LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A new independent champion for the Armed Forces has come into law today, delivering on a key Government manifesto commitment to improve service life. His Majesty the King has given the 'royal seal' for the appointment of the first ever independent champion to support the Armed Forces and their families. A recruitment campaign is ongoing to appoint the Commissioner. They will be a direct point of contact for per...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Council: Economic and Social Pillar Joint Statement - GREAT FUTURES - London | September 3, 2025 The Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council, established in March 2018, is co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Sir Keir Starmer, Prime ...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald O. Lamola, hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, on 5 November 2024 in Cape Town, for the 13th Session of the South Africa-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum. The forum met under the theme:'South Africa and the United Kingdom: Revitalising a Strong, Historical...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The significant growth in asylum claims from legal migration routes has been stemmed following tough new measures introduced in the first year of this government. The crackdown included a record number of credibility interviews and mandating a genuine study requirement for short-term student routes, as part of the Plan for Change to strengthen border security and close asylum hotels. These have resulted in a si...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A series of appointments to England's National Park Authorities and National Landscape Conservation Boards have been made. National Park Authority (NPA) board members are responsible for ensuring that the Authority furthers the statutory purposes of the Park - specifically, to preserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, as well as to provide opportunities for the public to understand...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This follows previous Chair, Lord Gerard Lemos CMB CBE, stepping down in July 2025 following his appointment to the Whip's Office within the House of Lords. This interim appointment has been made while the process for finding the next Chair is completed. Luke has sat on the NS&I Board since 1 April 2024 and brings a wealth of experience as an established senior executive and non-executive across a range of retai...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The inquiry is investigating the circumstances that led to a major grant funder terminating its relationship with the charity and concerns about whether it has been managed in accordance with its governing document. Knowsley Foodbank was set up to prevent and relieve poverty in Knowsley and the surrounding area through the operation of a foodbank and community store offering food, essential items and linked supp...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: New rules from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) enable qualifying UK vessels to undergo a single dry-dock over the course of seven and a half years (90 months). Extended Dry-Docking (EDD) vessels will be exempt from a requirement for two dry-dockings during the normal five-year cycle, on completion of two consecutive In-Water Surveys (IWS). EDD applies to new ships or for vessels up to 15 years old from...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Scope and eligibility The British Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, aims to support short-term interventions valued at up to US$95,000 that focus on preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. Proposals should also promote and protect fundamental human rights in Costa Rica. We welcome proposals from legally constituted non-governmental, non-profit, civil society and multilateral organisations working to com...
LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: UK Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis, reaffirmed support to the Philippines on climate and nature, and strengthened partnership around nature finance, innovation, adaptive and resilient food systems, oceans, and biodiversity. During her visit, Davis met with Philippine Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, which underscored the UK and the Philippines' shared commitment to protecting nature. By worki...