Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy [November 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 November 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning, ahead of the Coalition of the Willing meeting this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences with President Zelenskyy on the appalling Russian attacks overnight, paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught.

    Reflecting on the talks in Geneva and the diplomatic discussions that have followed, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Prime Minister said Ukraine could rely on the UK’s support as discussions continued.

    Looking ahead to this afternoon’s Coalition of the Willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has been shown in support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for the deployment of the multinational force following the cessation of hostilities.

    The Prime Minister and President looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Soft drinks levy extended to protect children and improve health [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Soft drinks levy extended to protect children and improve health [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 November 2025.

    The government has announced an extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to more high-sugar drinks, including milk-based drinks.

    • Soft drinks levy will be extended to cover more products, including sugary milk-based drinks.
    • Changes could cut 17 million calories a day from the nation’s daily intake, helping to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke, and take pressure off the NHS
    • Companies have until January 2028 to remove sugar or face the new charge, which will add £1 billion in health and economic benefits

    Children will have a healthier start to life after the government announces an extension of the soft drinks levy to more high-sugar drinks, making it easier for families to buy less sugary products.

    Changes will apply the charge to pre-packaged milk-based and milk-alternative drinks with added sugar like supermarket milkshakes, flavoured milks, sweetened yoghurt drinks, chocolate milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees.

    Many of these products can contain as much added sugar as fizzy drinks, where much of that sugar is added separately to the milk, but were previously exempt from the levy, which so far has seen the average sugar content of drinks in scope fall almost 50% since it was introduced. Plain, unsweetened milk and milk-alternative drinks are not and will not be included.

    Obesity is one of the root causes of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With the UK now having the third highest rate of adult obesity in Europe, it remains a critical public health challenge, costing the NHS £11.4 billion a year, 3 times the NHS budget for ambulance services. 

    This and other measures the government is taking to tackle the obesity crisis will prevent hundreds of thousands of people becoming obese, helping to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    An unhealthy start to life holds kids back from day one, especially those from poor backgrounds like mine. We’re on a mission to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, and that means taking on the biggest drivers of poor health.

    The levy has already shown that when industry cuts sugar levels, children’s health improves. So, we’re going further.

    A healthier nation will mean less pressure on our NHS, a healthier economy and a happier society. It’s a simple change that is part of this government’s mission to give every child a healthy start to life.

    The threshold is being lowered from 5g to 4.5g of sugar per 100ml. This means more high-sugar drinks will fall under the levy unless manufacturers reduce sugar, with businesses given until 1 January 2028 to reduce sugar in their drinks.

    This is a levy on manufacturers and importers, which has led to companies acting by halving sugar content in popular drinks to avoid the tax. The government expects companies to do the same with the extension.

    Changes follow a government consultation that ran from April to July 2025. HMRC has today (25 November 2025) outlined the final policy in a formal response: Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy: summary of responses.

    High sugar intake puts children at greater risk of dental decay and obesity – and obese adults are at risk of long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Tooth decay outpaces other common childhood conditions, including acute tonsillitis, as the leading cause of hospital admissions among 5 to 9 year olds in England.

    Between 2015 and 2024, the levy has cut sugar levels in affected products by almost half.

    These interventions have led to substantial reductions in hospital admissions for children requiring caries-related tooth extractions, with decreases of over 28% among 0 to 4 year olds and more than 5% among 5 to 9 year olds.

    In addition, businesses have consistently experienced increased sales of drinks. According to comprehensive Department of Health and Social Care data, these products recorded a 13.5% rise in volume sales (litres) between 2015 and 2024, demonstrating strong consumer acceptance and the commercial viability of healthier reformulated beverages.

    The new plans are expected to reduce daily calorie intake by around 4 million in children and 13 million in adults across England. This could prevent almost 14,000 cases of adult obesity and nearly 1,000 cases of childhood obesity.

    It is expected to also deliver almost £1 billion in health and economic benefits, including by saving the NHS £36 million, reduce social care pressures by £30 million, and contributing around £221 million in economic output through improved workforce participation

    England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said:

    Creating an environment where children are encouraged to have drinks which contribute to increased levels of obesity can harm their health for the rest of their lives.

    The existing Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already substantially reduced the amount of sugar in shop-bought products, helping slow the increase in childhood obesity and bring down hospital admissions for tooth extractions among young children.

    Extending the sugar levy is likely to have further benefit for child health.

