Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s attack on cooperative security in Europe – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s attack on cooperative security in Europe – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 May 2026.

    Ambassador Holland welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire and Ukraine’s efforts to pursue peace, condemns Russia’s mass attack on Kyiv and highlighted how Russia’s actions have undermined cooperative security, OSCE mechanisms and trust.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the US-brokered ceasefire of 9–11 May. We note Ukraine’s offer to extend the ceasefire on long-range strikes beyond 11 May. This offer fits squarely with Ukraine’s long-standing efforts to create a more conducive environment for negotiations on a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, Russia wasted no time in restarting long-range strikes – once again choosing the path of destruction over the path of peace.

    We saw the consequences of this overnight, with Russia launching over 600 drones and nearly 60 missiles, predominantly at Kyiv. A residential building, a school and a veterinary clinic were damaged. We condemn these barbaric attacks.

    Mr Chair, children have been among the most gravely affected by Russia’s decision to choose war. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported, subjected to indoctrination, and, in some cases, exposed to militarisation.

    That is why the United Kingdom has imposed a package of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children. These measures form part of a coordinated international response alongside our partners, including the UK’s participation at the High‑Level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels, reaffirming our commitment to accountability and to the safe return of children to their families and communities. We will, of course, return to this subject later in our meeting.

    Mr Chair, this Council exists because participating States once shared a clear vision of security in Europe. The Helsinki Final Act spoke of security built “through cooperation” rather than confrontation, and the Charter of Paris committed us to a Europe “whole, free and at peace”. The OSCE was designed to translate that vision into practical tools: dialogue, transparency, restraint, and verification.

    Russia’s actions over many years have steadily eroded that model. The continued presence of Russian forces in Moldova and Georgia against the host countries’ will, the illegal attempted annexation of Crimea, and Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine have all struck at the foundations of cooperative security. Alongside this, Russia has hollowed out the OSCE’s instruments: obstructing confidence- and security-building measures, disregarding requests under the Vienna Document, and contributing to the wider erosion of the European arms control architecture.

    The impact is visible in this very room. Weekly Permanent Council meetings are confrontational rather than problem-solving.  Agreed OSCE mechanisms for military transparency and risk reduction are weakened or unused. Trust has been replaced by accusation, and predictability has been replaced by escalation.

    Russia’s treatment of this Organisation has also unfortunately extended to its personnel. We condemn the continued detention of our three colleagues: Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. This is emblematic of a broader pattern: obstruction of independent scrutiny and disregard for the spirit of commitments undertaken by consensus.

    Mr Chair, none of this was inevitable. The OSCE does not require reinvention; it requires recommitment. A return to the founding purpose of this organisation would mean engaging seriously with OSCE mechanisms, restoring transparency and restraint, respecting agreed rules, and ending actions that fundamentally contradict them.

    Above all, it would require Russia to end its illegal war of aggression and to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian, Moldovan and Georgian territory.  We urge Russia to do this. Above all, of course, because it is the right thing to do. But also because it is the only way to change the status of this organisation from a theatre for confrontation, which is a direct consequence of Russia’s actions, to something more recognisable to all of its founding fathers.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bill that could nationalise British Steel takes first step through Parliament [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bill that could nationalise British Steel takes first step through Parliament [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 May 2026.

    The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill will take its first step through Parliament today with its First Reading.

    A Bill to grant the Government powers to nationalise steel companies such as British Steel, subject to a public interest being met, will be introduced to Parliament today (14 May), marking an important step towards safeguarding the long‑term future of the UK steel industry.

    The Bill will have its First Reading – its formal introduction to Parliament – today, with its Second Reading expected to take place in the near future where MPs will have their first opportunity to debate the Bill and give their opinions.

    Safeguarding Britain’s steel capability and capacity is firmly in the national interest. The Bill provides the Government with a route to bring steel companies, such as British Steel, into public ownership where this is necessary and when a public interest test is met.

    The legislation builds on the Government’s Steel Strategy, launched in March, which sets out a long‑term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector, restore domestic production to sustainable levels and secure steel’s role in critical sectors including national infrastructure, defence and clean energy.

    Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:

    Revitalising our steel sector is a top priority for this country, and this is an important first step to safeguard our steelmaking capability which would allow us to secure the future of British Steel and explore possible options to modernise the industry.

