MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
UKHSA report shows 2,877 excess deaths caused by May and June heatwaves

The 2,877 excess deaths represents a significant increase on the 1,504 excess deaths observed in summer 2025.

Rapid early assessment by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during 2 notable periods of hot weather in May and June 2026, almost double the figure reported annually for 2025.


An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heat episode between 24 and 27 May and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between 21 and 28 June.

While these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022.


The June heatwave lasted for 8 days and triggered a red heat-health alert.

This was only the second time the highest level of alert has been issued in England, reflecting the exceptional temperatures recorded.

Both May and June also broke Met Office monthly temperature records for England with 31.

5C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 37.

7C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June.


These findings demonstrate the importance of the heat-health alerting system, delivered in partnership with the Met Office, which provides early warning when temperatures are likely to have significant impacts on health and wellbeing.

Heatwaves occurring earlier in the season can have a greater impact due to people, communities and services having less time to adapt to the warmer conditions.


To support partners in preparing and responding to these events, UKHSA recently published the updated Adverse Weather and Health Plan for England for 2026 to 2027.


Based on the interim data, it is likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 recorded in 2022.

 While the figures are indicative of the public health impact of the heatwaves, these numbers should be regarded as interim.

UKHSA will publish finalised figures in the annual report in early 2027.


Dr Ross Thompson, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at UKHSA and author of the report, said:

These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health.

This is particularly true for those who are more vulnerable including older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.


While the figures are interim, they suggest that, if we experience more periods of hot weather this summer, we could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.


As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme.

That’s why it’s vital that individuals, communities and systems are prepared to deal with higher temperatures, and to ensure those most vulnerable to the heat are protected.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people’s health and on our NHS.


For many years, we have been used to winter pressures in our NHS and the need to support those who are vulnerable in the coldest weather.

But now we are seeing the summer heat have an increasingly serious impact on the health of thousands of people, and on the pressures facing our NHS too.


My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves in recent months.

And my heartfelt thanks go to the NHS staff, care workers and emergency responders who have worked tirelessly through these exceptionally busy and challenging months to protect and care for people affected by the heat.


As we move through the summer, it is so important for people to be able to look out for their health and help those who are more vulnerable to the hot conditions.

Please don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re worried about your own wellbeing, or anyone else’s.

A little care could make a lifesaving difference.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Statement on future priorities and next steps

An update from the Online Procedure Rule Committees on its vision and the development of a digital justice system that is accessible to everyone.

The Online Procedure Rule Committee’s vision is to support the development of a digital justice system that is accessible to everyone, easy to use, and capable of delivering justice more quickly, transparently and with public trust.


The OPRC will achieve this by bringing people and organisations together across the civil justice sector, developing shared principles and standards, and helping to shape a more coherent, inclusive and user-focused digital justice ecosystem.


The immediate priority is to produce a voluntary Code of Practice which will set out inclusion standards, technology and data standards and standards for the responsible and ethical use of AI, which it is hoped will be followed by all service providers in the digital justice system, including those involved in early dispute resolution.

 
Through the publication of this Code of Practice, the OPRC aims to encourage providers to design services that protect and include vulnerable users, support seamless movement between systems, and enable earlier, fairer and more efficient resolution of disputes.


Although the OPRC’s Code of Practice will be non-binding, it will be developed in partnership with the providers and users of the system and will provide a shared framework for good practice.

This ambitious vision has already attracted strong stakeholder support and engagement.


Over the coming months, the OPRC will continue engaging with users, providers and partners to test and refine its approach, with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, proportionality and accountability.

The Code of Practice will be published alongside the formal response to the OPRC’s 2025 consultation on the Pre-Action Model and Inclusion Framework.


The OPRC’s core rules have now been published and laid in Parliament as The Online Procedure (Rules and Practice Directions) Rules 2026.

They will come into force on 7 September 2026.

The first procedural rules will follow later this year for possession proceedings.

These rules are pioneering in their approach, drafted to make procedures clear, accessible and capable of meeting users’ needs.

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Organised by ARC (the Attachment Research Community), the award celebrates best practice in attachment and trauma aware schools and settings, and recognises those that have made a profound and lasting contribution to attachment and trauma aware practices.

