Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 January 2026.

The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.
- UK and Poland to enhance joint training to improve both countries’ ability to shoot down air and missile threats.
- Polish helicopter pilots and instructors to begin training in the UK this summer as part of deepening cooperation.
- Agreement comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street.
The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

The allies have agreed to explore the development and procurement of new capabilities to counter a range of air threats, as well as how to encourage the establishment of new manufacturing capacity in Europe.

Under the agreement, the British and Polish militaries will train together in virtual environments to improve air defence coordination without the cost and danger of live exercises.

The enhanced training will boost Euro-Atlantic security and will be delivered as part of the UK-led NATO initiative known as Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND).

The UK and Poland also agreed at today’s meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to enhance their helicopter training cooperation.

From this summer, the first of eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be joined by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors who will be permanently stationed in RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour.

The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, including advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The UK and Poland’s defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats.

This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries.

It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin.

It comes as the UK defence budget is rising to record levels, with the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270bn this parliament alone.

Poland is one of the UK’s strongest allies with over 350 British personnel currently deployed across Poland, and with British and Polish pilots flying together as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission to protect Polish and NATO airspace.

UK-Polish defence industrial collaboration is deepening rapidly – worth around £8 billion to the UK over the past three years, showcasing how defence is an engine for growth.
January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Regulator investigates Titchfield Festival Theatre over governance concerns [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 13 January 2026.

The charity is based in Fareham and has charitable purposes including the advancement of the dramatic arts.

The Commission engaged with the charity in May 2024 to assess a complaint about the charity’s activities.

During the course of this engagement, further concerns came to the regulator’s attention relating to its accounting information, outstanding accounts and potential unmanaged conflicts of interest. As a result, the Commission has escalated its engagement with the charity to a statutory inquiry.

The inquiry, which opened on 27 November 2025, will examine the administration, governance, and management of the charity and in particular:
- the trustees’ compliance with their statutory accounting and reporting responsibilities
- the financial controls and financial management of the charity
- the trustees’ decision making including their management of potential conflicts of interest in relation to related party transactions
- whether there has been any unauthorised private benefit to the trustees and/or connected parties
- the trustees’ oversight and management of the charity’s relationships with connected entities.
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.  

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing the issues examined, any action taken, and the inquiry’s outcomes.  

ENDS

Notes for Editors:
- The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. The Commission has a wide range of regulatory powers which it can use to support charities and protect charitable assets. Further information about the Charity Commission and its work is available at The Charity Commission – GOV.UK.
- On 27 November 2025 the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
- A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation.
January 14, 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Estonia – Jo Lomas [January 2026]

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

Jo Lomas has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia in succession to Ross Allen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Lomas will take up her appointment during July 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Jo Lomas

Year	Role
2025 to present	FCDO, Deputy Director, Europe Directorate
2021 to 2025	FCDO, UK Commonwealth Envoy
2018 to 2021	Kigali, British High Commissioner
2015 to 2017	Windhoek, British High Commissioner
2011 to 2015	Sarajevo, Deputy Head of Mission
2010 to 2011	Maternity leave and Bosnian language training
2008 to 2009	FCO, Team leader and then Head FCO Global Response Centre
2006 to 2008	FCO, Team leader, Internal Communications
2001 to 2006	Geneva, Second Secretary (WTO)
1998 to 2000	Damascus, Third Secretary (Political/Press)
1997	Baghdad, Press Officer and Special Assistant to Head UNSCOM
1995 to 1997	London/Cairo, Arabic language training
1993 to 1995	FCO, Desk Officer, UN Humanitarian Dept
1993	Joined FCO

January 14, 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Three Members appointed to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority board [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 13 January 2026.

The Secretary of State has appointed Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples as Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority Board for a term of three years.

Emma Clancy

Emma is an experienced leader in both the public and private sector and formerly served as Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC). She served the committee for over 9 years and headed up a number of committees providing expert advice to Government, helping to develop the future regulatory framework for buildings addressing sustainability and safety issues.

