UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Border Force outsmarts criminal gangs to seize one tonne of cocaine [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Border Force outsmarts criminal gangs to seize one tonne of cocaine [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 September 2025.

    Border Force has seized £72 million worth of cocaine following a tense operation that risked a huge compensation bill had their search proved unsuccessful.

    Criminal gangs had hidden more than one tonne of deadly drugs from South America inside two industrial generators valued at £720,000.

    The seizure, which took place at London Gateway, shows how organised crime groups are using ever more sophisticated methods to evade detection.

    Smugglers would have known Border Force faced paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds had they damaged the combined 40 tonnes of equipment without detecting anything.

    Despite these increasingly common tactics, experienced officers acted on strong intelligence to strike a significant blow against the criminal networks.

    Home Office Minister Mike Tapp said:

    Vile drug smugglers thought the threat of a huge damages bill would scare Border Force off intercepting this deadly cocaine haul.

    Our first-class officers were one step ahead, using their experience and nous to cost criminal gangs £72 million.

    Under our Plan for Change, we continue to work with international partners to secure our borders and prevent dangerous drugs from inflicting misery on our streets.

    Following Border Force’s seizure earlier this year, the National Crime Agency investigated the case and a suspect has since been charged. 

    The prosecution comes as cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023 and is just one recent example of criminals using fear of financial sanctions to deter law enforcement.

    On 29 August, a shipment of highly valuable solar water heaters weighing over a tonne arrived from Mexico. Upon inspection officers seized over 100kg of methamphetamine with a street value of £8 million. Drugs have also been found hidden in crane arms.

    Despite the smuggling gangs’ new tactics, Border Force is set for another record-breaking year for cocaine seizures – with officers using intelligence and technology more than ever.

    In June, officers seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine worth £100 million from a vessel travelling from South America. This was the sixth largest detection on record.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £45 million saved for pension schemes thanks to Government reforms [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : £45 million saved for pension schemes thanks to Government reforms [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 23 September 2025.

    The Pension Protection Fund has today (23rd September) confirmed that it will not charge a levy to pension providers, saving £45 million across 5,000 Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes.

    • Pension Protection Fund (PPF) will not charge a levy this year unlocking £45 million of savings for 5000 pension schemes
    • The savings can be used to boost the economy through investments or top up pension pots
    • This was made possible by the Government’s Pension Schemes Bill which is removing barriers to growth as part of our Plan for Change

    Growth is at the heart of the Government’s Plan for Change and these significant savings could now be used for investments to boost the UK economy, or to strengthen the security of members benefits.

    This decision is a direct result of the reforms set out in the Government’s Pension Schemes Bill, demonstrating how our plans to modernise the pension system are already delivering for the public and the UK economy.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said:

    Rigid rules currently leave pension schemes paying millions into the Pensions Protection Fund even when extra funding is not required.

    The Pension Schemes Bill will sweep away those constraints. This will support better funded pension schemes and greater investment by firms.

    The PPF levy is a charge on eligible pension schemes that pays into a central reserve – which currently sits at a £14 billion surplus – used to protect employees’ pensions if their employer collapses. Regulations currently operate a use it or lose it mechanism, limiting increases to 25% and preventing a zero levy from being invested if it were ever needed.

    The Pension Schemes Bill, which has received wide-ranging support, rewrites the rules around the levy making it easier for the PPF to adjust it year on year and without risking losing the power to charge if it drops to zero. This allows for greater flexibility freeing up money in times of high surpluses while ensuring that it can be altered if needed to protect the future of schemes and safeguard pensioners.

    Kate Jones, PPF Chair said:

    I’m pleased that we’re able to save DB schemes £45m this year. The legislative changes we’ve needed to further reduce the levy have made good progress, giving us the confidence to act decisively for this year’s levy.

    As we reach this significant milestone on our journey to financial self-sufficiency, we recognise the invaluable contribution levy payers have made over the past 20 years. We couldn’t have delivered the protection and peace of mind to members without them.

    This new approach to setting the levy to zero demonstrates the Government’s dedication to ensuring the sustainability of the pension system while reducing the financial burden on employers and pension schemes. The move comes as a result of the fund’s robust financial position allowing them to balance the interests of levy payers and its members.

