousands of years of history and home to some of England’s rarest wildlife.

Combining this rich patchwork of habitats as a National Nature Reserve will protect this unique place and provide better access to nature for the people who live alongside it and a boost to everyone who visits.

Reversing the decline in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive. With the support of His Majesty King Charles III, Natural England is leaving a lasting public legacy for people, science and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2028. The Mid Cornwall is the 14th NNR in the Series.  Around 1.4 million people live within 5km of a King’s Series NNR.

Additional quotes:

Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust said:

The new Mid Cornwall Moors National Nature Reserve reflects the importance of long-term collaboration in creating bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature recovery.

The inclusion of Helman Tor within the National Nature Reserve recognises decades of work to restore habitats and support wildlife recovery within this special landscape.

We are already seeing the benefits of working with natural processes through conservation grazing with Longhorn cattle and Tamworth pigs, alongside pioneering wild beaver reintroductions. Helping to create more diverse and resilient habitats for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy.

Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust said:

The Mid Cornwall Moors National Nature Reserve (NNR) brings together a number of important land areas and celebrates both nature and the incredible time-depth of human history, ranging from hunter-gatherers in the Mesolithic through to miners and farmers in more recent centuries.

We are pleased that Castle an Dinas is to be included within the expanded NNR, especially given its direct links to the Goss Moor and the wider landscape in Mid Cornwall.

We look forward to collaborating with partners involved with the NNR to better connect Cornish residents and visitors to these most important places in Cornwall’s national story.

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK said:

Nature restoration is central to modern mining and is built into the design and management of every pit.

Local community involvement has been an essential element of this, and the clear message is that increased access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders is the number one priority.

We are very proud to be working with our partners, creating this legacy for people and nature in the heart of Cornwall.

Matt Edworthy, Director of the Gaia Trust said:

It is fantastic for Chark Moor to be included in this new National Nature Reserve along with the other wonderful sites. All are havens for wildlife including locally and nationally rare species and require ongoing management, including careful conservation grazing by cattle and ponies.

Sustainable management supports local graziers and businesses, and provides learning and skills development opportunities for local people.

27/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland set to sign major defence and security treaty as PM steps up relationship with Europe to keep nation safe [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2026.

The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.
- Prime Minister to host Prime Minister Tusk of Poland today as leaders sign landmark agreement to confront modern security threats
- Visit comes as the Prime Minister continues to drive for an ambitious relationship between the European Union and the UK to deliver security and opportunity on both sides.
- Treaty follows similar agreements with France and Germany, strengthening security across Europe
The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.

The Prime Minister will host the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in London today, as the pair prepare to sign the new agreement to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of increasing hostile threats across Europe.

Poland is one of the UK’s closest defence and security partners, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and vital economic partner, with one of the fastest growing economies in Europe.

The leaders are expected to discuss the major uptick in hybrid attacks – including Russian-ordered arson attacks in East London, cargo fires in Birmingham and across Europe, as well as cyber-attacks and espionage – and agree to combine expertise to combat accelerating threats.

The announcement builds on the Prime Minister’s drive to get closer to Europe and strengthen ties with the trading bloc to improve security and opportunity on both sides. It also follows similar treaties with France and Germany.

The UK and EU’s joint ambition to improve relations to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security is expected to be high on the agenda of talks today.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Britain and Poland are already close allies and friends, but the challenges Europe now faces demands an even stronger partnership.

This treaty is the biggest step forward in our defence and security relationship with Poland in a generation, allowing us to confront modern security threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous, and our collective work together will keep our countries safe for years to come.

It also delivers on my commitment to work more closely with European partners to boost security and opportunity for people at home and stability across our continent.

The leaders are expected to sign the new treaty in London today, signifying the historic ties between the UK and Poland, and opportunity for both countries to work closer together in protecting European defences long into the future.

The defence strand of the agreement is expected to unlock major defence benefits for both sides, allowing forces to combine expertise and industrial capability to lead the development and manufacturing of next-generation complex weapons, ensuring sovereign production chains and supporting high skilled jobs across the UK and Poland.

