The Minister for Women and Equalities Penny Mordaunt on Wednesday (3) unveiled a road map to help women financially empower themselves from their school days to retirement.
Mordaunt, who was recently appointed UK's first ever defence secretary, said the road map is intended to "define and guide how we tackle the barriers women face as they journey through life."
“I want everyone in our country to be able to thrive in life," said Mordaunt. "That means being able to be in control of the choices you make and have the opportunities you have to seize.
"We must be honest that many women do not have those choices or opportunities, and as a consequence are not able to be as financially resilient or independent”.
Women in the UK are more likely to achieve higher qualifications than men, but they are more likely to take on unpaid work and likely to save less into their private pensions. They are also more likely to take time out of work to care for relatives.
"This inequality is faced at every stage of a woman’s life - from how she is treated in the classroom, to the caring roles she often takes on, and the lack of savings or pension she accumulates," pointed out Mordaunt.
“I’m confident today’s announcement will be the first step in a long-term commitment by this government to empower everyone in this country, helping them truly reach their full potential, from birth to retirement,” she said.
The publication, titled Gender equality at all stages: A roadmap for change, details the government's plan to improve gender balance across higher and lower paid industries and occupations.
Calling the report a "potential game changer", Chartered Management Institute CEO Ann Francke said: “Gender inequality is a complex issue with many causes rooted throughout education, society, culture and the workplace.
"The Government’s Gender Equality Roadmap acknowledges this breaks down the problem into its many component parts, aiming to offer practical solutions and success measures for each.
"It’s ambitious, comprehensive and collaborative. Well- executed it is a potential game changer and an excellent source of practical insight, policies and advice to help all UK organisations go further, faster to achieve gender balance."
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)