Tag: UK Government

New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings

New agreement between the UK and France to step up patrols and intelligence operations in France to reduce illegal crossings

The United Kingdom and France yesterday signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated human, technological and intelligence resources.

Since the 2024 UK election, work between the UK and France has prevented more than 42,000 illegal migrants from crossing the Channel. The joint action also led to the arrest of 480 smugglers in 2025. 

The new partnership will build on these encouraging results to reduce the number of illegal Channel crossings.

  • For the first time, UK funding will include a flexible part to support actions to strengthen the effectiveness of the scheme. These actions will be subject to a regular joint evaluation in order to analyse their impact on reducing the flow of illegal immigration.
  • The personnel (nearly 1,200 agents of the police force, the intelligence services and the maritime prefecture) already deployed will be renewed and reinforced in the North to prevent illegal crossings from France.
  • The new partnership aims to increase the number of personnel deployed by 53% – 907 personnel funded in the 2023-2026 cycle and 1,392 in the 2026-2029 cycle, as well as a CRS unit dedicated to the fight against illegal immigration, managed by France. This will be accompanied by the deployment of new technologies to reduce the number of departures of small boats, in particular water taxis.

Under the new partnership, £500 million (€580 million) will be invested to strengthen the control system in northern France and a further £161 million (€187 million) will fund new actions based on their impact on crossing prevention.  If these new measures do not yield sufficient results, on the basis of a joint annual evaluation, funding will be redirected to new actions. 

This new partnership includes:

  • Reinforcement of staff on the ground: currently, 907 people are deployed on the ground and have prevented 42,000 crossing attempts since the 2024 UK elections. This new partnership provides for a 53% increase in the workforce, including the creation of a new specialized unit (SIPAF – Interministerial Border Police) of 80 people.
  • The completion of major real estate projects and new investments: the administrative detention centre in Dunkirk and the future CRS cantonment in Calais, which will increase the efficiency of the police forces.
  • The strengthening of intelligence and judicial police units: this unit, the GAO, composed of 18 people, led to the arrest of 480 smugglers in 2025. The number of personnel in this unit will be increased to 30 in order to intensify the fight against smuggling networks in the northern zone
  • Strengthen surveillance capabilities and infrastructure using drones, helicopters and electronic means to better prevent crossing attempts.

These measures are complemented by the desire to combat the phenomenon of illegal immigration to the United Kingdom upstream, by strengthening joint actions in countries of origin and transit.

As the Channel is an external border of the European Union, the partnership between the United Kingdom and France is part of a broader European cooperation that both countries wish to strengthen.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Our collaboration with the French has prevented tens of thousands of illegal migrants from boarding the boats bound for Britain.

“But we need to go further. This historic agreement will prevent illegal migrants from making the perilous journey and put smugglers behind bars.”

 French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, said: “This new agreement gives our security forces the means to continue their decisive commitment in the fight against dangerous Channel crossings and to strengthen the security of coastal residents.

“I also welcome Frontex’s commitment, which is intended to be amplified in the context of enhanced European involvement in the surveillance of this external border of the European Union.

“I also recognise Frontex’s commitment to be strengthened as part of a stronger European involvement in the surveillance of this external border of the European Union.

“A large part of the resources provided for in this partnership will be concentrated from the beginning of the summer and during the summer period, which is traditionally the busiest period for small craft crossings.”

This partnership complements the important reforms undertaken by the UK government to reduce the pull factors that push irregular migrants across the Channel and to intensify the expulsion of irregular foreign nationals from British territory.

Nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals have been sent back or deported since this UK government came to power, an increase of 31%.

Immigration control measures to combat illegal working have reached levels unprecedented in British history, with an 83% increase in arrests and a 77% increase in police interventions under this government.

The UK government is also closing all reception hotels for asylum seekers and transferring them to accommodation centres, especially those on former military sites.

New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents

Changes apply to non-commercial movements of dogs, cats and ferrets

From TODAY – Wednesday 22 April – new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets.  People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance. 
 
The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.  
 
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.  

Key updates include: 

  • GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU. This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.    

Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirements and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel. 

GB residents are still able to use EU pet passports for their return journey to GB.  

  • Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) now last longer once you arrive, but they are still single‑use. Although you still need a new AHC for each trip from GB to the EU, the certificate can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Great Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid. 
  • If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document. 
  • There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle. Non‑commercial travel into the EU is now limited to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person. The existing limit of five pets for people travelling on foot stays the same. Exceptions apply for pets travelling to competitions, events or training, if specific conditions are met. 

An APHA spokesperson said: From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. 

“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination. 

“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”

The Government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit: 

Ofgem ‘transformed’ to strengthen protections for energy consumers

Billpayers ‘set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator to ensure they are treated fairly’

  • Energy regulator Ofgem reformed to introduce stronger protections for consumers
  • Households supported with faster redress if they are let down by their supplier
  • Energy executives incentivised to act in consumers’ best interests

Billpayers are set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator, under reforms of its remit set out by the government today (22 April). 

The transformation will empower the regulator to ensure energy consumers are treated fairly, including measures to guarantee good practice in the market. This is the first major update to Ofgem’s scope since the regulator was founded in 2000. 

The comprehensive overhaul will give Ofgem new powers to act as a true consumer champion, including: 

  1. Stronger powers for the regulator to enforce consumer law directly, meaning it will no longer need to go through a lengthy courts process to make sure customers get what they are owed if companies treat them unfairly; 
  2. Measures to ensure energy bosses act on behalf of consumers, with powers for Ofgem to ban their bonuses if they break the rules;  
  3. Reforms to the regulator’s remit to focus on economic and consumer protection and ensure every energy consumer is protected, including the ability to regulate in new areas of the market if needed. 

Since Ofgem was established, the market has grown more complex, with a wider range of products and services for consumers to choose from – with growing numbers of customers in parts of the market which are covered by little, if any, regulation. 

That includes heating oil customers, who have seen prices spike following the start of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Last month the government announced funding worth over £50 million to support low-income families reliant on heating oil, and committed to introducing new consumer protections to the sector.  

The changes announced today mark another step in that process, transforming Ofgem so that it is fit for the future and can ensure all consumers in today’s energy market are supported. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  “This Government is fighting people’s corner, and today we set out steps to strengthen protections for energy consumers.

“This includes tough and fair measures to ban energy company bonuses if they break the rules.”

Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: “Every household must be given a fair deal, and today, we transform our energy regulator to give families stronger protections. 

“We’re giving Ofgem stronger powers to fight consumers’ corner, changing their remit so they can protect every consumer, and introducing new measures so they can hold energy executives to account. 

“We’re making the market work for those who use it, working with the regulator to make sure customers are put first. 

“We will continue to stand up for working people and fight their corner as we tackle the affordability crisis – our number one priority.”

Interim Ofgem CEO Tim Jarvis said: “Great Britain’s energy system is going through the biggest changes in our lifetimes, and the regulator needs to be able to keep pace with that change.

“This review sets out ambitious, necessary reforms that will enable Ofgem to meet the challenges of regulating an increasingly electrified and flexible energy system and protect consumers so they can engage confidently in markets offering new products and services.   

“We have delivered significant reforms in recent years, but this review enables us to make changes at a more systemic level to ensure we are delivering an energy system that works for consumers, that is attractive to investors and provides a stable, reliable environment for participants in the industry.

“With the tools, remit and clarity to deliver this, we look forward to working with the Government, consumer representatives and the energy sector to drive the change that’s needed – both in Ofgem and across the energy sector.”

To deliver the shift, Ofgem’s remit will be streamlined to focus on its core functions as an economic and consumer protection regulator. This involves removing Ofgem’s responsibility for oversight of home upgrade schemes in a role that is set to be performed within government by the Warm Homes Agency. 

This will help equip Ofgem to drive forward clean power and economic growth, ensuring regulation supports innovation, unlocks investment in Britain’s electricity networks, and helps to modernise the energy system.  

Ofgem’s capabilities will also be reformed, with its technical expertise strengthened, its use of data improved and its approach to risk reassessed – enabling the regulator to take faster decisions in the interests of consumers. 

They will also develop a workforce plan, building on changes already underway, to ensure staff have the right skills to deliver the changes required, supported by stronger board‑level oversight of skills and culture. 

The changes build on the reforms the government and regulator have already delivered to rebuild the energy retail market and improve standards in the sector – driving customer satisfaction with their suppliers to record highs.   