Attachment issues are sometimes experienced by children who have had difficulties early in life, and can make it hard for them to form healthy relationships and cope with the demands of school. Attachment aware schools are sensitive to these difficulties and very skilled in helping vulnerable children to thrive.

The school won the regional award in the Special School category after being nominated by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Wolverhampton Virtual School and the Educational Psychology Service, in recognition of its exemplary practice, commitment and leadership.

Pennfields Co-Headteachers Nicky Payne and Ian Ellis said: “We are proud to have been recognised as an Arc Alex Timpson Award winner, reflecting our commitment to developing a trauma informed culture over the past 4 years. Compassion, nurture and understanding are at the heart of our school community, ensuring that every child and young person feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff, students, families and wider community, who work together to create a culture where relationships matter and wellbeing is prioritised. We remain committed to maintaining an environment in which every child and young person experiences safety, belonging and success through reflective practice, continuous professional learning and strong, trusting relationships.”

Meanwhile, there were also celebrations at Loxdale Primary School, which was commended in the Primary category for its excellent work in this area.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: “Attachment and trauma awareness within schools is incredibly important – it makes them better schools, and it benefits all their children, not just those who have attachment issues – and I would like to congratulate both Pennfields School and Loxdale Primary on their success.

“They join a select few city schools which have either won or been shortlisted for this prestigious award; In 2022, Low Hill Nursery won the Early Years category and St Michael’s CE Primary School in Tettenhall was a finalist in the Primary category, in 2023, Highfields School won the Secondary category and Switch Midlands Alternative Education was shortlisted in the Alternative Provision category, and in 2024 both Broadmeadow Special School and St Michael’s, for a second time, were shortlisted for awards.

“This goes to show the importance that schools across Wolverhampton place on attachment and trauma aware practice, and I am proud to see them leading the way in creating nurturing environments where every child feels safe, supported and able to reach their potential.”

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
New evidence highlights benefits of targeted prevention and diversion

The latest Targeted Prevention and Diversion: Evidence Pack has been published by the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales (YJB).

This latest evidence brings together the most up-to-date research, data and examples of effective of targeted prevention and diversion activity from across England and Wales.

The publication aims to improve understanding of what works to prevent offending and support greater use of effective prevention and diversion approaches.

  
The timing of the pack coincides with the new Government’s ambitions to intervene much earlier and aligns with Andy Burnham’s commitment in his first speech as Prime Minister of “building a more preventative state”.

 
The pack highlights the importance of ensuring diversion considers the needs and safety of victims and public protection, alongside those of the child, while identifying opportunities to strengthen consistency and restorative approaches.


Key findings from the evidence review include: 

In the year ending December 2025, 43% of recorded outcomes involving a youth justice service (YJS) were diversionary, meaning they did not result in a caution or court sentence.

  

In 2025, around 13,300 children were cautioned or sentenced, representing a 65% decrease since 2015.

  

In the year ending December 2024, first-time entrants fell to 8,110, a 4% decrease from 2023 and the lowest level since 2014.

  

White children (53%) were almost twice as likely as Black children (27%) to receive a diversionary outcome.

  

Younger children aged 10-14 (66%) and girls (65%) were more likely to receive diversionary outcomes than older children aged 15-17 (39%) and boys (44%).

  

There is significant geographic variation in diversionary outcomes, ranging from 63% in Wales and 58% in the East Midlands to 36% in the West Midlands and 17% in London.

  

Continuing progress 
Almost half of recorded outcomes involving a YJS ended without a caution or court sentence in 2025, while cautions and court sentences have fallen by 65% since 2015.

This suggests that more children are being diverted away from formal justice processes and towards support that addresses the factors driving offending behaviour.

  
Recent clarification from the National Police Chiefs’ Council has further reinforced the legitimacy of diversion within national policing frameworks.

Police outcomes will now be categorised as Solved, Resolved and Unresolved, with diversionary activity recognised within the Resolved category and performance focus placed on reducing unresolved outcomes.

  
The evidence highlights that challenges do remain with continuing ethnic disparities in access to diversion interventions.

 Black and ethnic minority children remain less likely to receive diversionary outcomes, while substantial variation between areas suggests differences in local policies, practice and service provision.

Greater consistency in decision-making and partnership working is needed to ensure every child receives the right support at the right time.

