Tag: UK Government

Knife robberies down by more than a fifth, says Labour government

‘Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect’

Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities in England thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.

New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.

The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.

The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue.

It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.

“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm. 

“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”

Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.

Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.

“Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.

“As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.

“We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.”

The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.

This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.

“However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.”

The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.

Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.

“While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.

“Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.

“Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.”

Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.

Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the UK government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024.

“We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.”

Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations.

The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.

New high street unit set up in nationwide blitz on ‘dodgy’ shops

Organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures, and cash seizures in a £30 million crackdown on dodgy high street shops

Organised crime gangs operating across Britain’s high streets will be hit with a major police offensive in a new nationwide crackdown on dodgy shops.

Rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to organised crime will face raids, closures and cash seizures under a new £30 million crackdown targeting money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal working over 3 years.

£20 million of funding will go towards an enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency co-ordination cell based out of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police Unit, to build intelligence at a national level and increase the number of dedicated officers tackling organised crime on the ground.

Trading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance, and boost enforcement.

A new High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners, and Trading Standards. Together, the additional funding and new unit builds on strong enforcement action such as Operation Machinize, to boost the national and local response to targeting criminal networks operating in plain sight on Britain’s high streets.

Overseen by the Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, the unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first place.

A rapid review of local responders’ powers is underway to explore how these can be strengthened, starting with a consultation on extending the duration of closure orders, where appropriate, to shut criminal businesses down for longer.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses.

“We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars”

It comes as the NCA estimate at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with £1 billion laundered through high street businesses like mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores and sweet shops. Some businesses are also connected to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working, and illegal drug supply.

Thousands of businesses are expected to be raided, hundreds of arrests made and millions in cash seized as a national intensification campaign will be put on permanent footing annually to drive co-ordinated enforcement across the country.

Sal Melki, Deputy Director of Illicit Finance at the National Crime Agency, said: “For the past 18 months, the NCA, in conjunction with policing partners, has led Operation Machinize, the largest operation against economic crime on our high streets.

“By bringing together policing, HMRC, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, and other partners in a co-ordinated approach, over 950 people have been arrested and over £10 million worth of criminal value seized.

“This criminal activity makes our communities less safe and less prosperous. It undermines legitimate business, deprives public services of tax revenues, and fuels a range of predicate offences such as the drugs trade, illicit goods, trafficking, and organised immigration crime.

“We will not stop and having the support of the High Street Organised Crime Unit to grow the Machinize partnership will enable us to target and disrupt more high harm offenders.

“The HSOCU will be key to a whole of government response, where enforcement action is backed up with the laws, policies and powers required at all levels to get this criminal element out of our high streets.”

Lord Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Organised high street crime, including the illegal sale of tobacco and counterfeit goods, is damaging communities across the country.

“These criminal networks undercut honest businesses, draw money away from local economies and expose consumers to unregulated and potentially unsafe products. They are also often linked to wider offending, including money laundering, exploitation, and violence.

“The creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit will help drive a co-ordinated national response while strengthening local enforcement capability through additional support and funding for Trading Standards, police and partner agencies on the ground, who will work together to disrupt organised offenders, protect the public and support honest businesses that play by the rules.”

The latest Operation Machinize in November saw 2,734 premises visited and raided, 924 individuals arrested, over £13 million of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained, and more than £2.7 million worth of illicit commodities destroyed. It builds on the £300 million in criminal assets recovered by law enforcement last year, with money invested back to the front lines to support agencies leading the fight against crime.

The new National Police Service will go further by bringing together the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, and regional organised crime units’ capabilities to strengthen the response to serious and organised crime.

Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams, City of London Police and National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery, said: “Our high streets should be places where legitimate businesses can grow, not places where organised criminals hide behind shopfronts.

“This task force will harness the efforts of the National Crime Agency, national economic crime leads, local community policing, specialist officers and partners to target the businesses being used to launder criminal money, recover criminal assets and protect legitimate traders.

