The government focused heavily on the agricultural sector with a series of policy announcements at the Oxford Farming Conference, alongside significant welfare and health initiatives. The Ministry of Defence generated the highest engagement with a report that UK forces supported the US to interdict the vessel Bella 1.
Three Major Themes
- Agriculture and Environment: Emma Reynolds and Defra announced reforms including a Farming and Food Partnership Board and changes to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to boost profitability.
- Defence and Security: The Ministry of Defence confirmed it provided enabling support to intercept a vessel, while the Home Office highlighted the jailing of people smuggler Adem Savas.
- Welfare and Public Health: Keir Starmer announced the government is scrapping the two-child limit, and the Department of Health and Social Care launched a free NHS chickenpox vaccine.
Keir Starmer stated the government is focused on cutting the cost of living. Jo Stevens unveiled a Road Safety Strategy aiming to cut deaths by 65% by 2035. The Ministry of Defence confirmed UK forces supported the US to interdict the vessel Bella 1. Shabana Mahmood announced new laws with powerful offences to dismantle smuggler gangs, and the Home Office reported the jailing of Adem Savas.
David Lammy marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing shared history with the US. He later spoke at Mount Vernon about shaping a fairer, freer future. The Ministry of Defence provided further context on the Bella 1 interception in the North Atlantic.
Keir Starmer announced the government is scrapping the two-child limit to lift children out of poverty. Emma Reynolds outlined agricultural plans at the Oxford Farming Conference, including opening new export markets and simplifying the SFI application process. Douglas Alexander announced new funds to strengthen regional economies in Scotland. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the rollout of a free NHS chickenpox vaccine.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
Emma Reynolds stated that there will be two SFI application windows this year: “June for smaller farms… September for all.” She also confirmed the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme will extend for three years with £30m “next year alone.” Jo Stevens set a target to cut road deaths by 65% “by 2035.” The Northern Ireland Office announced Connect Fund roadshows will be held from “12 – 19 January.”