    Alongside this, the Pension Schemes Bill will boost workers’ pension pots by £29,000 through hoovering up small pension pots worth £1,000 into one place, protecting savers from underperforming schemes and creating Defined Contribution megafunds so bigger and better pension schemes can drive down costs and invest in a wider range of assets.

    Furher information

    • The Board of Pension Protection Fund collects a levy from eligible defined benefit occupational pension schemes.
    • The Pension Protection Fund has a reserve of more than £14 bn. In view of its strong financial position, the Pension Protection Fund announced that they would more than halve the 2024/25 levy to £45m for the financial year 2025/26. They have now confirmed that the levy will be reduced to zero, without risking its ability to pay its members’ benefits.
    • Restrictions in the legislation prevent the levy from being significantly reduced even to zero and raised back up again within a reasonable timeframe. It was announced in the Pension Schemes Bill that the Government intends to remove this restriction and enable the Pension Protection Fund to reduce the levy to zero or a low amount.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Jessica Brady’s legacy inspires new life-saving GP safety rule [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Jessica Brady’s legacy inspires new life-saving GP safety rule [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 23 September 2025.

    Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner thanks to a new life-saving patient safety initiative called Jess’s Rule.

    • GPs across England to take ‘3 strikes and rethink approach’ after 3 appointments – as Jess’s Rule rolled out nationwide to prevent avoidable deaths
    • Move will save lives and help catch serious, deadly conditions earlier, particularly in young people
    • Named after Jessica Brady, who tragically died of cancer aged 27 after 20 appointments at her GP surgery failed to diagnose her condition

    Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner through a new life-saving patient safety initiative called Jess’s Rule that is being rolled out across the NHS in England today (23 September 2025).

    Jess’s Rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who died of cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27, and will help avoid tragic, preventable deaths as GPs are supported to catch potentially deadly illnesses sooner. 

    In the 5 months leading up to her death, Jessica had more than 20 appointments with her GP practice but eventually had to seek private healthcare. She was later diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. With such an advanced disease there was no available treatment. She was admitted into hospital where she died 3 weeks later.

    The new initiative will ask GPs to think again if, after 3 appointments, they have been unable to offer a substantiated diagnosis, or the patient’s symptoms have escalated.

    While many GP practices already use similar approaches in complex cases, Jess’s Rule will make this standard practice across the country, aiming to reduce health inequalities and ensuring everyone – no matter their age or background – receives the same high standard of care.

    Designed in collaboration with the chair of Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS England, Jess’s Rule will help to catch serious conditions earlier and support GPs with guidelines that bolster their clinical judgement, while encouraging them to reflect, review and rethink if they are uncertain about a patient’s condition.

    Jess’s mum Andrea Brady said:

    Jess lived for just 3 short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her shock and devastation, she showed unfailing courage, positivity, dignity and love. Jess was determined that people should understand how desperately she had tried to advocate for herself and seek a resolution for her declining health.

    In the bleak weeks following the loss of Jess, I realised it was my duty to continue what she had started. It has taken nearly 5 years to bring about Jess’s Rule. I would like to dedicate this initiative to all the young people who have been diagnosed too late.

    It has only been made possible because of the people who have listened – politicians, medics and the nearly half a million who supported the campaign.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Jessica Brady’s death was a preventable and unnecessary tragedy. I want to thank her courageous family, who have campaigned tirelessly through unimaginable grief to ensure Jessica’s legacy helps to save the lives of others.  

    Patient safety must be the bedrock of the NHS, and Jess’s Rule will make sure every patient receives the thorough, compassionate and safe care that they deserve, while supporting our hardworking GPs to catch potentially deadly illnesses.

    I don’t want any family to endure the pain Jessica’s family have been through. This government will learn from such tragedies and is taking decisive action to improve patient safety.

    Jess’s Rule could support GPs to ensure continuity of care for patients with persistent health concerns. This could involve arranging face-to-face consultations if previous appointments were remote, conducting thorough physical examinations, or ordering additional diagnostic tests.