She boasts a wealth of experience in consumer protection, public policy and regulation during a career covering sectors including construction, water, banking, retail and not- for-profit organisations.

Emma was CEO of Certsure LLP for 15 years – the leading voluntary regulatory body in the electrical contracting and energy sector which is focused on raising standards. Emma’s leadership and innovative thinking was credited with modernising the not-for-profit joint venture – moving it up more than 20 places in The Times Top 100 Companies to work for in 2018.

She has also worked as Director of Care for BMI, the world’s largest manufacturer of building products. She currently leads the development of strategy for a FTSE 50 company and is also a non-executive director on the UKAS Board.

Russell Procter

Russ has over 30 years’ experience in the public sector, focussing on policing and community safety. He retired in 2024 as Assistant Chief Constable, known for his expertise in public order, public safety, civil contingencies, and major incident coordination. Russ spent the final 7 years of his service as a Gold Public Order Commander, leading complex operations and overseeing the planning and testing of emergency responses.

Throughout his career, Russ has worked closely with football clubs from League Two to the Premier League, along with a wide network of stakeholders, to enhance stadium safety and security. He has extensive experience of working alongside Club Executives, Ground Safety Officers, Safety Advisory Groups, Blue Light Services, Supporter Forums, and UEFA.

Currently, Russ serves as a consultant Match Day Safety and Security Observer for the English Football League, supporting ground safety teams nationwide. He is also an associate with the College of Policing, where he delivers Gold Public Order and Public Safety Command training, as well as re-accreditation courses to senior leaders across the country.

Kate Staples

Kate Staples has extensive experience in the regulation of safety-critical sectors and the protection of consumers. Kate was the General Counsel & Secretary to the CAA until December 2021, holding the role for over 11 years. During that time Kate was also a Trustee of the Air Travel Trust, and of the CAA’s pension scheme, and company secretary to the CAA’s two subsidiaries: ASSI Ltd and CAA International Ltd. She was Director of

Governance and Legal Services at the Care Quality Commission throughout 2023. Kate is now an Independent Commissioner at the Data & Marketing Commission, the guardians of responsible data and marketing. She is also a Director of CAAPS Ltd, a large defined benefit pension scheme. Before joining the CAA, Kate worked at the Department for Transport, and at a leading City law firm.

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have been appointed for a term of three years, commencing on 12 January 2026 until 11 January 2029.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority are remunerated £265 a day.

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.

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have 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.

January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Overspeeding at Cambridge Junction [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 13 January 2026.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into an incident of overspeeding at Cambridge Junction, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, 11 December 2025.

At 10:39 on 11 December 2025, train reporting number 1T20, the 10:12 London Kings Cross to Ely service, operated by Great Northern (a trading name of Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd), was involved in an overspeeding incident at Cambridge Junction.

At the junction, the train was routed from the Down Slow line over points for a diverging route. These points have a permanent speed restriction of 25 mph (40 km/h). CCTV evidence shows that the signals for this route displayed the expected indications; however, the train traversed the points at 56 mph (90 km/h). This caused the train to lurch sideways, with several passengers falling out of their seats as a result. The permissible speed for a train remaining on the Down Slow line is 75 mph (121 km/h).

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident and no damage was caused.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into this incident. We have also reviewed the circumstances of two similar incidents which took place at Grantham South Junction on 25 February 2025 and 26 September 2025, as well as two previous RAIB investigations into overspeeding events that occurred at Spital Junction, Peterborough on 17 April 2022 (report 06/2023) and 4 May 2023 (report 10/2024).

As these previous investigations still have open recommendations, RAIB has decided to publish a safety digest for this incident.

January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Sheep carcase classification rules to deliver fairer prices for farmers [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 January 2026.

New rules mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases come into force, bringing sector in line with beef and pork.

New regulations mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases in England come into force this week (Monday 12 January), bringing the sector in line with beef and pork and ensuring farmers are paid more fairly for their livestock at slaughter.

The government has brought in the rules following extensive consultation with industry to establish a consistent and transparent system, giving producers clear information on how animals are assessed and priced at slaughter.