“Operation Machinize has shown that the most effective response comes when neighbourhood officers, financial investigators and national agencies work as one team. Local officers understand their communities and can identify suspicious activity, while financial investigators, the City of London Police as national lead force, and the NCA help connect that activity to the organised crime groups and the money flows behind it.

“The message to organised criminals is clear. If criminal cash is being pushed through high street businesses, policing and our partners will act. Through the High Street Organised Crime Unit, we will use intelligence, asset recovery and financial investigation to turn local disruption into lasting national impact.”

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The new High Street Organised Crime Unit will be welcome news for people across the country.

“Illegitimate businesses and retail theft are major issues and too often linked to criminal gang activity. Stolen goods are commonly funnelled through illicit supply chains and resold through unscrupulous businesses, helping fund further criminality. This harms businesses, puts colleagues at risk, and pushes up prices for honest shoppers.

“Tackling it requires prioritisation from police and government, and co-or2dination and intelligence sharing between retailers, law enforcement, and local partners. We look forward to working together to deliver real progress.”

John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, (CTSI), said: “CTSI welcomes the introduction of the High Street Organised Crime Unit, which will bring together partner agencies – including Trading Standards – to tackle organised criminality on our high streets.

“The proliferation of so called “dodgy shops” puts consumers at significant risk and undermines the legitimate businesses who drive economic growth across the UK. The new unit will bring a much-needed focus to help clamp down on a blight on our high streets and communities.”

Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.“

Britain is undersaving for retirement, warns Pensions Commission

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

  • Interim report highlights key challenges in retirement saving across the UK with 15 million people currently undersaving for retirement.
  • Findings sets direction for further work to improve retirement outcomes ahead of final recommendations in 2027.
  • Commission set up as part of government’s wider reforms to pensions system to help more people retire with dignity.

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

The report highlights that many people are not saving enough for retirement, particularly among low and middle earners, the self‑employed and women, and points to the need for the system to evolve to meet modern working lives.

There are currently 15 million people under saving for retirement which could reach 19 million without action, leaving large groups across the UK facing a severe cliff-edge when they retire, according to a new report from the Pensions Commission.

Set up by the Government in July 2025, the Commission aims to address a savings challenge that has been building for decades, examining why tomorrow’s retirees’ risk being worse off than today’s and making recommendations to reverse this.

This follows the success of the 2002 to 2006 Commission which built a consensus for the roll-out of Automatic Enrolment into pension saving, resulting in 89% of eligible employees now saving into their pensions, up from 55% in 2012.

Its findings include:

  • Low and middle earners are most at risk, with around half saving only at minimum Automatic Enrolment levels with little else to fall back on.
  • 45% of working-age adults – around 18 million people – are not saving into a pension at all, despite nearly half of them being in work.
  • Where employers are contributing about the statutory minimum this is largely benefiting higher earners.
  • Just 4% – one in 25 – of wholly self-employed workers are saving for retirement, and it’s even lower among younger self-employed people.
  • On current trends around 3 in 10 private pension pots are accessed at the earliest possible opportunity with half of all pots taken out in full. Nearly half of these are spent on large expenses like a car, holiday or renovations.

The Commission examined why tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s with too many working age adults are saving nothing at all into a pension. A final report with recommendations will follow in early 2027.

Pensions Commissioner, Baroness Jeannie Drake said: “Over the past two decades since the Turner Commission there is no doubt pensions reform can be described as a success. Yet the second Pensions Commission is looking forward and seeing many people not saving enough and millions not saving at all.

“This demands a renewed national settlement on pensions.

“Achieving this will require clarity of purpose, but it also offers a moment of opportunity; to renew a social contract that commands confidence across the country.

“The recommendations we present in our final report will address the need to secure adequate income in later life and a pension system that is fit for decades to come.”

