Press Releases

Government steps up action to protect children as AI-enabled toys emerge

Government steps up action to protect children with toy safety rules

Tough new rules to crackdown on foreign money in UK elections

New rules include a cap on donations from those who've lived overseas and tougher checks on company donations.

Supported housing residents to keep more of what they earn under new rules

More than 300,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will no longer face a drop in income when increasing their working hours, under new rules laid in Parliament today [Monday 6 July].

Joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz: 3 July 2026

Joint statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron on the Strait of Hormuz.

Investigation launched into Bradford waste dumping

The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into the illegal dumping of waste on land in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Over £4 billion invested in next-generation fighter jet with new international contract

The £4.6 billion contract awarded to industry joint venture Edgewing, funded jointly by the three partner nations, will advance the next stage of the aircraft's design.

Semaglutide (Wegovy) approved to treat form of liver disease

The semaglutide injection has been approved to treat metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis.

Certification Officer Annual Report 2025-2026

Annual Report to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Chair of ACAS on the activities of the Certification Officer

Export bar to save flint handaxes crafted by some of Britain’s very first human settlers

A temporary export bar has been placed on two prehistoric handaxes representing some of the oldest human settlements in Britain

BAE Systems tops the DWP's latest apprenticeships rankings as leading employers named

Top ranking apprenticeship employers have been revealed after the publication of the new leaderboard – with BAE Systems topping the list for 2026.

CAC Annual Report 2025-26

Publication of the CAC's Annual Report for 2025-26.

Culture Secretary celebrates over 400 towns applying to be UK Town of Culture

The Culture Secretary visited the Museum of Liverpool yesterday to celebrate entires to the UK Town of Culture competition

More than half a million secured for environmental improvements

Northumbrian Water pays £550,000 for environmental improvements following two separate pollution incidents.

Environment Agency secures £50,000 from Yorkshire Water

The Environment Agency has secured £50,000 from Yorkshire Water Services for not releasing enough water into the environment from two reservoirs.

Glasgow director banned after importing raw tobacco hidden in furniture

Director disqualified until 2034

Bright Horizons regulatory action

After serious safeguarding concerns at a Bright Horizon nursery came to light in September 2025, Ofsted began an extensive programme of regulatory activity across the 247 nurseries in the Bright Horizons group.

Keep Britain Working continues drive to stop people falling out of the workforce

Nearly 200 workplaces have signed up to be “Vanguards” preventing people dropping out of work due to ill-health, in a new milestone for the programme.

NHS patients get faster access to medicines under new pilots

NHS patients could access cutting-edge medicines potentially months earlier under a series of pioneering pilot schemes.

Fastest infrastructure building in a generation as planning rules overhauled

New reforms confirmed today to speed up the approval process for major infrastructure projects.

Almost 20,000 new homes unlocked after breakthrough by government Water Delivery Taskforce

18,771 new homes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and the Home Counties closer to being built

Attorney General launches free Rule of Law lesson plans for every school in England and Wales

Free, classroom-ready lesson plans on the rule of law are now available to every school in England and Wales, following a new partnership between the Attorney General's Office, Oak National Academy and the Association for Citizenship Teachers.

PM meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said of Oman: 2 July 2026

The Prime Minister met His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said of Oman in Downing Street this afternoon.

Pubs to stay open for Sunday night's England v Mexico World Cup match

Pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am on Monday morning so England fans can come together to watch the World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. 

More farmers supported to grow their businesses and restore nature

New application process for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier opening environmental schemes to more farmers

Dean Moor Solar Farm development consent decision announced

The Dean Moor Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

TRA opens new investigation into LLD polyethylene from the USA

The TRA has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene from the USA.

5.6 million taxpayers check their pay in the HMRC app an average of 18 times a year

HMRC publishes its Transformation Roadmap update.

Two teenage boys given custodial sentences after Attorney General intervenes

Two teenage boys who raped two girls and filmed their crimes in Fordingbridge will now spend time in custody after the Attorney General referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal.

Stronger tourism ties between UK and Greece under new Memorandum of Understanding

UK and Greek tourism ministers meet in London to sign tourism cooperation agreement

Kent opens first VALOUR-recognised centre in new UK-wide veteran support system

Veterans to benefit from increased support as part of the new £50m VALOUR support system.

Peartree Hill Solar Farm development consent decision announced

The Peartree Hill Solar Farm DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

UK steps up support for Venezuela following devastating earthquakes

The UK is scaling up its humanitarian response to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes on 24 June.

Government apologises for historic forced adoption practices

Apology comes with £4 million package of support which includes easier access to adoption records

Ofsted outlines plans to tackle sharp growth in unregistered children’s homes

Ofsted has today outlined a change in its approach to tackling unregistered children’s homes, designed to stop unsafe and unlawful placements and to address issues of sufficiency in the children’s social care system.