By standardising classification, farmers can respond more effectively to market demand and better understand the characteristics that attract premium prices. Fairness within the agricultural supply chain is a key priority for the government and integral to food security.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said:

British lamb is rightly recognised worldwide for its exceptional flavour and production standards – and supply chain fairness is vital to ensure farmers and processors are properly rewarded for the quality food they produce.

By ensuring a fair and transparent sheep market, we’re backing British producers, strengthening our food security and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Phil Stocker, CEO of the National Sheep Association, said:

I welcome the introduction of this new regulation on which Defra has worked closely with industry. It’s a helpful step to simplify and give more clarity to sheep farmers over deadweight price comparisons between processors.

It also means that for all but the smallest abattoirs we will now see sheep carcass grading come under the control of the RPA, bringing us in line with cattle grading.

Both these improvements further ambitions to create better transparency and trust through the supply chain. Farmers selling live through marts won’t be directly affected and we are in a better place with choices and greater transparency in how we choose to sell our lambs.

Similar regulations for Scottish slaughterhouses also take effect this week, with Wales and Northern Ireland to introduce equivalent measures in early 2026, creating a consistent UK-wide framework.

The new rules complement the government’s wider work to protect farmers in trade deals, strengthen supply chain resilience, lower costs for consumers, and deliver a thriving, innovative food sector through the Good Food Cycle.

January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Immigration Enforcement raids reach highest level in history [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 January 2026.

Illegal working arrests and raids have reached their highest level after relentless activity by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams.
- Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers
- 1,320 raids in Wales lead to 649 arrests
- Dodgy businesses including car washes, nail bars and barber shops targeted alongside sweeping reforms announced by the Home Secretary to cut illegal migration
Illegal working arrests and raids have reached the highest level in British history thanks to relentless activity by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams.

Latest figures reveal the number of raids have soared by 77% in the UK since the government came into power, leading to an 83% rise in arrests (July 2024 to end of December 2025).

Over 17,400 raids were made to dodgy businesses – such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops – targeting those attempting to undercut honest workers and hide in plain sight.

The major uplift, which led to more than 12,300 arrests, was made possible by a £5m funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality.

In Wales, 1,320 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 649 arrests – a 103% and 85% rise respectively compared to 2024.

The crackdown on illegal working builds on this government’s work to restore order to the immigration system and end the lure of illegal working that gangs use to sell spaces on small boats.

It sits on top of government’s work to remove and deport 50,000 illegal migrants – a 23% increase under this government.

Today’s figures come after the Home Secretary set out sweeping reforms to the immigration system – making it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to the UK and easier to deport and remove those with no right to be here.  

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

There is no place for illegal working in our communities.

That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.

I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

Illegal working fuels the black economy and hurts law-abiding Welsh businesses.

This government was clear that we will crack down on people and firms who are flouting the rules and we have delivered this with a record year of enforcement activity across Wales.

The new figures come as Immigration Enforcement officers across the UK are now equipped with body worn video technology.

Following the start of the launch in September last year, all teams are now benefitting from this capability which will help bolster arrests and prosecutions further.

Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Wales and the West of England, Richard Johnson, said:

Illegal working is against the law and will not be tolerated in our communities.

I’d like to thank my teams for their steadfast efforts to tackle this criminality over the past year and we will continue this momentum throughout 2026 to ensure there is no hiding place from the immigration rules.

During illegal working raids last year, officers visited a range of sectors including restaurants, construction sites and nail bars.
- Three visits to packaging and distribution warehouses in Caldicot on 5 August resulted in eight illegal working arrests of Chinese nationals. Four were detained for their removal from the UK.
- A visit to Star Barbers in Porthmadog on 12 September resulted in three illegal working arrests. Two men, of Turkish nationality, were placed on immigration bail and the other, a Swedish man, agreed to leave the UK voluntarily.
- On 14 October, a visit to a commercial construction site in Gower, Swansea, led to the arrest of seven Chinese nationals with four detained for removal from the UK.
And through the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the government is expanding right to work checks, so they cover the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy, ensuring there is no hiding place for illegal workers to flout the rules.