The Commission will set out the course to improving future outcomes whilst ensuring the system is fair and sustainable within and between generations.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell MP, said: “Britain has got back into the pension saving habit, but the job is only half done with tomorrow’s pensioners still on track to be poorer than today’s.

“The Pensions Commission sets out clearly the scale of the challenge: not enough people are saving for retirement, and many of those that are aren’t saving enough.”

The Commission warns that without action millions more people could be at risk of becoming reliant on state support in retirement.

It adds that there is much for public policy to do to shape the future of pensions, whilst maintaining the broad political consensus pensions has had since the Turner Commission in the 2000s. The Commission is clear that change must happen in the right way, with any recommendations for change implemented gradually.

The Government has ruled out any changes to Automatic Enrolment contributions this Parliament.

Dr Yvonne Braun, ABI Director of Long-Term Savings Policy said: “The report makes a powerful case for a new national settlement for pensions. Automatic enrolment is a sturdy foundation, but must evolve to meet the scale of the challenges ahead.

“We and our members stand ready to work with the Commission to deepen saving, extend coverage and support better decisions in retirement, so that everyone can look forward to greater financial security in later life.

“Over the next year the Commission will hear a wide range of views before presenting its final report and recommendations in early 2027. A call for views from all interested parties has also launched today.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which? said: “Which? welcomes this interim report from the Pensions Commission and the valuable evidence it brings together on the UK’s pension adequacy challenge.

“It is very encouraging to see recognition of the need to increase private pension saving rates and coverage, while also acknowledging the financial pressures caused by the cost of living crisis.

The report rightly highlights that too many working people are projected to reach later life without sufficient savings, and that women, carers, the self-employed and many ethnic minority groups continue to face structural barriers. It is also promising to see a strong focus on how to support people to use their pension savings throughout retirement.

“Which? looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission, industry and wider civil society groups to help drive the reforms needed so people are better prepared for retirement.”

Julian Mund, Chief Executive of Pensions UK, said: “Pensions UK welcomes the breadth and ambition of this report, and shares the Commission’s view that we need a new national settlement on pensions.

“Evidence presented in the report clearly strengthens the case for more pension saving over longer working lives, alongside systemic change that delivers sustainable incomes – building on welcome reforms in the Pension Schemes Act.

“We look forward to working with Government to explore how that diagnosis can be turned into a practical roadmap for reform, well before the next generation fall short of the retirement incomes they expect and deserve.”

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK: “We welcome this new report from the Pensions Commission, which provides an excellent analysis of the problems facing our pensions system today.

“This is the first and necessary step for ensuring the pensions system of the future enables tomorrow’s older people to have a decent standard of living.

“There’s a clear need to improve the way the State Pension and private pension systems work together; otherwise people on low incomes are at risk of falling through the cracks and hurtling towards their retirements without the required funds, or the time to make up the shortfall.

“We look forward to working with the Commission as it explores the best solutions for future pensioners.”

Aside from the commission, the government is also reforming the pension landscape and improving retirement for today’s workers. The Pension Schemes Act, passed this month, will benefit 22 million workers by up to £29,000 by the time they retire, driving down costs, boosting returns and enabling the automatic consolation of small pension pots to ensure every pound saved works harder for working people.

Louise Hellem, Chief Economist, CBI, said: “The publication of the Pensions Commission’s interim report is an important step towards building a long-term framework that delivers adequate living standards in retirement. Getting this right requires the government, businesses and individuals all to play their role in supporting better saving.

“As the debate progresses, it is vital that retirement adequacy is considered hand in hand with the UK’s growth ambitions. Strong economic growth underpins sustainable pension outcomes by supporting employment and higher sustainable wage growth, enabling individuals to save, and driving stronger investment returns over time.

“It is only growth that can sufficiently reduce difficult trade-offs and maintain political, public and business support for change.”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Workers deserve a pension system that guarantees against poverty in retirement and enables them to maintain their standard of living.

