Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : National Grid backs PM’s education reforms with new £5 million jobs programme to help 5,000 young people into work [August 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 August 2026.

National Grid has today unveiled a major new commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training over the next five years.
- National Grid launches a new £5 million fund to help 5,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training get into work
- Follows the Prime Minister’s reforms to ensure every young person has a clear route into skilled work and give technical education the respect it deserves
- Fund will provide practical training, qualifications, mentoring, and skills support, including routes into careers in energy and infrastructure sectors
- Supports PM’s ambition to rebuild the skilled workforce Britain needs to drive growth, support reindustrialisation and create opportunity across the country
National Grid has today unveiled a major new commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training over the next five years, becoming one of the first major employers to respond to the Prime Minister’s drive to help more young people into work.

The new £5 million ‘Power Within Employability Fund’ will support up to 1,000 young people a year across the UK starting from the first half of next year, helping them develop the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to access long-term career opportunities, including across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The announcement comes less than a week after the Prime Minister unveiled plans to put technical education on an equal footing with academic study, ending the outdated disparity between how vocational and academic pathways are treated, and ensuring every young person has a clear route from the classroom into skilled work.

The reforms are designed to rebuild the ladders of opportunity that once helped young people move from school into good local jobs. For too long, practical, and technical skills have been treated as a second class, despite growing demand for skilled workers in sectors that will power Britain’s future – from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to construction, engineering and the infrastructure projects that will help modernise the country.

Under the Prime Minister’s plans, employers, schools, colleges and local leaders will work much more closely together to ensure young people can develop the skills businesses need and access opportunities closer to home.

Rather than being designed solely in Westminster, these new technical pathways will be shaped around the industries driving growth in local communities and supporting the government’s mission to reindustrialise Britain and create opportunity in every part of the country. National Grid’s new fund is one of the first major commitments from an employer to back the Prime Minister’s announcement and it builds on the growing movement of employers supporting young people into work.

By investing directly in training, qualifications and routes into employment, National Grid will help thousands of young people gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to move into work, while helping address skills shortages in sectors critical to Britain’s future and infrastructure. The fund forms part of National Grid’s wider commitment to powering progress and opportunity in the communities it serves, while helping develop the skilled workforce needed to deliver the energy and infrastructure projects the country needs.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

Last week, we announced fundamental reforms to the education system to ensure there’s parity between academic and technical routes – giving all young people the chance to a clear path in life. A key part of this is matching employers to young people to ensure they get the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need.

National Grid’s announcement is exactly the kind of response we want to see. Not only are they powering our country every day, but they’re putting real energy behind helping thousands of young people gain skills, build confidence and take their first steps into work.

We’re determined to fix the youth unemployment crisis and restore opportunity and hope across the country.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

Demand for skilled workers in clean energy is growing thanks to our drive for clean power, which has attracted over £100 billion in private investment.

Young people up and down the country will benefit from 400,000 extra clean energy jobs by the end of the decade, and we’re working closely with companies like National Grid to make sure people are trained up and taking advantage of these opportunities.

Zoë Yujnovich, Chief Executive, National Grid, said:

I agree with the Prime Minister that too many young people are being left behind, unable to access the opportunities, skills and support they need to fulfil their potential. That’s why National Grid is launching a new £5 million fund to help around 5,000 young people not in education or work, to develop the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to build long-term careers.

As the UK invests in the infrastructure needed for a more secure, more resilient and cleaner energy future, we will help thousands of young people build confidence, gain qualifications and take meaningful steps towards employment. By working with expert delivery partners, colleges and employers, we can shape pathways into rewarding careers while helping to strengthen the communities we serve.

The programme will be delivered through specialist employment and skills partners, helping connect young people to opportunities across the UK and ensuring support is matched up with local needs.