They follow the government’s proposals to protect energy consumers with fairer, quicker and easier access to compensation when they are let down, as well as Ofgem’s plans to make sure suppliers’ Guaranteed Standards of Performance reflect the evolving energy system. 

The plans come as the government is continuing to fight people’s corner in response to the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. Yesterday (21 April) the Energy Secretary set out plans to go further and faster on the mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and protect people from the increasing global fossil fuel price shocks. 

Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice said: “We welcome the actions set out in the review, which will strengthen consumer protections, enable a fair transition to green energy and give Ofgem the tools it needs to enforce the rules. 

“Ofgem should now seize the opportunity to bring about a more innovative market, with better choices and protections for consumers, ensuring energy suppliers know there are real consequences for falling short.

“Effective regulation is one pillar which underpins a well-functioning energy system.  But consumers also need strong advocacy, trusted advice and the ability to get problems sorted quickly and fairly, so they can make informed decisions and know they won’t be left out of pocket if things go wrong.”

Laura Sandy CBE, Chair of the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce and Green Alliance said: “Excellent to see that the review is focused on the clarity of Ofgem’s role, streamlining its role to become a truly modern regulator, moving from technology-based regulation to a consumer centric model and being responsible for driving growth.  

“While, consumer protection and network regulation are the core functions, I hope that these roles also mean driving growth, unlocking wider societal opportunity and delivering customers greater choice.  

“The culture within the organisation is a strong theme throughout with the need to move from a process, input regulator, to a dynamic opportunity and risk regulator.  Crucially there are excellent recommendations around independent assessment on progress supporting Ofgem in the delivery of their new remit.”

PM calls social media companies into Downing Street

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

  • Prime Minister calls senior leaders from some of the biggest social media companies into Downing Street
  • Follows government taking powers to act quickly once its consultation concludes, including on measures to protect kids from social media harms
  • PM puts children’s safety first and tells companies this is the time to meet the moment, address parents’ concerns and prepare for next steps

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

For parents, the stakes could not be higher – this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility. When it comes to keeping young people safe online, the Prime Minister has been clear this is not a question of if the government will act, but how.

Throughout the government’s consultation, he has heard first hand from parents on the worries they have about the growing grip of social media on their children’s lives and the need for greater support.

The Prime Minister has said his government will not sit on its hands after the consultation, but instead has acted swiftly to take the legislative powers needed to move quickly once it has concluded to deliver change within months, not years.

Some social media companies have already stepped up by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving parents greater control over screen time and introducing curfews. But the Prime Minister has argued we must go further to protect children and meet the moment.

During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will set out the government’s principles and values when it comes to protecting children, and press for answers from companies on what they are doing to keep children safe online and responding to families’ concerns.

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.

“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.

“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2028788258843328611

The meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses to proposals aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing online.

With around six weeks left before the consultation closes on 26 May, the government is urging parents and children to get involved and help shape the next steps.

The consultation is the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It explores key questions including whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.

Almost 6,000 young people have already taken part, and more than 80 organisations – including schools, charities and community groups – have participated in engagement sessions with ministers and officials in recent months.

Take part in the national consultation: https://gov.uk/growing-up-online

UK sends £752 million to back Ukraine’s defence, Reeves confirms in Washington

  • Chancellor confirms the UK has sent the third £752 million payment as part of its £2.26 billion loan for Ukraine to buy military equipment
  • Ahead of meeting the Ukrainian PM on Wednesday, Reeves says the UK will keep pressure on Russia – including action against sanctioned “shadow fleet” vessels – and keep options open to join the EU’s €90bn loan effort
  • Announcement comes as Chancellor flies to Washington for IMF Spring Meetings, setting out Britain’s plan to keep costs down for people and build a more resilient economy.

The Chancellor has confirmed the UK has sent £752 million to Ukraine, as part of the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to spend on military equipment. 

Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings, where she is urging international partners to act together on global security and stability, including sustained support for Ukraine. 

She will be setting out Britain’s plan for economic security through the Middle East crisis — prioritising stability, keeping costs down for families and businesses, taking back control of our energy costs, and going further and faster on our plan for a stronger, more resilient economy. 

The loan to Ukraine is backed by the profits of immobilised Russian sovereign assets held in the EU, and will help Ukraine procure equipment to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression. This does not count as part of the UK spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.

