Inspection report published: An inspection of the UK-France Agreement on the Prevention of Dangerous Journeys (Operation Hillmore) (March – June 2026)

The Independent Chief Inspector comments on the inspection report on the agreement between the UK and France following its publication.

Initially established as a ten-month pilot, Operation Hillmore tested ways of returning to France individuals who arrived in the UK illegally by small boats, while simultaneously providing a controlled legal route for eligible migrants in France to enter the UK. The pilot was established with considerable speed and was due to end on 11 June 2026 but was extended until 1 October 2026.

The inspection examined whether the pilot was meeting its aims, the arrangements in place

New visitor levy powers to put money back into local communities

Visitor Levy Bill introduced in Parliament, letting local leaders raise and reinvest money in much loved high streets, public spaces and tourist attractions

Local leaders are a step closer to getting new powers to invest more in high streets, cultural sites and other attractions that make communities great places to live, work and visit.

This Visitor Levy Bill, introduced in the House of Commons today, marks the most significant step in making fiscal devolution a reality, giving mayors and leaders who know

Lost stone rises up in Dorset's Valley of Stones Nature Reserve

A lost ancient stone, once part of a Stone Age tomb, has been raised.  The sarsen stone, millions of years old, will become a focal point for visitors. 

Valley of the Stones (credit Catherine Roberts)

A mysterious 5-foot stone, hidden for generations, has been raised once more in one of England’s most extraordinary prehistoric landscapes.

The rock, which has been named the Bride Stone, was brought back into view at the Valley

Commonwealth Heads of Government 2026 statement between the UK and Australia

Addressing online violence in our democracies – promoting equality in Commonwealth Parliaments

A toxic online environment is a threat to all Commonwealth democracies. It threatens our values and undermines our people’s freedom and choices.

Workplace violence in any context is unacceptable, including that faced by journalists and media who are crucial to protecting freedom and democracy. We also condemn rising

Leeds station set for biggest transformation in a generation as government backs city’s growth with a £303 million upgrade

Upgrades include the construction of a new central overbridge, 3 new entrances, nearly 40% more rail ticket barriers and increased lift capacity to make journeys quicker and easier.

• budget confirms a further £200 million investment to transform Leeds station by 2030, taking total investment in one of the North’s busiest stations to over £300 million
• more space, better infrastructure and improved passenger facilities will cut congestion and boost capacity for the almost 12 million extra passengers expected at the station annually by 2043
• upgrade paves the way for the Transpennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail, delivering a turn-up-and-go network that drives economic growth across the region

Passengers travelling through Leeds station are set to see major improvements, from shorter

Peace cannot be sustainable while half the population is shut out of shaping it: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Women, Peace and Security.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

27 October 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

As we have heard today, twenty-six years after the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, there remains a profound gap between the commitments we make in this Council and the reality experienced by women and girls in conflict.

We see it across our agenda. 

In Gaza, nearly 50,000 women and girls have been killed or severely injured since October 2023.

In Ukraine, women and girls continue to face displacement, violence, and heightened

Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Four places are now in the running for the UK City of Culture 2029 title and a £10 million prize

• UK City of Culture 2029 winner will be announced in early 2027 
• Competition a key part of the government’s drive to boost pride and economic growth across the country

Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have today been revealed as the four places shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2029. 

These places are now in the running for the prestigious title that will unlock significant

Separation Agreement Joint Committee between the UK and EEA EFTA states: joint statement from the seventh meeting

This page shows the statement following the meeting of the Separation Agreement Joint Committee on 20 October 2026.

The seventh meeting of the Separation Agreement Joint Committee was held online on 20 October 2026, chaired by officials from the Principality of Liechtenstein, with representatives from Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom participating. The Committee was established by the Separation Agreement to monitor its implementation and application. The Separation Agreement ensures that nationals of

The United Kindgom welcomes the continued consolidation of peace and stability in teh Central African Republic: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

20 October 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

I will make three points on supporting lasting stability in the Central African Republic.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the continued consolidation of peace and stability gains and stresses the importance of protecting them.

The development of national and local institutions following elections, alongside progress in

Haiti cannot afford another year in which insecurity outpaces political progress: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

19 October 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The security situation in Haiti remains very difficult, with gangs continuing to terrorise communities with their vicious violence, seeking to coerce individuals, to undermine state authority, and to deny millions of Haitians the security and stability that they seek.

In response, this Council has renewed the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force and the

CNC wins national award for occupational health and wellbeing

CNC's has won a national policing award for its proactive, evidence-led approach to occupational health and workforce wellbeing.

CNC’s work to develop a more proactive, evidence-led approach to supporting officers and staff has been recognised with a national policing award.

The force won the Occupational Health category at the 2026 Oscar Kilo Awards, which recognise outstanding work across policing to improve the welfare and wellbeing of officers and staff.

CNC’s submission highlighted its work to become the second police force nationally to

EXG Pro Expands Into Tabletop Crowdfunding with Official Dungeons & Dragons Xanathar Collectible

The ultimate treasure hoard for D&D collectors. The officially licensed Xanathar collection is now live on Gamefound, featuring the premium Dice Tower & Phone Holder, mini collectible, exclusive rewards, and more.

Bring Xanathar to the table. An officially licensed Dungeons & Dragons Dice Tower & Phone Holder designed to command attention during every adventure.

One legendary campaign, packed with rewards. Discover the Xanathar Dice Tower & Phone Holder alongside exclusive collectibles, artwork, premium accessories, and campaign-exclusive unlocks.

The goal was simple: create something that anyone who loves Dungeons & Dragons would genuinely love to have sitting on the table during their session.”

— Christopher Jobson, Senior Product Developer for EXG Pro

LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Today, EXG Pro launches its official Dungeons & Dragons: Xanathar Device Holder & Dice Tower Collectible campaign on Gamefound, bringing the beholder crime lord from the depths of Waterdeep to gaming tables around the world.

Known internationally for its work with some