“Although millions more people are now building up workplace pensions, far too many on low and middle incomes are not heading for a decent retirement – with women, Black and minority ethnic and disabled workers, and those in the gig economy at highest risk.

“The Commission must now develop a bold plan to fix this, which will need to include higher employer contributions and a fair deal for those currently missing out.”

Nausicaa Delfas, Chief Executive of The Pensions Regulator, said: “The pensions system is still unfinished business with too many people on track for an inadequate retirement income.

“That is why we welcome the Pensions Commission report, and look forward to continuing to work with the Commission, Government and industry to create a system which delivers what matters most: a sustainable income in retirement for everyone.

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE reacts to the Pension Commission’s interim report: “We welcome the Pension Commission’s interim report, which clearly sets out the challenges future pensioners will face in securing an adequate income.

“It is positive that the Commission recognises the vital role of the State Pension and social security entitlements in supporting those on low incomes. The findings that certain groups, including women and disabled people, are at greater risk of under-saving are concerning, but not unexpected. They echo our own research, which shows that these groups are more likely to experience poverty in later life.

“With 1.7 million older people currently living in poverty and 1 million more hovering precariously on the edge, it is clear change is needed to ensure a future where everyone in later life has a dignified and financially secure older age.  

 “We look forward to continuing to work with the Commission as it develops its final recommendations.”

Streeting resigns as Health Secretary

‘Where we need vision, we have a vacuum’

WES Streeting has resigned as UK Health Secretary, clearing the way for his leadership bid.

STREETING’s RESIGNATION LETTER:

Government in turmoil, but King’s Speech ‘to build a stronger and fairer Britain’

The King’s Speech – the second under this Labour government – is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills ‘facing up to the big challenges our country faces and put the UK on a stronger, fairer path that unlocks hope for people across Britain’. But will it be Starmer’s last?

  • King’s Speech will strengthen public services, reform the state and reverse decline
  • Ambitious programme to break with the status quo
  • New laws reflect big challenges country faces and bolsters UK’s economic, energy and national security

A stronger, fairer country that can weather the storm of global shocks and restore hope will be the focus of the new legislation set out in The King’s Speech today [13 May].

The King’s Speech – the second under this government – is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills facing up to the big challenges our country faces and put the UK on a stronger, fairer path that unlocks hope for people across Britain.

The package of bills is targeted at strengthening the UK’s foundations through measures to bolster economic, energy, national security.

This includes laws to restore order and control to the immigration system, strengthen our public services and reform the state to support a more active government that is on the side of British people.

Under fire Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.

“Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.

“My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people.”

The government’s first session of Parliament delivered 50 government bills, including the Children and Wellbeing Act, Employment Rights Act, the Great British Energy Act, the Renters’ Rights Act and the Planning and Infrastructure Act.

The legislation passed delivered on core promises made to the British public – making our country safer, stronger and fairer through landmark laws to drive change. That includes help for parents with everyday school costs, stronger rights for victims and survivors, creating the first smoke-free generation to help people live healthier lives, tougher police powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour, and giving communities a say in the decisions that affect them. 

This second session will deliver change to our communities.

Economic, energy and national security

The world today is more volatile and dangerous than at any point in recent history. A war on two fronts – in the Middle East and in Ukraine – threatens living standards. The government’s economic plan has put the UK in a better position to weather these storms.

We will rebuild our economy to make us more resilient – and the King’s Speech will drive forward this progress through more protections for small businesses, reforms to regulation to drive growth and innovation, and changes to give businesses the confidence to invest and grow.

Delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, new laws will deliver more trade, more opportunity for young people and help to reduce the cost of living.

We need to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster with clean, homegrown power we control and electrification of our wider economy. The King’s Speech is expected to unveil the Energy Independence Bill which will give government more power to tackle the affordability crisis and speed up the delivery of clean energy technologies and vital grid infrastructure.

Building on the progress already made to restore order and control to our borders, legislation will be brought forwards to deliver a firm but fair immigration system that restores control and earns public trust.

