Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

    • Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation
    • Mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so communities directly benefit when their economy grows, with new powers for communities still on the road to devolution
    • Taking a tried and tested approach nationwide – delivering better transport, more homes and skills training matched to local jobs

    The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

    As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time.

    This means when places create jobs and grow their economies, they will now keep more of the rewards – giving local leaders new powers to invest in what matters most locally.

    The government wants every community to benefit from stronger local decision-making. Areas without a mayor will still be supported to establish strategic authorities and gain greater control over local priorities.

    In his second week in office, the Prime Minister will tell his Cabinet that it is time to launch a new era of devolution – taking power and decision-making out of SW1 and putting it closer to people’s lives.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    I said we’d take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country. Today, we make good on that promise.

    Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community. Soon, every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.

    I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. I’m not going to make that same mistake now I’m PM.

    The whole of government will now pull together behind the people and places that desperately need our support. This is how we’ll bring back hope and bring power home to you.

    The plans will end the Whitehall-first culture that has held back local areas for decades, forcing departments to justify why powers should stay in Westminster rather than be handed to local leaders.

    By shifting power, funding and decision-making closer to people, the changes will give every part of the country the tools to create strong local economies, improve public services and shape its own future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said:

    The people who best understand what skills employers want, what transport an area needs and where investment can make the biggest difference are those who live there.

    For the first time we’re giving Mayors a share of income tax so communities directly benefit when their economy grows – passing power out of Westminster and driving growth in every postcode. 

    This is the way we start to build new hope and advance the working people of this country.

    From next spring, mayors will begin retaining a greater share of locally generated revenues, starting with business rates. Further details on this and on income tax retention will be set out in a roadmap at the Budget and will be underpinned by the government’s firm commitment to fiscal discipline.

    Over time, local areas will move away from dependence on Whitehall grants and towards funding that rewards local growth.

    The ambition is to extend the benefits of devolution across the whole UK, working with devolved governments and local leaders to give communities more control over their future.

    Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:  

    This is the first step in our plan to rewire this country and build a better future, where power is no longer hoarded in Westminster but is put back in the hands of local people – where it belongs.

    Our devolution revolution is about bringing an end to the begging-bowl culture of the past, and instead making sure our local leaders have the tools they need to drive the change that communities have been crying out for.

    We need every region to be firing on all cylinders if we want good growth in every postcode, and we will do everything in our power to make that a reality.

    The reforms will be driven by a strengthened No10 North operation, working with mayors, local leaders and other partners to remove barriers to growth, accelerate delivery and ensure government is better connected to communities across the country.

    Local leaders will gain greater control over the services that shape people’s lives, including housing, transport, skills, employment support and public services.

    This includes powers to:

    • Bring rail and bus services under greater local control, helping introduce integrated ticketing and more reliable services.
    • Build more homes where they’re needed and unlock stalled development sites by giving local leaders stronger planning and regeneration powers and more devolved funding.
    • Give more control over large local transport schemes, trams and metros to Mayors by removing and streamlining Whitehall approvals.
    • Give mayors control over 16-19 funding and employment support, so young people can train for the jobs local employers need and people out of work can get tailored support back into employment.
    • Back local industries and innovative businesses, and attract investment, creating more well-paid jobs.
    • Where power is devolved, Whitehall resource will follow, giving devolved leaders the resources they need to drive change closer to home

    Reforms will remove barriers that prevent locally led transport projects from going ahead, handing over new planning powers for mayors and give local areas greater flexibility over how funding is spent.

    Under a new “local first” principle, ministers will be expected to justify why powers should remain in Whitehall rather than being devolved.

    The United Kingdom has invested less in its future than any other G7 country over the past three decades. Giving local leaders greater control over funding and investment decisions will help unlock opportunities that have too often been overlooked by a Whitehall-led approach.

    The Prime Minister believes the country’s towns, cities and communities can drive far more growth and opportunity if they are given the tools to do so. Where local leaders have been trusted with greater responsibility, they have already delivered results:

    • In West Yorkshire, a Housing Investment Fund of up to £334 million is helping unlock land for development and bring forward stalled sites, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes.
    • In the Liverpool City Region, local leaders are transforming transport through the rollout of Tap and Go ticketing on Merseyrail, bringing the bus network into local control later this year and taking rail services back into public ownership by 2028.
    • In the North East, 65,000 residents have been supported to gain qualifications, opening up new employment opportunities in sectors including construction and childcare.

    The UK cannot rely on success in a small number of places alone. By giving more communities the tools to succeed, these reforms will help spread opportunity more widely, raise living standards and ensure more people feel the benefits of economic success in their everyday lives.