   
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, said: 

The evidence is indisputable and diverting children away from the formal criminal justice system and into targeted support is the most effective way to reduce reoffending, prevent the lasting harm that can come from early contact with the justice system, and create safer communities.

 
Through our close partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Youth Endowment Fund, we continually strengthen our understanding of what works and how it can be delivered consistently.

By translating the best available evidence into practical guidance for frontline professionals, we can help embed effective diversion approaches across England and Wales, improving outcomes for children, supporting victims, and strengthening communities.

Access the Targeted Prevention and Diversion: Evidence Pack
Ends

Youth Justice Board

Source: Scottish Greens

30 Jul 2026 Climate Energy External Affairs

Burnham is letting Trump call the shots on Scotland’s energy.

Andy Burnham is letting Donald Trump ‘call the shots’ on Scotland’s energy and must come clean on what he promised Donald Trump, the Scottish Greens have said.

This follows the US President claiming the new Prime Minister told him he would “open up North Sea oil”, yet another clear signal that the UK Government is giving the green light to new drilling. 

Labour’s 2024 manifesto explicitly promised not to issue new licences because they would not cut bills or deliver energy security and would worsen the climate crisis. This week, climate scientists who helped shape Burnham’s climate plans for Greater Manchester have also warned him against approving new drilling.

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said:

“Straight out of the gate, Andy Burnham sounds like he has already made one of the most consequential and damaging decisions of his premiership.

“By letting Donald Trump call the shots on the North Sea, Andy Burnham is tearing up one of the clearest promises Labour made to win power in 2024. He is playing fast and loose with our climate and paving the way for environmental catastrophe.

“Even the climate scientists who helped shape Burnham’s clean-energy plans for Greater Manchester when he was mayor are raising the alarm, who he was happy to listen to when he wanted to be elected mayor.

“So far it’s coming across as if Andy Burnham tells voters one thing at an election, and then once in office, tells Donald Trump something completely different behind closed doors. 

“This is the same weakness we saw from Keir Starmer, who repeatedly allowed Trump to walk all over him – if the new Prime Minister wants people to believe he is bringing new politics, then he must tell the public exactly what he promised Donald Trump in their private phone call.”

Gillian added:

“People across Scotland are seeing that the climate emergency is not a distant threat, it’s happening here right at home. 

“Communities in the Cairngorms have been turned upside down due to the major wildfire, forcing people from their homes and leaving firefighters, volunteers and local businesses dealing with the consequences. Meanwhile the comparisons of the tragic fires across Spain and France are hard to ignore. 

“Burnham must stop sticking his head in the sand, without serious climate action, fires and extreme weather like this will become increasingly common and destructive. Scotland should be looking to the future, not doubling down on the failed energy policies of the past imposed by Westminster.

“Opening up new oil and gas fields will not cut household bills, protect families from volatile prices or deliver energy security. It would instead lock us further into long-term decline while handing another gift to oil and gas giants already making obscene profits.

“It also leaves our talented energy workers in the lurch, denying them a just transition into an energy sector that works in the long-term and common good, not short-term financial gain. 

“People want lower bills, secure green jobs and a safe future for their children, not more broken promises and fossil-fuel policies dictated by Donald Trump, and the Scottish Greens are the only party offering a clear and credible plan: investing in Scotland’s enormous renewable potential and putting people and planet before corporate profit.”

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Earlier this month, the City of Wolverhampton Council announced that Camphill Village Trust had been awarded a new contract to continue delivering Shared Lives across the city for the next 2 to 4 years.

Shared Lives supports adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care and support by carefully matching them with trained carers who welcome them into their homes and family life.

The service can provide long term living arrangements, short breaks, day support and other flexible care options, and is open to care leavers and young people moving into adult services, older adults, and people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or physical or sensory impairments.

Kate Morgan, Head of Service and Registered Manager for Shared Lives at Camphill Village Trust, said the service offers people the opportunity to receive highly personalised support while becoming part of a family and community.

She said: “Shared Lives is similar to foster care but we work with adults, supporting them to live as part of a family, either on a long term basis, where somebody is matched and moves in with a Shared Lives carer, or for short breaks, which gives them the opportunity of enjoying respite with a family.

“With Shared Lives, the individual is matched with their Shared Lives carer, which means that the carer and the person get to know each other really well. They get to know their skills, their interests, their hobbies, their likes, and their dislikes, just like normal families, and people really thrive having that one to one personalised support.