    It also encourages GPs to review patient records comprehensively, seek second opinions from colleagues, and consider specialist referrals when appropriate.

    Research shows that younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds often face delays in diagnosis of serious conditions, as their symptoms may not match typical presentation patterns seen in older or White patients.

    A report from the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation on cancer diagnosis in younger people and people of minority ethnicities found that half of 16 to 24 year olds required 3 or more interactions with a healthcare professional from a GP practice before being diagnosed with cancer, compared to 1 in 5 across the whole population. 

    Jess’s Rule emphasises the need to remain alert to symptoms that might suggest serious conditions, regardless of a patient’s age or ethnicity, thereby reducing health inequalities.

    Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director at NHS England, said:

    I am very humbled by the efforts of Andrea and Simon Brady, who have campaigned for this important initiative which will undoubtedly save lives by avoiding missed or delayed diagnoses and ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

    Many clinicians already apply a version of ‘3 strikes and rethink’ in their routine practice, but Jess’s Rule formalises this instinctive approach, providing a consistent structure to support reflection and timely action for patients.

    Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of RCGP, said:

    No GP will ever want to miss signs of serious illness, such as cancer. Ensuring a timely diagnosis often means better outcomes for patients – but many conditions, including many cancers, are challenging to identify in primary care because the symptoms are often similar to other, less serious and more common conditions. Alternative diagnoses are often more likely, particularly when considering risk factors such as age.

    If a patient repeatedly presents with the same or similar symptoms, but the treatment plan does not seem to be making them better – or their condition is deteriorating – it is best practice to review the diagnosis and consider alternative approaches. We hope that by formalising this with Jess’s Rule, it will remind GPs to keep this at the forefront of their minds. The college has also worked with Jess Brady’s family and the Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust to develop an educational resource for GPs on the early diagnosis of cancer in young adults, based around the principles of Jess’s Rule.

    Jessica Brady’s legacy will ensure that patient voice is at the heart of healthcare – a key commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

    This initiative, targeting primary care, builds on the recent rollout of Martha’s Rule to every acute hospital in England, which empowers patients, families and carers to request urgent clinical reviews if they are concerned about deteriorating conditions not being adequately addressed.

    Jess’s Rule is just one of the ways the government is supporting GPs to provide world class healthcare for patients as part of the Plan for Change.

    This includes recruiting over 2,000 extra GPs in a year, providing vital cash for over 1,000 GP surgeries to create additional space to see more patients, and securing a record funding boost for practices – over £1 billion in 2025 to 2026. Public satisfaction with GP services is finally on the rise, with 73.6% of patients describing their GP experience as “good” according to recent ONS statistics, up 6.2% since July 2024.

    By catching illnesses at earlier stages, Jess’s Rule will help reduce hospital backlogs, improve outcomes for patients and save lives.

    Jess’s Rule is an initiative overseen by NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and endorsed by RCGP. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Allison Ogden-Newton and Dan Corry appointed to Defra Board [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Allison Ogden-Newton and Dan Corry appointed to Defra Board [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 September 2025.

    With strong backgrounds in public policy and social entrepreneurship, the new appointees will provide strategic and corporate leadership for the department.

    Allison Ogden-Newton OBE and Dan Corry have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors to the board of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

    Dan and Allison bring a wealth of experience in public policy and social entrepreneurship. Allison has been the Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy since 2015, while Dan is Chief Economist at the Future Governance Forum and recently completed a review of environmental regulation for Defra. Their appointments will last for one year. 

    Non-executive board members are senior figures from outside government, appointed to provide challenge to government departments.

    The Defra Board provides strategic, corporate leadership to the department and has particular responsibility for monitoring performance and delivery. 

    Biographies

    Allison Ogden-Newton

    Allison Ogden-Newton OBE is an experienced charity professional and social entrepreneur, having worked as Chief Executive at World Child Cancer and Social Enterprise London. She was founder of breakthrough social value think-tank The Transition Institute.

    Since becoming Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in 2015, Allison has led a transformation of the charity, including the introduction of the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign, the Great British Spring Clean, and raising its profile through regular media appearances and large-scale behaviour change campaigns.

