More farmers supported to grow their businesses and restore nature

New application process for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier opening environmental schemes to more farmers

For the first time, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) will open to direct applications from farmers and land managers, helping more businesses secure funding to restore nature while producing food. 

Speaking at Groundswell Festival 2026 today (2 July), Environment Secretary Emma

We stand in solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, and all our partners across the Gulf: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Bahrain.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

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

The United Kingdom strongly condemns Iran’s reckless attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, and on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

First, these attacks are directly contrary to resolution 2817, put civilian lives in danger, and

Report by OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, July 2026: UK statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland thanks the Director of the OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution's work across the region, which remains crucial at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia's malign activities a key factor.

Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

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

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Director, Dear Kate, thank you for your report and for your leadership of the Conflict Prevention Centre in what you rightly describe as a highly challenging operating environment. Please also pass on our thanks to your hard-working and brilliant team.

As your report makes clear, the context in which the CPC operates is marked by heightened

Latest Fisheries and Seafood Scheme funding round reaches three-month milestone

Fishers, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England are reminded and encouraged to apply for grant funding via the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).

The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) reopened on 13 April 2026 and is administered by MMO on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. It is funded from the over £132 million committed to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years. 

Since reopening this year MMO has received a high level of interest and already approved

Kent opens first VALOUR-recognised centre in new UK-wide veteran support system

Veterans to benefit from increased support as part of the new £50m VALOUR support system.

Thousands of veterans in Kent will be able to benefit from increased support following the opening of a new support centre in Aylesford today [2 July]. 

Part of VALOUR, a groundbreaking programme to increase support for veterans, the centre will provide ex-servicepeople with easier access to local services across health, housing, employment and more. It’s one of 14 organisations that have already received a share of