Three new Trustees appointed to the Royal Armouries Board

The Secretary of State has appointed Rebecca Crook and Judith Donovan for four-year terms commencing 26 September 2026, and Helen Williams for a four-year term from 1 October 2026

Councils supported to identify and support vulnerable teenagers

New data reveals 32,100 “Phantom NEETS” are being left to drift without help, with up to half of 16 and 17-year-olds unaccounted for in one area.

Landmark support for shipping innovation with publication of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code

New instrument paves the way to strengthening regulatory confidence for UK industry.

MHRA authorises gemcitabine delivery system for adults with BCG-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

As with any medicinal product, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of the intravesical delivery system containing gemcitabine under close review.  

Teachers to benefit from multi-year pay deal

School teachers to see pay boosted over the next 2 years, as part of 17% increase since the general election, backed by significant additional investment.

Public to have their say on National Lottery Good Causes

The government is launching a 12-week call for evidence asking the public to help shape the future of National Lottery Good Cause funding

MHRA secures convictions after a decade-long investigation into falsely marked baby-feeding devices

MHRA investigation secures fraud convictions linked to the supply of non-compliant medical devices.

Amber Rudd to lead review into safety and security of prisons

Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd will lead a major review to make prisons safer, tackle crime and deliver long-term reform that protects the public

Brighton’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair sees hundreds of young people connect with local employers

More than 650 young people from across Brighton and the wider local area descended on the world-famous Brighton Centre to meet with some of the region's best-known employers yesterday (Tuesday 20th June).

Support registered charities to help earthquake aid efforts in Venezuela

The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator offer advice on giving safely when looking to support the international aid effort.

Trade Secretary speech at UK-China JETCO

Business Secretary Peter Kyle spoke at the UK Session of the Big Market for All: Export to China event on 1 July 2026.

Improved family leave and flexible working to signal step change in support for women researchers

More than 50 UK organisations back charter to deliver paid family leave and flexible working support for women in research.

Strategy centre stage at this year’s REG Conference

The 2026 conference launches in Bermuda with focus on strategic planning and maritime matters

CMA opens probe into childcare sector

Review will consider the challenges families face finding suitable childcare as well as pressures on providers in England.

Welfare reforms saving taxpayer £1 billion come into force

Reforms to the Motability scheme come into force today (1 July 2026), saving taxpayers £1 billion by 2030 while protecting disabled people's access to cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs.

CFS named first international partner in UKAEA's LIBRTI programme

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is first international company to join UK national fusion laboratory’s flagship programme to test tritium blanket technologies.

UK targets services exports in China trade talks

UK targets services exports in China trade talks

UK deploys search and rescue team and emergency funding to support Venezuela earthquake response

The UK is releasing an initial £2 million in humanitarian funding to support the response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, including a deployment of specialist search and rescue personnel.

Asylum seekers will pay towards costs of accommodation

Asylum seekers who can afford to will be required to repay a flat-rate contribution towards the cost of their accommodation and support.

Scotland has “high potential” for new nuclear development

Technical study on suitable areas in Scotland for new nuclear published.

UK announces further support for Palestine refugees at UN pledging conference

UK to provide £23 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees and deliver humanitarian assistance in Gaza and across the region.

Environment Agency launches new electric workboat on Thames

'Blackwater Joule' to become first Environment Agency zero emission workboat at Henley Royal Regatta. Second boat to set sail in East Anglia later in the year.

Over 45 miles of new walking routes open on the Suffolk coast

With over 45 miles of Suffolk coastline opens on the King Charles III England Coast Path, the public can now walk continuously from Shotley Gate to Southwold.

New report shows thousands of farm improvements reducing pollution risks

First Environment Agency Agriculture Report published, providing a national overview of the sector’s environmental performance and regulatory outcomes

£15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe

Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology.

£15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe

Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.

UKEF launches £50 billion defence export fund to back British defence industry

New export fund to enable UK defence companies of all sizes to compete for major international contracts.

First application window for simpler, fairer and more accessible SFI opens

Small farms and those without existing ELM revenue agreements can apply today for SFI as Window 1 opens.

Change of Ambassador to Turkey: Jennifer Anderson

Ms Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in succession to Ms Jill Morris CMG.

CMA consults on new requirements for Apple and Google’s mobile platforms

New measures designed to bring down prices and spur UK tech innovation.

UK’s first maternity and neonatal commissioner to be appointed

New commissioner and extra funding announced to make maternity and neonatal care safer, fairer and more consistent across England.

UK drone transformation to strengthen Armed Forces backed by more than £5 billion

Britain's Armed Forces will be strengthened and thousands of British jobs created through a drone transformation, announced by the Prime Minister and backed by more than £5 billion in the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.

Justice for victims as domestic killers to face longer behind bars

People who kill their partner, or ex, to face a 25-year sentencing start point under a change announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Resident doctors agree deal with government to end strikes

BMA votes to accept offer that will see resident doctors benefit from new pay structure and better career-progression opportunities.

PM meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: 29 June 2026

The Prime Minister hosted the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Downing Street today.

