Callum Anderson

Our first cohort of interns will be joining in Summer 2026 so we anticipate impacts will begin to be visible on the Autumn 2027 Fast Stream intake as participating students graduate from university and seek to join the programme. We will continue to publish Fast Stream recruitment data on an annual basis.

The refocused Fast Stream Summer Internship scheme will give talented undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. We will assess eligibility for the summer internship scheme based on parental occupation at the age of 14. The Social Mobility Commission (SMC) identifies this as the most accurate measure of socio-economic background.

The Government is determined to ensure the £385 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually, delivers economic growth and supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Government previously announced that all departments would set SME spend targets, and now plans to expand that requirement to the wider public sector - further prioritising and boosting spending with SMEs.

The Government is analysing responses to our recent public consultation on further reforms to public procurement processes. These proposals aim to drive economic growth, support small businesses, and better support innovation. We will publish our conclusions and further actions to improve public procurement in due course.

The Test, Learn & Grow programme is modelling and scaling an approach to public service reform and mission delivery that closes gaps between policy, delivery and service users, and speeds up learning and improvement.

In July, the Programme announced the 10 places that it will be working with in England. These are: Barnsley, Wakefield, Manchester, Liverpool, Sandwell, Northumberland, Essex, Plymouth, Nottingham, and within London. Challenges the teams will look at will include increasing the uptake of Best Start Family Hubs to support parents and young children - and this is currently being scoped with input from the Department for Education, Cabinet Office and local partners.

The Programme is committed to spreading practice and insights to local authorities across the country and will ensure that this opportunity is available to Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

The UK government recognises the foundational importance of Local Resilience Forums to our national resilience. The Resilience Action Plan sets out our plans to strengthen the public sector resilience system through the roll-out of further data to support local partners to plan for and respond to risks more effectively.

The UK Government Resilience Action Plan takes an ‘all hazards’ approach, focusing on improving the general resilience of the nation to all risks, and investing in common systems and tools to respond. The wide range of specific risks the government plans for are continually assessed in the National Security Risk Assessment, which now operates on a dynamic model and incorporates challenge through a refreshed Expert Advisory Programme.

The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.

The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.

The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.

The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.

The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.

The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.

The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.

The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.

The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.

The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.

• The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.

• The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.

• The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.

• The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.

The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.

The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.

The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.

As the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance offers a range of products to exporters across the nuclear sector, including the fuel cycle, the supply chain, and new technologies such as small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors. The Secretary of State and I have spoken directly to our counterparts in several countries in support of UK small modular reactor technology and UKEF stands ready to support UK nuclear technology companies seeking overseas contracts.

As the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance offers a range of products to exporters across the nuclear sector, including the fuel cycle, the supply chain, and new technologies such as small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors. The Secretary of State and I have spoken directly to our counterparts in several countries in support of UK small modular reactor technology and UKEF stands ready to support UK nuclear technology companies seeking overseas contracts.

The 2025 Critical Minerals Strategy sets out the UK’s approach to securing supplies of minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital sectors. In 2025, the UK imported £13.4 billion of critical minerals and their derivatives. The Department is actively assessing the UK’s dependency on imported critical minerals and is working with industry and international partners to diversify supply and strengthen resilience.

The UK Critical Minerals Strategy sets out the Governments’ approach to securing domestic critical minerals supply by harnessing the UK’s competitive advantage in midstream processing and recycling, leveraging the UK’s distinct pockets of mineral wealth, and working with international partners to build more resilient UK and global supply networks.

We are delivering on the strategy’s objective to optimise domestic production through a range of measures including streamlined planning and permitting, competitive energy costs and a range of financial support such as £50 million for critical mineral projects in the UK to scale domestic capability, unlock investment, and drive economic growth.

The UK Critical Minerals Strategy outlines the Government’s approach to securing supply by harnessing the UK’s competitive advantage in midstream processing and recycling of critical minerals and supporting the scaling of UK-based capabilities. It sets out how we are supporting UK critical mineral processing capacity through a range of measures including streamlined permitting, competitive energy costs and targeted financial support.

We are investing £50 million for critical mineral projects to expand research, innovation and commercialisation, supporting a UK Magnet Hub for rare earth magnet manufacturing and the Critical Minerals Accelerator to scale up and de-risk domestic projects.

The Global Talent Taskforce is already helping high-growth founders choose the UK as a base to land, build and scale. Through tailored visa support, relocation advice and introductions to UK peers, investors and networks, we are helping exceptional international talent and innovative firms embed and expand here. For example, the Taskforce supported UK AI scale-up Granola to overcome barriers to bringing in senior international hires, including unblocking a delayed process within 24 hours to safeguard a business-critical hire. This builds on new measures announced by the Chancellor on 10 June, including visa fee reimbursement for scale-ups in digital and tech, life sciences and clean energy.

As part of delivering the Industrial Strategy, the Chancellor launched the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups on 10 June. This targeted grant scheme will help UK scale-ups in Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Digital & Technologies recruit internationally by reimbursing eligible visa application fees. It will support firms to access exceptional skills, strengthen global competitiveness and reinforce the UK as a place for ambitious businesses to start, scale and stay in the UK.

