Press Releases

Cheating in exams with high-tech smart devices poses growing threat, warns Ofqual chief in new podcast

Scale of the challenge should not be underestimated and requires speedy action, says Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham.

Government backs family reunions for children in care

Children in care and care leavers to be supported to build lifelong relationships, with £8.4 million delivered to expand Family Finding programmes

PM meets mayors in drive to get Britain building and take on blockers

Mayors from across England will meet with the Prime Minister today (4 June) as the government accelerates its drive to kickstart growth and deliver for working people.

PM call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 3 June 2026

The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

UK launches expert network to boost Ebola response and global crisis readiness

UK launches MHRN to boost outbreak response, deliver rapid expert advice, and support Ebola efforts - and funds £5m research into diagnostics and treatments.

PM tribute to Sir Alex Younger

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's tribute to Sir Alex Younger on the news of his death.

Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) authorised to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults

Resmetirom is used in adults who have experienced inflammation and cell damage, resulting in scarring.

New permit issued for Beddington energy-from-waste site

Decision follows extensive review and two rounds of public consultation. Rigorous assessments in place to protect the environment and health

Statement: Foreign Office summons Russian Ambassador - 3 June 2026

The Russian Ambassador was summoned for a meeting following continued strikes on Ukraine, and Russia's violation of NATO airspace last week after a drone hit a Romanian residential building.

Universal theme park to be UK’s most popular tourist attraction

The Universal United Kingdom Resort, one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector, will employ thousands and entertain millions of people.

10 million free breakfasts served in schools across country

Over five million hours of childcare have been unlocked thanks to the government's Free Breakfast Club programme

Brand new dental school places in 'dental deserts'

Patients set to benefit from the first sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 20 years.

Change of British High Commissioner to Belize: Alistair White

Mr Alistair White has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize.

Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Djibouti: David Hall

Dr David Hall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti.

Transformational Cambridge East land acquisition to unlock a new community of 10,000+ homes, 9,000 jobs and significant economic growth

Homes England, with its National Housing Bank, and The Hill Group have today completed the acquisition of Cambridge East, a strategic site that will support the delivery of more than 10,000 new homes, thousands of jobs and a thriving new community.

National Data Guardian statement on NHS Federated Data Platform data access, in response to the Not With My NHS Data campaign

Response to concerns from the Not With My NHS Data campaign about access to patient data by external contractors in the NHS FDP and NDIT environment.

UK–Ghana Growth Partnership to Drive Jobs, Investment and Skills

UK–Ghana Growth Partnership (2026–2028) aims to boost jobs, trade, infrastructure and skills through major investments and private sector–led growth initiatives

Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair

Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK's independent regulator for communications.

PM meeting with President Mahama of Ghana: 2 June 2026

The Prime Minister met President Mahama of Ghana in Downing Street.

PM meeting with the leader of the Belarusian opposition: 3 June 2026

The Prime Minister hosted the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, at Downing Street yesterday.

CMA secures fairer deal for publishers and improves Google search services in UK

Conduct requirement introduced today gives publishers more control and stronger bargaining power over the use of their content.

Regulator publishes new guidelines on grant-making as charity sector continues to feel financial squeeze

The Charity Commission has today published new guidance to help charity trustees make confident, responsible grant-making decisions at a time when many charities are facing sustained financial pressure. 

Greater Cambridge gets regeneration body to accelerate growth

A new Development Corporation will give Greater Cambridge the powers and certainty to deliver infrastructure-first growth at scale.

Power of Youth Charter gives young people a voice in government

DCMS becomes the first central Government department to sign the Power of Youth Charter

Greater protection for whistleblowing to the SIA now in place

The SIA today became a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, giving workers greater legal protection when whistleblowing to the SIA.

End of exploitative zero hours contracts to give people security and predictability at work

Changes to end one-sided flexibility and uncertainty for workers through ban on exploitative zero hours contracts set out in consultation.

Major expansion of research and treatment for prostate cancer

Government announces over £20 million to improve prostate cancer research and treatment, including improving access to a major trial for Black men.

New laws set to modernise aviation and better protect passengers

The Civil Aviation Bill will support airspace modernisation and enhance safety standards for passengers across the UK.

Energy security, jobs and investment boost through climate action

Families and businesses will continue to reap the benefits of the clean energy transition in the coming decades.