    This change is part of a package of measures the government is using to tackle obesity and prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer, including:

    • the healthy food standard to make the average shopping basket of goods healthier
    • banning junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed
    • banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children aged under 16
    • giving local authorities powers to stop fast food shops setting up outside schools

    Katharine Jenner, Executive Director at Obesity Health Alliance, said: 

    Ending the exemption for sugary milkshakes and bringing more sugary soft drinks into the levy is a sensible and long-overdue step to protect children’s health – especially their teeth. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already removed billions of teaspoons of sugar from the nation’s diet without harming industry growth, proving that clear, consistent rules are effective.

    We now urge the government to press on with implementing the rest of its 10 Year Health Plan – helping to rebuild a food environment that supports children’s health rather than undermines it.

    Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair, said:

    The success of this policy won’t be about filling the black hole in the public finances; it will be whether industry will reformulate.

    Voluntary action here has achieved nothing. But since it rolled out in 2018, the sugar levy has led industry to remove tens of thousands of tonnes of sugar from soft drinks.

    Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster with tried and tested policies.

    Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Diabetes UK, said: 

    With cases of type 2 diabetes continuing to rise at an alarming rate, particularly in younger people, we need bold action to cut unnecessary sugar from food and drink. 

    The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has already substantially reduced the sugar in soft drinks, lowering the amount of sugar consumed by children. Expanding it to include milk-based and milk-alternative drinks, which can contain large amounts of hidden sugar, is a welcome step forward.

    We know that, for many people, it can be overwhelming to navigate such a wide range of products, and it’s not always clear what is good for us. This change will help ensure the healthier choice is the easier choice.

    Dev, Youth Activist at Bite Back, said:

    This is great news from the Government, especially because it finally tackles sugary milkshakes and other milk-based drinks.

    The amount of sugar in these products has been completely outrageous, and young people like me have been saying it for years.

    We’re targeted with these drinks everywhere — in supermarkets, on our streets, and across our socials — so this is a really important step. But it can’t stop here. We need this to be part of a bigger package that also strengthens advertising rules.

    Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said:

    We welcome the UK Government taking stronger action on sugary drinks by extending the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to milk-based products and lowering the sugar threshold.

    These steps will help cut sugar consumption, support healthier choices, and ultimately reduce the risk of cancer – something Cancer Research UK has long called for.

    Bold measures like this, alongside commitments on junk food advertising and healthy food standards, must now be delivered in full and enforced properly to create healthier environments for everyone.

    Barbara Crowther, Children’s Food Campaign Manager at Sustain, said:

    This update rightly prioritises children’s health over corporate profit. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has brilliantly succeeded in getting companies to reduce sugar and treating sugary milkshakes the same as fizzy drinks is the right thing to do.

    Companies who’ve already reduced sugar will now be rewarded for acting responsibly, whilst those still stacking excess sugar into milkshakes will now have a clear choice: change their recipe or pay for the health harm caused.

    Aligning the levy threshold with advertising and promotion rules is a sensible move, giving industry one consistent benchmark and making it easier to do business.

    Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said: 

    Children in the UK are consuming too much sugar and too many are missing out on a balanced diet. This has a hugely negative impact on their health – with tooth decay now the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. 

    Today’s announcement is another positive step in the right direction towards creating the healthiest ever generation of children.

    Alongside this, it’s important that we support families living in poverty to improve their access to nutritious food.

    Background

    • The Soft Drinks Industry Levy applies to pre-packaged drinks with added sugar, and with more than 5g of total sugar per 100ml. This will fall to 4.5g per 100ml.
    • Drinks containing between 4.5g and 7.9g per 100ml will continue to fall into the lower levy band. The current rate for this band is £1.94 per 10 litres (19.4p per litre).
    • Drinks above 8g per 100ml will remain in the higher levy band. The current rate for this band is 2.59 per 10 litres (25.p per litre).
    • This doesn’t apply to open top drinks in cafes/restaurants
  • PRESS RELEASE : Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 November 2025.

    Decisive action on third runway to support trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs.

    • scheme chosen to drive a swift and robust policy review to shape plans for Heathrow expansion in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations 
    • review will allow a planning decision by 2029 and London airspace to be redrawn to enable quicker, quieter, and greener flights to take off from a new runway by 2035 
    • new runway will be a boost for connectivity, supporting national economic growth, improving passenger experience and delivering the Plan for Change, after passenger numbers hit record levels at Heathrow this summer 

     A third runway at Heathrow is another step closer to take off by 2035, as the Transport Secretary confirms today (25 November 2025) that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL’s) proposal will be used as the scheme to progress the project.  

    The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation next summer. 