    The fact this is one of the first of all the Bills announced yesterday to start its passage through Parliament shows this government is serious about securing Britain’s domestic steel production, and we’re putting it right at the top of our agenda.

    Director General of UK Steel Gareth Stace, said:

    We strongly welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement to legislate for the nationalisation of British Steel. This provides vital certainty for the workforce, the company’s customers and the wider supply chain at a critical moment.

    Steel is a foundation industry and a recognised strategic national asset. Maintaining domestic production capability for British Steel’s products is essential not only for economic growth but also for our national security and resilience.

    The Bill will apply across the whole of the UK and includes provisions for independently assessed compensation where its powers are used.

    Steel remains a cornerstone of Britain’s economy, supporting around 37,000 direct jobs and more than 60,000 jobs across supply chains. But years of global overcapacity, unfair competition and high operating costs have made it harder for UK‑based steel companies to compete and invest.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Minister calls on London and the East of England to join new £50m nationwide veteran support network [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Minister calls on London and the East of England to join new £50m nationwide veteran support network [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 May 2026.

    Funding of up to £1m available for existing veterans’ hubs across the UK to join VALOUR – the Ministry of Defence’s new support system.

    An estimated 100,000 veterans in London and the East of England stand to benefit from VALOUR,  a new network of recognised centres that will coordinate access to support across health, housing, employment and more. 

    The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in the Ministry of Defence has already provided £13m of funding to 14 organisations to join the UK-wide VALOUR system, with the OVA inviting organisations in London and the East of England in particular to apply for funding. 

    Government ministers are calling on existing centres that support veterans, voluntary organisations and local councils to apply this spring for funding between £200k and £1m to join the system. 

    Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said: 

    London has a rich military heritage as the strategic nerve centre of defence, home to the nation’s most famous veterans at the Tower of London and Royal Hospital Chelsea, countless ceremonial and reservist units, and the headquarters of numerous veteran charities.

    The East of England also has a rich military heritage, with its airfields playing a crucial role in campaigns during the Second World War. Today, the region is the home of F-35 jets, key intelligence and surveillance facilities.

    It is only right that veterans in these areas have a physical point of contact where they can be assisted to access the support that’s right for them.

    Alongside VALOUR-recognised centres, the £50m VALOUR system will include a headquarters in the OVA, field officers to evolve local networks, increased capacity for MOD Veterans Services, and an online support platform. The system will work together to share data and form better connections between national government and councils, voluntary organisations, and service providers. 

    The UK Government is investing record levels in support for our veterans, and is renewing the nation’s commitment to those who serve with a 10-year Veterans Strategy, which aims to celebrate and support veterans, and help them to contribute to their local communities and the economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence delivering on diplomacy strategy as Minister visits Western Balkans and Türkiye [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence delivering on diplomacy strategy as Minister visits Western Balkans and Türkiye [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 May 2026.

    UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo strengthening NATO partnerships and Euro-Atlantic security across the Western Balkans.

    • UK-Türkiye industrial relationship strengthened following the landmark £8 billion Typhoon export agreement.
    • Visit underscores importance of alliances and partnerships in this new era for defence.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker has completed a four-country tour reaffirming Britain’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, defence partnerships, and regional stability.

    Earlier this week in Podgorica, Lord Coaker met with Prime Minister Spajić and Defence Minister Krapović. Discussions in Montenegro covered NATO, defence modernisation, and Ukraine support. 2026 is the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence and the visit provided an opportunity to both expand our partnership and mark this important milestone for our NATO Ally.

    Visiting Serbia, Lord Coaker laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, honouring the shared sacrifice that underpins the UK’s enduring commitment to the region. He met Assistant Minister for Defence, Nenad Miloradović, Assistant Minister for Defence Policy, Predrag Bandić, and Chief of General Staff General Mojsilović. 

    In Kosovo, Lord Coaker visited UK personnel serving with NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) at Camp Novo Selo. KFOR is an international peacekeeping force focused on maintaing security and stability for all peoples of Kosovo.

    The Minister also met Kosovo’s Minister for Defence to discuss support for the Kosovo Security Force’s and their alignmemt with NATO standards, underlining the UK’s long-term commitment to peace and security in the region.

    The tour concluded in Istanbul at SAHA 2026, Türkiye’s premier defence and aerospace exhibition. Lord Coaker held senior meetings with Turkish political, military, and industry leaders.