On top of this, the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce is bringing together law enforcement and government partners, including the National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs Council, Border Security Command and Immigration Enforcement, to use every available tool to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs operating in the UK.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a 33% surge in disruptions related to migrant smuggling – with nearly 4,000 disruptions since July 2024 – and a landmark deal with France means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back. 

To further ensure people can only work in the UK if they have permission, the government announced last year it will be introducing digital ID, which will be mandatory to prove someone’s right to work by the end of Parliament.  

This will create a simpler, more consistent way for employers to check someone’s eligibility to work. The move will make it harder for illegal migrants to find work and allow the government to identify rogue business owners who are failing to conduct checks. 

This work combined forms part of the government’s laser focus to secure Britain’s borders and end the false promise of work used to sell spaces on dangerous small boats.
January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership appointed [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 January 2026.

Mary-Ann Ochota has been appointed as an Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership.

The Protected Landscapes Partnership brings together the National Landscapes Association, National Parks England, National Trails UK, and Natural England to support England’s Protected Landscapes to have a greater impact on people, nature and climate.

The PLP chair will lead the strategic objectives of the Protected Landscapes Partnership with a focus on fostering innovative approaches to funding and delivering this government’s commitment for greener, wilder and more accessible Protected Landscapes. They will champion the goals of the Protected Landscape Partnership, amplifying Protected Landscapes’ voices and inspiring a wide range of stakeholders.

As Independent Chair, Mary-Ann will play a pivotal role in establishing a strong, sustainable future for the Partnership. She has been appointed for a one-year term, commencing on 13 January 2026.

Biography
- Mary-Ann is a broadcaster, anthropologist and specialist adviser to organisations working across nature, place and people. She passionately believes that environmental justice and social justice are two sides of the same coin.
- Mary-Ann is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Patron of the Ridgeway National Trail, a member of the hillwalking advisory group at the British Mountaineering Council and is currently President of CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England. She also currently serves on Natural England’s Landscape Advisory Panel.
- Mary-Ann has written three acclaimed books on British archaeology and regularly writes and presents TV and radio programmes in the UK and internationally on archaeology, the environment and nature, and the outdoors.
- She is involved in public campaigns to improve access to, and understanding of, the countryside. She works with a network of grassroots community groups, businesses, public sector and environmental NGOs, including All the Elements, a network of individuals and organisations working to diversify the outdoors.
The Protected Landscapes Partnership
- The Protected Landscapes Partnership is a forum for national collaboration between the partner organisations – the National Landscapes Association, National Parks England, National Trails UK, and Natural England. It also works closely with the National Parks Partnership to develop green finance opportunities and bring new investment to deliver large scale nature restoration projects. The Protected Landscapes Partnership is a hub for innovation and the development of ambitious projects; a place to learn, test new ideas, share knowledge and find peer support.
January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Immigration Enforcement raids at the highest level in UK history [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 January 2026.

Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers across the UK including 187 raids in Northern Ireland leading to 234 arrests.

Illegal working arrests and raids have reached the highest level in UK history thanks to relentless activity by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams.

Latest figures reveal the number of raids have soared by 77% in the UK since the government came into power, leading to an 83% rise in arrests (July 2024 to end of December 2025).

Over 17,400 raids were made to dodgy businesses – such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops – targeting those attempting to undercut honest workers and hide in plain sight.

The major uplift, which led to more than 12,300 arrests, was made possible by a £5m funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality.

In Northern Ireland, 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests – a 76% and 169% rise respectively compared to 2024.

The crackdown on illegal working builds on this government’s work to restore order to the immigration system and end the lure of illegal working that gangs use to sell spaces on small boats.

The activity sits on top of the government’s wider work to remove and deport 50,000 illegal migrants from the UK  – a 23% increase under this government rise.

Today’s figures come after the Home Secretary set out sweeping reforms to the immigration system – making it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to the UK and easier to deport and remove those with no right to be here.  