    Allison has a master’s degree from Warwick Business School and is a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She has acted as an equal value advisor to the then Equal Opportunities Commission and served as a member of the government’s Department of Innovation and Skills, Women’s Enterprise Taskforce.

    She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a board member of the British Cleaning Council and Wildlife and Countryside Link.

    Allison was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours 2019/20 for her services to the environment and social enterprise.

    Dan Corry

    Dan Corry is Chief Economist at the Future Governance Forum. He brings extensive experience in public policy and economics from roles across government, think tanks and the private sector.

    Dan recently completed 13 years as Chief Executive of New Philanthropy Capital, a think tank and consultancy that works to improve the impact of the social sector. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit and Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister on the Economy. He has also held roles as Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Treasury and as a special adviser to Secretaries of State at the Department for Education, as well as the then Department for Trade and Industry, Department for Transport, Local Government and Regions, and Department for Communities and Local Government.

    Earlier in his career, Dan was Director in the Economics segment of FTI Consulting and ran the New Local Government Network think tank (now New Local) from 2002 to 2005. He worked as Senior Economist at the IPPR in the 1990s and began his career as a civil service economist in the Employment Department and the Treasury.

    Dan chairs the Carers Trust charity, which supports a network of 130 local charities helping unpaid carers. He is also a trustee of homelessness charity St Mungo’s. His previous roles include membership of the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, the Research Committee of the ESRC, the Greater Manchester Economic Advisory Panel and the Financial Advisory Committee of the Football Association.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 September 2025.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers met on the margins of High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, met on the margins of High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    We expressed concerns around Russia’s most recent airspace violations in Estonia, Poland and Romania, which are unacceptable and risk undermining international security. We underscored our ongoing commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and a strong, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine, by continuing to coordinate with the United States to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees. We discussed imposing further economic costs on Russia, including taking action against third country enablers.  We welcome ongoing discussions between G7 Finance Ministers on further leveraging Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine.

    We welcomed the U.S. and Panama proposal to establish a UN Support Office for Haiti and transition the Multinational Security Support Mission into a new force, with a mandate to dismantle gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and re-establish security in Haiti together with the Haitian authorities.

    We stressed the urgency of alleviating the immense suffering of civilians in Gaza through a flood of humanitarian aid and securing the release of all hostages, and we reiterated our call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.  We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

    We called on Iran to fully implement its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and engage in direct talks with the United States towards a robust, durable and comprehensive nuclear agreement that ensures Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. We commended the E3’s decision to trigger the “snapback” mechanism.

    We reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.  We reiterated our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and across the Taiwan Strait. We reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

    As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, we recognised the fundamental need for the reform of the United Nations and expressed willingness to participate in efforts to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record number of major infrastructure projects green-lit [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record number of major infrastructure projects green-lit [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 22 September 2025.

    Largest number of major infrastructure projects green-lit by the current government in the first year of a Parliament.

    • Largest number of major infrastructure projects green-lit in the first year of a Parliament in push to ‘build, baby, build’
    • Record 21 decisions made on major infrastructure projects in the first year of this Parliament – including new wind farms, roads and airport expansions – with government urgently working on a building acceleration package to get Britain building
    • With the help of reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will speed up the consenting process for major economic infrastructure, the government is firmly on track to meet its Plan for Change 150 decisions target, helping to create thousands of jobs and put money back into people’s pockets

    Tens of thousands of people will benefit from cleaner energy, quicker commutes to work and more flights for holidays after the government fast tracked decisions on major infrastructure projects. 

    The government has green-lit the largest number of major infrastructure projects in the first year of a Parliament in history, with 21 major infrastructure planning decisions made in the government’s first year.

    Projects greenlighted include the Lower Thames Crossing, Mona Offshore Windfarm, Simister Island development in the Manchester area and the expansion to Gatwick airport.

    Each one of these decisions means easier commutes for people in the mornings, better protection from fossil fuel price spikes, opening the door for cheaper holidays with more flights.

    These decisions have secured a boom in thousands of good skilled clean energy jobs across the country in places such as Sussex, North Wales and Teesside.

    Earlier this year the Prime Minister set the government a target of 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects as part of the Plan for Change.

