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Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council Meeting on Yemen

UK and Belgian Police to Share Intelligence Autonomously and in Real Time, Enabling Faster Action Against Organised Criminal Gangs, Including People Smugglers

A Decade of Collaboration, Innovation, and Breakthrough Technologies Through the Game Changers Programme

Statement Regarding the Situation in Yemen and in Response to Recent Houthi Actions

André Loranger Has Been Appointed as the National Statistician for the United Kingdom

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Has Today Summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires to Condemn Commemorations Surrounding the Funeral of Convicted War Criminal Ratko Mladić

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Has Reappointed Derek Wilson as Chair of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority Board for a Third Term of Three Years

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Has Delivered a Speech to the 2026 British-Irish Association Conference in Oxford

The Prime Minister Has Appointed Ian Bancroft as the Trustee and Chair of the Wales Committee to the National Lottery Heritage Fund Board

Prime Minister Andy Burnham Joins Their Majesties the King and Queen, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Statement in Response to the German Attribution

10.6 Million Brits Are Planning an Overnight Holiday in the UK This Bank Holiday, Bringing an Estimated £4.3 Billion Boost to the Economy

The Creative Trade Forum, a New Partnership Between Government and Industries to Boost UK Creative Businesses, Has Been Launched Today in Edinburgh

The United Kingdom and Albania Have Signed an Asset Sharing Arrangement Following the Conclusion of a Drug Related Case and Recovery of Funds

HM Courts and Tribunals Service Is Responsible for the Administration of Criminal, Civil and Family Courts in England and Wales, as Well as the Reserved Unified Tribunals Across the United Kingdom

A Joint Statement from Mike Cunningham Cbe, Qpm, SIA Chair, and Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive, on National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

Remedying the Sin of Theft Ahead of the Yamim Noraim

Enrique Fernandez-Pino Brings a Wealth of Digital, Data and Technology Expertise to the Role

Jackie Currie, Executive Director of Customer, at Slc

A Timeless Epic Proving That True Heroes Fight for Others, Not for Glory

UK appoints Kate Harrisson as new HMTC for China and Hong Kong

The UK has signed a joint statement marking the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal Award on the South China Sea

Joint statement from the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom on the Deep Precision Strike Capability Investment Initiative

Joint statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron on the Strait of Hormuz

What Really Interests a Person and WHO Stole the Gold?

How wise women may be forces for good to influence their husbands to avoid strife and their downfall

The Deputy Prime Minister's address to the World Gold Council and London Bullion Market Association Summit

Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Poland and Portugal on the US-Iran peace deal Joint E4 Leaders’ Statement on the US-Iran Peace Deal

The Prime Minister has reappointed Kwame Kwei-Armah and extended the terms for Anya Hindmarch, Danny Rimer and Lord Ed Vaizey Tate Board Appointments Kwame Kwei-Armah has been reappointed for a second term of four years from 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2030 Kwame Kwei-Armah Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE is a celebrated playwright and director. He formerly served as the Artistic Director/CEO of the Young Vic and Baltimore Center Stage. His career is distinguished by an OBE, the Charles Wintour Best...

The Bet HaMikdash Below and the Bet HaMikdash Above - Harnessing our energy and composing ourselves when fulfilling the mitzvot (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series The Parashah states, “Speak to Aharon and say to him, when you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall illuminate the Menorah”...

New York Dispatch Heir Challenges Sale of Long-Lost Klimt, Alleging Shoah-Era Theft Was Concealed A legal battle has erupted over a Gustav Klimt masterpiece valued at approximately $100 million, with the last known blood descendant of the family that originally owned the painting accusing a Vienna auction house of disguising the work's identity in order to sell it rather than return it to its rightful heirs. Patricia Leahy, an American descendant of the prominent Austrian Jewish Lieser...

The Secretary of State has appointed Catherine Colloms as a Member of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a term of 4 years Member Appointed to the Horserace Betting Levy Board Catherine Colloms Catherine Colloms has been appointed for a period of 4 years, commencing on 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030. Catherine is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair. She is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Industrial Development Advisory Board at the Department for Business and...

Joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden Joint Statement on the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz Following the Leaders’ Level Summit co-chaired by the UK and France on 17 April, the UK, France, and partners...