That will include the design and development of new air defence effectors, which are sophisticated munitions, strengthening air and missile defence systems, and deepening interoperability across all domains. It is also expected to include the co-production of a next‑generation medium‑range air defence missile.

The UK and Poland will also step up the use of uncrewed systems to reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank through next-generation land capabilities. As part of that drive, joint land forces will undertake large‑scale joint exercises to sharpen interoperability across counter drone warfare, electronic warfare, and engineering support, as well as developing land forces that remain at the forefront of future warfighting through the harnessing of disruptive technologies.

And as part of efforts to outpace the threats of tomorrow, from cyber-attacks to malign information campaigns, the UK and Poland will also accelerate cooperation to disrupt malicious attempts by hostile state actors to sow discord through the sharing of expertise and coordinated responses and exercises – sharpening how both countries can respond in real time.

As a major migration partner for the UK and frontline state in Europe’s migration system, both countries will discuss how to boost border security and dismantle organised crime groups upstream through a new Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration.

The Joint Action Plan will allow both countries to better target smuggling networks and their vulgar use of social media to lure vulnerable people and maximise intelligence sharing to disrupt gangs and their tactics and harness new technologies such as advanced targeting and surveillance capabilities to strengthen both countries’ border security.
27/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine and irresponsible threats – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

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

Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s largest aerial attack on Kyiv since 2022, including the use of an Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile. Russia’s threats to strike the heart of Kyiv are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. The UK will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you Chairs also for convening this meeting so promptly.

The United Kingdom condemns the latest wave of Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine, carried out overnight on 23-24 May. Russia used around 600 drones and 90 missiles to strike Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine. This was the largest attack on Ukraine’s capital city in a single night since 2022. It also comes shortly after Russia’s unprecedented air attacks of less than two weeks ago, when Moscow launched around 1,530 drones and missiles across Ukraine within a 24-hour period.

In this latest assault, and for the third time, Russia attacked Ukraine with an Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile. We again condemn this reckless attack, which was yet another attempt to terrorise the people of Ukraine. Russia’s repeated and continued use of Oreshnik, and other nuclear-capable missiles, increases the risk of misperception which could lead to a dangerous miscalculation.

Russia’s attacks on Kyiv this weekend killed at least four people and injured around a hundred. In May alone, Russian attacks have killed nearly 200 civilians across Ukraine. There has been widespread damage, particularly in Kyiv, to residential buildings, schools, emergency facilities, and critical infrastructure. Regrettably, several cultural sites, including the National Art Museum and Kyiv Opera, were also damaged during this latest assault – a reminder that Russia’s war also targets Ukraine’s history, identity, and memory.

Last week, Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the protection of civilians. The very next day, it launched these attacks. Its actions speak far louder than its words. If Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would commit to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done.

But rather than take the path of peace, Moscow has made further threats to strike the heart of Kyiv and warned diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv. Such threats are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. Any attack on a diplomatic mission would constitute a further escalation in Russia’s illegal war.

Chairs, as participating States, we have committed – through the OSCE acquis developed since the Helsinki Final Act – to engage constructively, reduce risks, and to uphold our shared commitments even in times of crisis. Russia has chosen to do the opposite. Russia’s actions are clearly in contravention of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use of force.

The United Kingdom therefore urges all participating States to remain united in condemning Russia’s actions and in defending the rules‑based international order. We must ensure accountability for violations of international law, including through the work of international monitoring and documentation mechanisms. And we must continue to support Ukraine’s inherent right to self‑defence, in line with the UN Charter.

The United Kingdom will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine. We urge Russia to fully comply with its international obligations and OSCE commitments. And we will continue to defend the principles that underpin our shared security.

Thank you.

26/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

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

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

We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global response, and a collective commitment to these principles.

I will make three points.

First, we need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. We know the tools – peacekeeping deployments, good offices, and sanctions – exist. But we need the collective will to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.

The Council should also be more representative of the world today, including via expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. The UK supports permanent representation for Africa, alongside permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

Second, we should collectively embrace the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to strengthen the broader UN system and bolster its impact. The Pact for the Future reflected a shared commitment to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and improve how the UN delivers. UN80 should continue to build on that momentum, working towards a stronger, more effective UN, better able to deliver against today’s complex challenges. As we look ahead to the selection of the next Secretary‑General this year, their ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose UN will be particularly important.