Bills will also be introduced to meet the evolving threats facing the UK head on, strengthening our defences and keeping pace with modern technologies from cyber-attacks to new powers to counter state threats so we can better disrupt the sharing of extreme content online.

As the Prime Minister set out earlier this week, the King’s Speech will also set out legislation to protect the UK’s steelmaking capacity by giving government options to nationalise British Steel, so that necessary action can be taken if needed while we continue to rebuild the steel sector.

Ending the opportunity crisis

Ending the opportunity crisis requires an active state that can deliver on the government’s commitment to fight for every child. The King’s Speech is expected to include legislation to deliver government’s landmark reforms to transform the school system so that all children get access to an inclusive, high quality mainstream education, and parents don’t have to battle a system just to get their kids the support they deserve.

Removing barriers to opportunity and helping people get on in life is at the heart of the government’s drive to reverse the decline felt across the country. Laws to deliver the manifesto commitment to put an end to the unfair and outdated leasehold system will give people more control over how they live in their own homes and provide stronger rights for homeowners.

Strengthened public services and reformed state

Landmark public service reforms in the NHS, police and special education needs will also strengthen our country. This government is reversing the decline and neglect of our NHS so that it’s built to support people at every stage of their life, as well as preventing them from getting sick in the first place.

A new Bill is expected to be brought forward to accelerate the reform needed to strip back bureaucracy, improve patient care and support early intervention. Legislation to protect much needed social housing stock and better protect domestic abuse survivors will also be included, making sure families have safe, secure, affordable homes to live in.

The new legislation comes alongside the government’s action to ease the cost of living crisis for working people, remove barriers to growth, create more highly paid jobs and equip people with the skills and routes to get on in life.

That includes rolling out free breakfast clubs and supporting parents with free childcare, freezing rail fares, capping the price of bus journeys, and fixing the broken welfare system by tackling the disincentives that pushed too many people away from work and investing £2.5 billion in a youth employment package that will support almost one million young people and help deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

Meanwhile, following yesterday’s turmoil:

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

  • Nesil Caliskan MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
  • Natalie Fleet MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office
  • Catherine Atkinson MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice
  • Preet Kaur Gill MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care
  • Gen Kitchen MP as Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip)
  • Deirdre Costigan MP as Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip)
  • Shaun Davies MP as Assistant Whip, House of Commons

Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Jess Phillips MP, Alex Davies-Jones MP and Dr Zubir Ahmed MP have left the Government.

AND THIS MORNING, A STATEMENT FROM LABOUR AFFILIATED UNIONS:

Labour’s affiliated unions have been clear that Labour cannot continue on its current path.

Whilst we recognise progress has been made, such as aspects of the Employment Rights Act and the increase in the minimum wage, the results at the election last week were devastating.

Labour is not doing enough to deliver the change that working people voted for at the General Election.

Our focus is on the fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy that unions have been clear is needed, and not on the personalities and unfolding political drama in Westminster.

It’s clear that the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next election, and at some stage a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new Leader.

This is a point where the future of the Party we founded will be debated and determined, and we are working closely as unions to shape a shared vision on policy, political strategy and economic policy that will re-orient Labour back to working people, so Labour do what it was elected to do: govern in the interests of workers.

New legislation gives Government power to bring British Steel into public ownership

New legislation to be announced in the King’s Speech on Wednesday will give government the option to bring British Steel into public ownership

  • Government to introduce legislation which would give it the option to nationalise British Steel, subject to public interest test being met.
  • Primary legislation would give Government a route to safeguard UK steelmaking capacity and avoid sudden halt of production at Scunthorpe, while it considers options for British Steel to help deliver on government’s Steel Strategy ambitions.
  • Move strengthens economic resilience and backs Government’s long‑term ambition for a resilient, modern UK steel sector.

British Steel could be back in Government hands for the first time since being sold off in 1988, thanks to powers that will be included in new legislation to be set out in the Kings Speech tomorrow.