Boss of firm which sparked almost 38,000 complaints over high-interest loan spam texts banned as company director

Director banned until 2032

Regulator of Social Housing to evaluate the impact of consumer regulation

RSH has appointed an independent research consortium to carry out the evaluation

Bradford housebuilder cheated creditors by secretly transferring company land to his partner

Director transferred land worth a quarter of a million pounds to a firm run by his partner

Astronaut with physical disability could be first to enter orbit after ground-breaking agreement

UK astronaut John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit, thanks to an agreement signed between the UK government and US commercial space company Vast.

Boost for Britain’s air defence stockpiles in the Middle East with hundreds more UK-made missiles

New contracts worth £36 million to supply hundreds of Lightweight Multirole Missiles for UK Armed Forces.

CMA publishes new monitoring update on road fuel market

Report assesses impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel prices and margins until the end of April 2026.

Warning on oak processionary moth issued ahead of peak season

Public and forestry trade vigilance needed as we enter the greatest risk period for oak processionary moth (OPM).

Domestic abusers to be evicted under new landmark housing law

The government's landmark Social Housing Bill is returning to Parliament for its Second Reading today.

Joint statement on the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz: 12 May 2026

Joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden.

Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps

Skills England has published its first Annual Skills Report, providing the most comprehensive picture to date of current and future skills demand across England

Kate Dodsworth becomes Deputy Chief Executive

Kate Dodsworth is RSH Deputy Chief Executive from 1 June 2026

Regional leaders to get more power over innovation funding to drive local jobs and growth

Mayors in England to be given more power to fuel innovation and boost jobs in their region through Local Innovation Partnerships Fund 

20,000 fewer A&E visits a year thanks to single patient record

NHS Modernisation Bill will introduce the single patient record, resulting in safer, more co-ordinated care for patients.

Former M&S Chief Executive hired to spearhead Government drive to help young people into work

A business leader with decades of experience at the most senior levels has been appointed to drive forward the Government’s Youth Guarantee and ensure all young people have the chance to earn or learn.

Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership

First-of-its-kind project to develop cutting-edge uncrewed underwater technologies as AUKUS nations ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2.

G7 nations agree first-ever joint approach to protecting children online and drive safe AI growth that delivers for all

G7 Digital Ministers have agreed a common approach to shielding children and young people from harm online for the first time.

Major works commence at Great British Energy HQ

The Government Property Agency's fit-out works have begun at the permanent home of Great British Energy.

Two arrested during the MHRA’s largest ever seizure of unlicensed weight loss medicines 

The raid on a Northamptonshire estate dismantled what is believed to be a major illicit manufacturing and distribution operation

Plan to toughen protections for subsea internet cables amid heightened Russian activity

Government to propose tougher fines and prison sentences for those who damage subsea infrastructure essential for UK internet access.

Rilzabrutinib authorised to treat adults with immune thrombocytopenia when prior treatments have been insufficient 

As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of rilzabrutinib under close review.

PM statement on Russian drone hit in Romania: 29 May 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on Russian drone hit in Romania.

Employment lifeline for young people across the country as Government offers 300,000 new work experience and training placements

Young people across the country will be helped onto the career ladder thanks to the creation of 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors including construction, health and social care and hospitality.

Millions to benefit from Sci Tech deal between UK and France

Cures for infectious diseases and pioneering improvements in women’s health, and strengthening a partnership between two of Europe’s leading supercomputers.

£340 million pharmacy boost brings faster care to the high street

Patients will benefit from more services and treatments from their community pharmacy, as part of a new deal.

Councils to be prevented from making risky investments

Taxpayers to be protected from financial mismanagement in local government

Care leavers and ex offenders in the West Midlands helped into jobs through new partnership between government and leading businesses

Greene King, Severn Trent and other leading UK businesses have joined forces with central and local Government to help more care leavers, ex-offenders and young people with mental health challenges in the West Midlands into quality jobs.

Flagship APHA facility marks 50 years of wildlife science

Animal and Plant Health Agency's National Wildlife Management Centre marks landmark half century of protecting animal and human health

Major new Swedish fighter jet deal to strengthen Ukraine and boost British jobs

UK welcomes Sweden’s leadership in brokering new deal to supply Ukraine with fighter jets.   

Precautionary recall of blood pressure medication (Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules) after packaging error

Patients taking Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules are advised to check their packaging for batch number GR155023 and contact their pharmacy if any blister strips inside are labelled as Ramipril 10mg.

Consultation opens on Drax Power permit draft decision

The Environment Agency has opened a consultation into its draft decision to grant a permit variation to Drax Power Limited in Yorkshire.

MSK patients to get faster care and help returning to work

Thousands of patients with painful joint and muscle conditions will receive employment support and treatment to tackle health-related economic inactivity.