This funding will be spent on critical military equipment to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, including long‑range strike capabilities, air defence missiles and systems, and Ukrainian‑produced drones to help protect civilians and national infrastructure from Russia’s attacks. 

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary confirms that the UK is set to deliver 120,000 drones as part of a separate £3.75 billion UK military support package for Ukraine. 

In Washington tomorrow, Reeves will meet with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and hold talks with G7 finance ministers, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Russia. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: ““The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. This funding will help deliver the military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war. 

“I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more while keeping pressure on Russia.” 

The Chancellor also confirmed the UK would look carefully at options to enable participation in the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine. 

She also highlighted how the UK is increasing pressure on Russia following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK is ready to deploy Armed Forces and law enforcement to interdict UK‑sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” vessels transiting UK waters, stepping up pressure on Putin’s war effort. 

Never Fear, Sir Keir’s Here!

Prime Minister travels to Middle East to meet allies and support ceasefire

The Prime Minister is travelling to the Gulf today to meet with Gulf partners and discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire in order to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict and protect the UK and global economy from further threats.

  • The Prime Minister will travel to the Gulf this week to meet leaders of countries who have been in the front line, and will set out his full support for the newly agreed ceasefire 
  • In meetings with regional leaders, he will reiterate unwavering UK support and need for a long-term diplomatic resolution to make sure the ceasefire leads to a lasting agreement 
  • He will hold talks on ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains permanent, with the United Kingdom continuing to lead international efforts

The Prime Minister is travelling to the Gulf today to meet with Gulf partners and discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire in order to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict and protect the UK and global economy from further threats.   

On the visit, the Prime Minister will make clear his government’s commitment to de-escalation, and hold further talks on practical efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following promising progress reported as a result of the ceasefire. As announced by the Prime Minister last week, the United Kingdom is continuing to lead the international effort, convening allies from across the world to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.  

He will also see in person the defensive support the UK has provided in the collective self-defence of our allies in the region and thank UK personnel for their brave service. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world. 

“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”

The Prime Minster’s travel follows the UK-convened meeting last week of more than 40 countries to begin work on a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz when the fighting subsides, and subsequent military planning meeting hosted by the UK on Tuesday to further advance this work. 

Work will now continue at pace in light of the ceasefire and the Prime Minister is expected to discuss this further in meetings with leaders in the region.

The Prime Minister’s first stop will be to thank the UK and local personnel who have bravely put their lives at risk in the defence of our people, our interests and those of our allies. 

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that UK personnel have intercepted more than 110 drone attacks in the region, and the RAF have conducted more than 1600 hours of defensive operations.

The Prime Minister will also pay tribute to the work of our partners in the Gulf, whose armed forces have protected the hundreds of thousands of UK nationals living in the region in the face of Iran’s brutal aggression.

IRAN’S BRUTAL AGGRESSION? You couldnae make it up! – Ed.

Over 12 million pensioners to receive £575 State Pension boost

Over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £575 from tomorrow (Monday 6 April), as both the basic and new State Pensions increase by 4.8% under the Triple Lock guarantee

  • Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £575 in their State Pension this year.
  • The Government’s Triple Lock commitment means pensioners’ incomes will rise by up to £2,100 over this parliament.
  • This year’s uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits will help millions of people across the UK in the face of cost-of-living pressures.

The Government has already delivered above-inflation increases worth up to £395 in real terms over this Parliament. By its end, pensioners’ annual incomes are expected to rise by up to £2,100 – boosting financial security for millions.

Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licenses. Between 2026 and 2027, the government will provide a £6 billion boost to spending on State Pensions and pensioner benefits.

The increases come into effect as the government takes wider action to ease pressure on household finances, including raising the National Living Wage, cutting an average of £150 from household energy bills, lifting the two child limit and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households.

“This government will always protect our pensioners, and that’s why we are raising the full rate of new State Pension by up to £575 this coming year.”

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “After a lifetime of work and contribution, people deserve a decent retirement.

“Raising the State Pensions faster than prices, ensuring it is a pension they can rely on, is how we make that a reality for millions.”

In addition to the range of action being taken by government to support families, most working-age benefits, and other benefits for people below State Pension age, will also increase by 3.8% helping millions of households.