    Building on the recent landmark £8 billion Typhoon agreement, Lord Coaker’s visit is part of an enduring and strengthening UK-Türkiye defence partnership.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

    Our partnerships are our strategic strength and my meetings with friends and allies this week show the importance of deepening defence cooperation, and standing together as increasing threats challenge our security and stability.

    That spirit of stronger cooperation extends to our defence industries, including our Typhoon exports to Turkey. Working with trusted allies boosts British businesses, drives innovation and supports highly skilled jobs at home.

    By investing in these partnerships abroad, we strengthen our own capabilities and security at home.

    Lord Coaker engaged with some of the UK’s defence businesses including BAE Systems, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

    The visit supports the build up to the NATO Summit in Ankara in July.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £12.4 million boost to modernise foster care [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : £12.4 million boost to modernise foster care [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 14 May 2026.

    New fund aims to make fostering more accessible and support more people to become carers, as part of wider drive to create 10,000 new foster places.

    Thousands more children and young people will benefit from stable, loving homes as the government launches a new £12.4 million Fostering Innovation Fund to make foster care more accessible and inclusive across England.

    The Fund will help fostering around modern lifestyles and household structures, by updating models of foster care, which set out how care should be delivered. 

    For too long, foster care has been provided on the assumption that people need to be in traditional, married relationships with only one carer working full time to be successful. The Department for Education reforms aim to attract a younger and more diverse mixture of carers as well as improving the experience of fostering for existing carers.

    The new fund will support the modernisation of the foster care system, enabling more flexibility in how care is provided, without compromising on safeguarding standards. Fostering helps to give vulnerable young people the best possible start in life, breaking the link between background and opportunity.

    The funding will be allocated to Regional Care Co-operatives and fostering hubs, which are operated by Local Authorities. They will be collaborating with a range of partners, potentially including children’s charities and commercial providers to develop and trial innovative new models of foster care 

    Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister said:

    Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe and loving home, and I’ve been truly inspired by the foster carers I have met who make that happen.

    This investment will help us bring fostering into the 21st century, moving on from outdated assumptions about who can foster and how care should be offered and opening it up to a wider range of people.

    This will help us recruit more carers, and change more children’s lives by giving them a stable home.

    Innovation in the fostering sector is already being driven forward in many parts of England. For example, a foster carer with four years’ experience in Manchester was previously limited to one placement due to space constraints in her home. With a £7,800 grant provided through the local Room Makers scheme run by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, she reconfigured her home and will soon welcome siblings.

    Other new forms of care being trialled by some organisations include respite or weekend-only fostering, whereby children spend time with foster carers at weekends or for shorter periods during a week. This can support other forms of long-term care, such as a child in a residential care home or being looked after by extended family members.  

    These innovative approaches can improve outcomes for children and families and make fostering more appealing to a wider range of people.

    Launched during Foster Care Fortnight, the Fund will help Fostering Hubs and Regional Care Cooperatives to expand successful fostering programmes and trial new ways of supporting foster families and children.

    This includes opportunities to form partnerships between organisations so they can more effectively test and develop new approaches.

    Sara Fernandez, CEO at NOW Foster, said:  

    At Now Foster, we believe fostering should be something many more people can see themselves being part of. Children in care need safe, stable and loving homes, and they also need a village of trusted adults who can stay alongside them as they grow up. We love seeing people step in as Weekenders, building long-term relationships with children when they might not otherwise be able to foster full-time.

    These relationships can bring consistency, joy and love to children, while also offering vital support to full-time carers. They also give people a way to build their confidence, skills and understanding of fostering, should they want to foster more in the future. By making fostering more flexible and accessible, we can open the door to more people offering the kinds of enduring relationships that can change a child’s life.

    Andy Elvin, CEO of TACT, said:  

    TACT is delighted by the investment the government are making in foster care. We are equalled thrilled by the attention the Minister is paying fostering and the pace at which he is acting to address longstanding issues in the sector which have been largely ignored in the past decade. Fostering is more than providing a home, it is about providing a future, about showing up when it matters most & about being there for the long term.

    Fostering is a commitment and it is heartening that the commitment shown by tens of thousands of foster carers day in , day out in the UK, is now being matched by the Government. This is not just about investing in fostering, it’s about investing in the children in our communities who need it the most.