“We have been recommissioned to provide Shared Lives and we are really happy to be working in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council to continue to build up the service, and to make it even bigger and better.”

Among those welcoming the recommissioning is Shared Lives carer Faye Downes, who has supported people through fostering and, more recently, Shared Lives for more than 2 decades.

Faye and her husband Mick first fostered Shane Jarvis when he was 10 years old and, through Shared Lives, continue to support him as an adult.

Faye said: “Moving into Shared Lives was a natural step for us. Shane had already become part of our family and has fitted in from day one.

“We’ve loved having him with us and watching him grow into the young man he is today. Seeing the progress he has made over the years makes us incredibly proud.”

Shane welcomed the continuation of the service and reflected on the positive impact it has had on his life. He said: “Since living with Faye and Mick, my life has been really good.

“Shared Lives helps people who might find it difficult to manage on their own. Having that support means I can take part in activities, look at future job opportunities and do more things independently.”

Faye added: “Shane has a learning disability, so we support him with day to day life and help him access activities and opportunities that interest him. We’ve had a lot of support from the council as well, helping him explore different roles and build confidence for the future.

“Shared Lives gives people the chance to be part of a family while still receiving the support they need, and that’s what makes it so special.”

Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Shared Lives is a fantastic and unique way of supporting people who need care and support.

“It gives people the opportunity to become part of a family environment while receiving personalised support that meets their individual needs, whether that’s through long term arrangements, short breaks or day visits. I am delighted that this service will continue to benefit Wolverhampton residents.”

The council and Camphill Village Trust hope to expand the service over the coming years by recruiting more Shared Lives carers and increasing awareness of the support available.

Source: City of Wolverhampton

The kits contain special bandages and a tourniquet designed to help save lives in the event of catastrophic bleeding. They also provide a phone link to the emergency services who can provide help and advice until paramedics arrive.

The kits have been provided by Daggers Down – the youth led anti knife crime campaign that calls for a safer community, without the threat of youth violence – as part of its mission to improve access to life saving equipment across Wolverhampton, and encourage positive conversation around public safety.  

The bleed control kits can be found at WV Active Aldersley, WV6 9NW, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, WV14 0EF, and WV Active Central, WV1 4EG.

Sienna Ahir, Member of Youth Parliament and founder of Daggers Down, said: “Bleed control kits can be the difference between life and death. Daggers Down aims to make these kits more widely available across Wolverhampton. We’ve raised money for 15 bleed control kits which are available for the public 24/7 – and we don’t plan to stop there.”

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These bleed control kits are an important addition to our WV Active centres and could help save lives in the event of a serious incident involving catastrophic bleeding. While we all hope they are never needed, having this equipment readily available means staff and members of the public can access potentially lifesaving support while emergency services are on their way.

“I would like to thank Sienna and everyone involved with Daggers Down for their dedication to improving public safety and raising awareness of the importance of bleed control equipment.”

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release
Burnham drives defence to deliver security and growth in every postcode with £8.

4bn nuclear submarine investment supporting 22,000 apprenticeships

A major £8.

4bn investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent, delivering jobs and opportunity for young people for years to come, is set to be announced by the Prime Minister today.

Prime Minister announces major £8.

4 billion investment in next stage of UK’s Dreadnought nuclear deterrent submarine build programme during visit to Barrow-in-Furness

Investment in the programme supports tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of companies across the UK supply chain, including 22,000 apprenticeships by 2035

Prime Minister set to also announce new apprenticeship scheme aimed at helping young people in the Northwest access employment, delivering on the technical skills pledge earlier this week

A major £8.

4bn investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent, delivering jobs and opportunity for young people for years to come, is set to be announced by the Prime Minister today.


Tens of thousands of jobs will be supported – from Barrow to Bristol – and hundreds of businesses bolstered by the major tranche of defence investment.


Speaking in Barrow today, the Prime Minister will say that the region is a case study for how taxpayer investment into major government projects should deliver long-term opportunities and rejuvenation for communities across the UK.

He will add that the government will set out more on how it will do that in the coming weeks, to ensure major projects deliver for more places like Barrow.


The investment is worth around £8.

4 billion and will begin the fourth phase of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarine programme, boosting the UK’s national security for generations and driving economic growth in every postcode.