Finally, we must not lose sight of the UN’s successes thus far in preventing conflict, supporting peace, helping states uphold their human rights obligations, and responding to humanitarian crises.

The UN continues to facilitate and provide lifesaving assistance across the globe. It has deployed over 70 peace operations, successfully stabilising some of the most challenging environments and bringing lasting peace including in El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste. We honour the courage and sacrifice of the 4,500 UN personnel and peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

The UN has also helped reduce polio by over 99 percent and driven landmark climate agreements. These achievements show what the UN can deliver when we work together.

President, multilateralism faces unprecedented strain but remains the best tool we have to meet our shared challenges. Our response must be guided by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international law. Only through collective adherence to these principles can we deliver lasting peace, stability, and security. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all Member States to this end.

26/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2026.

Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland have been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of the National Wealth Fund by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is playing a central role in investing public money in the UK’s future, and over the next five years aims to mobilise over £100 billion of finance into the UK economy supporting the government’s growth mission.

Following the appointment of a new CEO, Olly Holbourn, and three new Non-Executive Directors last year, the NWF has, under this leadership, published its 5 year strategic plan (March 2026) and moved into its next phase of delivery.

The NWF Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to this progress. These reappointments provide continuity and stability to the Board, as the organisation builds on the recent changes and continues to deliver its objectives.

The NWF invests in a range of capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets, using debt, equity and guarantees, addressing market weaknesses and crowding in private investment to unlock growth and clean energy projects that otherwise would not have gone ahead. 

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Livermore said:

I am pleased to reappoint Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland to the Board of the National Wealth Fund. Their combined expertise across industry, energy and financial markets will continue to support the NWF’s work delivering investment and growth across the UK.

Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg, said:

I welcome the reappointment of Nigel, Tania and Marianne. They have each made a strong contribution to the Board, and their experience and insight will continue to be valuable as the organisation builds on recent progress and delivers its strategic plan.

These reappointments have been made following a formal process and with the approval of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. Reappointments are not automatic and are made on merit, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Nigel Topping brings extensive experience across industry and climate leadership. He has held senior roles in UK manufacturing and industrial businesses and has played a leading role in driving the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Nigel served as the UK’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 and continues to hold a number of advisory and leadership roles in climate and energy. He brings strategic insight, a strong external network, and deep expertise in industrial decarbonisation to the NWF Board.

Tania Songini has significant experience in the energy sector, particularly in renewable power generation and distributed energy systems. She has held senior leadership roles within Siemens’ energy business across the UK and northwest Europe, and currently holds a number of non-executive positions across the energy sector. As Chair of the NWF Remuneration Committee, she has played a key role in aligning organisational objectives with shareholder priorities. Tania brings strong commercial, operational and sector expertise to the Board.

Marianne Økland brings deep banking and capital markets expertise, developed through senior roles at global financial institutions including JP Morgan and UBS. She has extensive experience in structuring and raising debt capital and in complex financial transactions. Marianne also brings strong technical knowledge of banking risk frameworks and economic capital, providing valuable challenge and oversight to the Board as the NWF’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.

The NED’s current terms are due to expire in June 2026. Following the reappointment process, Nigel Topping will serve a further four-year term, Tania Songini a two-year term, and Marianne Økland a one-year term.

26/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.

Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.
- UK ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine with tough new sanctions, targeting crypto networks used to bypass Britain’s sanctions.
- New sanctions also hit the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which actively exploits Kyrgyzstan’s financial systems to channel funds into Russia’s war economy.
- The UK is leading the international effort and adapting its sanctions to stay ahead of Russian evasion, shutting down the payment routes fuelling its war machine against Ukraine.
Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted today as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

Putin’s regime is increasingly feeling the pressure on the economy from sanctions, and on the battlefield from Ukraine. This month [May 2026], Russia slashed its economic growth forecast for this year from 1.3% to just 0.4%, and halved its forecast for 2027.