    As the UK’s only hub airport, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, expanding Heathrow will attract international investment, boost Britain’s connectivity, and support economic growth to deliver the Plan for Change. This summer a record 23.4 million passengers travelled via Heathrow, highlighting the level of passenger demand. 

    After requesting further information last month from the remaining two promoters, the government has assessed that HAL’s proposal offers the most deliverable option and provides the greatest likelihood of meeting the government’s ambition for a decision on a development consent application within this parliament.  

    Any amendments to the ANPS will be consulted on next summer after the Transport Secretary committed to completing the process 3 years faster than production of the policy statement in 2018. This will provide an important opportunity for businesses, communities, and the wider aviation sector to have their say. 

    Selection of the scheme to inform the remainder of the review does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny next year. Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review. 

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: 

    Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.  

    Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.  

    We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.

    The government has been clear expansion plans must meet the UK’s legally binding climate obligations alongside balancing delivering economic growth as well as air quality and noise obligations.  

    The independent Climate Change Committee will be consulted on as part of the review to ensure expansion is consistent with the net zero framework. Today the Transport Secretary has written to the committee requesting advice including on the role of aviation in achieving the UK’s carbon budgets and inviting feedback on proposed updates to the ANPS to ensure alignment with climate commitments. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

    We’re taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrow’s third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.

    That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion – creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.

    A swift and robust review of the ANPS was launched last month to consider airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations and sets out the government’s criteria to consider future planning applications.  

    The selection of HAL’s scheme at this stage follows a rigorous assessment of the promoter’s proposals. This has determined that HAL’s proposal includes expansion plans that are resilient and efficient. 

    The government expects that an application for development consent for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport will be brought forward by the promoter of the scheme, the airport operator, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), after the review of the Airports National Policy Statement. 

    The government is also pressing ahead with modernising airspace across the UK, to deliver quicker, quieter, and more efficient flights with lower emissions, reducing the sector’s climate change impacts.  

    The newly published Airspace Design Strategic Objectives will mean that the Greater London airspace block will be given priority in airspace modernisation processes. London’s airspace – which sees over 1.1 million takes offs and landings a year – will be redrawn to ensure the capital’s skies are ready for more departures from a third runway from 2035. This will also benefit passengers after record levels of people flying over the summer, by shortening flight routes and improving resilience in the sector. 

    A consultation has also been launched on simplifying the Air Navigation Guidance to set clear priorities, save carbon emissions, and ensure that people continue to have a meaningful say on airspace changes that affect them.

    Today’s milestone follows the approval of Luton expansion earlier this year and Gatwick expansion last month, as the government continues to back aviation projects that will grow the economy and provide highly skilled jobs. 

    The government is backing the development of green aviation through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill. This bill will ensure Heathrow contributes to the UK meeting its climate targets by providing economic security for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market by guaranteeing a set price per unit for UK producers.  

    An additional £63 million is being invested to speed up construction on new SAF production plants, as the government goes further and faster to deliver growth and reach net zero.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 25 November 2025.

    England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.

    • Mayors to get new power to invest in their areas and drive growth through a charge on overnight stays.   
    • This will put local leaders on equal footing with top tourist destinations around the world.  
    • It’s the latest step forward in putting power in the hands of those who know their communities best.  

    England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.   

    The fee would apply to visitors’ overnight trips, and it would be up to mayors and other local leaders to introduce a modest charge if it’s right for their area.  

    The move would ensure UK mayors have the same powers as their counterparts in cities like New York, Paris and Milan, where charges on short-term trips are already commonplace.  

    The announcement comes ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, which will make the fair and necessary choices to deliver on the government’s mandate for change.  

    This includes cutting hospital waiting lists by delivering record investment in our public services, cutting debt and borrowing by sticking to our tough spending plans, cutting the cost of living by raising the national living wage for millions of workers, and pushing ahead with the biggest drive for growth in a generation.  

    Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said:

    Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions.  

    We’re giving our mayors powers to harness this and put more money into local priorities, so they can keep driving growth and investing in these communities for years to come.

    England attracts over 130 million overnight visits each year.   

    Under plans set out today, any new levy would apply to visitors at accommodation providers including hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.   

    Money raised could then help fund local projects that improve communities and enhance tourists’ experiences, that could potentially help attract more visitors – without needing approval from central government. Research also shows that reasonable fees have minimal impact on visitor numbers.   

    In London, the levy could go towards improvements to some of the capital’s busiest and famous streets to improve the experience for both visitors and Londoners, as well as supporting the city’s entertainment, sport and culture including helping smaller venues.    Meanwhile in Liverpool, it could help the city to support the major events that drive visitors – such as the upcoming UEFA EURO 2028 – and improving the infrastructure that visitors and locals rely on.  