The fund will invest in practical training, employability skills and qualifications to help participants overcome barriers to employment and build long-term careers. National Grid’s £5 million fund will help participants access a range of support tailored to the needs of young people furthest from the labour market, including:
- Practical support to access work, including help to gain a driving licence where transport is a barrier to employment opportunities.
- Industry-recognised qualifications and accreditations, including Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards and other qualifications needed to access jobs across the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Dedicated employability coaching and mentoring, providing one-to-one support to help young people build confidence, identify career goals and prepare for the workplace.
- Job readiness and life skills training, including CV writing, interview preparation, communication skills, workplace behaviours and other support designed to help young people succeed in employment.
- Direct links to employers and job opportunities across National Grid, its suppliers and the wider energy and infrastructure sector, creating clear pathways from training into work.
- Access to real employment opportunities, including with National Grid and its UK supplier network.
National Grid’s commitment shows the difference employers can make when they work alongside local communities to create new opportunities for young people. Many businesses already play an important role in expanding opportunities for young people to get into work, but the Prime Minister has been clear that more needs to be done across the board to ensure every young person has a clear route from the classroom into a good job.

The government will continue working with employers, mayors and local leaders across the country to expand work experience, skills support and routes into work, and better connect young people to the industries driving growth in every part of the country. The reforms announced last week are the first step in rebuilding the ladders of opportunity and ensuring more young people can access the good jobs being created in their own communities.

Whether that’s advanced manufacturing in the North West, clean energy on the east coast, life sciences in the Midlands or creative industries in our cities, the Prime Minister’s reforms will help prepare young people for the future being built around them. As we reindustrialise our regions, new vocational and technical pathways will ensure growing local industries have the skilled workforce they need to succeed, strengthening local economies and helping make working people better off.
03/08/2026
Churnet Valley Railway – 2026 Statement on Vandalism

The statement made by Churnet Valley Railway on 1 August 2026.

Whilst we always try to keep our posts positive, celebrating the incredible work of our volunteers and staff, and sharing the wonderful experiences our visitors have, occasionally something happens that simply leaves us shaking our heads.

Over recent days we have discovered that the fence we erected at the site of the future Leek station has been deliberately dismantled. Rather than being damaged accidentally, the fence has been carefully unscrewed, paling by paling, with the screws removed as well.

Sadly, that wasn’t the end of it.

Our small JCB mini digger, generously funded by one of our volunteers some years ago, had been left on our land for just 24 hours awaiting collection back to our maintenance depot. During that short time, someone decided to vandalise it. Controls have been ripped off, electrical components torn out, the dipstick removed and, unbelievably, dirt and grit poured into the engine sump.

This wasn’t an abandoned machine. It wasn’t causing anyone any harm. It was simply waiting to be collected after helping our volunteers maintain the railway.

The real victims are our volunteers. They give up their own time, freely and willingly, to preserve and improve this railway for everyone to enjoy. They now find themselves without a vital piece of equipment that makes so many maintenance tasks quicker, safer and easier. We must now either find a replacement or hope that someone with the necessary expertise can repair what has been damaged.

We simply cannot understand why anyone would choose to do this. It serves no purpose, benefits nobody and only diverts money and volunteer effort away from improving the railway.

If anyone has seen anything suspicious around the Leek extension or has any information that may assist us, however small it may seem, we would be grateful if you could contact us privately.

Let’s hope that the vast majority of people, who support and care about the railway, continue to outweigh the actions of the very few who do not

02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with His Majesty the King of Jordan Abdullah II

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 August 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, this morning.

The Prime Minister began by setting out how much the UK valued its friendship with Jordan.

From defence and security to the growing economic ties, it was a unique and vital relationship for both countries, the Prime Minister added.

Turning to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Prime Minister said he was focused on de-escalation, adding that the UK would continue to support Jordan in its self-defence.

The leaders also discussed the appalling situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Prime Minister condemned the attacks by Israeli settlers taking place in the West Bank and said he would look at what further measures could be taken to deter the unacceptable violence.

The Prime Minister added he looked forward to building a personal friendship with His Majesty.

