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

UK and Lebanese troops begin PEGASUS CEDAR 2026 exercise

British and Lebanese troops are training together in exercise PEGASUS CEDAR 2026 to strengthen defence ties and share expertise.

British soldiers from the Support Company of the 4th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS), based at Dhekelia Garrison Cyprus, have arrived in Lebanon to join their Lebanese counterparts in the Air Assault Regiment in a landmark military exercise aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties and enhancing operational readiness.

Exercise “PEGASUS CEDAR 2026” will take place over a three-week period in October

PM statement on October 7th attacks

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statement three years on from the October 7th attacks.

Three years on from the October 7 attacks on Israel, we remember those who were senselessly killed by Hamas terrorists.

The impact of the attacks has been felt not just in Israel, but in Jewish communities across the world who still bear the burden of the tragic events that day.

In the years since, we have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic behaviour in the UK.

A year ago we witnessed a horrifying terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew

750 young people connect with top employers at Birmingham’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair

Over 750 young people attended Birmingham's first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair, bringing them together with the UK's biggest businesses.

• 750 young people meet with over 70 of the UK’s biggest businesses, charities, and local partners to hear about job opportunities in the area.

• 24 young people secured job offers on the spot, with a further 44 were offered work experience and 76 were matched to live vacancies and employer information sessions.

• Jobs Fair is part of Government’s wider youth employment support, backed by £2.5 billion investment, helping young people build a strong career path.

Over 750 young people attended Birmingham’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair, bringing them together with the UK’s biggest businesses.

At the event, young people heard about live vacancies, workshops and gained expert career

PubHive Named Best Life Sciences Workflow SaaS Platform 2026

PubHive wins Best Life Sciences Workflow SaaS Platform 2026

PubHive wins Best Life Sciences Workflow SaaS Platform 2026 for connected literature, PV, evidence, AI-assisted review, and traceable workflows.

Life sciences organisations do not simply need more technology - they need technology that connects the work already taking place across scientific, medical, and safety teams”

— Raj Vaghela, President & CEO, PubHive

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- PubHive, the award-winning AI-powered SaaS platform company for scientific literature and safety information management, is proud to announce

4 Best Places to Buy Garden Rooms & Offices in the UK

The four best places to buy garden rooms and garden offices in the UK are My Outhouse, Green Retreats, Dunster House and Costco.

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The four best places to buy garden rooms and garden offices in the UK are My Outhouse, Green Retreats, Dunster House and Costco.

Whether you're working from home, need

Heimdal partners with Elovade to bring unified cybersecurity platform to the DACH region

Heimdal and Elovade extend their European partnership into DACH, giving MSPs one stack for prevention, detection, and response as AI reshapes the fight.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Heimdal, a global cybersecurity provider, today announced a partnership with Elovade, a European IT security distributor with 250 experts across five countries, to bring its unified security

FIOR appoints Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes as Adviser on Defence, Cyber and AI, Cyber and AI

Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE

Former Deputy Commander of UK Cyber & Specialist Operations Command joins to advise on defence, national security and the deployment of secure autonomous AI

Organisations need to know which agent is acting, under whose authority, what it is permitted to do and whether that authority can be constrained or withdrawn. FIOR is addressing that challenge.”

— Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE

LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- FIOR, the identity and enforcement layer for AI agents, today announced the appointment of Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Tom Copinger-

British Web Design Studio ‘AwardOrFree’ Launches With a Zero-Cost Guarantee Backed by Double International Awards

Award OR Free Award-winning Homepage

Award OR Free Award-winning Menu Design

Award OR Free Award-winning Footer design

AwardOrFree guarantees zero client fees unless websites win international design awards, proving model with dual Orpetron wins including site of the day award

a Masterpiece web design project by AwardORFree from The UK was awarded the Site Of The Day certification on September 30, 2026. Congratulations”

— Orpetron

LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- British digital design studio AwardOrFree has announced the formal public launch of its performance-contingent design model, challenging the traditional agency retainer system by tying client fees directly to verified third-party recognition.

Under the studio's contractual wager, clients

The Japanese Clothing Co Offers Japanese-Inspired T-Shirts Spanning Traditional Arts and Modern Subcultures

The UK-based brand designs men's and women's T-shirts across dozens of themed collections drawn from Japanese culture, produced entirely by hand.

NORTH ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Japanese Clothing Co is a UK-based clothing brand specialising in Japanese-inspired T-shirts for men and women. Its range draws on a broad mix of Japanese cultural

Government’s digital employment tools help thousands take the next step into work

Tens of thousands of jobseekers have already benefited from the Government’s new digital employment support tools, helping people build CVs, prepare for interviews and take the next step into work.

