£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

Government orders that public spending must back British jobs and skills in every postcode

Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.

• Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.
• Organisations will now be assessed on how they help local people develop new skills and support young people into apprenticeships or work placements.
• Other areas businesses had to prove they were acting on will be scrapped, making it easier for smaller firms to bid for contracts.

Businesses bidding for government contracts - a market worth £90bn per year - will be

Martyn's Law: keeping up the momentum

Laura Gibb, the SIA's Executive Director for Martyn's Law, shares an update on progress, and new guidance on the notification requirement.

As our preparations for Martyn’s Law continue, I wanted to share some important updates, express thanks to those who have already stepped forward to support our work, and highlight some new guidance that will be of interest to those in scope of Martyn’s Law.

Thank you to our volunteers

We are grateful to everyone who has volunteered to help us develop our notification portal

UK support helps Costa Rica strengthen its fight against human trafficking

A UK-funded project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helps Costa Rica tackle human trafficking.

At a school in Los Chiles, close to Costa Rica’s northern border, children, teachers and community leaders came together to talk about how trafficking can be recognised, prevented and reported.

For many, the session turned a difficult and often hidden issue into something practical –

The United Kingdom remains resolute in our commitment to working with partners to combat terrorism in all its forms: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

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

The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General’s latest report, which outlines progress in countering global terrorist threats and underscores the importance of multilateral efforts. 

We continue our commitment to working with international partners to identify and disrupt

Patients with motor neurone disease set for fast-tracked care

Health and Social Care Secretary announces faster access to care and support for motor neurone disease patients during a visit to the Rob Burrow Centre.

Patients with motor neurone disease (MND) will get faster access to care and support, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Yvette Cooper, has set out today during a visit to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds (Wednesday 5 August 2026). The announcement comes as the government launches action to tackle delays and

Major expansion of community mental health support across England

£343m plan will open 159 NHS mental health centres in England, giving people earlier local support and specialist crisis care outside A&E.

• Up to 159 new NHS mental health centres will open across England from this autumn, bringing crucial support directly into neighbourhoods.
• New centres in communities are designed to catch problems early, so fewer people reach crisis point in the first place.
• People in crisis will get dedicated mental health emergency care rather than a long wait in a busy A&E.

People struggling with their mental health will get help earlier and closer to home, with 159

Gatwick to open second runway as government wins legal challenge

From 2030, Gatwick Airport's expansion is expected to enable up to 100,000 additional flights a year, increasing passenger choice and boosting airline competition.

• Gatwick Airport’s second runway can now be brought into full use after the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge against the expansion project, bringing years of uncertainty to an end
• expansion will create 14,000 new jobs across the region and deliver an additional £1 billion in economic benefits every year (PDF), helping to drive growth across the South East and beyond through Gatwick’s national supply chain
• first flights to take off from the extended Northern Runway from 2030, which

First phase of new homes delivered for military families in Cyprus

Families are expected to move into the 46 new homes at Dhekelia Station soon.

The first phase of a 138-home programme has been delivered at Dhekelia Station. MOD Crown Copyright.

The first of 138 new homes for armed forces personnel and their families have been completed and handed over at Dhekelia Station in Cyprus.  

The first phase of the project is now complete, with the delivery of 46 new Service Family

Recycling operator’s fleet halved after widespread tachograph and driver management failures

A West Midlands recycling operator has had its HGV fleet authorisation cut by 50% after a Traffic Commissioner found serious failings in driver management, tachograph compliance and operational oversight.

Deputy Traffic Commissioner Dr Paul Stookes curtailed the operator’s licence held by

G7 Cyber Expert Group 2026 Cross Border Coordination Exercise (CBCE)

The G7 Cyber Expert Group has successfully concluded its 2026 Cross-border-coordination exercise.

The G7 Cyber Expert Group (CEG) successfully concluded its 2026 Cross-border-coordination exercise (CBCE) on May 18 2026. This exercise demonstrates the Group’s ongoing commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across the G7 financial sector. A

PM call with the Crown Prince of Bahrain: 30 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince And Prime Minister of Bahrain, this morning.

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince And Prime Minister of Bahrain, this morning.

The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Prime Minister condemned the unacceptable Iranian attacks on Bahrain and offered His Royal Highness the UK’s ongoing support.  

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the UK-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.

Turning to trade, the Prime Minister welcomed the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, and underlined his desire to continue to work with Bahrain on trade to help drive growth in every postcode in the UK and drive prosperity in both countries.

The two leaders look forward to speaking soon.