02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government takes action to crack down on rogue funeral operators [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 31 July 2026.

Urgent work to take place to protect bereaved families.
- Proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector to be developed following harrowing case in Hull
- DHSC to lead cross-government work to ensure that every person in every setting is treated with the respect they deserve in death.
- Work will formally commence following the sentencing of criminal funeral director Robert Bush today
The government has announced urgent plans to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector and ensure better protection for bereaved families after the sentencing of Robert Bush today.

Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading, and theft.

The Department for Health and Social Care will now drive forward work alongside other government departments, including the Ministry of Justice and the Law Commission to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector, and to protect bereaved families against the heartbreak of having their loved ones mistreated in death.

This will include developing a range of detailed proposals to drive up standards, including regulation of the funeral sector. These will be drawn up in discussion with established operators, faith groups, families, and other stakeholders.

As part of this work, the Law Commission will undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed.

For bereaved families, there can be few things more painful than knowing a loved one was not treated properly after they died. The deceased cannot speak for themselves, which is why clear safeguards, stronger oversight and consistent standards are needed to protect their dignity and give families the reassurance they deserve.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

Robert Bush’s actions were utterly abhorrent, and my thoughts are with all the bereaved families in Hull who have been so badly let down.

In the wake of this horrific case, we will now bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, including proper regulation of the funeral sector. We are determined to drive rogue operators out of this industry, and protect other families from suffering this same heartache.

Every person in every situation deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves certainty that their loved ones are being treated with care and respect.

The Government will work closely with bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups and others to ensure that future policy is proportionate, effective and informed by those with relevant experience.

This will ensure action is designed to give families confidence that funeral providers are meeting clear, consistent standards, no matter where they live or which provider they choose.

It will also reinforce the profound responsibility placed on anyone entrusted with caring for someone after death.

This case is another horrendous example of where the deceased have not been honoured with the care and respect many of us would have expected. The findings from Sir Jonathan Michael’s independent inquiry into the actions that allowed David Fuller to commit his horrific crimes showed that we need to consider how we can ensure better standards across all settings that look after our loved ones after they die, including where some level of regulation is already in place.

Many funeral providers offer compassionate and professional care every day. Stronger oversight, including regulation and other measures, would protect families from poor practice, support good providers, and restore confidence in a sector people rely on when they are at their most vulnerable.

Andrew Judd, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Funeral Directors, said:

We welcome the government’s commitment to raising standards and oversight across the whole funeral sector and look forward to working with government to ensure that every single deceased person and their bereaved families are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

We will work with Government and industry during the engagement to secure meaningful change for all bereaved families as soon as possible. We believe that statutory regulation can best achieve this aim and will continue to make that case during this process.

Paul Allcock, Government Liaison at the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), said:

SAIF welcomes the DHSC’s commitment to engaging with the funeral profession on regulation.

Any framework must protect the deceased and their families as a priority, but must also uphold standards and recognise small and medium-sized independent funeral businesses. It should be proportionate, preserve family choice and maintain a diverse market.

We’re committed to supporting the engagement and cross-government work.

SAIF members currently follow the UK Funeral Director Code and undergo inspections of premises, mortuary facilities and administrative processes. Families also have access to an independent complaints and redress process, delivered by an externally audited alternative dispute resolution body certified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, providing an added safeguard.

We’ll continue working closely with the DHSC and MOJ to shape regulation that protects the deceased, their families and supports a sustainable funeral profession.

Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:

We look forward to working with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice to ensure the improvement of standards in the funeral sector enable all families and communities to bury their loved ones with dignity and care.

The Jewish community is proud of its high standards of care for the deceased and internal regulatory processes, which ensure that Jewish people are buried safely, respectfully, and in accordance with religious requirements.

Mohamed Omer MBE, Chair, National Burial Council, said:

We have followed the Robert Bush (Legacy Independent Funeral Directors) case with deep distress. The findings are profoundly troubling and have caused immense pain to families who entrusted their loved ones to this service. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all bereaved families affected by this appalling breach of trust, care and decency.