    Dame Carol Homden, Coram CEO, said:  

    This investment is a timely and clear acknowledgment of the strength and potential of a fostering sector that is already rich with creativity, commitment and practical innovation.

    What is particularly encouraging is the opportunity this fund creates for local authorities, independent fostering agencies and wider partners to work together more intentionally, as collaboration is essential if we are serious about improving outcomes for children in care. 

    The investment forms part of the government’s wider plans to reform and expand foster care, creating 10,000 additional foster care places over the course of this Parliament.

    The fund was first announced in February as part of the government’s Fostering Action Plan, which set out measures to make fostering more flexible, improve support for carers, and update local authority decision-making processes on who can become a foster carer.

    The funding will support projects designed to improve outcomes for children and young people, including initiatives aimed at preventing children from entering residential care unnecessarily and helping them remain in family-based settings wherever possible.

    The launch forms part of wider activity planned during Foster Care Fortnight, to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.

    Successful applicants to the fund are expected to be announced later this summer following the close of the application process.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 May 2026.

    British soldiers will be equipped with modern guns capable of firing eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70km away – delivering the long-term close support artillery solution for the British Army, a landmark moment in UK defence modernisation.

    • Procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) for the British Army will deliver a step change in artillery capability.
    • The UK’s £1 billion investment delivers on the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, and supports at least 500 British jobs, including at Rheinmetall’s Telford facility and KNDS Stockport.
    • Rheinmetall set to use British steel through Sheffield Forgemasters, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and supporting the UK Steel Strategy.  

    72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

    The weapon systems – the barrel, breech, recoil system and trunnions – will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s large-calibre production Telford facility. Rheinmetall is set to use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, supporting the UK Steel Strategy which recognises steel is fundamental to the UK’s industry and national resilience. 

    The BOXER drive module – chassis, engine, drive train – that the weapon system sits on will be manufactured by KNDS UK in Stockport, sustaining critical armoured steel welding in Britain as well as supporting 100 skilled jobs in Stockport. Together, the programme is expected to support the creation of 100 new skilled jobs at Rheinmetall’s Telford facility, support 100 jobs at KNDS Stockport and back 300 jobs in the wider UK supply chain.

    The programme delivers on the Trinity House Agreement by strengthening UK-German collaboration and deepening interoperability between Allied forces.  

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    This major investment is defence delivering for the battlefield and for Britain’s economy. By securing next-generation artillery with Germany, not only are we rearming to strengthen NATO against growing Russian aggression but also creating highly skilled jobs here in Britain.  

    This is what we mean when we say defence is an engine for growth – investment in our security that powers new jobs across the country.

    German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, said:

    The RCH 155 will significantly enhance the artillery’s firepower, safety and flexibility. It is a vital element of modern artillery support. Together with the United Kingdom, we are demonstrating that we take interoperability within NATO seriously and are putting it into practice.

    At the same time, we are underlining the close defence cooperation between Germany and the UK. My British counterpart John Healey and I are keeping our word and are implementing the Trinity House Arrangement step by step. Joint exercises and training will bring our armed forces even closer together. This will deepen military cooperation in the long term and improve our operational readiness – for greater security in Europe.

    RCH 155 is mounted on a BOXER chassis and can redeploy at speeds of up to 100km/h, making it harder for adversaries to target. Advanced automation of the turret allows the platform to be operated at the push of a button from the crew compartment by just two soldiers. 

    First deliveries of the RCH 155 vehicles are expected in 2028 to achieve a minimal deployable capability within this decade. This contract follows the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract signed in December 2025 and a £53 million Long Lead Item procurement contract earlier this year, facilitating Rheinmetall’s large calibre gun manufacturing facility in Telford. 

    Rheinmetall aims to use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, which manufactures specialist steel parts used in critical defence programmes and employs 720 skilled staff. The government invested over £420 million of additional funding in Sheffield Forgemasters last year, bolstering sovereign steelmaking capability for defence, including gun barrels and nuclear submarines. 

    The RCH 155 replaces the AS90 artillery systems granted in kind to Ukraine in 2023. The Archer artillery system currently serves as an interim capability and will continue to do so until the RCH 155 enters service.  