    Many cities around the world charge tourists a small fee when they visit, including New York, Paris and Milan.

    The announcement is the latest step forward in the government’s mission to devolve power and give those who know their areas best control over how money is spent in their communities.  

    Businesses, communities and others with an interest in the measure can have their say on how it should work, with a consultation running for 12 weeks.  

    Further information

    • The consultation is available on GOV.UK and will close on 18 February.
    • Under the proposals, emergency accommodation, homeless shelters and registered Gypsy and Traveller sites used as primary residences would be exempt. Mayors would also have the power to apply other local exemptions where appropriate, so they can tailor the levy to their local economy.

    Additional quotes

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

    Giving Mayors the powers to raise a tourist levy is great news for London. 

    The extra funding will directly support London’s economy, and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination. It also shows what can be done when ministers work closely with Mayors to devolve more powers to cities and regions. 

    As part of developing our plans for the levy we will work closely with the hospitality and tourism sectors to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits for London and our brilliant businesses.

    Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

    For too long, cities like ours have been expected to compete on a global stage without the basic tools that other places take for granted. Cities like Barcelona and Paris raise tens of millions each year through similar schemes – money that goes straight back into improving the visitor experience and supporting the local people who keep those destinations thriving. 

    I’m pleased that the government has listened and acted – giving areas like ours the powers we need to support and grow our economies in a sustainable way. Our visitor economy is worth more than £6billion a year and supports over 55,000 local jobs. A modest levy is money that would stay local and be reinvested in the things that make our region stand out: our world-class culture, iconic events, vibrant public spaces and the infrastructure that ties it all together.

    Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said:

    Residents and visitors alike know how special our part of the world is, from our people to our culture to our nature. Tourism is now worth a record £2.7 billion to the West’s economy, which is a key industry for our new Growth Strategy over the coming decade. 

    These new powers are a real vote of confidence in our region taking more control of our future. Proceeds from an overnight visitor levy, that people from across the West are used to paying on holiday ourselves, have the potential to support and enhance the sector’s businesses and workers – including with better transport options.

    North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

    Even a small amount levied on each overnight stay will transform the welcome we can give to people coming to North East England from all over the globe. 

    This signals the start of a new era of events and festivals we will stage to bring a new focus to our unique world heritage sites at Hadrian’s Wall and Durham Cathedral, our stunning coastlines and the iconic Tyne bridges and gorge. 

    This supports our ambition to double the size of the visitor economy creating thousands of new jobs in the next decade.

    Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith said: 

    A visitor levy in York and North Yorkshire will be a total gamechanger for our region. We’re home to beautiful towns, villages and cities and receive 41m visitors a year as a result. 

    A small charge on overnight stays could revolutionise how we deliver transport, support businesses, invest in infrastructure and the visitor economy. Building the healthy and thriving communities for our residents and everyone that comes to visit them.

    West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

    I’m delighted the government has heard the strong case Mayors have made for the power to ask visitors to pay a small fee to help drive growth. 

    This will allow us to invest more into making our regions even better places to visit, unlocking opportunities and help our businesses thrive. 

    This is a further vote of confidence in devolution and shows the government is backing mayors to achieve our ambitions.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

    It’s great news that the Government is committing to giving regional mayors the powers to introduce a visitor levy – a measure we have long called for. Greater Manchester already has a thriving visitor economy, and a visitor levy will help us sustain good growth over the next decade. 

    I’m proud that nearly two million people from all over the world choose to visit Greater Manchester every year. The money they spend contributes about £9 billion annually to our economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs. The levy will allow us to invest in the infrastructure these visitors need, like keeping our streets clean and enhancing our public transport system through later running buses and trams, making sure every experience is a positive and memorable one.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two non-executive members appointed to the Independent Monitoring Authority [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two non-executive members appointed to the Independent Monitoring Authority [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 November 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority.

    The Lord Chancellor, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Justice, has approved the appointments of Dr Maike Bohn and Lynne Charles as non-executive members of the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) for 3 years from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

    Dr Maike Bohn

    Dr Maike Bohn brings significant experience in strategic leadership, international engagement and public policy. As Managing Director of Oxford in Berlin, she led the University of Oxford’s work in Germany and built wide-ranging partnerships across sectors. She is a co-founder of the3million and has held senior roles in executive education, public affairs and marketing at Cardiff University, Jisc and Saïd Business School.