    As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia – UK statement [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia – UK statement [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2026.

    Ambassador Holland commends the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    I welcome Ambassador Peško to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report. We commend the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

    The report illustrates both the value of the Mission’s work and the challenging operating context. The UK remains concerned by the deepening political polarisation and tensions that have accompanied the ongoing protest movement. It is important to protect freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the independence of democratic institutions, including the judiciary.

    We are particularly concerned by the deterioration in media freedom, and the rise in the number of attacks against journalists described in the report. We welcome the Mission’s efforts to keep the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists functioning and its support for practical mechanisms that protect media professionals. Independent media and the safety of journalists are essential safeguards of democratic accountability. We encourage the Serbian government to facilitate the better operation of institutions dealing with attacks on journalists.

    The United Kingdom welcomes progress towards re-establishing the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, and is grateful to the Representative on Freedom of the Media for his active engagement on this issue. A credible, independent and effective regulator is vital for public confidence, media pluralism and the implementation of electoral reforms. The Council should be allowed to carry out its mandate and resolve outstanding issues without interference.

    On elections and democratic governance, we note the Mission’s support for reforms to electoral legislation and the Unified Voters’ Register. These are important steps. However, as ODIHR have underlined, significant recommendations remain outstanding. Comprehensive electoral reform, implemented well in advance of future elections and in consultation with opposition parties and civil society, remains essential.

    We thank the Mission for its valuable work to improve the rights of minority communities and increase their representation in public institutions. These programmes help build trust between communities and strengthen Serbia’s long-term resilience. We also commend the Mission’s work on community policing, youth engagement and women’s participation in security institutions.

    We reiterate our call for Serbia and Kosovo to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to implement their existing commitments. We also urge public officials to refrain from provocative, revisionist or harmful language in public statements, which risks deepening divisions and undermining reconciliation. We continue to call for full accountability for the 2023 Banjska attack.

    Finally, we thank Ambassador Peško and his team for their professionalism and dedication. The Mission remains an important partner and a valuable contributor to security and stability across the region.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major £8.4bn investment advances UK nuclear deterrent and backs British industry [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major £8.4bn investment advances UK nuclear deterrent and backs British industry [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 July 2026.

    The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.

    • £8.4 billion government funding committed to drive forward construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines 
    • around 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 suppliers across the UK supported by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 
    • the programme to deliver the four new nuclear deterrent submarines is advancing at pace 
    • significant step change in driving productivity and innovation to deliver faster and more efficiently 

    The UK will continue to be kept safe around the clock for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the build of the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, while backing British jobs. 

    During a visit to BAE Systems (BAES) shipyard in Barrow, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was accompanied on the visit by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, announced that government funding worth around £8.4 billion has been committed to begin the fourth major production phase of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarine programme. The Prime Minister highlighted the pace of progress in the build and the government’s enduring commitment to national security and economic growth. 

    As part of this investment, a contract worth £5.9 billion has been agreed by the government and BAES, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) industry partner responsible for delivering submarine production from their shipyard in Barrow, the home of UK submarine building. Further investments will be committed to Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby and the wider supply chain across the UK. 

    The DNE supports over 6,000 UK companies in the supply chain and backs around 47,000 UK jobs. The Dreadnought Delivery Phase 4 (DP4) investment underlines defence as an engine for growth and reinforces the work to modernise our nuclear capabilities and the facilities that deliver them as a truly national endeavour. 

    DP4 will see HMS Dreadnought, the first of the four new nuclear deterrent submarines, complete its sea trials and be ready to enter service with the Royal Navy in the early 2030s. Boat two, HMS Valiant, will reach sea trials while boats three and four will achieve key construction milestones. 

    This next phase looks to further enhance continual and sustained productivity growth in Barrow, where a 40% increase has been achieved over the last 3 years, and around 1,800 additional roles have been created under this government. 

    Building on the Defence Industrial Strategy, making defence an engine for growth, the contracts for DP4 will continue to back UK business, lead in innovation and sustain a resilient UK industrial base. Utilising recent Single Source Contract Regulations changes, the BAES contract will incentivise faster and more efficient delivery with a focus on productivity and cost control, but only when agreed performance targets and programme outcomes are achieved. 

    Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: 

    “Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world. 

    “This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry. 

    “Supporting thousands of skilled, local jobs, we are fusing Barrow’s proud heritage with modern technology to build our security for the future, supporting the next generation to keep our country safe as their parents and grandparents did.” 