Government crackdown on fraud leads to cancellation of over 450 Blue Badges in the Wirral

Over 450 Blue Badges have been cancelled after findings show permits issued to deceased residents were still being used.

Wolverhampton fraudster sentenced after illegally claiming £30,000 in Covid loans

None of the money was used to benefit his business

Energy firm named after £500,000 Russia sanctions settlement

An energy services firm has paid more than £500,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for breaching Russia sanctions regulations.

Prime Minister meets hospitality leaders to boost opportunities for young people

The Prime Minister hosted a roundtable discussion this morning with hospitality organisations.

New world-leading lab to be built at secretive UK research site

Expert UK scientists working on the most innovative defence technologies will be backed by £580 million of infrastructure funding over the next four years, including to build a new world-leading new laboratory and expand their research.

Funding for businesses who give youngsters a chance as Government ramps up youth jobs drive

Businesses who take on jobless youngsters will be offered thousands of pounds in the latest boost to youth employment support.

At least six new air defence warships to defend UK waters and boost shipbuilding

At least six new warships will be built for the Royal Navy under the Defence Investment Plan, delivering the UK's most advanced maritime air defence capability and keeping British shipyards working for decades to come.

Health assessments to be recorded as standard in major transparency drive

All face-to-face and telephone health assessments for disability and sickness benefits will be audio recorded as standard from today to improve transparency in the benefit system.

Taxpayers urged to get ahead of July Self Assessment payment deadline

One month to go until the second Payments on Account deadline on 31 July for Self Assessment customers.

New funding boost to protect England's iconic peatlands

£47 million new government funding to protect and improve peat will reduce carbon emissions, support nature recovery and boost rural economy

High-speed boats and new drones for elite Commando Force under Defence Investment Plan

Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel on the frontline.

Rough sleeping no longer a crime as Vagrancy Act repealed

The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.

Pioneering projects to transform obesity care, backed by £85 million from government and industry

A dozen cutting-edge projects will benefit thousands of patients battling obesity across the UK.

GBE-N proudly supports the Armed Forces Community

GBE-N has received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award

UK Government bolsters Ukraine’s economic recovery, with World Bank approving $1 billion in UK-backed finance

Ukraine’s resilience and recovery will receive a $1 billion boost through UK-backed funding

SIA inspections uncover public safety risks in night-time economy

The SIA carried out national unannounced inspections on 21 June, identifying unlicensed operatives, a counterfeit licence and licence condition breaches.

Six Governors have been appointed and four reappointed to the British Film Institute

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has appointed Tanya Cordrey, Mark Herbert, Ganan Kanagathurai, Hakan Kousetta, Ryan Prince and Jane Tranter and reappointed Monica Chadha, Elizabeth Karlsen, Edgar Wright and Laura Miele as Governors of the British Film Institute for terms of 4 years

Cambridge South station opens

This £250 million government investment cuts journey times, boosts rail links and supports further employment growth in the region.

Insolvency Service is making ‘meaningful improvements’ to the insolvency system

The latest ‘Confidence in the Regime’ report draws on the views of insolvency practitioners, directors, academics and legal professionals as well as people in debt and creditors.

Local community names new Wylfa power station

GBE-N has announced that the new nuclear plant on Anglesey will be called Gwyndod Power Station, a name chosen by the local community.

UK launches first ever taskforce to strengthen climate security

Leading security, military and academics have joined forces with the government to boost the UK’s preparedness for the security impacts of climate change.

Britain's food and farming trade attachés unlock £80m in new export opportunities 

Farming Minister Stephen Morgan welcomes Defra’s global network of agri-food attachés’ for their annual Industry Engagement Week  

Thousands of homes will be eligible for £9,000 off a heat pump

Households on heating oil across England and Wales will be eligible for £9,000 off a heat pump, helping them cut bills.

Smarter use of government land to support nature and climate

Half a million hectares to help deliver for nature recovery and climate adaptation, strengthening climate resilience

Thousands more out-of-work benefit claimants to get personalised support

Up to 40,000 disabled people and people with health conditions will benefit from expanded access to personalised support, as the government rolls out Support Conversations across a further 27 Jobcentres taking the total number of sites to 33.

PM meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados: 25 June 2026

The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley for a meeting in Downing Street today.

Man’s sentence increased after multiple robberies and attacks on London Underground

Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, secures increased sentence for man responsible for a series of robberies and stabbings across the London Underground.

Environment Agency issues warning to River Roding Trust

The Environment Agency warns River Roding Trust following an investigation into unpermitted work at Alders Brook in Ilford.

Additive manufacturing: transforming submarine maintenance and support

The Submarine Delivery Group is using advanced and additive manufacturing to improve submarine availability.

US-UK fusion agreement builds on King’s Address to Congress

Leading US and UK fusion labs deepen trans-Atlantic collaboration on plasma science, workforce exchange and advanced computing.

HM Land Registry expands new build training with in-depth workshop

A new, in-depth online workshop will help property professionals reduce common new build application issues and avoid delays.