Reckless Houthi actions have triggered a serious escalation of violence in the region: 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 Yemen.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

13 August 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

In recent weeks, we have seen a serious escalation in violence in Yemen and the wider region, as a result of reckless Houthi actions. 

This includes drone and missile strikes against Saudi Arabia, attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, and violations of Yemeni airspace by Iranian aircraft. 

Iran must cease its long-standing support for the Houthis, which threatens Yemen’s stability.

We express our condolences to those who have been killed or injured as a result of these

UK and Australia boost radar technology and industry cooperation as Defence Minister visits Indo-Pacific partners

The UK and Australia are boosting cooperation on radar technology, as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP kicks off a visit to Indo-Pacific partners this week. 

Minister Pollard and Minister Conroy alongside industry in front of the radar. Copyright: CEA

• New signing will see UK and Australian firms work together on cutting-edge radar systems, boosting growth across both countries’ defence industries.
• Work to build on UK-Australia defence partnership, already supporting tens of thousands of jobs in both countries through AUKUS. 
• Comes as Minister Luke Pollard kicks off a visit to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen defence and industrial partnerships. 

The statement of intent involving QinetiQ and CEA Technologies, signed today in Canberra,

The Tide returns after 200 years due to £4.5m Restoration Scheme

The Environment Agency’s Greatham Marsh Restoration Scheme in Hartlepool sees the return of the tide for the first time in over 200 years.

Greatham Marsh following the restoration works, at a regular tide. Credit: Environment Agency.

A new £4.5 million project has seen the return of the tide for the first time in over 200 years following completion of the Environment Agency’s Greatham Marsh Restoration Scheme in Hartlepool.

Greatham Marsh before restoration works. Credit: Environment Agency

The Environment Agency, working in partnership with The Greatham Foundation and

Joint statement on executions in Iran

Joint statement from the United Kingdom, Albania, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the High Representative of the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

We condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The use of capital punishment to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and punish individuals exercising their human rights can never be justified. The people of Iran must be free to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear.

We call on Iran to immediately end the use of the death penalty and release all those arbitrarily detained.

We further call on Iran to listen to the voice of its people as they demand change, and to take meaningful steps toward ensuring respect for human rights.

£100k awarded to empower Northern Ireland community representatives to make their voices heard

Women’s charity awarded first Engagement for Change Fund grant to provide support across Northern Ireland

Baroness Ruth Anderson with representatives from WRDA

A Northern Ireland charity has been awarded £100,000 to empower other community and voluntary groups to make their voices heard. The programme will have a particular focus on encouraging women’s participation in public forums where decisions are made which affect communities.

The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), which is based in Belfast, but

Much more must be done to prevent and prosecute acts of violence in the West Bank: 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 Palestine.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

11 August 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom is clear that the only credible path to lasting peace and security remains a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state made up of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 

Three priorities to advance progress towards that goal. 

First, in Gaza. 

The United Kingdom welcomes the recent focus on implementing Security Council Resolution 2803 and wants to see it implemented in full. 

That means all parties delivering on their commitments, including: respect for the ceasefire;

More areas in England declared in drought after record dry July

National Drought Group met today as 71.3% of England now in drought

Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August. 

The National Drought Group has warned all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources - with increasing impacts across agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment.  

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent &

UK armed forces step up monitoring of increased Russian activity in UK waters

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic throughout July.

• Maritime operations to monitor Russian activity up 25% across the first seven months of the year.
• Royal Navy have deployed four warships and naval helicopters to protect UK waters during 21 days of intense operations.

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian

Taking medication this summer? What you need to know about sun and heat exposure

Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.

People taking certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medicines are being reminded to take extra care in warmer weather, as some treatments can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure. 

The advice is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA)

True Summit Adventures Announces Everest Base Camp Journey with Record Breaking Sherpa, Kami Rita

Kami Rita Sherpa has the most ascents of Mount Everest (31)

Kami Rita Sherpa at Everest base camp, May 2026

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Luxury adventure travel company True Summit Adventures has announced a new Everest Base Camp journey

We call on the transitional government of South Sudan to cooperate fully with UNMISS: 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 South Sudan.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

6 August 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

As we have heard today, ongoing violence continues to displace civilians and to deepen an already acute humanitarian crisis.

Women and girls continue to bear the brunt, including through conflict-related sexual violence.

First, the United Kingdom reiterates the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the political process.

We urge all parties to use this immediate period to engage in genuine and inclusive

EMY Africa Strengthens UK–Africa Relations Through Landmark London Activations at the UK Parliament and Exclusive Soirée

Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson, Daniel Kojo Soboh and Michelle McKinney Hammond dazzle at the EMY Africa London Soirée

EMY Africa steps in London amplifying African success stories, shaping the next chapter of leadership, culture, and impact across the continent & its diaspora

Through the Africa Rising Symposium and the EMY Africa London Soirée, we are creating spaces where meaningful partnerships are formed, ideas are exchanged and lasting impact begins.”

— Daniel Kojo Soboh

LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- EMY Africa, the pan-African platform celebrating leadership, achievement and cultural impact, has successfully delivered two landmark events in