The new powers would be subject to public interest tests, and if used to nationalise British Steel, they would boost national security while giving stability to workers at Scunthorpe, and British Steel’s suppliers and customers.

The Prime Minister announced the new legislation in a speech yesterday (Monday 11 May) where he set out his plan to boost our sovereign capabilities, protect British industry, and prioritise British jobs and industrial communities.

The Government intervened at British Steel in April 2025 under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act to ensure uninterrupted steel production and to avoid the sudden closure of the blast furnaces, which would have disrupted supply chains and risked thousands of jobs. 

Since then, the Government has been in discussions with British Steel’s owner to find a pragmatic and realistic solution for the business on acceptable terms.

It has not been possible to agree a commercial sale with the current owner, and government does not believe an agreement could be reached which would deliver acceptable value for money for taxpayers.

The Government believes introducing legislation to provide a route to public ownership is the appropriate next step, while recognising that any decision to use the powers in the Bill would be subject to the Bill’s public interest test being met. 

The public interest test considers factors including national security, maintaining critical national infrastructure and supporting the economy. 

The announcement today follows the launch of the Government’s landmark Steel Strategy in March, which set out its long‑term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and bolster economic resilience by meeting up to 50 percent of UK steel demand domestically.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Steel is strategically important to our economy and our national resilience. That’s why we acted last year to avoid a sudden halt to production at Scunthorpe, protecting workers and the community that depend on the site, and why we’re now bringing forward legislation to give us options to protect Britain’s steelmaking capability.

“This is what an activist state looks like – taking decisions in the national interest. This Bill would allow us to take action if we need to, while we continue rebuilding our steel sector.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Strong domestic steel production is vital for our economy, and this legislation would allow us to ensure stability for British Steel’s workers, suppliers and customers and avoid damaging disruption to crucial supply chains, while we consider options for the site’s future.

“Revitalising our steel sector is a top priority for this government, and bringing forward this legislation would allow us to explore potential future options for British Steel. The government recognises that securing the long-term future of the UK’s steel sector relies on both public and private investment for modernisation.”

Following the Government’s intervention in April 2025, British Steel has continued operating at the Scunthorpe site, protecting steelmaking capacity and supporting jobs across the local economy and supply chain, providing reassurance and stability for the town and its workforce.

The new Bill will be formally introduced to Parliament this week. Any decision to bring British Steel into public ownership would only be taken after the Bill receives Royal Assent, and if the public interest test set out in the legislation is met.

New missions to transform childhoods of most disadvantaged

New education missions launched to open doors for children in England’s most under-served communities

Thousands of children from England’s most under-served communities are set to benefit from targeted support that will transform their life chances through two pioneering new education programmes. 

Mission North East and Mission Coastal will bring expert support into classrooms and new opportunities beyond the school gates for children in the North East, Hastings and Scarborough from this September — communities where too many young people have been held back for too long, with persistently low results. 

Announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson today, these landmark programmes will transform children’s lives — giving the most disadvantaged children the mentoring, careers support, and enrichment opportunities they need to achieve and thrive.

The data driving these decisions is stark. The North East has the lowest exam results of any region in England at 1.9 points below the national average of 46.0 in Attainment 8. In Hastings, disadvantaged pupils average just 26.0 and in Scarborough around 27.

Across the country, disadvantaged White British pupils are being consistently let down, scoring 30.9 against 48.6 for their better-off peers. That is a generational injustice.

These missions will change that. Expert practitioners will work directly with leaders and teachers, building teacher capacity and raising standards. Schools will work together in local clusters, learning from each other rather than tackling challenges alone. 

Beyond the school gates, new partnerships with employers, sports clubs, faith groups and youth organisations will provide vital mentoring, careers support and cultural enrichment — the building blocks of a full childhood.

