UK-donor plasma given go-ahead for new medicines

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the use of UK‑donor plasma for five high‑priority plasma-derived medicinal products.

Blood in test tubes.

Following an extensive safety review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the use of UK‑donor plasma for five high‑priority medicines, helping to strengthen supplies of life-saving treatments used by thousands of critically ill patients each year. 

The decision, announced today (9 July 2026), follows an assessment of the potential risk of

The United Kingdom remains committed to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals: UK national statement at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

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

The United Kingdom remains committed to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, especially for those most in need. 

I will begin with SDG 17 on partnerships, a key theme of the recent Global Partnerships

First British-made artillery barrels delivered to Ukraine

First deliveries of British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine, under a £61 million contract supporting hundreds of UK jobs.

• British-made artillery barrels are being delivered to Ukraine, part of the UK’s enduring support.

• 150 barrels are being produced by Yorkshire defence company Sheffield Forgemasters through a £61 million contract to BAE Systems, supporting hundreds of jobs.

• Defence Secretary visits Sheffield Forgemasters to meet some of the skilled workers benefitting from the UK’s investment in defence.

The first of 150 British-made artillery barrels are being provided to Ukraine to strengthen

Public bodies mobilise £50 billion to drive UK economic growth and support over 802,000 jobs

At least £50 billion of public finance institution support mobilised to back UK businesses, projects and exports over the last two years.

• Investments are supporting over 802,000 jobs across all nations and regions of the UK 

• Government is unlocking the financial firepower of the institutions by increasing their investment potential by more than £80 billion, supporting key priorities of the Modern Industrial Strategy  

Four of Britain’s key public finance institutions (PuFins) that are backing businesses and projects across the UK have made at least £50 billion of investments over the last two years, supporting or sustaining around 802,000 jobs. 

Business Secretary Peter Kyle outlined the major economic impact today at an event in

The UK reaffirms its full commitment to implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia: 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 Colombia.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

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

First, I would like to congratulate Colombia on the recent presidential elections.

I want to congratulate all of those involved, including the electoral authorities and the security forces, but above all the Colombian people, on a peaceful and transparent democratic process. 

This Council and the UN Verification Mission have engaged effectively with successive

Great British Summer Savings: Families can now find deals closer to home at the click of a button

Find thousands of restaurants, cinemas, theatres and other attractions near you offering customer discounts following the Chancellor’s summer tax cuts.

In just a few clicks, every family in the UK can now find cheaper days out and children’s meals in restaurants closer to home via the Great British Summer Savings website which has now gone live.

To help all families enjoy a day out for less this summer during a cost-of-living squeeze, the

UK backs Gaza recovery as Foreign Secretary urges renewed push for peace

The UK has announced £10 million to support Palestinian-led early recovery efforts in Gaza and joined an international initiative to help coordinate funding and practical support for reconstruction.

• UK joins international efforts to mobilise funding and practical delivery in Gaza through EU initiative 
• New UK funding for UN-coordinated early recovery activity and reinforcing Palestinian-led efforts 
• Foreign Secretary to push for fresh momentum behind the 20-point-plan at Brussels meeting bringing together international partners to support Gaza

New support to help Palestinians in Gaza begin to rebuild their lives will be announced by the UK today, as the Foreign Secretary calls for urgent international action on the 20-point Gaza peace plan.

Speaking at the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, she will say the humanitarian crisis in

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