    Lynne Charles

    Lynne Charles is a former civil servant, with over 20 years’ experience across a number of government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, with a particular focus on EU and international affairs. Most recently, she served as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Bulgaria. Prior to working for the British government, Lynne worked as an official of the European Parliament, with roles in Brussels and London.

    The IMA was established under the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. Its purposes are to monitor how public bodies implement and apply the citizens’ rights parts of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, and Separation Agreement with the EEA EFTA states, and to promote the adequate and effective implementation and application of those rights.

    The IMA has the power to receive complaints, launch inquiries and initiate or intervene in legal proceedings. The IMA also has a duty to review the effectiveness of the legislative framework relating to citizens’ rights. In exercising its functions, the IMA must have regard to the importance of dealing with general or systemic issues in the implementation and application of citizen’ rights. 

    Appointments to the IMA are made by the Secretary of State and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These appointments have been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor to double down on drive to cut NHS waiting times and rollout of new Neighbourhood Health Centres [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor to double down on drive to cut NHS waiting times and rollout of new Neighbourhood Health Centres [November 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 24 November 2025.

    250 Neighbourhood Health Centres to bring patient care closer to home and bring end to postcode lottery of healthcare access.

    • £300 million of funding for NHS technology to support work of staff and boost their productivity.
    • At the Autumn Budget the Chancellor will take the fair choices to cut NHS waiting times, cut national debt and cut the cost of living – continuing record investment into the NHS.

    The Chancellor will double down on the government’s commitment of continuing to slash NHS waiting times in this week’s Budget – today confirming the investment for hundreds of new Neighbourhood Health Centres that will deliver healthcare direct to people’s doorsteps across the country.

    At the Budget on Wednesday the Chancellor will set out how the government will take the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting times, cut debt and cut the cost of living.

    250 new health ‘one stop shops’ will bring the right local combination from GPs, nurses, dentists and pharmacists together under one roof to best meet the needs of the community, starting in the most deprived areas.

    The centres will be part of a new Neighbourhood Health Service that will provide end-to-end care and tailored support – improving access to GPs, helping to prevent complications and avoid the frustration of being passed around the system. 

    As the Neighbourhood Health Service moves more outpatient care out of hospitals, these centres will provide space for clinics in communities across the country – bringing an end to the postcode lottery of access to healthcare.

    Patients will get treatment minutes from home instead of travelling miles to often hard to reach hospitals, so the NHS is organised around patients’ needs – rather than patients organising their lives around the NHS.

    Neighbourhood health services will initially focus on improving access to general practice and supporting people with complex needs and long-term conditions – like diabetes and heart failure – in the areas of the highest deprivation. As the programme grows, it will expand to support other patients and priority cohorts.

    With construction delivered by a dynamic new approach between the public and private sector, involving both repurposing current estate and new buildings, Neighbourhood Health Centres are a key part of the government’s plan to build an NHS fit for the future, one that fits around people’s lives and is an integral part of their community.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    At the Budget I’ll set out how we’ll deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting times, cut debt and cut the cost of living.

    We’re driving down waiting lists by bringing healthcare to patients’ doorsteps and turbocharging NHS productivity with cutting-edge technology.

    Our record investment, combined with ruthless efficiency and reform, will deliver the better care and better outcomes our NHS patients deserve.

    At the Budget, Rachel Reeves is also set to turbocharge the drive to get waiting lists down by funnelling millions of pounds into upgrading technology in the health system – improving productivity so nurses and doctors can focus on caring for patients and speeding up how quickly patients are treated.

    £300 million of new capital investment will go into NHS tech, with new digital tools to be rolled out to NHS staff to support their work and improve productivity – by automating administrative tasks and providing swifter access to patient information, as well as ensuring better staff communication and better coordinated care. This will give nurses, physios, doctors, and other staff more time to care and less time on admin.

    Productivity for hospital care such as A&E and surgery is up 2.4% this year, meaning patients are being seen and treated more quickly across the health service. Achieving 2% productivity growth will unlock £17 billion savings over the next three years to be reinvested into the NHS in England to improve patient care.

    Health Minister, Karin Smyth said:

    Neighbourhood Health Centres fundamentally reimagine how the NHS works – bringing care closer to home and making sure the NHS is organised around patients’ needs, not the other way round.

    The Chancellor is rightly boosting investment in the NHS after we inherited a health service on its knees – with Lord Darzi’s investigation uncovering a £40 billion black hole. But funding will only get us so far. We need to use every measure available to us, which is why we’re leveraging in private investment to construct some of these centres, making the most of all expertise and every tool at our disposal.