    Thanks to the pro-growth reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, including the removal of onerous statutory pre-application requirements and cutting back meritless legal challenges from three to one, the government remains on track to meet this target and make sure Britain is once again a destination for major investment and growth.

    The Housing Secretary Steve Reed will visit the Lower Thames Crossing area (23 September) to see for himself how the project will improve journeys for millions of people each year.

    Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

    “We are backing our builders, brickies and businesses to get Britain building.

    “We’ve already said yes to major projects that will create more well-paid jobs providing clean power and new roads.

    “We will go further to streamline planning rules to speed up new homes, data centres and businesses that will put an affordable home and well-paid job within reach of people in every part of our country.”

    Further reforms are building on this, with an update expected on the next generation of new towns, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill remaining on track to become law and unveiling new plans to build up and build out on brownfield sites faster.  

    Today’s announcement follows the Housing Secretary’s commitment to ‘build, baby, build’ and remove every barrier to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament.  

    This new record of 21 decisions eclipses the previous Parliament’s first-year record of 15 and marks a significant milestone for this government’s ambition to make 150 decisions. The previous government saw a total of 57 decisions during its full term between December 2019 to May 2024.

    A further four decisions have been made by the government in its second year, bringing the current total to 25, with a further 10 projects currently on the table. This historic progress means Britain is building the roads, railways and energy connections needed to help towns and cities grow and local economies thrive.  

    Key decisions include:

    • The Lower Thames Crossing, approved under this government, will drive growth by tackling congestion that costs the UK millions every year and create a strategic new trade route between the ports of the south-east, midlands and north. Construction will support 22,000 jobs across the area and once completed it is projected to provide £200 million a year from better connections and less congestion.
    • The Mona Offshore Wind Farm located in the Irish Sea and the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm located off the Sussex coast, which combined can produce enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 3 million homes. Together, these projects secure thousands of jobs and 2.7 GW of clean, secure, homegrown power for British families and businesses. This acceleration towards clean energy will create the jobs of the future across the UK.
    • The Viking CSS Pipeline in Lincolnshire which could support 20,000 jobs and boost the decarbonising industry in the Humber, creating opportunities for local people.
    • The M60/M62/M66 Simister Island development, three miles south of Bury, which will make commuting quicker for more than 90,000 people every day.
    • Gatwick Airport’s application to expand its operations through routine use of its existing northern runway after the Transport Secretary issued a letter (21 September) confirming her approval following careful consideration.

    Work is also ongoing at pace to make it easier to build digital infrastructure, such as laboratories and gigafactories by updating the National Planning Policy Framework and pressures facing local planning authorities will be eased through £46 million of investment to strengthen their capacity, alongside the recruitment and training of over 300 planners.

    This builds on the £150 billion of inward investment which the UK secured from US companies during the US President’s state visit, creating more than 7,600 high-quality jobs and accelerating growth in sectors of the future.

    Further information

    21 decisions were signed off in the first year of government; so far four decisions have been made in the second year, bringing the total to 25, with more projects expected to be decided before the end of the year.  

    List of approved major infrastructure projects so far include:

    • Gate Burton Energy Park
    • Mallard Pass Solar Project
    • Sunnica Energy Farm
    • Cottam Solar Project
    • Bramford to Twinstead
    • Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal
    • Rivenhall IVMF and Energy Centre
    • Heckington Fen Solar Park
    • West Burton Solar Project
    • Immingham Green Energy Terminal
    • North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park
    • Lower Thames Crossing
    • London Luton Airport Expansion
    • Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm
    • Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant
    • Viking CCS Pipeline
    • East Yorkshire Solar Farm
    • M5 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme
    • Oaklands Farm Solar Park
    • Mona Offshore Windfarm
    • Byers Gill Solar
    • Morgan Offshore Wind Project
    • M60/M62/M66 Simister Island
    • London Gatwick Airport Expansion

    The news is part of a year of activity to overhaul the planning system to speed up the delivery of much needed infrastructure and the homes we need, including:

    • Making it easier to build digital infrastructure, such as laboratories and gigafactories by updating the National Planning Policy Framework, alongside introducing targets to boost housebuilding in the areas most in need – the changes to the NPPF last December led the OBR to forecast the highest level of housebuilding in 40 years and an additional £6.8 billion of growth by 2029/30;
    • Changing the rules to prevent major infrastructure projects being held up in the courts and help get Britain building following independent recommendations – data shows that in recent years 58% of all decisions on major infrastructure projects were taken to court, compared to the long-term average of 10%; 
    • Removing statutory consultation requirements for major infrastructure – which could add £1 billion to the economy and speed up decisions by up to 12 months;
    • Delivering the biggest boost to affordable housing in a generation with £39 billion announced at the Spending Review; and    
    • Making £16 billion of new public investment to help build over 500,000 new homes through a National Housing Bank, unlocking over £53 billion of private investment.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Not delivered due to time constraints.

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    The UK commends the work of the Mission and thanks it for its sobering report. 

    We remain gravely concerned by the findings of the latest report, which once again lays bare the systematic and ongoing violations of human rights in Venezuela. The continued erosion of the rule of law, the widespread use of arbitrary detention, and the number of enforced disappearances is unacceptable.

    Political repression has persisted and over 800 individuals remain arbitrarily detained, many without access to due process or legal representation. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to immediately release all those held arbitrarily and to uphold fair trial guarantees.

    Mr. President, the findings presented today underscore the need for the Council’s continued attention on Venezuela. We reiterate our call on the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate fully with international mechanisms by granting them immediate and full access to the country. We urge concrete steps from Venezuela ahead of the next session, including implementing the Mission’s recommendations.

    The UK remains steadfast in its support for the Venezuelan people and their fundamental rights.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement at the UNGA 80 side event on Beijing +30 [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement at the UNGA 80 side event on Beijing +30 [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

    Statement by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UNGA 80 side event on Beijing +30.

    I am honoured to join you today as the United Kingdom’s new Foreign Secretary.

    And to be here too, alongside the UK’s trailblazing Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, who gave me one of my first jobs in politics more than 30 years ago, including research on women’s equality, not long before the Beijing Declaration was adopted.

    I remember at that time just how significant it felt to see countries coming together, from across the globe, committed to advancing women’s equality and women’s rights.

    So it is particularly special to be here three decades on to discuss an issue that has been so close to my heart since, and to be clear that this will be a priority for me now, in this role. 

    Supporting women across the globe, on leadership, on representation, on access to education and economic opportunity. 

    An agenda set by women, and supported by male allies, who are vital partners for progress. 

    But I particularly want to draw attention to the topic of Violence Against Women and Girls.

    Because we know that safety and security are the bedrock on which all opportunities in our lives are built. Women’s safety is an essential foundation for women’s equality.

    And while individual nations and UN agencies have helped to achieve great strides forward, with FGM and forced marriage less prevalent than they were three decades ago.

    The facts should still shame us all.

    Across the globe, 1 in 3 women will be beaten or sexually assaulted in their lifetime. 

    140 women and girls are killed every day by a partner or close relative. 

    And rape and sexual violence continue to be used as a weapon of war. 

    My Government has described violence against women and girls in the UK as a national emergency, and we have set out an unprecedented mission to halve it in a decade.

    But the truth is that this is an international emergency too.

    So today I make two calls for action.

    First, that we step up our efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, because everyone has the right to live in freedom from fear. 

    Including challenging new forms of abuse and collaborating against devastating sexual abuse of children online.

    And second, we must ensure that the multilateral system remains a powerful force for the rights and equality of women and girls everywhere because we know that by doing so, we also strengthen our families, our communities, our economies and our nations too.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK formally recognises Palestinian State [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK formally recognises Palestinian State [September 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

    The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

    • government acts to protect the prospect of a two-state solution as the appalling situation in Gaza worsens, Israel continues its illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas continues to hold the hostages
    • Prime Minister makes clear that Hamas will have no role in the future of Palestine and reiterates his call for them to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally
    • historic step taken alongside close allies Canada and Australia, as part of wider international effort to support a pathway to peace and protect the equal rights of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples

    The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

    The historic decision, announced alongside Canada and Australia, comes as the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to worsen, Israel continues to expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, and Hamas continues to hold the hostages.