This comes alongside action the Government is taking to incentivise work and tackle ill-health, including boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit by 6.2% – the first ever permanent, above-inflation increase – and tackling perverse incentives by introducing a lower Universal Credit health element rate of £217.26 per month for new claimants, compared to the higher rate of £429.80.

Egg-cellent time for chatting with your kids about what they’re seeing online this Easter

As millions of children enjoy the Easter holidays, the government is stepping up to take the pressure off parents battling to keep their children safe online

  • Parents can access the government’s free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, which provides practical tools and conversation starters to help families talk about harmful online content over the school holidays
  • The government is taking tough action to make tech platforms do more to protect children online, with a landmark consultation open until 26 May setting out proposals including minimum age limits for social media and overnight curfews on addictive features
  • New government guidance published last week sets out clear, judgement-free advice on healthy screen time for children under 5

THIS Easter weekend there’s plenty of time for chocolate eggs, family time, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of screen time.

Parents across the country are navigating that daily balancing act with screens – wondering what their children are seeing, how much time they’re spending online, and whether they’re doing enough to keep them safe. It’s a lot to carry, and it shouldn’t all fall on families.

That’s why the government is preparing to take tough action to make tech platforms take responsibility – and at the same time giving parents the free, practical tools they’ve been asking for, so they feel supported rather than on their own.

The landmark consultation on children’s online safety, which is open right now, sets out some of the most ambitious proposals ever put forward by any government – including minimum age limits for social media, overnight curfews on addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, and tighter restrictions on AI chatbots for young people.

The government has promised to act quickly on the findings, and new legal powers mean ministers can move within months rather than waiting years for new legislation. The response has already been significant, over 38,000 people have had their say in just the first month since it launched. The consultation closes on 26 May and there are dedicated versions for both parents and young people – so this is a real chance for families to shape what happens next.

Online Safety Minister, Kanishka Narayan, said: “I’ve been hearing from parents and children across the country, and it’s clear this matters deeply to families. Platforms must be held accountable – and they will be. We are taking action to make sure they meet their responsibilities.

“But I’ve also heard that parents want support, not just reassurance. Regulation alone won’t change culture overnight, and that’s why we’re giving families free, practical tools to have those conversations at home. We want every family to feel equipped and confident, not overwhelmed.”

Alongside this, the government is also reminding parents about its ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, a no-nonsense and free toolkit packed with practical advice to help mums and dads feel confident starting those conversations, without it turning into a row at the dinner table.

Over 120,000* families have already visited the campaign website since it launched in February, with thousands** setting weekly reminders to check in with their children about what they’re seeing online.

With the school holidays here, there’s never been a better time to take five minutes to explore what your children are seeing online. A simple question can go a long way and the government’s free guidance is there to help when you need it.

You can access the free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ guidance at Help your child stay safe online – Kids Online Safety. The screen time guidance is available at the Best Start in Life website. To take part in the consultation, visit GOV.UK.

New measures come in to ease cost of living pressure

A raft of new measures – coming into force today (1st April 2026) – will see wages go up, bills come down, and more support for those who need it most

A raft of new measures – coming into force today (1 April 2026) – will see wages go up, bills come down, and more support for those who need it most.

In an uncertain and volatile world, the Prime Minister is continuing to work with allies to push for de-escalation in the Middle East – which is the surest and quickest way to bring down pressures on prices.

On Monday, he hosted a roundtable with energy, insurance, and shipping companies and on Tuesday he chaired a COBR(M) meeting to assess the situation with Cabinet colleagues.

Measures coming into force today include:

–       Increasing the National Living wage to £12.71 – a £900 boost for 2.4 million workers

–       Increasing the National Minimum Wage to £10.85 – a £1,500 boost for over 200,000 young workers

–       Cutting energy bills by an average £117 a year for millions across the UK – locked in until end of June

–       The Crisis & Resilience Fund starts running – enabled by £1bn of funding – which helps vulnerable households with things like heating oil

–       A freeze on prescription prices – so people aren’t spending more than a tenner on their medicines

This follows an update to the public on 16th March where the Prime Minister set out five steps that were already in place on the cost of living. These were:

1)    Cutting the energy price cap until the end of June – thanks to last year’s Budget

2)    The Chancellor’s decision to extend the cut in fuel duty until this September

3)    £53 million for households that are most exposed to heating oil rises

4)    Building Britain’s energy security and independence

5)    Ongoing work towards a swift resolution of the situation in the Middle East

The cut to the energy price cap comes on top of the £150 Warm Home Discount that around 6 million families will have received this winter, following its expansion last year – and eligible billpayers will continue to receive this support every winter for the rest of the decade.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “In an uncertain and volatile world, it is my government’s duty to protect the British people at home and abroad.