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

There is no place for illegal working in our communities.

That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.

I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.

Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said:

Illegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation.

This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no place for those flouting the law.

The new figures come as Immigration Enforcement officers across the UK are now equipped with body worn video technology.

Following the start of the launch in September last year, all teams are now benefitting from this capability which will help bolster arrests and prosecutions further.

Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, Paul McHarron, said:

Illegal working is against the law and will not be tolerated.

My teams will continue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law.

During illegal working raids last year, officers visited a range of sectors including restaurants, construction sites and nail bars.
- An immigration enforcement visit was conducted at VN Nail & Spa Salon in Belfast City Centre on 1 May. Three workers of Vietnamese nationality were arrested for illegal working. As a result, one individual was detained for removal.  
- On 28 June, officers visited Europa Car Wash in Bangor. Four individuals of Romanian, Ethiopian and Jordanian nationality, were arrested for illegal working, with two detained for removal from the UK as a result.
- On 25 October, officers visited Beijing House in Londonderry. Three illegal workers of Chinese nationality were arrested. A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on the business owner.  Further inquiries to establish any liability and the liable employer will now take place. The liable employer could face a substantial fine if it’s found they employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.
And through the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the government is expanding right to work checks, so they cover the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy, ensuring there is no hiding place for illegal workers to flout the rules.

On top of this, the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce is bringing together law enforcement and government partners, including the National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs Council, Border Security Command and Immigration Enforcement, to use every available tool to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs operating in the UK.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a 33% surge in disruptions related to migrant smuggling – with nearly 4,000 disruptions since July 2024 – and a landmark deal with France means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back. 

To further ensure people can only work in the UK if they have permission, the government announced last year it will be introducing digital ID, which will be mandatory to prove someone’s right to work by the end of Parliament.  

This will create a simpler, more consistent way for employers to check someone’s eligibility to work. The move will make it harder for illegal migrants to find work and allow the government to identify rogue business owners who are failing to conduct checks. 

This work combined forms part of the government’s laser focus to secure the UK’s borders and end the false promise of work used to sell spaces on dangerous small boats.
January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s use of Oreshnik hypersonic missile should be universally condemned – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

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

At the end of last week, Russia launched yet another brutal assault upon Ukraine.

Ukraine has confirmed that on the night of 8 January, Russia launched 242 drones and 36 missiles, including an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, against targets across Ukraine, particularly critical energy infrastructure.

The attack caused the death and injury of dozens of civilians, the deprivation of millions of power and heating at a time when temperatures reached as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, and additional pressure on vital services including healthcare and water supplies.

Russia’s use of another Oreshnik IRBM should be universally condemned. This hypersonic missile capable of travelling at over Mach 10, is reported to have hit a site in the region of Lviv, just 50 miles from the Polish border. Such action is reckless – it threatens regional and international security, and carries significant risk of escalation and miscalculation.

Russia has attempted to justify this escalation by claiming an attack on one of President Putin’s residences.

But this claim is false; there was no such attack. This is just another case of Russia’s use of disinformation to justify egregious and escalatory activity in Ukraine.

Russia’s latest assault came in the same week that President Zelenskyy and the US were in Paris with European and international leaders to discuss peace.

President Putin claims to want peace, and yet his actions tell a different story.

The rest of the world wants peace in Ukraine – a peace in line with the UN Charter – and we welcome the significant progress which has been made. Together with our international partners, the UK will continue to work hard towards that goal.

Russia’s attacks are clearly intended to erode the morale of the Ukrainian people. But their resilience and determination over the past four years remains undimmed. Energy services are being restored, damaged homes being rebuilt. Ukraine will survive this latest attack, as it has survived so many before.

And if President Putin think this violence will deter Ukraine’s partners, he is wrong about that too. We will continue to ensure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself. And we will increase pressure on Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful negotiations.

For the sake of international security and the integrity of the UN Charter, Ukraine must emerge from this war as a sovereign, secure, and independent country.

January 14, 2026