Court endorses CMA action as Emma Sleep agrees to change sales practices

The CMA has secured a court-endorsed settlement from mattress firm Emma Sleep after concerns its sales practices misled consumers.

Britain continues to break clean power records

Households across the UK continue to embrace solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission.

Britain's biggest train operator’s services enter public ownership this weekend

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, will transfer into public ownership.

Change of His Majesty's Ambassador to Greece

Mr Stephen Lillie CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic in succession to Mr Matthew James Lodge.

Shop second-hand with confidence

New government guidance to help avoid fake fashion. This will support shoppers to make the most of the UK's thriving pre-loved market, after 1 in 4 bought a fake without knowing.

Foreign Secretary launches new International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to lead UK-convened international coalition to tackle global emergency of violence against women and girls. 

PM meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland: 27 May 2026

The Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, at RAF Northolt and a nearby military museum today.

PM call with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand: 27 May 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, this morning.

Business leaders put nature on boardroom agenda

New resources launched to help boards cut costs, reduce risk and drive growth through investment in nature

Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Security and Defence Partnership

Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Security and Defence Partnership

Competition opens to build a national Muslim War Memorial

The competition will be open to a single organisation, or group of organisations, that are willing to come together to deliver the project.

Landmark decommissioning milestone reached at Trawsfynydd

Major milestone at Trawsfynydd as a 20-year decommissioning programme ends, completing work on the highest hazards and paving the way for the next phase.

Reforms to secure British borders to be agreed by Foreign Ministers in Moldova this week

The Foreign Secretary visits Chisinau to agree a more modern interpretation of the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR).

13 new bathing sites open across England helping communities and waterways

Designated sites include first-ever site on the River Thames in London

Millions to get faster, easier access to government support with new AI tool

GOV.UK Chat is now available in the GOV.UK app – a new AI tool that lets people ask questions in plain language and get clear, reliable answers instantly.

Appointments: 14 May 2026

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farms development consent decision announced

The Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farms DCO application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

North Falls Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced

The North Falls Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

New working hub planned for Millom library building

A new office hub in Millom has started to take shape.

Tax advisers: check if you need to register under new rules

Registration for tax advisers opens next week

Locals to decide name for Wylfa SMR project

GBE-N are proud to launch a naming competition for its flagship SMR at Wylfa.

Environment Secretary in Northern Ireland for UK–EU Reset talks

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds visits Northern Ireland to highlight how a UK-EU food and drink deal will cut red tape, lower costs and keep trade flowing.

Michael Salter-Church reappointed as Chair of the Horniman Museum

The Secretary of State has reappointed Michael Salter-Church as Chair of the Horniman Museum and Gardens from 14 August 2026 to 13 August 2030

Andrew Figgures’ term extended as Trustee of the Imperial War Museum

The Prime Minister has extended the term of Lieutenant-General Andrew Figgures CB CBE FREng for 9 months, from 1 February 2026 to 31 October 2026

Shahpur Kabraji reappointed as Legal Trustee to the National History Museum

The Prime Minister has reappointed Shahpur Kabaji as Legal Trustee of the National History Museum from 26 June 2026 to 25 June 2031

Government ramps up plans to protect Britain’s pig sector against African and classical swine fever

New strategy launched to strengthen UK preparedness against African and classical swine fever

CMA launches strategic market status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem

CMA sets out scope of its investigation to determine whether Microsoft should be designated with strategic market status for its business software ecosystem.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time as MOD ties profit rates to improved delivery

The Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

Government backing helps British firm export lifesaving medicines to Saudi Arabia

Government-backed insurance continues to enable exports to Middle East countries.

Bill that could nationalise British Steel takes first step through Parliament

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

Defence Minister calls on London and the East of England to join new £50m nationwide veteran support network

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

£12.4 million boost to modernise foster care

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

Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army

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

Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting, 13 May 2026: joint statement

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

Scope of maternity review confirmed

Sussex families to get answers as maternity review scope confirmed.

Regulator investigates charity over unauthorised payments to a trustee

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into The Shoosmith Gallery (registered charity number 1147845).

Regulator investigates charity over management of potential conflicts of interest

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Steiner Friends (registered charity number 1071781).

King's Speech to build a Stronger, Fairer Northern Ireland and Deliver the Troubles Bill

Statement from the Secretary of State regarding the King's Speech in Parliament

Environment Agency puts brakes on illegal waste site

The Environment Agency has stopped illegal waste activity in its tracks at a site near Chesterfield.

West Midlands lettings agent sentenced for exploiting two Covid support schemes

Director made false declarations on two separate government-backed loan applications