“I know the public are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for them and their families.

“I want to reassure them that they have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.

“Today, millions of people up and down the country will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid, and more support will be available for people who need it most – because of the decisions this government has taken.

“But we must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus.”

Major boost for young people with 80 new Youth Hubs

SPFL Trust partners with DWP

Young people are set to benefit from expanded employment support through a further 80 new Youth Hubs as the Government continues to provide opportunity across the UK.

  • 80 new Youth Hub locations confirmed across Great Britain.
  • Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust partners with DWP to support Britain’s Youth Hubs – taking jobs and opportunity straight to the heart of communities.
  • Expansion builds on commitment for every local area across Great Britain to have a Youth Hub.
  • Work with wider stakeholders – including the English Premier League – ongoing, to give every young person access to support locally.

Young people are set to benefit from expanded employment support through a further 80 new Youth Hubs as the Government continues to provide opportunity across the country.

Youth Hubs bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authority services, employers and training providers under one roof to support young people aged 16 to 24.

As part of this expansion, every Youth Hub will meet a set of minimum standards, ensuring young people can access on-site jobcentre support alongside mental health and housing support, skills and training opportunities, careers guidance and direct connections to employers with live job and apprenticeship opportunities.

The expansion is the latest step towards bringing Youth Hubs to every area in Great Britain to establish a national network and address the almost one million young people not earning or learning – a rise of 248,000 between 2021 to 2024 – so that every young person can progress wherever they live.

To mark the expansion, the Work and Pensions Secretary opened Scotland’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair in Glasgow’s iconic Concert Hall, bringing employers, training providers and support services together to connect young people with jobs, skills and opportunities in the area.

Over 2,400 young people looking for work met leading employers including Scottish Power, HSBC, Barclays, Police Scotland, the Army, Royal Air Force, NHS24, Kier Construction and the Scottish Professional Football League Trust.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people with 80 new Youth Hubs and Scotland’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair driving opportunity.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers, and meeting them where they are so they can move into work, as we reform the welfare state into a working state.

“This is about breaking down barriers, opening doors and ensuring every young person can earn or learn, wherever they live.”

The Scottish Professional Football League Trust will partner with DWP to deliver Youth Hubs across Scotland, as the Government continues its drive to deliver support to young people where they are.

This builds on work across England, where Premier League is working with DWP to support the Youth Guarantee and help young people access jobs, training and support.

Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust Chief Executive, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been chosen to deliver these vital Youth Hubs in partnership with the DWP across the country.

“Football clubs and their associated community trusts are places where many young people feel a strong sense of connection, making them a natural fit for this programme.

“These initiatives will play a crucial role in helping participants access the training and support they need to take the next step in their careers or education.”

Youth Hubs will be expanded to over 360 areas across Great Britain over the next three years, from Manchester and Salford to Dundee and Newport.

The 80 new Hubs are launching across Scotland, Wales and England with delivery already well under way and the expansion seeing Youth Hubs open from November 2025.

Today’s announcement is part of the £2.5 billion investment in the Youth Guarantee and changes to the Growth and Skills Levy to prioritise young apprentices, which together create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

This includes a Youth Jobs Grant worth £3,000 for employers for every young person they hire aged 18-24 who has been on UC for six months, an expanded Jobs Guarantee for 18-to-24-year-olds, and new foundation apprenticeships in key sectors.

These commitments come alongside the government’s expansion of its innovative ‘Pathfinder’ programme to Nottingham and the North East, following early success in Wakefield. Like the Youth Hub model, Pathfinders bring together local councils, mayors and health teams and partners to design employment support that reflects the specific needs, employers and job markets in each community.

The Pathfinder programme forms part of the government’s broader ambition to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to employment support, providing personalised, practical help to people before they reach crisis point.

These steps ‘show the Government’s commitment to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to earn or learn’.