• Around 20,000 people have used DWP’s Work Hub CV builder since launch in June 

• Thousands receiving personalised job support through platform’s AI-powered Work Assistant 

• Part of Government action to harness technology, expand opportunity and boost growth in every postcode

Tens of thousands of jobseekers have already benefited from the Government’s new digital

UK invests £331 million to tackle climate-driven instability and protect vulnerable communities

 UK Foreign Secretary warns of growing national security risks posed by climate change and nature loss at UN General Assembly and announces funding package.

• Ed Miliband brings together foreign ministers at UN General Assembly to strengthen action on climate and nature-related security threats.
• UK announces new funding from Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations to help vulnerable communities access food and clean water, and protect critical ecosystems, delivered through the Global Environment Facility.
• Funding committed to the United Nations’ Climate Security Mechanism to help prevent climate-related instability and conflict, reducing the risk of shocks feeding though to UK food prices, supply chains and security.

The UK has announced a package of support to address the growing security risks posed by

Supporting Ukraine and defending OSCE principles: UK statement to the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Ambassador Holland welcomed the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russia’s violations and calls to release three illegally detained OSCE officials. The UK values the Assembly’s election observation work and contribution to defending OSCE principles and supporting a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

24 September 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Chair.  

Mr President, welcome back to the Permanent Council. Allow me to extend my warmest compliments on the successful first year of your tenure, in which the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) has continued to put focus on the key security challenges our region faces.   

Crucially, that includes the OSCE PA’s activities in support of Ukraine, which, thanks to

United Kingdom and Cambodia join forces to crackdown on online scam centres

New agreement will boost intelligence sharing between UK and Cambodian law enforcement to dismantle scam operations.

Lord Hanson with His Excellency Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and Minister of Interior, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

The British public will be better protected from online scams as a new agreement is signed between the UK and Cambodian governments.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 23 September, will for the first time enable joint working between the UK and Cambodia to tackle networks of illegal scam centres.

Scam centres are places where fraud is scripted and scaled to target thousands of victims at

UK statement on escalation in northern Ethiopia: 24 September

The UK condemns attacks by the Tigray Defence Forces in Afar and southern Tigray and the takeover of Tigray's airports, calling on all parties to refrain from further escalation.

A UK government spokesperson said:

“We condemn the attacks by the Tigray Defence Forces in Afar and southern Tigray, and the takeover of Tigray’s airports following the removal of legitimate federal authorities. All parties must refrain from further escalation.

“The renewed conflict risks devastating consequences for people in Tigray and across the

Thousands of work and training placements for young people

50,000 Defence opportunities for young people in major apprenticeship and work experience drive

• New schemes announced today to offer 18-24-year-olds work experience with some of Britain’s biggest Defence firms 

• Builds on £182 million defence skills package to tackle the number of young people not in employment, education or training  
• Advances Government’s wider commitment for 500,000 more youth opportunities and supports Alan Milburn’s Review to get Britain’s ‘lost generation’ into education, employment or training

40,000 young people across the UK will be offered opportunities and employment in skilled

New UK support to help millions of women gain greater choice over pregnancy and access better maternal healthcare

Millions of women and girls in some of the world’s poorest counties will gain greater choice over whether and when to become pregnant due to new UK support.

• New UK investment will help avert 14 million unintended pregnancies and prevent more than 35,000 maternal deaths
• Access to high-quality contraceptives and safe abortion products will be expanded for millions more women across 54 countries, including conflict zones
• Support will also expand access to innovative life-saving medicines for mothers and newborn babies

Millions of women and girls in some of the world’s poorest counties will gain greater choice

UK announces major package of support for humanitarian relief and early recovery in Gaza

More Palestinians are set to receive vital aid as a result of a major new package of UK support announced by the Foreign Secretary today at the UN General Assembly.

• UK support will help provide healthcare, clean water, sanitation and other essential services for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
• Funding will include support for medical consultations, rehabilitation for children with blast injuries, safe water provision and vital mental health services.
• Comes as the UK convenes partners with Jordan and Qatar to drive action on humanitarian access and Gaza’s recovery.

More Palestinians are set to receive vital aid as a result of a major new package of UK

Russia is widening insecurity while refusing the path to peace: UK statement to the OSCE

Counsellor for Politico-Military Affairs, Arron Newble, says Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine and disruptive activity across Europe are not evidence of success, and calls on Russia to agree an immediate ceasefire and engage seriously in negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.

Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

23 September 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr Chair. In recent months, the Russian Federation has intensified its attacks against Ukraine. It has launched record numbers of drones, maintained a high rate of

Russia’s sham elections in occupied Ukrainian territories: UK statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s sham elections in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the Helsinki Final Act. The UK rejects Russia’s attempted annexation and urges Moscow to end its aggression and pursue a just and lasting peace.

Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

24 September 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Russia has once again staged sham elections on sovereign Ukrainian territory.

Holding State Duma elections in temporarily occupied Crimea and parts of Donetsk,

UK Statement at the High-level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise

Statement by Chris Elmore MP, Minister for the Americas, Multilateral, and Human Rights, at the High-level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

24 September 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, and thanks Australia and Cabo Verde for their leadership as co-facilitators.

For many countries represented in this room, sea-level rise is not a distinct threat; it is a

Record breaking defence spending with UK industry rises above £34 billion, fuelling reindustrialisation across the UK

Government defence spending with UK industry rose 3.2% to a record £34.1 billion in 2025/26, boosting jobs, SMEs and communities across the UK.

• Government investment in the UK defence sector rose by 3.2% to £34.1 billion in 2025/26, marking the highest level of UK industry investment since records began.

• Northern Ireland saw the largest percentage increase in defence spend, up by 63%, followed by the East of England (24.7%) and the East Midlands (21%), as investment reaches communities in every part of the UK.

• Direct spending with smaller firms has also been boosted, now reaching £1.3 billion annually.

Communities across the country are feeling the benefit of the government’s increased investment in defence, new figures reveal.

In a significant boost to the UK economy, the Ministry of Defence spending with UK

Maritime Coastguard Agency celebrates World Maritime Day 2026

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has written to the International Maritime Organization on World Maritime Day.

On Thursday 24 September, International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states will come together to celebrate World Maritime Day 2026. 

First celebrated in 1978, the important date provides an opportunity to recognise and

Foreign Secretary Speech at the High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, UN

Foreign Secretary Speech at the High-Level Ministerial Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, UN

Location:

New York

Delivered on:

24 September 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

As the son of two Jewish refugees, I speak to this gathering as somebody with profound gratitude for the state of Israel for looking after my grandmother after the Second World War, after she lost her husband at the hands of the Nazis.  

I speak as someone that, I think everyone in this room would agree, was appalled by the

Gaza: A Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health

A Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health in Gaza from Australia, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UK

We reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and longer-term recovery, reconstruction and peace in Gaza, including through the work of the Palestinian Authority, the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

We recall that the Comprehensive Plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803

UK Government offers over £1.5bn to the Northern Ireland Executive

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland offers £1.25bn over three years with a further £150m for transformation of public services and £100m for social housing

The UK Government has announced the details of a significant package offered to the Northern Ireland Executive worth more than £1.5 billion.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sir Chris Bryant confirmed the details following discussions with the parties in the Executive and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

He has urged the parties to accept the support and agree a budget to end the uncertainty that

Communiqué from the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan: 24 September

The UK, on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan, hosted a high-level event during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

On 24 September, the United Kingdom, on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan hosted a high-level event during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on protecting civilians and frontline responders in Sudan.

The event highlighted how the growing use of drones is expanding the reach of hostilities

West Yorkshire victims to get crucial £11.4m of vital funding

Victim-survivors of all forms of crime, including sexual violence, to benefit from Government funding.

• Victim-survivors of all forms of crime, including sexual violence, to benefit from Government funding

• Lord Chancellor Alex Norris visits the West Yorkshire Rape Crisis Partnership to meet the team and survivors

• Part of the Government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls and deliver swifter justice for victims

Thousands of victims of crime in West Yorkshire will benefit from counselling and better support thanks to £11.4 million in Government funding.

The investment allocated to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority offers therapeutic, emotional and practical support to victims of all types of crime over the next two years. The

Sellafield Ltd helps unlock £9.8 million investment for Egremont

A major project to improve Egremont has received extra funding.

Architectural visualisation of the plans for the former Red Lion site in Egremont

The money will help create new community spaces, support local businesses and bring more visitors to the town.

Egremont Town Team and Cumberland Council had already secured £3 million from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Fund.

Now, Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Decommissioning

Press statement by co-hosts of the UNGA Foreign Ministers Dialogue on Climate Change and Ecosystem Degradation as National Security Risks

Press statement by the co-hosts UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E. Dr Musalia Mudavadi of Kenya on the security risks of the intensifying climate and nature crisis.

We, the Foreign Secretary of the UK, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya co-hosted yesterday a meeting of Foreign Ministers to underscore the security risks of the intensifying climate and nature crisis. 

Unprecedented wildfires, droughts, crop failures, and extreme heat are profoundly impacting