    Our new NHS Rebuild approach will give the health service the investment it needs, repurposing and building a new generation of Neighbourhood Health Centres across the country. It will go hand in hand with reform and efficiency – ensuring proper value for money for taxpayers.

    The government has already announced sweeping reforms to the NHS with 18,000 posts cut and NHS England merged back into the Department of Health in order to focus investment at the frontline. The move, which is already underway, will, save over £1bn a year by the end of the Parliament – enough to fund 115,000 extra hip and knee operations.

    This government has already made significant progress to get the NHS back on its feet, cutting the waiting list by over 200,000 – the biggest reduction in over 15 years – delivering an extra 5.2 million appointments and providing 135,000 more cancer diagnoses within the 28-day target. This progress is only possible with the funding the NHS has already seen from this government, which is built on further in this Budget.

    Further information

    Ruth Rankine, director of primary care the NHS Confederation said:

    The creation of a Neighbourhood Health Service has the potential to empower the NHS to deliver even more patient-first, joined-up care.

    Working in partnership with local authorities, the VCSE sector and other partners is key to maximising the impact of these services, so it is welcome that the government is committed to ensuring local leaders have the flexibility to shape them to meet the specific needs of their communities. Bringing teams together under one roof can significantly improve services for the public and patients and provide more cohesive relationships between health and care professionals.

    Innovative use of existing estate across the whole of the NHS as well as local authorities, with the potential for new private sector investment, will support the delivery of neighbourhood services and ensure patients can access them more easily closer to home.

    • The NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild programme will deliver the Neighbourhood Health Centres through a mixture of refurbishments to expand and improve sites over the next three years, and new-build sites opening in the medium term.
    • The new Neighbourhood Health Centres will be delivered through a combination of Public-Private Partnerships and public investment to bring together infrastructure expertise from different sectors to deliver new facilities on time and on budget – so patients across England get faster treatment in new and convenient buildings. By delivering through a combination of private and public investment the government will be able to build further evidence and compare different models of delivery whilst updated accounting treatment will ensure these are recognised up front in public accounts.
    • Lord Darzi’s investigation in the summer of 2024 uncovered a £40 billion black hole in the NHS, and we have already uplifted NHS capital budgets by more than 20% over the SR period (23/24-29/30) to start addressing this. NHS England, NHS Providers, and NHS Confederation have all called for additional routes for infrastructure delivery to be made available to further support the repair and transformation of the NHS estate.
    • The government’s new programme – NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild – will give the NHS the tools and opportunity it is asking for, repurposing and building a new generation of Neighbourhood Health Centres across the country that are and free at the point of use.
    • More than 100 centres will be opened by 2030 including refurbishments to the Alfred Barrow Health Centre in Barrow-in-Furness, the Stockland Green and Summerfield Primary Care Centres in Birmingham, the Jubilee Gardens Centre in Ealing .
    • This government will only supplement public investment with private investment where it provides value for money to the taxpayer. This new PPP model will learn lessons from past and current PPP models, and include improvements so that taxpayers get proper value for money.
    • Public-private partnership programmes are used internationally, to support delivery of infrastructure.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government gives voice to nature at COP30 climate conference [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government gives voice to nature at COP30 climate conference [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 November 2025.

    UK accelerates global leadership on nature at COP30.

    • First company – a British startup – contributes to the Cali Fund paving the way for others to do the same and mobilise private sector finance for nature at scale 
    • Minister for Nature works with global partners to mobilise finance for nature, promote sustainable farming for food security and takes action to protect our oceans. 

    The UK Government has taken bold and ambitious action to protect and restore nature at the COP30 climate meeting.  

    UK representatives have championed the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems around the world, and the essential work we’re doing back home to restore our forests, landscapes and seas for the British people as part of the Plan for Change.  

    During COP30, the first payment to the Cali Fund – by a British business – was announced. This marks a major milestone since its launch earlier this year. The Fund enables companies – such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies – to share profits with Indigenous Peoples and local communities who protect the nature that provides genetic resources for their products.

    The UK is working closely with the private sector and other governments to support effective implementation of the Fund, including through the Friends of the Cali Fund, and this first contribution is a real milestone in these efforts.  

    UK-based startup Tierra Viva AI proudly kickstarts contributions to the Cali Fund, paving the way for others to follow and contribute to the Fund at scale.  

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    British families are already feeling the impact of climate change – from flooding that destroys homes to heatwaves that put vulnerable people at risk.  