    In July, the Prime Minister pledged to act if the situation did not change and firmly believes that the UK has a moral responsibility to do everything it can to support a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine – the prospect of which is slipping further away.

    A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to a lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people – free from the horrendous violence and suffering of the last two years.

    Recognising Palestine is a historic decision, firmly grounded in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, which the government committed to as part of its manifesto.

    In a statement this afternoon, the Prime Minister was clear this decision is not about Hamas. They are a brutal terrorist organisation that wants to see Israel destroyed. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. 

    The government’s demands on them have not changed. It must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.

    The UK is also expected to take further action to sanction senior figures in the Hamas leadership in the coming weeks and keep doing everything possible to bring the hostages home.

    Our support for Israel’s and the security of its people remains steadfast. But the Israeli government must also change course – halting their offensive in Gaza, letting the desperately needed humanitarian aid in, and stopping their illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Today’s historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

    Recognition is an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat. Two states is the only way to safeguard long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. 

    We are clear that Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future – they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states. They must release the hostages and relinquish any hold on Gaza. But Hamas are not the Palestinian people. 

    Recognition is only one part of what must be a stronger and wider push for peace. We need to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to all those who desperately need it. That requires not just an immediate ceasefire, but a plan for a durable peace, which will be a key to my diplomatic drive at the UN this week.

    Having recognised the State of Israel in 1950, the government believes it can no longer credibly continue to support the two-state solution without recognising both States. 

    The decision does not remove the demands the government has made of the Palestinian Authority to conduct extensive reform. President Abbas has committed to this reform, including organising new elections within a year of a ceasefire.

    The UK will continue to provide technical and financial support to the PA as it delivers these reforms and builds the State of Palestine, including through the work of UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance Sir Michael Barber, who is enhancing the PA’s delivery and governance capabilities. 

    The government has been clear that recognition is not enough to change the situation on the ground on its own.

    That’s why the decision comes as part of coordinated international efforts to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, which addresses governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza, and the foundations of a two-state solution.

    The UK will continue working closely with its allies to advance this plan, which recognition forms part of as the first, most urgent step towards lasting peace.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “No region will be locked out of investment” pledges Chancellor [September 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : “No region will be locked out of investment” pledges Chancellor [September 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 September 2025.

    Rachel Reeves has fired the starting gun on the government’s landmark Regional Investment Summit, pledging that “no region will be locked out of investment”.

    • Chancellor pledges that landmark Regional Investment Summit will attract investment, jobs and growth that makes people better off wherever they live in the country.
    • With one month to go, Eon, Lloyds and KPMG, HSBC and IBM have already been confirmed as sponsors for the Birmingham summit.
    • Comes as Mayor of the West Midlands and Leader of Birmingham City Council announce launch of the biggest Mayoral Development Corporation in the country to create tens of thousands of jobs and add billions to the local economy.

    Rachel Reeves has fired the starting gun on the government’s landmark Regional Investment Summit, pledging that “no region will be locked out of investment”.

    The summit will bring together business leaders and major investors with policymakers, regulators, regional mayors and other local leaders to showcase the breadth and depth of opportunities to invest, expand and create jobs right across our nations and regions.

    Building on the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and Industrial Strategy, the summit will highlight the UK’s regional investment opportunities in areas such as housing, infrastructure, AI and energy. It will show how this government is reversing the underinvestment some parts of the country have suffered for too long which will deliver jobs and economic growth that puts more money in the pockets of people who live there.

    With the most recent figures showing business confidence and investment appetite in the UK is at record highs, the Chancellor has pledged that no region will be locked out of the investment, jobs and growth being delivered as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Under this government no region will be locked out of investment.

    Business confidence is at its highest level since 2015, private sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in a year in August, and top CFOs have ranked the UK as the top investment destination in the world.

    Our opponents want to talk down Britain’s economy. But whilst the economy isn’t broken, for many it feels stuck, which is why I’m determined to attract more investment into every region of the UK so we can build an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.