First-of-its-kind project to develop cutting-edge uncrewed underwater technologies as AUKUS nations ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2 AUKUS Partnership to Develop Advanced Underwater Technology for Defence Forces Follows first successful submarine maintenance period for a UK submarine at HMAS Stirling earlier this year, as UK and US submarines set to rotate through the Australian base from 2027. Additionally, three British companies named amongst winners of the UK 2025 AUKUS Maritime...

Assistant Secretary Yeaw Travels to Buenos Aires for Civil Nuclear Energy Conference and Bilateral Meetings Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Dr. Christopher Yeaw will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 29 – June 5, 2026, to participate in the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Regional Workshop and conduct a series of bilateral meetings with regional counterparts. During his visit, Assistant...

Joint Statement on DPRK Sanctions Accountability The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, and by the European External Action Service. Begin Text: The Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the European External Action...

On 25 May a UK-led forum in Guatemala City brought together stakeholders to share expertise on urban mobility and infrastructure, sustainable transport solutions and Guatemala's Metroriel project UK Expertise Supports Guatemala’s Vision for Modern and Sustainable Urban Mobility The British Embassy in Guatemala hosted a forum focused on government-to-government (G2G) partnerships and their role in delivering modern urban mobility solutions. The event explored opportunities to support...

Trading Places! (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Naso in the Diaspora The Parashah states, “The sacred offerings of each individual remain his own property. When they are given to the cohen, they become the [cohen’s] property” (Bamidbar 5:10). What does the Pasuk mean? Tosafot (Ta’anit 9a) quote the Chachamim from the Sifrei who...

Change to the information provided on adverse events in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) SPC Update - Librela Solution for Injection for Dogs Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) in Great Britain for the following have been updated. Librela 5mg Solution for Injection for Dogs Librela 10mg Solution for Injection for Dogs Librela 15mg Solution for Injection for Dogs Librela 20mg Solution for Injection for Dogs Librela 30mg...

Joint Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) The text of the following statement was released by the International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes, including representatives of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States following their meeting on May 20-21, 2026. Begin Text The ICG reiterates...

Hebrew Synagogue Welcomes UK Court Clarity on Biologically Specific Facilities Hebrew Synagogue has today confirmed its support for the legal clarification provided by the United Kingdom Supreme Court and subsequent Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance regarding the use of single-sex facilities based upon biological sex under the Equality Act 2010. The organisation confirmed that this position will apply across all facilities operated by Hebrew Synagogue throughout the United...

United States Responds to Ebola Outbreak in Africa The Department of State is coordinating a comprehensive response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. By working to contain the outbreak before it reaches American shores, the United States is protecting the health of Americans at home and abroad. On May 15, 2026, within 24 hours of learning of the confirmed cases, the Department leveraged its outbreak response and humanitarian assistance...

The Royal Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tamar, among its most advanced ships, is making a return visit to Solomon Islands today after its first visit in 2023 HMS Tamar Returns to Honiara, Marks Deeper UK-Solomon Islands Engagement Permanently deployed to support the countries of the region both HMS Tamar and HMS Spey are on a five-year mission around the Pacific region. HMS Tamar has visited Asia, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands and will visit Papua New Guinea after the Solomons....

United States Completes Accelerated Mission to Remove Highly Enriched Uranium from Venezuela The United States, in partnership with Venezuela and the United Kingdom and with technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), successfully removed excess highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Venezuela’s shuttered RV-1 research reactor. The RV-1 was the country’s first and only nuclear reactor, originally built for peaceful scientific research and later repurposed for gamma-ray...

Foreign Secretary announces sanctions against organisations and individuals enabling hostile Iranian activity UK Sanctions Iranian Targets in Response to National Security Threats New UK sanctions target organisations and individuals who threaten international and UK security. Action demonstrates UK commitment to countering Iranian threats to UK national security, regional stability, and the global economy. Sanctions will deter attacks against dissidents overseas and disrupt illicit revenue...

The Secretary of State has reappointed Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, and Paul Sweeney, and extended the terms of John Mothersole and Kate Still The National Lottery Community Fund Board Appointments Richard Collier-Keywood Richard Collier-Keywood has been reappointed as a Member for a term of 18 months, commencing on 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027. Richard Collier-Keywood holds a variety of prominent roles, primarily as a Chair. He chairs the School for Social...

To what extent will you go to try to study Torah and more so Halachah? The determination of the Gaon of Brisk, Rav Yosef Dov Bear Soloveitchik z”l (1820-1892) to study by Rav Shlomo Kluger z”l (1785-1869) (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series It states in Parashat Bechukotai, “If you will...

Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen of Finland delivered a statement on World Press Freedom Day on behalf of the UK and 33 other countries, stressing that a free, independent media is essential to peace and security across the OSCE region and beyond Speech: World Press Freedom Day 2026: Joint statement to the OSCE I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, members of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia,...

Businesses see processing times slashed in groundbreaking new trial Businesses See Processing Times Slashed in Groundbreaking Trial New paperless systems shown to significantly reduce processing times, with steps that often take days completed in an hour under pilot conditions UK exporters could see lower costs and faster access to global markets thanks to the innovative tech UK-Japan programme complements schemes launched with Germany and France A pioneering scheme to speed up goods...

Norway Joins Pax Silica Initiative On May 6, the United States welcomed the decision by the Kingdom of Norway to join the Pax Silica initiative. As a member of Pax Silica, Norway will play a leading role to develop diversified critical mineral supply chains. Norway’s Ambassador to the United States, Anniken Huitfeldt, signed the Pax Silica Declaration in Washington, D.C., officially acknowledging Norway’s participation in the initiative. The United States and Norway affirmed their commitment...

Exploring why Am Yisrael as a whole and the Cohanim specifically, are expected to achieve high standards in their lives (HaRav HaGaon Rav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a, a grandson of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Emor This Shabbat we shall read the mitzvah that the Cohanim may not become ritually impure through contact with the dead (meaning, it is forbidden for a cohen to touch a cadaver, or remain in a...

Spiritual growth and holiness are not automatic and there is no quick-fix for them, rather they are achieved through tenacity and prayer (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) Painting by Raphael Perez (Flickr)—not connected to the dvar Torah, but a beautiful work nonetheless It states in Parashat Kedoshim, “You shall be holy, since I am Hashem...

New agreement between the UK and France to step up patrols and intelligence operations in France to reduce illegal crossings Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez The United Kingdom and France today 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,...

Joint Statement on Libya Unified Budget Agreement The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Begin Text Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America welcome the signing on April 11 of a unified 2026 budget for Libya, the first Libyan...

The Severity of the Sin of Lashon Hara and the danger of being a journalist (From the teachings of Maran Rabbenu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series In the Parashah, our Holy Torah speaks at length about the leper. Our Chachamim in the Gemara (Erachin 17a) say, why does the leper deserve such a punishment? Due to the sin of...

Finland Joins Pax Silica Initiative On April 16, Finland joined the Pax Silica Initiative, hailing a growing geopolitical consensus that economic security is national security and national security is economic security. Finland brings to Pax Silica key capabilities in trusted technology such as advanced mobile communications, AI, and critical mineral mining and processing. Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto signed the Pax Silica Declaration reflecting Finland’s joining Pax...

The Solomon Islands government and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising their partnership on forest governance under the UK-funded FGMC programme UK and the Solomon Islands Sign MoU on Forest Governance The Forest Governance Markets and Climate programme (FGMC) works with tropical forested countries to strengthen forest stewardship through inclusive dialogue, evidence-based policymaking, and market-based initiatives, supporting nationally-led reform...

The significance of Shabbat HaGadol – Preventing the “Final Solution” in Egypt (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Tzav – Shabbat HaGadol Our Chachamim z”l said (Tur and Shulchan Aruch siman 430), that the Shabbat prior to Chag HaPesach is called “Shabbat HaGadol” – “The Great Shabbat”, in commemoration of the great miracle that...

Shiny Happy People – How Moshe Rabbenu’s humility led to his radiant complexion (From the teachings of Maran Rabbenu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) Parashat Vayikra Our Parashah opens with the Pasuk, “Hashem called to Moshe, speaking to him from the Communion Tent saying”” (Vayikra 1:1). In Parashat Ki Tissa it states, “Moshe came down from Mt. Sinai with the two Tablets of...

Small aggravations gradually and accumulatively atone for our sins From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, The Head of the Batei Din in Tel Aviv(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series This Shabbat, we shall read, “These are the accounts of the Mishkan (the Mishkan of Testimony), which were calculated by Moshe’s order by the Levi’im under Itamar, son of Aron the Cohen” (Shemot 38:21). Rashi, in his...