    The Dreadnought programme is supporting high-skilled employment across the UK, with significant opportunities for regions through the defence supply chain. The wider DNE’s demand for UK workforce is forecast to rise to approximately 65,000 by 2030. This growth is creating long-term opportunities for highly skilled jobs, including engineers, welders and apprentices, and for small and medium-sized enterprises. 

    The North of England is a powerhouse of British industry and innovation, and remains central to the DNE, which supports around 15,000 jobs and more than 1,000 supply chain companies, and spent £3.4 billion in the region in the last financial year. 

    Chief of Defence Nuclear, Maddy McTernan CB, said: 

    “This investment builds on significant momentum in the Dreadnought programme and our partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the extensive submarine supply chain. 

    “This is a national endeavour that will deliver a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent for decades to come, providing the bedrock of the UK’s national security and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security.” 

    This milestone demonstrates the UK’s continued commitment to delivering on the Strategic Defence Review and maintaining its nuclear deterrent under the nuclear triple lock: building four Dreadnought submarines in Barrow, sustaining the nuclear deterrent, and delivering future upgrades, including the replacement warhead. The significant DNE investment confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan reflects this unwavering commitment. 

    The UK’s nuclear deterrent underpins the country’s contribution to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security, demonstrating to allies and adversaries alike that Britain’s deterrent remains credible, independent and enduring. 

    This announcement highlights a programme delivering across multiple priorities: strengthening national security, supporting allies, transforming industrial performance, and driving economic growth across all parts of the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Police misconduct processes to be reviewed [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Police misconduct processes to be reviewed [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 July 2026.

    Oversight of misconduct procedures is to be reviewed as part of an overhaul of policing standards.

    The Home Office has today launched an end-to-end-review into the police accountability system.

    Chaired by Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC, the review will look at how police officers are held to account, identify barriers that can delay outcomes, and consider how the system can be made faster, fairer and more effective.

    Lengthy investigations can leave victims and their families waiting years for resolution. It can also mean police officers who are found to have done nothing wrong are kept away from front line duties for too long.

    The review will assess how police misconduct cases are handled across different parts of the misconduct and wider justice system to help create a speedier, simpler and more effective accountability regime.

    It follows calls from policing leaders, the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s director general and others to go further in reforming the systems and thresholds used to hold the police to account for their actions.

    Recent high-profile cases have also brought to light the significant impact of lengthy investigations on officers, who can wait years for internal resolutions.

    Reforming the police accountability system will ensure victims receive swifter justice, while officers who have done nothing wrong avoid unnecessary delays and can get back on the beat faster.

    This will help build a policing system that is fairer, faster and more effective for everyone.

  • PRESS RELEASE : NHS and industry join forces on next generation of hospitals [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : NHS and industry join forces on next generation of hospitals [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 July 2026.

    NHS trusts and construction partners have signed agreements to deliver the next phase of the New Hospital Programme.

    • NHS trusts and construction partners sign agreements to deliver next generation of hospitals
    • Long-term partnerships mark a major milestone for New Hospital Programme
    • Patients, taxpayers and industry to benefit from collaborative, more efficient approach

    Eleven significant long-term partnerships have today been signed to deliver new hospitals across England from Manchester to Cornwall and the east of England. The confirmed partnerships will transform how NHS hospitals are delivered across England, marking a major milestone for the New Hospital Programme as it moves into its delivery phase.

    The agreements bring together NHS trusts and leading construction organisations to deliver 11 hospital schemes through a new collaborative approach that is designed to build modern hospitals more efficiently, while ensuring every scheme continues to meet the needs of its local patients, staff and communities.

    The partnerships will support the delivery of Hospital 2.0 – the New Hospital Programme’s modern, standardised approach to designing, building and operating hospitals. Combining national standards, digital innovation and modern methods of construction, Hospital 2.0 will improve quality and productivity while creating healthcare environments that are safer, more sustainable and fit for the future.

    The agreements mark the start of delivery for the first wave of partnerships, enabling NHS trusts and their construction partners to move forward with delivering hospitals that will serve communities for generations to come. The contracts will also deliver a pipeline to support the growth of the construction industry and development of skills.

    Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said:

    For too long, the construction of new hospitals has been bogged down by bureaucratic procurement processes, even after full approval and funding was in place, and we’re determined to change that.

    The changes announced today are a major step forward in streamlining the procurement process. Patients can look forward to new hospitals being delivered quicker, industry can plan with certainty, and taxpayers can be assured that we are getting maximum value for their money.

    With stronger collaboration, shared learning and a boost for jobs, this further demonstrates this government’s commitment to the New Hospital Programme, providing world-class facilities for the NHS and helping the economy in the process.

    Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer for the New Hospital Programme, said:

    The Hospital 2.0 Alliance marks an important milestone for the New Hospital Programme and a new way of delivering major public infrastructure. By bringing together NHS organisations and industry as genuine partners, we’re creating a model that combines national consistency with local leadership. Together, we’ll deliver hospitals that are safer, more sustainable and designed to meet the needs of patients and staff for generations to come.

    Under the new delivery model:

    • NHS trusts remain responsible for delivering hospitals that reflect the needs of their local communities
    • national standards will improve quality, consistency, and value for money across the programme
    • long-term partnerships will encourage collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement throughout delivery

    The Hospital 2.0 Alliance brings together the New Hospital Programme, NHS trusts and construction partners in long-term partnerships designed to transform how hospitals are delivered. Rather than treating each hospital as a stand-alone project, the approach enables organisations to share expertise, apply consistent standards and continuously improve delivery across multiple schemes.

    Charlotte Taylor and Paul Mustow, Senior Responsible Owners for the New Hospital Programme at the Department of Health and Social Care, said:

    The Hospital 2.0 Alliance demonstrates what can be achieved when government, the NHS and industry work together with a shared ambition. By combining national leadership with local expertise, we’re creating a more collaborative approach to delivering the next generation of NHS hospitals – one that supports innovation, delivers better value for taxpayers and leaves a lasting legacy for patients and staff.

    The first wave of Hospital 2.0 partnerships includes:

    • Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – GRAHAM
    • Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – Sacyr UK
    • Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Laing O’Rourke
    • James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
    • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – Bovis Construction
    • Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Leighton Hospital) – Integrated Health Projects (VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine joint venture)
    • Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Morgan Sindall Construction
    • North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Hinchingbrooke Hospital) – Kier Construction
    • Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
    • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust – Willmott Dixon Construction
    • West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust – DRAGADOS Sociedad Anónima

    The contract signing marks a significant step in delivering the government’s commitment to modernise NHS infrastructure, helping create hospitals that:

    • improve patient experience
    • support staff wellbeing
    • provide high-quality healthcare environments for future generations
  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Crown Prince of Bahrain [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Crown Prince of Bahrain [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince And Prime Minister of Bahrain, this morning.

    The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Prime Minister condemned the unacceptable Iranian attacks on Bahrain and offered His Royal Highness the UK’s ongoing support.  

    The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the UK-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.

    Turning to trade, the Prime Minister welcomed the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, and underlined his desire to continue to work with Bahrain on trade to help drive growth in every postcode in the UK and drive prosperity in both countries.

    The two leaders look forward to speaking soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Sultan of Oman [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Sultan of Oman [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by discussing Oman’s Al Batinah North Growth Hub, which was inspired by the Manchester Growth Hub that the Prime Minister set up in his former role as Mayor of Greater Manchester.  

    Turning to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the two leaders discussed the continued threats posed by Iran and the Prime Minister praised His Majesty for his ongoing efforts to bring peace to the region.  

    The Prime Minister reiterated the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and underlined that alongside France, the UK would continue to prepare the Multinational Military Mission to deploy following a ceasefire.

    The two leaders looking forward to meeting soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s history of disregarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s history of disregarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2026.

    Ambassador Holland argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a long-standing pattern of challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states. Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia demonstrate a disregard for OSCE commitments and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Last week, a group of my colleagues and I visited Ukraine. We saw the reality of Russia’s war first hand. We visited communities where Russian strikes have destroyed homes. We met former prisoners of war and the families of civilians arbitrarily detained by Russia, including the families of OSCE staff members whom Russia has unlawfully detained for more than four years. We again call for their immediate and unconditional release.

    The visit was an opportunity to see the consequences of Russia’s actions at first hand. Understanding those consequences also requires an honest assessment of their causes, something which I will offer today.

    Russia has argued that we should look beyond 2022 to understand its war against Ukraine. We agree that context and history matter, so let us examine them.

    Russia’s behaviour prior to 2022 is part of a broader pattern, extending beyond Ukraine.

    In Moldova, Russian military forces became involved in the conflict on the left bank of the Nistru more than three decades ago. Russia later committed at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its forces, yet military personnel remain on Moldovan territory without the consent of the Moldovan Government.

    In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008. Russia subsequently recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and entrenched its military presence there occupying 20% of Georgian sovereign territory.

    Ukraine is part of the same story.

    In 1994, Russia committed to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and existing borders. Twenty years later, following political upheaval in Kyiv, Russia seized Crimea and attempted to annex it. It then supported and sustained armed conflict in eastern Ukraine for the following eight years.