The announcement comes as the Prime Minister visits Barrow to see first-hand how the investment is transforming the local community, including through the 1,800 additional roles that have been created in Barrow under this government.


The UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise currently supports around 47,000 British jobs – forecast to rise to 65,000 by 2030, including 22,000 apprenticeships by 2035 – and a supply chain of more than 6,000 UK-based companies, demonstrating how Government procurement can change the livelihoods of thousands of families when invested back into the UK.


Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“Keeping this country safe is the first responsibility of any government – but security is not only about what we build, it is about who builds it, and who benefits from it.


“The submarines produced in Barrow will protect Britain for decades to come, and the 47,000 jobs and apprenticeships will change lives both in this town and in dozens of places like it.


“British money, spent on British workers, British firms and British skills, in the places that were written off for forty years.

To every young person across the country, I want you to know that there is a path for you into a reindustrialised Britain, and it starts with the apprenticeships we are funding through this investment today.

”
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also unveil a new apprenticeship scheme designed to help young people in the Northwest of England access skilled employment opportunities.


The trailblazing initiative will help local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the local defence supply chain to recruit and train 30 apprentices across the next three years and will use the successful apprenticeship model set up by BAE Systems in the region.


It is an example of how the government is baking in opportunities for young people to its approach to procurement and paves the way for more schemes to help those who miss out on their first choice apprenticeships– delivering growth and prosperity for local communities across the UK.


Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world.


“This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry.


“Supporting thousands of skilled, local jobs, we are fusing Barrow’s proud heritage with modern technology to build our security for the future, supporting the next generation to keep our country safe as their parents and grandparents did.

”
Delivery Phase 4 (DP4) will see HMS Dreadnought, the first of the four new nuclear deterrent submarines, complete its sea trials and be ready to enter service with the Royal Navy in the early 2030s.


This next phase follows significant progress at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow, the home of UK submarine building, where a 40% increase in productivity has been achieved over the last three years, and around 1,800 additional roles have been created under this government.


The new contract will also see boat two, HMS Valiant, reach sea trials and boats three and four progressing through their construction phases.


Today’s announcements demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to delivering on the Strategic Defence Review and maintaining its nuclear deterrent under the nuclear triple lock.


Notes to editors
The 47,000 jobs are across the UK including in:

HMNB Devonport, Plymouth: 8000 jobs

Bristol: 2,500 jobs

Aldermaston and Burghfield: 9,000 jobs

Sheffield: 700 jobs

Barrow: 13,500 jobs

Thurso: 250 jobs

HMNB Clyde: 5000 jobs

Rosyth: 850

Derby: 4000 jobs

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a partnership of organisations across government and industry, who are responsible for operating, maintaining and renewing the nuclear deterrent.

The UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise industry spans across the UK.


For example:

Our nuclear armed deterrent submarines (Dreadnought Class) and our attack submarines (Astute Class and SSN AUKUS) are designed and built by BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness

Our nuclear reactor cores are produced by Rolls-Royce in Derby;

Our warheads are designed and built by AWE in Aldermaston;

Specialist steel for our nuclear reactors is produced by Sheffield Forgemasters in Sheffield;

Maintenance of our submarines takes place by Babcock in Devonport;

Our submarine operations are supported in Northwood, Portsmouth, and on the Clyde

£5.

9bn of the £8.

4bn announced on Thursday will go to BAE Systems, £2.

5bn to the wider supply chain.


The contracts include measures to drive the pace of delivery, cost control and productivity.

Reforms to the Single Source Contract Regulations announced earlier this year are also supporting improvements in procurement, aligning incentives with performance, encouraging innovation and faster and more efficient delivery.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Joint Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and France on Wildfires and Action on Climate Change

The UK and France committed to strengthening cooperation to anticipate, prevent and respond to climate-related risks, particularly wildfires, and called for greater international action to tackle climate change and build resilience.

In the context of the unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves being experienced across Europe as a consequence of the global climate crisis, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the Right Honourable Edward Samuel Miliband, and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, reaffirm their shared determination to address this threat.

The two Ministers affirm that this summer’s wildfires demonstrated the risks posed to Europe by climate change and call on all countries to intensify their efforts to tackle its causes while boosting resilience to its effects.