These programmes build on the success of the London Challenge, which launched in 2003, and proved what is possible when you concentrate expert-led, place-based support in communities that have previously been left behind. 

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I grew up in the North East and know the challenges families face. I want every child there, and in coastal communities like Hastings and Scarborough, to have the same opportunities I was lucky enough to have.  

“For too long, children living in these areas have grown up without the opportunities that they need and deserve to be able to achieve and thrive. 

“That is not a matter of ability. It is a matter of justice. Mission North East and Mission Coastal are our commitment to change that postcode lottery for good.”

Designed with a Test, Learn and Grow approach, these programmes will identify what works quickly and feed those lessons back into national policy – so these missions benefit not just local communities, but similar communities across the country.

Over time, we will look to form a wider alliance of other coastal areas with similar challenges, where children and families can benefit from the approach being taken in Scarborough and Hastings.

The landmark Schools White Paper set out the government’s plans for Mission North East and Mission Coastal as part of our plan to cut the link between background and success and halve the disadvantage gap for this generation, so that every child can achieve and thrive.

This work builds on the passing of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which introduced free breakfast clubs to all primary schools and places new limits on branded school uniform costs.

Together, these measures form part of the most ambitious programme of investment in children and childhood England has seen in a generation.

UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak

Latest information on cases including British nationals

Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):

The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.

Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.

The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.

FCDO and UKHSA teams will be on the ground to support these arrangements, bolstered by a Rapid Deployment Team sent from the UK. The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.

UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.

All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.

Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support.

UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.

Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.

Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.

The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and British nationals on board and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals.

UK government is working very closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of UK overseas territories which were visited by the ship.

UK government teams are working at pace to get medical support to all affected Overseas Territories. The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including PCR tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius.

“The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.”

Further information on the repatriation of British nationals will be provided in due course.

Starmer convenes antisemitism summit in Downing Street

‘IT IS A CRISIS FOR ALL OF US’

PRIME MINISTER’s OPENING REMARKS:

Thank you all for being here. We have a lot of work to do so it’s very important we gather here to do that work.

Thank you Louis. That was incredibly powerful, and honest, and courageous. I think it’s really important we heard you speak, in your words, saying how you feel, and what it feels like to be Jewish in Britain right now.

And if recent events haven’t given us pause for thought, that really should.

About the responsibility each one of us has to face this challenge head on. And about what’s at the stake in the conversations we have today.

Last October, at Heaton Park, a deadly terrorist attack shocked the nation.

Similarly, last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But they were not isolated incidents.

It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.  

These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that aren’t guaranteed, they are earned. Every single day. Through our actions.

So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. Of course we do, but we have to show with action. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.

Because it is our fight too. It is about the kind of country that we all want to be.

And that’s what today is about. Because only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.

I have seen this poison up close. I have seen the damage it does when it takes hold. And I know what it demands to root it out – a coordinated approach, an unwavering resolve and zero tolerance for failure. 

[Political content redacted]. And that is what we must do today. My government is using the full force of the state to that end. We have begun, as we must, with immediate protection.

In recent months, as antisemitic incidents have risen, we have acted decisively to strengthen the safety of Jewish communities. And last week, we announced an additional £25 million in funding. 

That money is being used to increase police patrols, enhance security at synagogues, schools and community centres, and place specialist and plain-clothes officers in communities to prevent serious harm before it occurs.

That is the right thing to do. But what a sad thing to read out that list of acts to you – protecting synagogues, schools and community centres. I repeat those words.

Because of course, we cannot accept a future where communities feel safer only behind higher walls. Security is essential – but it is not enough. We must also deal with the forces that drive this hatred in the first place.

So, we are confronting them directly. One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents. We are investigating of course all possibilities. And we are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.

Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated. That is why we are fast tracking legislation to tackle these malign threats.

And we are clear eyed about the fact that antisemitism does not have one source alone. Islamist, far-left and far-right extremism all target Jewish communities.

That is why this Government has put in place the first coordinated national plan to strengthen cohesion and confront extremism in all of its forms.