    We cannot tackle nature loss and climate change in isolation; in Brazil we have built the global coalition for ambitious action on nature which is the only way to protect our home for future generations

    Ruth Davis, Special Representative for Nature said:  

    The UK has demonstrated technical expertise and worked alongside our global partners to put nature on the agenda, but there is more to do, and we must now amplify the momentum for action at scale on climate and nature.

    This isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet. Building a stronger and fairer global economy will unlock enormous economic opportunities – we know that investing in nature creates jobs and accelerates growth with new opportunities attracting millions in investment.

    At COP30, the UK government has made further commitments to halt and reverse nature loss This includes: 

    • Launching the UK-Brazil Fertilisers Declaration – a global push to cut emissions from fertiliser production and use. It’s about improving food security and protecting jobs and growth by supporting farmers’ resilience and boosting agricultural productivity. 
    • Joining the Saltmarsh Breakthrough – protecting these vital coastal ecosystems which anchor key marine food chains, shield communities from floods and lock away more carbon than most forests.
    • Becoming a Food Waste Breakthrough Country Champion – driving the global goal to halve food waste by 2030 and cutting methane emissions by keeping food waste out of landfills.   
    • Nature actions – COP30 showcased the UK’s role in advancing the global ‘nature actions agenda’. The summit saw the Independent Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits launch its Nature Markets Policy Forum with the UK, France and Indonesia joining as founding members, helping to unlock innovation and investment in high integrity nature credit markets.
    • Congo call to action – The UK also furthered its long-standing partnership with the Congo Basin region, joining a Call to Action, to ensure the world recognises the importance of Congo’s forests and funds solutions developed by Congolese institutions and communities.

    The UK’s leadership at COP30 echoes our commitments to support the environment at home.  

    We announced that the second National Forest will be in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, where millions of trees will be planted as part of a wider commitment to allocate over £1 billion this parliament to tree planting. This will support nature recovery, green jobs, and net zero goals.  

    Further detail on this government’s plan to restore the environment will be set out in the upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan, which will outline the next phase of the UK’s nature recovery ambitions.    

  • PRESS RELEASE : Trustee appointed to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trustee appointed to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 24 November 2025.

    The Prime Minister has appointed Dr Heather Reid as the Trustee and Chair of the Scotland Committee to The National Lottery Heritage Fund board.

    Dr Heather Reid

    Heather Reid has a background in meteorology, climate, natural heritage and science engagement. Her early career was spent as a weather forecaster with the UK Met Office and BBC Scotland. During this time she became Chair of the Institute of Physics in Scotland, a Trustee at Glasgow Science Centre and a leading contributor within Scotland’s education sector on the science and the impacts of climate change.

    More recently her career has focused on Non-Executive roles within the Environment sector. She is currently Chair of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and a Board member at NatureScot – Scotland’s nature agency. She has also been appointed to the Board of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland. Her passion for science engagement is maintained as Deputy Chair of Dynamic Earth science centre and she continues to be involved in science education advisory roles. 

    Heather received an OBE for services to physics in 2006 and has been awarded honorary degrees from Paisley University, The University of Glasgow and The Open University. She relaxes by mountain biking and hillwalking and ranks hiking the iconic West Highland Way with her daughter as one of life’s best experiences.

    Heather Reid has been appointed for a term of three years on The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund Board, commencing on 24 November 2025.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Scottish Trustees of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board and National Heritage Memorial Fund are remunerated £20,749 per annum. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

    Heather Reid has declared no such political activity.

    Notes to Editors

    DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints infrastructure and planning adviser to clear path for new investments [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints infrastructure and planning adviser to clear path for new investments [November 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 24 November 2025.

    Leading lawyer, Catherine Howard, appointed to advise Chancellor on the next phase of planning and infrastructure reforms as she vows to ‘do what it takes to get Britain building’.

    • Extra expertise at the Treasury to help government kickstart economic growth to deliver an economy that works for working people – and rewards working people.
    • Comes as part of government commitment to create conditions to attract long-term private sector investment into UK infrastructure, including landmark planning reforms and backing of a third runway at Heathrow

    Leading planning lawyer Catherine Howard has been appointed to advise Chancellor Rachel Reeves to help drive through the next phase of the government’s planning reforms with new Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, to ‘get Britain building.’

    The Chancellor has vowed that the Autumn Budget will focus on building an economy that works for working people by taking action to reduce inflation, keep a grip on the public finances and kickstart economic growth.

    With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill going through Parliament and barriers to private investment being torn down, the Chancellor is pushing ahead to create the conditions to secure vital long-term investments in UK infrastructure and support Britain’s economic renewal.