The National Burial Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to urgent action to strengthen oversight, accountability and professional standards across the funeral sector. Muslim and Jewish communities have specific religious requirements for timely burial and respectful handling of the deceased, making dignity and transparency essential. NBC works closely with burial societies and funeral directors to uphold high standards and will support DHSC and the Ministry of Justice in strengthening safeguards and effective self‑regulation.
02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Modi of India [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India today.

The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strength of the UK-India partnership and the significant impact it has had on local communities across the UK.

The Prime Minister set out his ambitions to further enhance the UK-India relationship, including through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and strong people-to-people links.

The Prime Minister praised the contribution Indian communities in the UK make to the fabric of UK society, with Prime Minister Modi noting the links between the two leaders’ own home cities of Manchester and Ahmedabad, in Gujarat, which he called the “Manchester of India”.

Turning to trade, the Prime Minister underlined the value of the recently introduced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India, which will create opportunities for people across both countries.

The Prime Minister set out his personal commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, and both leaders noted the potential to work together on cutting edge technology, such as AI.

The two leaders then discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing to continue to work closely together towards deescalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Both leaders look forward to speaking again soon and meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.

02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK adopts updated Khmer translation of its name [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 2026.

The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom.
- new Khmer language name reflects all four nations of the United Kingdom and the UK’s modern political structure
- the revision was developed in consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts and the Royal Academy of Cambodia
- approved by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom, following consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts, the Royal Academy of Cambodia and members of the British community in Cambodia, and with the approval of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The full official title of the United Kingdom in English is “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.  This remains the full and official title in English. We have updated and modernised the Khmer language translation to ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”. The new translation more accurately reflects the UK’s current political structure as a constitutional monarchy and the fact that it is a union of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The preferred short form will be ”ព្រីតថេន”, a newly minted Khmer word which is a transliteration of the English word “Britain”.

The revision reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the Khmer language accurately represents the identity of the United Kingdom, while respecting Khmer linguistic conventions and usage. It also highlights the value of collaboration between Cambodian and British partners in promoting mutual understanding between our two countries.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, said:

I have had the tremendous privilege of an extended period learning Khmer and have deep respect for its fundamental importance in Cambodian culture.  I believe strongly in sustaining this vibrant, living language.

When I first learnt the Khmer word for my country, I discovered that the words used, when translated into English, do not reflect the modern, diversity of the UK nor my own personal identity, as someone with English, Northern Irish and Welsh heritage.

Our decision to update the translation is an indication of the deep respect and importance we place on the Khmer language.  We did not want to impose a change that felt alien to Khmer speakers so we consulted widely.  It was fascinating to learn from the Royal Academy that the King Father had used a more accurate term for my country in the 1960s – “រាជាណាចក្ររួម”.  It feels respectful to revive this historic usage so we have put the King Father’s words at the heart of our updated translation.

I am grateful to the Royal Academy, our linguistic partners, members of the British community in Cambodia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for their expertise, thoughtfulness and collaboration in helping us reach this important milestone.  I hope this new translation will play a small role in enhancing the friendship and mutual understanding between our two great nations.

The updated translation takes effect immediately and will be used across official British Embassy communications in Cambodia.

Further information
- the revision was formally proposed by HM Ambassador to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and has received ministerial approval
- the previous term ”ចក្រភពអង់គ្លេស និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as “English Empire and Northern Ireland”, not ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
- the updated Khmer translation is ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
- the preferred short form is ”ព្រីតថេន”, which can be translated to either “Britain” or “Great Britain”
02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Gemma Stevenson appointed as HMTC for Middle East & Pakistan [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 July 2026.

Gemma Stevenson has been appointed as HMTC for the Middle East and Pakistan and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is delighted to announce that Gemma Stevenson has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan, and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and will take up the role in September 2026.