This is not about tinkering around the edges. Our plan is a complete step change in how we protect communities: moving beyond piecemeal responses to a sustained, nationwide effort – one that ensures that people across the United Kingdom can live freely and without fear.

We are strengthening our ability to disrupt extremism – stopping those who spread hatred from entering the country and giving the Charity Commission stronger powers to act against organisations that enable it. 

We are holding technology companies to account, requiring them to remove illegal extremist content or face serious penalties. And we have introduced stronger powers to deal with protests, ensuring intimidation is not tolerated on our streets.

And when these vile acts are committed, we are bolstering the response of our justice system – working to speed up sentencing for offences so that consequences are swift and the deterrent is clear. 

But it is also important to recognise that so often this hatred does not begin with violence – it begins with ideas, with misinformation, tropes and conspiracy theories, and with attitudes that, left unchecked, can take root and spread. So, in those spaces where the shoots of antisemitism begin to grow, we are stepping in.

We have commissioned independent reviews into antisemitism in education and health services. Across the NHS, we are rolling out antisemitism training for staff.

And in our schools, colleges and universities, we are investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism, while making sure Holocaust education is taught in all schools.

And, today, we are going further. We already expect universities to set out clear disciplinary consequences for antisemitism, and to enforce them. And so we will hold them to account on that. 

But today, I can announce that we will lift the bar higher: when abuses take place, we are calling on universities to demonstrate action. We will now expect them to publish the scale of the problem on their campuses, as well as the specific steps they have taken to clamp down on it. There will be zero tolerance for inaction.

In our cultural venues and spaces we will also expect more. Where public funding is being used to promote or platform antisemitism, the Arts Council must act, using its powers to suspend, withdraw and claw back funding. 

And, today, we are mandating an independent audit of how allegations are handled. This will be a hard-edged review of where systems are failing and where they need to be strengthened. We will not and cannot accept complacency, delays, or weak enforcement. And where complacency is found, it will be challenged and addressed swiftly.

And we will also address a quieter but no less serious harm: the way rising security costs are forcing Jewish artists and organisations out of public life. That is exclusion – and it is unacceptable. 

We will ensure that the Arts Council and Home Office funding can be used to cover protective security costs, so that participation is not determined by fear.

There is, of course, more work to do – and we won’t stop playing our part. But this is not a task that government do alone.

Every part of society has a responsibility to respond with determination and force. Because there are too many people who don’t see antisemitism for what it is: anti-Jewish hatred, racism, pure and simple.

That is why, today, I am asking you – each and every one of you – to reflect. On what form antisemitism takes in the sectors that you lead. In how it may be allowed to fester and spread. And on the work that you are currently doing to stamp it out.

And then, even more importantly, I am calling on you to act. With urgency. To look clearly at where you are succeeding – and just as clearly at where there is still work to be done. And to commit to the tangible action that Jewish people in this country need to feel safe again.

Because stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility. It is all of ours. That is the test before us. And only by working together will we meet it.

So, thank you for being here today – we have a lot of work to do – and we’re now going to move through to the Pillared Room to discuss that work further. So please come through and join us in the Pillared Room to continue the work that we have started today.

Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving

There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.

If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.

Do you need to change your travel plans?

There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.

We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.

We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.

Read about the latest action that government is taking to to protect summer holidays from disruption.

How is the government protecting passengers?

Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:

  • depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
  • arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
  • arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

For more information about your rights, you can:

What is government doing?

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.

We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.

How are airlines being supported?

At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.

Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year. If they fall below this threshold, those slots can be reassigned to another airline. This is known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.

Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying. Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.

The government is also seeking industry views on slot rules for the summer 2026 and winter 2026 seasons. The temporary measures would allow airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.

This means airlines can better plan ahead and focus on minimising disruption for passengers. It can also reduce fuel consumption by consolidating passengers onto fewer flights, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.