Press release: Foreign Secretary response to arrests after protests in Russia

Hundreds of Russian citizens have been arrested after participating in anti-corruption demonstrations across the country. This included opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said:

I am concerned by the detention on 12 June of hundreds of Russian citizens following protests. They were exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, which are enshrined in the Russian constitution. The UK calls on the government of Russia to comply with its international commitments in the Council of Europe and the OSCE, and release citizens detained during peaceful demonstrations.

Further information



News story: CMA accepts gyms merger undertakings

The CMA has accepted proposals by David Lloyd to resolve concerns over its proposed purchase of Virgin Active gyms in Brighton and Brentwood.

Last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found competition concerns in these 2 locations because the companies’ gyms are situated close to each other and would face limited competition from other operators after the acquisition.

The CMA was concerned that the purchase could have resulted in higher prices or a worse deal for gym users in these areas. David Lloyd proposed not to purchase these gyms, which will instead remain under Virgin Active ownership.

David Lloyd originally proposed to purchase 16 Virgin Active gyms in total. The CMA has found no competition concerns in the other areas affected.

After consulting formally, the CMA believes the concerns have been addressed and has accepted these proposals.

All information relating to this investigation can be found on the case page.



News story: PM’s first meeting with new Cabinet: 13 June 2017

In the first Cabinet meeting since the election, ministers discussed the forthcoming Queen’s Speech, including the legislative programme required to deliver the best possible Brexit deal for the whole United Kingdom.

Ministers also received an update on the appalling terrorist attacks in Manchester and London during the general election campaign. The Home Secretary and the Health Secretary praised the extraordinary response of the police and emergency services to both incidents.

Cabinet also discussed the ongoing talks with the DUP to secure a confidence and supply arrangement.



News story: Cutting-edge technology innovation: apply for business funding

Businesses can apply for a share of £15 million to support disruptive innovation in any technology area with potential to generate growth.

Innovate UK has up to £15 million for game-changing, cutting-edge or disruptive innovation projects that leads to new products, processes or services.

The open programme

This funding is part of a regular series of open competitions that support good ideas with market potential, no matter where they come from.

Projects can come from any technology, science, engineering or industrial area. They can fit in with any of Innovate UK’s priority sectors – emerging and enabling technologies, health and life sciences, infrastructure systems, and manufacturing and materials – or be outside.

Funding is available for a wide range of projects, from feasibility studies to experimental development that is closer to market.

Priority will be given to proposals that are likely to lead to sustainable growth in productivity or develop products and services that will access new markets overseas. All projects should demonstrate the potential to generate commercial impact and economic growth.

Competition information

  • the competition is open, and the deadline for registration is 9 August 2017
  • projects must be led by a business, either working alone or with partners
  • total project costs can range between £25,000 and £1 million, and projects can last between 6 and 36 months
  • businesses could attract up to 70% of their eligible costs, depending on their size and the type of project
  • only one project application may be submitted per applicant per competition round


Press release: Foreign Secretary statement on settlement units in the West Bank

We condemn the announcement of yet further settlement units in the West Bank. Settlements are illegal under international law, and not conducive to peace. This spike in settlement activity makes a two state solution, with an Israel that is safe from terrorism and a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign, harder to achieve.