Prior to this role, Gemma was Director in the Department for Business and Trade covering the UK’s Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises. She previously held senior civil service roles focusing on the UK’s commercial relationship with the Indo-Pacific, and economic and investment security.

Before joining the civil service, Gemma spent a decade in South Asia where she was an adviser to the Indian and Afghan governments on trade and commerce issues, and Director to the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan. She has acted as a consultant for private sector clients in the UK from the professional services, transport and consumer goods sectors.

Gemma holds a degree in Modern History and Modern Languages from the University of Oxford and a Masters in Economic Public Policy from Princeton University.

Gemma takes up the role at an exciting time, with the UK having successfully concluded a milestone free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a major win for the UK and the Gulf and is the latest step in our mission to grow the economy through high-quality trade deals that deliver real benefits for people across the UK.

Gemma Stevenson said:

Our work on trade and investment is more than the exchange of goods and services and capital flows. It is about shared ambition, trust and relationships that deliver innovation and growth. I look forward to working with government and private sector partners across the Middle East and Pakistan to realise these opportunities.

Gemma replaces Sarah Mooney, who has covered the role on an interim basis since early 2025.

Sarah Mooney commented:

It has been a privilege to lead DBT in the Middle East and Pakistan in support of the government’s growth mission. Across every market, I have seen for myself the opportunities for UK business, as well as a genuine appetite from countries in the region to deepen their partnership with the UK towards shared economic growth.

Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Middle East and Pakistan

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

The HMTC has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work in the Middle East and Pakistan including:
- growing the overall trade and investment relationship
- improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
- developing trade policy
The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.
02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Bishop of Leeds [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2026.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Dr. Toby Matthew Howarth, Suffragan Bishop of Bradford in the Diocese of Leeds, for election as Bishop of Leeds, in succession to The Right Reverend Nicholas Baines following his retirement.

Background

Toby was educated at Yale University, Birmingham University and the Free University of Amsterdam, and trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St. Augustine, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 1993. From 1995, Bishop Howarth served as a study partner with Crosslinks and The Netherlands Reformed Mission League in India and, in 2000, he was appointed Evangelist at the Pilgrim Father’s Church in Rotterdam. From 2002, Toby served as Tutor with the Church Mission Society at Crowther Hall, Selly Oak, in the Diocese of Birmingham and was made Vice-Principal in 2003.

In 2004, Bishop Howarth was appointed as Priest-in-Charge, Springfield St. Christopher, additionally serving as Inter-Faith Adviser to the Bishop of Birmingham from 2005. He served as Secretary for Inter-Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Adviser for Inter-Religious Affairs from 2011.

In 2014, Bishop Howarth took up his current role as Bishop of Bradford, and has been serving additionally as Acting Bishop of Leeds since 2025.

02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode [July 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 July 2026.

The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.
- Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation
- Mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so communities directly benefit when their economy grows, with new powers for communities still on the road to devolution
- Taking a tried and tested approach nationwide – delivering better transport, more homes and skills training matched to local jobs
The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prime Minister believes the country’s towns, cities and communities can drive far more growth and opportunity if they are given the tools to do so. Where local leaders have been trusted with greater responsibility, they have already delivered results:
- In West Yorkshire, a Housing Investment Fund of up to £334 million is helping unlock land for development and bring forward stalled sites, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes.
- In the Liverpool City Region, local leaders are transforming transport through the rollout of Tap and Go ticketing on Merseyrail, bringing the bus network into local control later this year and taking rail services back into public ownership by 2028.
- In the North East, 65,000 residents have been supported to gain qualifications, opening up new employment opportunities in sectors including construction and childcare.
The UK cannot rely on success in a small number of places alone. By giving more communities the tools to succeed, these reforms will help spread opportunity more widely, raise living standards and ensure more people feel the benefits of economic success in their everyday lives.

As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.
02/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia – UK statement [July 2026]

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

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

Thank you, Mr Chair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Mr Chair.

02/08/2026