Building on the UK–France Declaration of Intent on Global Issues and Development signed in 2025, they commit to strengthening cooperation to anticipate, prevent and respond to climate-related risks, especially wildfires, as well as to deepen coordination through their broader climate and environmental partnership, including through multilateral fora.

 
Recognising that the increasing impacts of climate change know no borders, the United Kingdom and France will work together to advance international efforts on climate resilience, including through enhanced adaptation measures, strengthened preparedness and risk reduction, and coordinated responses to threats that affect our shared environment, security and prosperity.

 
The two Ministers, reaffirm their commitment to protect all vulnerable populations by early warning systems and the CREWS initiative as the key vehicle for delivering the UN Secretary-General’s ambition of universal early-warning coverage through Early Warnings for All.

They agree on the importance of promoting investment frameworks that facilitate sustainable finance, innovation and competitiveness, and recognise the key role of international financial institutions multilateral development banks and the mobilisation of private finance in channeling investment and supporting climate action.

 
They recognise that tackling the causes and consequences of climate change is essential to safeguarding the security, stability and resilience of our societies for future generations and supports us today as we secure our energy supplies and tackle the cost of living.


At a time of growing climate risk, the two Ministers, reaffirm their support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement and its temperatures goals.

They recall their determination to defend the role of science, as the compass to global climate and environmental action and underline the importance of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report as a critical input to the Second Global Stocktake.


The two Ministers, call on all parties, as per their obligations as members of the Paris Agreement, and in particular major emitters, to publish their nationally determined contributions (NDC) aligned with the 1.

5°C temperature goal, covering all sectors and greenhouse gases, and contributing to transitioning away from fossil fuels, as adopted in the First Global Stocktake at COP28.

They emphasize the need to strengthen synergies between the three Rio Conventions, and commit to continuing to work jointly for high integrity carbon markets that could, inter alia, unlock long term investments for nature and biodiversity.


The two Ministers, reaffirm their commitment to continue to work jointly to encourage all major emitters to meet their domestic climate target and long-term low carbon development strategy, and strive to do more.

Building on the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Methane launched during London Climate Action Week, they will seek to accelerate methane emissions reductions at COP31, encouraging all parties to work jointly to develop a marketplace for fossil fuels with near-zero methane intensity.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release
Joint Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Spain on Wildfires and Action on Climate Change

The UK and Spain agreed that the climate crisis is an urgent policy priority and committed to co-leading the green transition, strengthening clean energy cooperation and advancing international climate action.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Ed Miliband, following his recent appointment, met in Madrid on July 29 with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, H.

E.

José Manuel Albares Bueno.


At a time when Europe is facing record heatwaves and terrible wildfires as a consequence of the climate crisis, the two Ministers agreed that this summer’s wildfires demonstrated that climate change was now a national security emergency facing Europe and threatening our way of life.

 
Both parties agreed that tackling the climate crisis was an urgent policy priority for all countries- to tackle the cost of living, protect health and wellbeing, and to ensure European economic and energy security.

 The two Ministers noted that climate action was essential to protect not just current generations, but our children and grandchildren too.

 
The two Ministers underscored the priority they attach to combating climate change within their foreign policy and agreed on the need to co-lead the green transition, convinced that decarbonisation, energy security, environmental protection and resilience are inseparable from our security and the prosperity and competitiveness of our economies.


Both parties recognise that climate change is a global challenge that must be addressed through effective multilateralism and respect for International Law.

In this regard, both Ministers reaffirm their support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and express the need to work towards the fulfilment of the international commitments contained in the Paris Agreement, underlining in particular the urgency of increasing global efforts to limit the increase in temperature to 1.

5°C above pre-industrial levels.

They likewise recall the importance of scientific evidence and acknowledge the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in this respect.


The two Ministers emphasise the importance of adopting the necessary measures to drastically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, strengthening cooperation on clean energy and supporting countries of the Global South in their energy transition.

Both parties reaffirm the importance of international solidarity in addressing climate change, highlighting the need to tackle the disproportionate effects that climate change has on developing countries.


To these ends, the two Ministers underline the need to mobilise sustainable financing at scale with the challenge we face, enabling a timely transition towards decarbonised and resilient economies.

The two Ministers agree on the importance of promoting investment frameworks that facilitate sustainable finance, innovation and competitiveness, and recognise the key role of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks in channeling investment and supporting climate action.