    Backed by major corporations including Eon, Lloyds, KPMG, HSBC and IBM, the summit will be hosted in Birmingham on Tuesday 21 October, and will be co-hosted by the Chancellor, the Business and Trade Secretary, and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with business leaders, international investors, and policymakers from home and abroad in attendance.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

    The UK has become the world’s most attractive investment destination, and this Summit is a prime opportunity to show investors why Britain is truly the best place to do business.

    We have the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – backed by our modern Industrial Strategy – and our Plan for Change is encouraging more international companies to invest here, helping to deliver growth and jobs in every region of the UK.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

    The first Regional Investment Summit is a chance to show the world the strength of the West Midlands and all our regions – we are brimming with opportunities for investors.

    This Summit is about putting our ideas, our people, our opportunities and our businesses on the map – and I’m excited to welcome partners from the globe to see first-hand why the West Midlands is the place to invest.

    This comes as Richard Parker, alongside the Leader of Birmingham City Council, John Cotton, today (22 September) announces the launch of the biggest and most ambitious Mayoral Development Corporation in the country.

    It will incorporate the £3 billion Birmingham Sports Quarter, the £4 billion Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, the HS2 station at Curzon Street, the £2 billion Smithfield development, and a major creative industries hub in Digbeth.

    This new corporation – part of a wider Mayoral Development Zone – will create tens of thousands of jobs and add billions to the local economy.

    The government’s modern Industrial Strategy is also helping to deliver long-term growth right across the UK by driving investment into the economy and hardwiring stability for investors, giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

    Further information

    The business confidence figures referenced are:

    • UK business confidence is at its highest level since 2015 and hiring intentions increased for a fourth month in a row in August and wage growth expectations also increased to their highest levels since 2018. (Lloyds Business Barometer)
    • In August, UK private sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in a year. (The S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers’ index)
    • In July, UK CFOs ranked the UK as the joint top investment destination (alongside India)—up from 5th place in December— with sentiment boosted by a UK-US trade deal. (Deloitte)

    Additional quotes

    Minister for Investment, Jason Stockwood, said:

    The West Midlands is a powerhouse for investment, and this Summit will zero in on the region’s world-leading strengths in sectors like advanced manufacturing and life sciences to drive growth and create new opportunities in the industries of the future.

    Unleashing the full potential of the UK’s regions is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy, and this Summit will deliver growth that will unlock good new jobs for working people, putting more money in people’s pockets and in turn boosting prosperity across local communities.

    Chris Norbury, Chief Executive Officer E.ON UK, said:

    The West Midlands is a huge part of E.ON’s DNA with our offices, strategic energy partnership and innovation all already thriving in this region.

    So, it’s fantastic to be supporting events like the Regional Growth Summit and see the West Midlands showcasing how sustainable energy can drive real growth in green skills, jobs and the economy.

    Local collaboration between government and businesses is key to accelerating more affordable, secure energy and net zero delivery, and as such, events like this are key to building those collaborative relationships.

    Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, said:

    At HSBC, we are determined to support UK businesses’ growth ambitions, both at home and abroad. As the world’s leading bank for international trade, we know that the dynamism of UK business is integral to the future health of the economy.

    HSBC supports the Government’s ambition to cement the UK’s position as a science and tech superpower. The summit will highlight the very best of the region’s innovative businesses, driving inward investment and growing our exports around the world to create jobs and drive the economy.

    Jon Holt, Group Chief Executive and UK Senior Partner KPMG, said:

    This Summit will be a fantastic moment to spotlight the strength and opportunity of the UK’s regions and their crucial role in helping drive national economic growth.

    KPMG’s heritage lies in our regional businesses and every day we work with brilliant companies across the country.

    The West Midlands is well-placed to host this Summit and showcase the skills, innovation and talent on offer in the region, and provide a springboard for regional growth.

    Charlie Nunn, Group Chief Executive, Lloyds Banking Group, said: 

    The UK’s regions are the powerhouses of innovation, investment and growth.

    We’re proud to support the inaugural Regional Investment Summit, which highlights the strength of local partnerships and the opportunities they create.

    Through the breadth and depth of our relationships with businesses across the country, Lloyds Banking Group is helping to unlock regional potential, attract investment, and fuel the UK’s long-term prosperity.