    The RCH 155 procurement between the UK and Germany builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed in October 2024. This commitment to improve and enhance bilateral defence cooperation between both nations will exploit the combined capabilities of each nation’s test and evaluation centres, to enable faster delivery at less cost. It will deepen interoperability between Allied forces and directly strengthen NATO’s collective defence on the eastern flank. It also anchors significant industrial benefit in Britain, supporting the skilled workers who will build and maintain them.  

    The investment also supports the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to make defence an engine for growth and the Army’s goal to deliver tenfold greater lethality within the next decade.   

    Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lt Gen Simon Hamilton CBE said:  

    Britain answered the call for aid by providing artillery systems to Ukraine at the outbreak of the war. We knew the risk – the gap in our warfighting capability – that this would present. The success of bringing the RCH 155 onto contract to develop our 155mm Close Support Artillery requirement, in collaboration with Germany, marks the first significant milestone in replenishing this capability. We are grateful to the National Armaments Director, our industry partners and our own programme teams for the fantastic work which they have done to bring this to fruition and look forward to our continued work with our German allies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 13 May 2026.

    The UK Government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 18th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

    The 18th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 13 May 2026 in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government. Representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance.

    The co-chairs took stock of the implementation of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, and discussed elements that require further work, under the overall objective of ensuring the full, timely and faithful implementation of the Agreement.

    Representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, attended the meeting and expressed their views and experience from the ground.

    The co-chairs welcomed overall progress on the issuance of documents for Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries correctly evidencing their status, while noting that many beneficiaries were yet to obtain them. They underlined the importance of ensuring a successful transition to permanent residence for all eligible EU citizens and UK nationals over the course of this year.  

    The co-chairs also discussed the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA) and recalled that guidance is available for Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries for a better understanding of the applicable rules on the websites of the Commission (PDF, 528KB) and of the UK Government.

    The EU reiterated the concerns about the approaches that affect the rights of EU citizens when attempting to travel on a certificate of application, access to proper appeal rights for EU citizens whom the UK authorities consider were originally granted their residence status in error, and about NHS charges for those who submit a successful residence application after the June 2021 deadline, with particular consequences for newborn children. 

    The UK highlighted its concerns with the implementation of one member state concerning the treatment of late applications and the risk of further issues in the future as UK nationals seek to acquire permanent residence. The UK also noted that several EU Member States are not currently providing overseas criminal conviction certificates in a timely fashion, resulting in delays to EUSS application processing times. 

    The EU and the UK underlined their ongoing commitment to the full implementation of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement and to continue meeting regularly to advance. They agreed to meet again in autumn 2026.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scope of maternity review confirmed [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scope of maternity review confirmed [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 13 May 2026.

    Sussex families to get answers as maternity review scope confirmed.

    • Scope of independent review into University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust confirmed
    • Review will examine maternity cases from 2018 onwards and reflects the priorities and concerns raised directly by affected families
    • Scope was jointly agreed following a series of meetings between families and the Secretary of State

    Harmed and bereaved families in Sussex will get the answers they have been fighting for after the Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed the scope of the independent review into maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx), chaired by Donna Ockenden. 

    The review will shine a light on maternity and neonatal care at the trust and set out the changes needed to ensure services are safe and equitable for every family.

    Families helped shape the scope of the review, ensuring every person who experienced harm gets the answers they deserve, driving lasting improvements to maternity safety.

    The review will cover cases of stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, neonatal harm caused by severe brain injuries, and severe maternal harm. 

    Every family who meets the terms of reference will be automatically included in the review unless they choose not to be, with no need to apply or come forward, ensuring the most vulnerable and bereaved families are not left out. 

    It is expected that the review will examine more than 1000 cases spanning over a decade.

    The vast majority of births in the NHS have good outcomes, and women should continue to attend all maternity appointments. Women and families are encouraged to raise any concerns with their midwife or healthcare team without hesitation.  

    The Truth For Our Babies group said:

    Today we welcome confirmation that the government has listened to families by agreeing to a full and inclusive review into maternity and neonatal services at University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Bereaved and harmed families across Sussex have spent years pushing for a review that reflects the scale of harm experienced due to failures in care and will establish what went wrong to deliver accountability and meaningful change. 

    This outcome has been driven by our group’s extensive organising, advocacy and research despite ongoing struggles, grief and trauma. We are confident that the scope of this review, led by Donna Ockenden and supported by her large multi-professional team will ensure that all voices are heard and importantly acted upon.  