Plan to overhaul nuclear system will speed up building, strengthen national and energy security, and cut costs Overhaul of Nuclear System to Speed Up Building and Cut Costs Government overhauls nuclear planning and regulation to deliver golden age of nuclear and boost UK energy sovereignty streamlining regulation to simplify the building of new nuclear projects whilst ensuring better environmental outcomes drive for clean power essential to get the UK off dependence on volatile fossil fuel...

The British Ambassador to Honduras, Juliana Correa, held a virtual introductory meeting with Honduras’ Secretary of Finance (SEFIN), Emilio Hernández Hércules UK Ambassador Meets Honduras’ New Secretary of Finance The discussion focused on priorities for economic governance and opportunities for future collaboration. Secretary Hernández Hércules’ agenda focuses on strengthening fiscal responsibility, enhancing transparency, and supporting a stable environment for investment and economic...

A Person is Their Thoughts From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, The Head of the Batei Din in Tel Aviv(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series This Shabbat we shall read, “When you take a census of the Bnei Yisrael to determine their number” (Shemot 30:12). Rabbenu the Orach Chaim HaKadosh a”h (Rav Chaim ibn Attar or Rav Chaim ben Moshe ibn Attar c. 1696-1743) explains in his commentary on the Torah...

Hard Water, Hard Luck: How Sage Appliances Leaves Customers High and Dry When a household brand builds its reputation on quality coffee, premium design and “barista-level” performance, customers expect more than glossy marketing. They expect reliability. They expect accountability. And when something goes wrong, they expect competence. One customer who contacted WireNews says they received none of the above from BRG Appliances Limited, trading as Sage Appliances, supplier of Sage coffee and...

The unity of Am Yisrael is an antidote to evil decrees (Based on the Ma’amar of HaRav HaGoan Rav David Shaltiel Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Tetzaveh - Shabbat Zachor It states in the Parashah, “You, [Moshe], must command Bnei Yisrael to bring you clear illuminating oil, made from hand crushed olives, to keep the lamp constantly burning. Aharon and his sons shall arrange for [the lamps to burn] from evening until morning in...

It isn’t enough to study Torah and observe the mitzvot ourselves, we must also merit others (From the teachings of Maran Rabbenu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Terumah It states in the Parashah, “[Separate **] your brother Aaron and his sons from amongst Yisrael [and] bring them close to you, to be Cohanim to Me” (Shemot 28:1). Meaning that Hashem said to Moshe,...

United States and Mauritius to Hold Bilateral Discussions From February 23–25, the United States and Mauritius will hold discussions in Port Louis led by the Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, with participation from across the U.S. interagency. These discussions underscore the continued importance of the Chagos archipelago and the joint U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia to our national security. The discussions will focus on bilateral security cooperation and effective...

What is the connection between Shabbat Shekalim and a vaccine or antidote? From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, The Head of the Batei Din in Tel Aviv(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) Parashat Mishpatim - Parahsat Shekalim This Shabbat, Parashat Mishpatim, is also Shabbat Shekalim. We will take out 2 Sifrei Torah. In the first we will read the Parashah of the Week, Mishpatim, and in the second Parashat Shekalim, which appears in Parashat Ki...

The Security Industry Authority successfully reclaimed £40,941.60 from John Gaines, who was convicted of defrauding his security company’s employees in 2019 Over £40,000 Recovered from Convicted Security Boss The SIA, using its powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, has reclaimed over £40,000 that was earned through fraudulent activities by former security company boss John Gaines, and has returned it to his victims. Mr Gaines was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months’ imprisonment in 2019...

2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial Today the United States, together with our partners and allies, has set out to reshape the global market for critical minerals and rare earths. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joined by Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, hosted representatives of 54 countries and the European Commission, including 43 foreign and...

Sudan Humanitarian Fund Call to Action Event The scale and severity of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan requires an urgent, sustained response. The United States yesterday hosted an event with allies and partners with raised pledges of $1.5 billion in new assistance contributions. We continue spearheading efforts of the international community in stepping up action, securing access to the people and areas most in need, and ensuring burden sharing. The United States invited more than 20 donors...

UKAEA spinout, MuWave, has secured funding from the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) to develop and deliver high-power microwave technology MuWave, a recent spinout from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), has secured £450,000 from the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) to offer commercial high-power microwave technology enabled by expertise within UKAEA. The funding combined with a spinout agreement with UKAEA will accelerate MuWave’s growth plans, develop...