As existing sanctions continue to bite, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to dark networks and shadow financial systems to bypass legal restrictions. Today’s action shows the UK is moving faster and further than ever before to clamp down on these routes and adapt its approach to stay ahead of Russian evasion tactics.

The UK has today announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and the ‘A7 network’, used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and channel funds to fuel its barbaric war against Ukraine. These sanctions will come into force immediately.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

If the Kremlin thinks it can evade our sanctions by hiding behind crypto networks and shadow financial systems, it is gravely mistaken.

The UK is adapting and strengthening our approach to target the evolving tactics Russia is using to evade restrictions. We are going after the infrastructure that underpins its war economy at the same time as Ukraine is increasing the pressure on Russia on the battlefield.

We are tracking down and shutting off the financial lifelines that sustain Putin’s war machine. There will be no safe havens for those enabling Russia’s aggression.

We will continue to act fast and decisively, alongside our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those enabling Russia’s aggression face consequences.

The A7 network is a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions, finance military procurement, and process funds from the sale of oil to fund its war economy. The network claimed to have moved more than $90 billion last year – equivalent to roughly half of Russia’s yearly military expenditure.

Today’s package of 18 designations directly targets Russia’s illicit financial infrastructure used to move funds, procure goods, and sustain its war.

New measures also hit key A7-linked individuals. This gang is using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network, alongside a major global cryptocurrency exchange that we suspect has channelled over $1.5 billion back into the Kremlin’s hands. We are also targeting 3 Georgian companies operating Russia focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions.

Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and continued strikes hitting innocent civilians and vital infrastructure has shattered peace in Europe. A threat to European security is a threat to our security at home, but through UK sanctions we are severing Putin’s access to vital cashflows and sending a clear message that the UK stands firmly in defence of our shared values and Britain’s safety and stability.

Today’s announcements marks a further step in the UK’s sustained effort to erode Russia’s ability to fund its illegal full scale invasion, ramping up pressure on Putin’s war chest. To date the UK has sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses and ships meaning Russia’s war economy is creaking – having lost over $450 billion due to international sanctions, the equivalent of two years of funding for Putin’s illegal war.

As Russia seeks to expand these financial networks globally, the UK is leading efforts to disrupt them, working with allies to protect the integrity of the international financial system and support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to ratchet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions at every opportunity.
26/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

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

Education Secretary writes to the CMA to examine the childcare market and launches a free tool helping families find childcare and budget for costs.

Government is standing up for parents facing eye-watering childcare costs including non-refundable deposits and basics like nappies and suncream.

The Education Secretary has written to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of new government action to tackle hidden childcare fees hitting families.

While funded hours are meant to be free, too many parents report being asked to pay extra to secure a place including upfront deposits, compulsory add-ons, or additional hours to access their entitlement.

These practices undermine the value of 30 hours of free childcare and add to the pressure on working families. Nearly three quarters (72%) of parents say they are using savings to cover extra charges, while more than one in four (27%) say cost remains the biggest barrier to accessing the childcare they need.

A new free cost of living tool will also help parents make the most of the childcare offer, from finding local provision to planning and getting exactly what they are entitled to.

Government support is already massively reducing costs, with eligible families saving an average of £8,000 a year per child and more than 500,000 families now benefiting from funded hours.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

I grew up in a family that knew what it meant to count every penny. I am so proud of the crucial difference that 30 hours funded childcare makes to family finances, saving £8,000 a year per child on average.

The vast majority of nurseries and childminders have been brilliant in helping us deliver, but I will not accept the small minority letting families down and stopping them get what they were promised.

The government has also asked the CMA to do more to investigate the role private equity and other ownership models are playing in the childcare market, including whether they are working in the interests of families or driving up costs and creating risks for those who depend on their local nursery.

The new cost of living tool also includes a trial of a new map of local childcare. Launching first in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, the map will help families find funded childcare near them while promoting local nurseries and childminders to more parents. Families nationwide will be able to use it later this year.

This work sits alongside a wider government drive to make life simpler and more affordable for families. The newly launched GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool that allows parents to ask questions in plain English and get instant answers about what support they could have – means help is now available at any time of day.

26/05/2026