    Specialising in major infrastructure projects, Catherine is currently a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, with expertise in Development Consent Orders which provide planning permission for nationally significant infrastructure projects, environmental regulation, and Judicial Reviews.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    I am determined we do what it takes to get Britain building, unlock private investment and deliver an economy that works for working people – and rewards working people.

    I look forward to working with Catherine to deliver this.

    Catherine Howard said:

    It is a privilege to take on this position as the Chancellor’s Infrastructure and Planning Adviser, helping the government to achieve a step-change in how we deliver major infrastructure and housing.

    With the right framework in place, good decision-making can enable swift progress – improving our natural environment and supporting the government’s Growth Mission. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes major strides towards this goal. I look forward to working with stakeholders to consider how we build on this important agenda.

    Catherine was initially appointed to work up to four days a week on an unpaid basis until the Autumn Budget. Catherine’s term has been extended until the 1 January 2026 to continue to support the governments planning agenda. Her terms of appointment remain unchanged.

    Established processes for the declaration and management of interests have been followed in respect of this appointment. Catherine has confirmed she has not taken part in any political activity in the last five years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘We see you’: Armed forces on patrol around the UK in response to Russian activity [November 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘We see you’: Armed forces on patrol around the UK in response to Russian activity [November 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 November 2025.

    Royal Navy intercepts Russian warship and tanker in the Dover Strait and English Channel whilst RAF P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft deployed to Iceland to patrol North Atlantic.

    The UK Armed Forces are on patrol from the English Channel to the High North amid increased Russian activity threatening UK waters.

    In the past fortnight, Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Severn intercepted Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya off the UK coast, in a round-the-clock shadowing operation as the Russian vessels sailed through the Dover Strait and westward through the English Channel.

    HMS Severn later handed over monitoring duties to a NATO ally off the coast of Brittany, but continued to observe from a distance and remained ready to respond to any unexpected activity.

    Commander Grant Dalgleish, HMS Severn’s Commanding Officer, said:

    This tasking shows the value of our patrol ships and reinforces the Royal Navy’s close liaison with our NATO allies in safeguarding the British people and protecting the internationally recognised waterways.

    I’m immensely proud of the way the ship’s company reacted to this activation, especially coming so quickly after a demanding period of regeneration and operational training.

    This comes as the UK has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters in the past two years.

    On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary confirmed that Russian spy ship Yantar – used for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables – was operating on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland. In a clear message to Putin, the Defence Secretary said: “We see you. We know what you are doing. And we are ready.”

    As Yantar lingered in UK’s wider waters, its crew directed lasers at the RAF P-8 pilots tracking it in a reckless and dangerous act. While tracking Yantar, Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and other civilian ships in the area experienced GPS jamming in a further demonstration of unprofessional behaviour, intended to be disruptive and a nuisance. HMS Somerset’s combat capabilities were not affected.

    The UK has a wide range of military options at its disposal to keep UK waters safe. Three RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft have deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland in the largest overseas deployment of the RAF P-8 fleet so far.

    The P-8s from 120 Squadron are conducting surveillance operations as part of NATO’s collective defence, patrolling for Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic.

    While in Iceland, RAF crews are working closely with NATO allies including the US and Canada, reinforcing the UK’s NATO-first approach and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security in this new era of threat.

    These operations reaffirm the UK’s unwavering commitment to national security and protecting critical undersea infrastructure, underpinning this Government’s Plan for Change.

    Wing Commander Higgins, Officer Commanding 120 Squadron, said:

    This deployment to Iceland highlights the enduring importance of the North Atlantic and Arctic to the security of the Alliance.

    Operating the P-8A Poseidon, we continue that legacy by contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring the security of this strategically critical region.

    The UK is stepping up on defence and security, backed by the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, including £4 billion on boosting our drone capabilities and over £1 billion on strengthening air and missile defence to protect the UK homeland.

    These latest operations come less than a month after HMS Duncan tracked the movements of Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov, and frigate HMS Iron Duke was dispatched to monitor Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk.

    Last month, two advanced RAF surveillance aircraft conducted a 12-hour mission along Russia’s border to monitor NATO’s eastern and northern flanks. A Rivet Joint electronic intelligence aircraft and a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, supported by a US Stratotanker, collectively flew 10,000 miles from the High North, past Belarus and Ukraine, and into the Black Sea.

    Both aircraft use advanced sensors to detect Russian activity and deliver critical intelligence for analysis.

    This increase in UK Armed Forces activity comes alongside new sanctions. Last week, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK, US, and Australia are sanctioning Media Land – a Russian cyber crime group responsible for facilitating cyber-attacks on UK-based companies.