    It gives us hope that families will finally receive the answers they have been seeking. We need to know what has failed, why so many families have been harmed, and what immediate and then further and long-term actions will be taken to improve maternity safety for future parents and babies in Sussex. 

    We would encourage any affected families or those who think they may have been affected who would like to connect with us to join the Truth for Our Babies Facebook group. It is a community for us to share our experiences and find other people who understand. Every bereaved or harmed family’s experience matters.

    Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:

    The families in Sussex who have campaigned so tirelessly for this review have shown extraordinary courage. Their commitment to ensuring no other families suffer what they have is admirable, and they deserve the full truth about what happened to them and their babies.

    The scope we have set out is deliberately broad and inclusive with all eligible cases included automatically unless families choose otherwise.

    Donna Ockenden has already shown, time and again, that she has the expertise and confidence of the families to lead a thorough review, and I have every confidence she will do the same in Sussex.

    Donna Ockenden said:

    It’s a privilege to have the trust of so many families across Sussex. Family voices will run through the heart of the Review; their perspective is essential in ensuring that the Review is fully inclusive and reflective of their experiences (what has happened to them), and meets their needs.

    Together with families, we will develop the Terms of Reference of the Review to make sure that all families have the opportunity for their voice to be heard – especially disadvantaged, seldom heard and global majority families.

    My team and I are fully committed to ensuring that hearing from and learning from family experiences and the voices of current and former staff ‘on the ground’ across Sussex will shape improvements at the Trust to the benefit of both families and staff.

    As we progress through the Review my team and I will share learning from what we hear from families and staff. This will help shape improvements so that local communities can feel confident that maternity care is improving whilst our work is ongoing.

    As independent chair, Donna Ockenden will also have the power to consider cases before 2018 and those where women believe they meet the criteria around severe harm, but whose records are incomplete or missing, ensuring the review is as thorough and inclusive as possible.

    The full terms of reference will be developed with Donna Ockenden and families in the coming months.

    The independent review at UHSx follows concerns raised by harmed and bereaved families about the safety of care provided at the trust. The Secretary of State met with a core group of families and MPs in March and April this year and committed to appointing an independent chair and agreeing a scope for the review at pace.

    Today’s announcement comes as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) upgrades its rating for leadership at UHSx from inadequate to requires improvement.

    The government is determined to go further and faster to ensure families at UHSx and others across the country get the safe, high-quality maternity care they deserve. Since July 2024 across England, it has:

    • recruited an extra 2,000 midwives
    • invested more than £149 million in 122 infrastructure projects across 49 NHS trusts to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal care facilities
    • implemented a new programme to reduce the 2 leading causes of avoidable brain injury during labour
    • piloted Martha’s Rule in maternity and neonatal units in 14 trusts across 6 regions to give patients and families the right to request a second opinion
    • launched a package of initiatives and interventions to reduce stillbirths, neonatal brain injury, neonatal death and preterm birth * introduced a Perinatal Culture and Leadership Programme to develop a culture of safety, learning and support for leads from all maternity and neonatal units
    • created targeted schemes to promote midwife retention and the Graduate Guarantee, so that every qualified nurse and midwife in England can apply to join the health workforce
    • expanded maternal mental health services to help women, and extended the baby loss certificate scheme to include all historic losses
    • rolled out guidance across the NHS to tackle the leading causes of maternal death, including thrombosis, mental health, epilepsy and haemorrhage
    • launched an anti-discrimination programme and a system to better identify safety concerns
    • published an inequalities dashboard through NHS England to support the identification of areas where specific populations face the greatest disparities, enabling tailored interventions and more equitable support.

    The Secretary of State has also:

    • ordered a national maternity investigation, chaired by Baroness Amos, to develop one set of national recommendations to drive improvements in maternity and neonatal care across England and reduce inequalities in the delivery of these services
    • appointed Donna Ockenden to chair an independent review of maternity
    • committed to chairing a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce to ensure the investigations’ recommendations translate into action.
  • PRESS RELEASE : WTO General Council – UK Statement [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : WTO General Council – UK Statement [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 May 2026.

    UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council in Geneva.