Multi-agency crackdown on waste crime across East Lancashire

Led by the Environment Agency - more than 35 officers from five organisations took part in an intelligence-led operation.

Burnley Council, Environment Agency and DVSA carrying out stop checks. Credit: Environment Agency

• Stolen goods, including construction machinery worth £25,000, recovered by Lancashire Police.
• Five suspected illegal waste sites visited as investigations into organised waste criminality continue. 

On Thursday 23 July, more than 35 officers joined forces in a major multi-agency operation

NHS and industry join forces on next generation of hospitals

NHS trusts and construction partners have signed agreements to deliver the next phase of the New Hospital Programme.

• NHS trusts and construction partners sign agreements to deliver next generation of hospitals
• Long-term partnerships mark a major milestone for New Hospital Programme
• Patients, taxpayers and industry to benefit from collaborative, more efficient approach

Eleven significant long-term partnerships have today been signed to deliver new hospitals across England from Manchester to Cornwall and the east of England. The confirmed

Major £8.4bn investment advances UK nuclear deterrent and backs British industry

The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.

• £8.4 billion government funding committed to drive forward construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines 

• around 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 suppliers across the UK supported by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 

• the programme to deliver the four new nuclear deterrent submarines is advancing at pace 

• significant step change in driving productivity and innovation to deliver faster and more efficiently 

The UK will continue to be kept safe around the clock for decades to come, as major

Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia: UK statement, July 2026

Ambassador Holland commends the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

30 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I welcome Ambassador Peško to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report. We commend the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

The report illustrates both the value of the Mission’s work and the challenging operating

PM call with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia: 27 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia yesterday evening.

The Prime Minister began the call by condemning the recent attacks made by Iran and the Houthis on Saudi Arabia.

The two leaders discussed the crisis in Gaza, where they both outlined the importance of a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.

The Prime Minister set out his intention to strengthen defence collaboration and spoke of the

The trajectory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains alarming: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

28 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Last November this Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. 

It continues to offer a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace. But eight months on, implementation risks stalling. 

Now is the time for all parties to fulfil their commitments under the plan, in full.  

In that context, I will highlight three priorities to reinvigorate implementation. 

First, we need further action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Civilians continue to endure horrendous conditions surrounded by sewage and rubble. 

We welcome the progress that has pulled Gaza back from the levels of famine seen last year. 

However, according to the IPC’s latest snapshot, 1.2 million people still face significant

Unbreakable bond between UK and Ukraine will continue under my government: 26 July 2026

The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosts President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international visitor
• New British innovation set to bolster Ukrainian defences on the front line before being rolled out to UK long range missiles
• Prime Minister vows to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes

The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.

The Prime Minister will use the visit to underline to President Zelenskyy the UK’s

PM: ‘From today Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap’

Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers.

• Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers
• Prime Minister to say to students: ‘whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve’
• Schools, colleges, mayors, local leaders and employers will work together to create clear routes into good, skilled jobs in their area
• Ofsted to change the way they measure and inspect schools, ensuring they recognise the quality of technical education and the support aimed at preparing young people for work
• The changes follow Alan Milburn’s warning that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” with over one million young people now not in education, employment or training

The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today

No10 North open for business as the Government’s new situation room for making Britain better

Andy Burnham will today become the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he declares the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over.

• Burnham throws open the doors to No10 North today, marking a new era of power flowing out of Whitehall and into every postcode
• PM revives the National Economic Council in Manchester, bringing ministers and regional mayors around the table to drive devolution from week one
• Comes as PM gives families and business owners breathing space with VAT off electricity bills, £2 bus fare cap restored, and a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues

Andy Burnham will today become the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he

The UK stands ready to work with all Member States to uphold the Charter and pursue peace through multilateralism: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

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

Thank you to Pakistan for its leadership on this issue following the unanimous adoption of resolution 2788 last year.

Challenges to international peace and security continue to mount, from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, to the war in Sudan, the crisis in Gaza, and rising regional tensions in the Middle East. 

The need for diplomacy and peaceful settlement is clear.

As many have underlined today, the UN Charter provides a toolkit for peace. 

The UN and its Member States should make earlier and more consistent use of the Charter’s

AI to power change at the heart of government as Lord Vallance appointed chair of new PM AI Taskforce

For the first time, AI will be positioned at the very centre of government, thanks to the launch of the PM’s new AI Taskforce which will be chaired by Lord Vallance.