£400 billion of public money is spent on government contracts every year.

The Government recognises that public procurement can play an important role in supporting the growth of UK scale-ups, particularly by providing early revenue, credibility and a route to market for innovative firms.

Through the Industrial Strategy and measures announced at Autumn Budget 2025, we are going further to support UK scale-ups to access public procurement – including through the establishment of an Innovation Marketplace, expanded use of Advance Market Commitments, and appointment of Innovation Champions in all departments.

The UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement is estimated to increase UK exports to the GCC by £14.3 billion annually (22.6%) in the long run compared to 2040 projections.

The agreement will eliminate tariffs on around 93% of current UK exports, worth an estimated £580 million in duties each year once fully implemented, with £360 million removed on entry into force. It will also reduce non‑tariff barriers, secure market access and provide UK exporters with a competitive edge.

The government will publish a full impact assessment alongside signature which will set out the impacts across sectors, regions and protected characteristics.

The scale‑up concierge service aims to retain high-growth firms including their headquarters in the UK by acting quickly and decisively to tackle their barriers to growth, such as access to finance, talent or markets.

This support will be targeted at high growth, strategically important scale-ups with the potential to be the UK’s first trillion-dollar company.

This service will help high-growth firms to scale and stay in the UK, supporting regional economic growth and productivity.

We are developing a monitoring and evaluation approach in line with government standards. We will share more in due course.

The scale‑up concierge service aims to retain high-growth firms including their headquarters in the UK by acting quickly and decisively to tackle their barriers to growth, such as access to finance, talent or markets.

This support will be targeted at high growth, strategically important scale-ups with the potential to be the UK’s first trillion-dollar company.

This service will help high-growth firms to scale and stay in the UK, supporting regional economic growth and productivity.

We are developing a monitoring and evaluation approach in line with government standards. We will share more in due course.

The scale‑up concierge service aims to retain high-growth firms including their headquarters in the UK by acting quickly and decisively to tackle their barriers to growth, such as access to finance, talent or markets.

This support will be targeted at high growth, strategically important scale-ups with the potential to be the UK’s first trillion-dollar company.

This service will help high-growth firms to scale and stay in the UK, supporting regional economic growth and productivity.

We are developing a monitoring and evaluation approach in line with government standards. We will share more in due course.

The UK‑GCC FTA puts SMEs across the country, including in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, at the forefront of the opportunities it creates. It will strengthen SME participation in international trade by fostering cooperation, improving access to trade-related information, simplifying customs processes, reducing tariffs and enhancing business mobility.

To help businesses access these opportunities, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) works hand-in-hand with firms to ensure they have the tools and knowledge needed.

For each FTA, DBT delivers a utilisation programme including raising awareness, producing practical and informative guides on key provisions, and signposting SMEs to support through business.gov.uk.

As part of the review of employment rights for unpaid carers, DBT has engaged extensively with over 100 stakeholders to assess how any potential further support for unpaid carers may impact gender equality in the workplace, workforce retention and labour market participation. This has been accompanied by commissioned quantitative and qualitative research. Responses to our consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children will also contribute to the full options assessment being conducted as part of the review. We expect the review to conclude by the end of 2026.

As part of the review of employment rights for unpaid carers, DBT has engaged extensively with over 100 stakeholders to assess how any potential further support for unpaid carers may impact gender equality in the workplace, workforce retention and labour market participation. This has been accompanied by commissioned quantitative and qualitative research. Responses to our consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children will also contribute to the full options assessment being conducted as part of the review. We expect the review to conclude by the end of 2026.

As part of the review of employment rights for unpaid carers, DBT has engaged extensively with over 100 stakeholders to assess how any potential further support for unpaid carers may impact gender equality in the workplace, workforce retention and labour market participation. This has been accompanied by commissioned quantitative and qualitative research. Responses to our consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children will also contribute to the full options assessment being conducted as part of the review. We expect the review to conclude by the end of 2026.

The Department for Business and Trade has engaged extensively with employers throughout the review of employment rights for unpaid carers. The consultation launched as part of this review on 9 June contains specific questions on how to improve the guidance and information for employers. Following the conclusion of the review, which is expected by the end of 2026, we will decide on what changes may be needed to support employers in implementing enhanced rights for unpaid carers.

This deal will unlock investment in high‑growth sectors, provide the stability and certainty businesses need to plan, with provisions supporting inward investment across the UK. By establishing a clear, rules‑based framework, it will support firms to invest, grow and deepen UK–GCC economic ties.

The government will publish a full impact assessment alongside signature setting out impacts across sectors, regions and protected characteristics.

The British Industry Supercharger is already supporting the competitiveness of around 550 of the most electricity and trade-intensive firms across Great Britain, including in Buckingham and Bletchley, by reducing electricity costs by on average approximately £65 – £87 per megawatt hour.

From 2027 the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 10,000 eligible manufacturing businesses. This will help bring electricity costs more in line with other European economies and help support investment and economic growth across Great Britain including in Buckingham and Bletchley.