    Agenda item 5: Request for Observer Status by the African Union – Communication from Mozambique on behalf of the African Group (WT/MIN(26)/9 – WT/GC/W/995) – Request from Namibia on behalf of the African Group

    The UK is a supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and was the first non-African country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the AfCFTA Secretariat in September 2021.

    The UK is content with the request from the African Group for the African Union to be an observer, recognising the unique role of the African Union.

    This should not, however, be a precedent for more regional and supranational groupings being observers. All requests should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Agenda item 8. Preserving the Spirit of Open and Predictable Trade: Collective Restraint Against Actions Undermining Trade Liberalization – Request from the Republic of Korea

    We agree with much of Korea’s analysis. The gaps in the WTO framework and the poor implementation frameworks have left us unable to address systemic issues that are leading to politically unacceptable outcomes.

    These problems, including those connected with subsidies and overcapacity, have been debated in many different parts of the WTO. In disputes, in the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and elsewhere. 

    We very much agree that these issues have long-standing and complex roots.

    Yet all of our discussions, all of our conversations have not yielded any results. They have not resulted in any change.

    It has left Members with no other option but to act. It underlines the urgency that we need to change our approach and get really serious about addressing the lack of a level playing field and move forward with reform.

  • PRESS RELEASE : WTO General Council May 2026 – UK Statements for Agenda Items 1, 2 & 3 [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : WTO General Council May 2026 – UK Statements for Agenda Items 1, 2 & 3 [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 May 2026.

    UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    Agenda item 1: Election of Chairperson

    The UK would like to start by expressing our condolences at the passing of the Commerce Secretary, Mahbubur Rahman, a tragic loss. We would also like to bid a fond farewell to departing colleagues and to welcome new Members whom we look forward to working with. Importantly we would like to thank Ambassador Saqer bin Abdullah Al-Moqbel for the thankless task that you have taken on, and we would like to thank you as much as possible for having done so. As others have said your dedication and patience, and on a personal note, I am particularly grateful for your warmth and openness in the work that you have done.

    A warm welcome to Ambassador Kelly. The UK very much looks forward to getting to work under your guidance, and you have the UK’s full support on the choices of beverages. I know that New Zealand has a very strong coffee culture. I also note that you have great Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and that the UK is content with either beverage, at any time of day!

    Agenda item 2+3: Follow-up to MC14 (Yaoundé)

    The UK is grateful to Cameroon and the Secretariat for the organisation of MC14 and in particular for the genuine warmth, the reception and hosting of the event. We are however disappointed in the outcome. Something that the hosts could not control and is way beyond their ability to shape.

    The outcome is what it was. We did not achieve substantive outcomes on any of the major decision items. We did, however, as has been mentioned, come very, very close. What is clear from the discussions is that the need for change is significant. The support for reform and change is also significant. As has been noted, we do have a document that has widespread support. I know from the UK perspective we do not currently have a mandate to engage in further process discussions. We are however ready to engage in further discussions with any and all countries who are willing and ready to do so. The UK will start to think about substantive policy papers that we will bring forward to this Council.

    However, we want that process to be inclusive and orderly, involving all Members. That requires a process, we think that some of those ideas set out by the Chair are ones that we would fully support. Whilst the Work Programme is not everything that the UK wanted, to maintain order, if other Members are willing, the UK to voluntarily constrain its scope to the work programme as outlined at the end of Yaounde in the Chair’s statement.

    We believe there are lessons to be learned from previous process. I think some of the points that you note are in the right direction in that regard.

    There is also outstanding work to do in two areas where we missed an opportunity for decisions.

    The first is IFDA. We thank South Africa and Türkiye for changing their positions, but we are still extremely disappointed that we did not reach consensus. We do celebrate the launch of the joint Ministerial Declaration which provides clear next steps to advance incorporation and implementation of the Agreement.

    On E-commerce the UK is also disappointed at the outcome. We are now in a situation with no moratorium, no dedicated venue to discuss digital trade. This provides significant challenges for the reputation and credibility of the WTO and an important sphere for companies around the world. We do however welcome the ECA and the UK remains open and committed to providing certainty to businesses through this and other viable mechanisms in the interim period. Primary for us is to seek a multilateral solution in place for the moratorium. Finally, we were of course disappointed very significantly with the lack of outcomes on development and we are willing to support all areas of the LDC package including to find compromises on LDC Graduation. The UK would encourage all parties to continue to engage with an open mind on this topic.