• New AI Taskforce to drive the Government’s overall strategy on AI and unlock the opportunities it holds for growth, prosperity and public sector transformation

• Lord Vallance to bring extensive scientific, technical and public sector experience in his role as Chair. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will lead the Taskforce and attend Cabinet.

• Lord Vallance has also been appointed as Chair of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

For the first time, AI will be positioned at the very centre of government, thanks to the

£4.5million to improve Berkshire maternity and neonatal services

Mothers and babies in focus as £4.5million funding rolled out to improve Berkshire maternity and neonatal services

• Funding will help tackle safety risks in maternity and neonatal facilities
• Part of £187m million announced for national improvements since April 2025
• Maternity services a priority for new Health and Social Care Secretary

Families across Berkshire will have their maternity services improved as £4.5million of dedicated funding is rolled out across the region.

The funding will be used to reduce the most urgent safety risks in maternity and neonatal

Archbold Enhances Manchester Hub with Advanced Warehouse Management System

Archbold introduces a new Clarus warehouse management system

Leading UK logistics provider implements Clarus WMS to unlock deeper real-time data insights and support complex customer stock profiles.

MANCHESTER, GREATER MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM, July 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Archbold has introduced a new Clarus warehouse management system (WMS) at its Manchester site as part of its continued investment in smarter, more connected warehouse operations.

The WMS is designed to improve real-time insight, deliver food-grade level logistics

£20 million investment for hypersonic target to test air defence systems and boost British small businesses

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today.

• £20 million contract will directly benefit British small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.
• A new SME Action Plan will remove barriers and open up defence supply chains for British SMEs. 
• Hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target will help new defence systems to counter advanced missiles and is part of a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States.

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle

The West Country is now in prolonged dry weather

Change of status because of the environmental impact created by a lack of rainfall and high temperatures.

Environment Agency officers catch and move fish in the River Tarrant, near Tarrant Monkton, Dorset, which had become trapped in pools of water.

The change applies to Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Neighbouring parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire, which also fall within the Environment Agency’s Wessex operational area, are also in prolonged dry weather.  

Environment Agency officers are expecting more environmental incidents this summer caused by low river flows, high water temperatures and fish struggling for oxygen as weeds and algal blooms thrive in these conditions. 

Water levels at groundwater sites are now starting to become below normal or notably low

PM call with the Taoiseach of Ireland: 21 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and

Supercar hire firm shut down: customers left out of pocket while money spent from company account at Harrods and Gucci

Company wound up following Insolvency Service investigations

• Classic Parade Ltd took upfront payments from customers for hiring supercars before cancelling bookings at short notice and not paying refunds
• Customers included people booking vehicles for significant personal occasions, while more than £1.4 million passed through company bank accounts without explanation
• The director failed to engage with investigators, meet any Companies House filing obligations, and the company had no genuine presence at its address in Knightsbridge

A luxury car hire company which took thousands of pounds from customers and repeatedly

Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first Observer Nation

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.  

• Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK, Italy  and Japan. 
• GCAP  is designing, developing  and building  the next generation of fighter  jet  to  support  national  security. 
• Ambitious  programme  supports  thousands of jobs in  the UK, with  over 600  companies up and down the country involved. 

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is  even  stronger  as

The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

21 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people. 

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted. 

Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and

Construction begins on new Army facilities at Tidworth and Warminster

Construction has begun at Tidworth and Warminster to deliver new and improved facilities or military personnel while enhancing operational efficiency.

Left to right: Allan Thomson (Chief Executive, Aspire Defence Limited), Brigadier Grant Kerr (Head of Army Infrastructure Plans), Lieutenant Colonel Ru Whitelegge (Tidworth Garrison Commander) and Warren Webster (DIO Major Programmes and Projects Programme Director - Army), mark the start of construction at Assaye Barracks, Tidworth (Crown Copyright)

The two major infrastructure projects represent an investment of approximately £13 million at Assaye Barracks, Tidworth and approximately £37 million at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio. DEO is delivering more modern and sustainable infrastructure across the Defence estate and reducing the built estate by releasing surplus land for alternative redevelopment.

The DEO Army Programme investment on Salisbury Plain will benefit three units: 1

Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK

Environment Agency takes action to maintain River Severn levels

The Environment Agency is taking action to protect water supplies and wildlife in the Midlands as dry weather continues to place pressure on river levels.

The River Severn is one of the UK’s most important rivers, supplying drinking water to around 6 million people while supporting internationally important wildlife and habitats.

The Environment Agency continuously monitors river flows and takes measures to ensure water needs are met while protecting the environment.

If levels drop too low, the river can be topped up by releases of water from 2 reservoirs in