    Russia has sought to justify those actions by claiming that the events of 2014 amounted to an “unconstitutional coup”. This is false. Despite the unprecedented situation, Ukraine’s institutions continued to function. Presidential and parliamentary elections were held, and Ukrainians freely chose successive governments after 2014 through democratic processes recognised by the international community. There was no line in the sand moment. Just a democratic process. Whatever interpretation Russia offers of Ukraine’s domestic politics, it cannot justify violating Ukraine’s sovereignty or redrawing its borders by force using the pretext of a coup.

    When we take the longer and broader view of Russia’s behaviour, it becomes clear that the roots of the war relate to a fundamental question: whether countries that Russia regards as falling within its “sphere of influence” have the right to determine their own future. The full-scale invasion was the latest and most devastating manifestation of Russia’s answer to that question.

    This war was not caused by a single political crisis, nor by a breakdown in diplomacy. It reflects a deeper disagreement about the rules that govern relations between states in the OSCE area.

    Russia helped to shape those principles and freely subscribed to them. From Helsinki to Paris, from Budapest to Istanbul, the record is clear. States are sovereign. Borders cannot be changed by force. Those principles are not new. Nor is there any ambiguity to them.

    The question is whether Russia is prepared to abide by those commitments it has repeatedly undertaken. Until it does, discussions about the roots of this war will continue to lead to the same conclusion: the problem was never the rules themselves, but Russia’s decision to disregard them.

    Finally, Mr Chair, I condemn Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the mass attack overnight that killed multiple civilians, and a recent strike that damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. Russia’s reckless actions continue to have consequences beyond Ukraine. On three consecutive days beginning on 24 July, drones entered Romanian airspace and were subsequently shot down by Romanian F-16s. The first was identified as a Shahed-type drone used by Russia; investigations into the other two incidents are ongoing. We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Latvia and Ukraine. Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine, and the repeated violation of NATO airspace, are unacceptable.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Former police officer’s sentence increased for relationship with abuse victim [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Former police officer’s sentence increased for relationship with abuse victim [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 29 July 2026.

    An ex-Dorset police officer found guilty of gross misconduct for pursuing an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met whilst on duty had his sentence increased after the Attorney General intervened.

    James McClements, 35, of Bridport, West Dorset had his sentence increased to 15 months imprisonment from eight months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months after the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. 

    The court heard that McClements visited the victim’s home after a call she had made to police following an assault by her abusive former partner. McClements gave the victim his personal phone number and instigated a sexual relationship with her that lasted between December 2023 and July 2024. Throughout the relationship, McClements pressured the victim into keeping their relationship a secret. 

    On one occasion, McClements was visiting the victim at her home when her abusive ex-partner showed up at the property unannounced, breaching his bail conditions. McClements persuaded the victim not to report the incident to police to avoid revealing that he had been there, putting the victim at risk.  

    The Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP said: 

    James McClements abused the trust placed in him as a police officer, pursuing an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim. Furthermore, he pressured the victim into secrecy, when what she needed and deserved was professional support and protection.  

    I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that serious misconduct will be severely punished.

    On 16 June 2026, at Bristol Crown Court, James McClements was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months for one count of misconduct in a public office.  

    On 29 July 2026, at the Court of Appeal, James McClements sentence was increased to 15 months imprisonment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 July 2026.

    Ruth Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.

    The Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB) provides independent leadership and strategic direction to the Board.

    The Chair advises the Lord Chancellor on the operation and future development of criminal legal aid schemes, ensuring they are structured to support a high-performing justice system. The role involves steering discussions on market sustainability, data needs, and the impact of policy changes, as well as overseeing reports, recommendations and representing the Board externally.

    Ruth Evans has been appointed the second chair of CLAAB and succeeds HH Deborah Taylor, who led the Board from 2023 to 2026. Ruth’s tenure will begin on 1 September and run for three years.

    Biography

    Ruth Evans has 40 years’ experience championing the public and consumer interest.

    She is the Founding Chair of Stop Scams UK. Throughout her career, she has chaired a range of public interest bodies, including the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, the Bar Standards Board and the Authority for Television on Demand. Ruth has also held posts as a non-Executive Director within the National Audit Office, the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Serious Fraud Office.

    We welcome the wealth of experience that Ruth brings to the role and look forward to the CLAAB continuing its important work to support and improve criminal legal aid.

    Notes

    The CLAAB was first established in October 2022 and meets quarterly. The membership currently includes representatives from the Bar Council, the Law Society of England and Wales, Criminal Bar Association, London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association, Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), Young Legal Aid Lawyers, Young Barrister Committee, Crown Prosecution Service, the Legal Aid Agency and Ministry of Justice officials.