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Blog posted by: Natalie Jones OBE, Director of Digital Identity, Government Digital Service and Cheryl Stevens MBE, Director for Customer Contact, Fraud, Error and Debt, Department for Work and Pensions, 13 March 2026 – GOV.UK One Login, Ways of working.

Beijing is striving for tech self-reliance, aiming to embed intelligent technologies in its economy. But there is a tension in the strategy that could define China’s next decade.

Scotland's teachers to benefit from fully-funded classroom hours reduction.

Research infrastructure consists of the facilities, resources and services used to conduct research and innovation activities. They are a key part of the UK’s innovation landscape and integral to its role as a hub for international collaboration

London's Vision Zero Action Plan has made streets safer more quickly than the rest of the country and equivalent international capitals including New York and Paris

Today the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee have published the report, Flying Blind: Innovation, Growth and the Regions.

From 1 April 2026, suppliers awarded below-threshold public sector contracts will be required to register on the Central Digital Platform to obtain a unique supplier identifier. 

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Information about integration on 1 April 2026.

Major boost to sustainable development, as £100 million invested to speed up planning approvals.

CBI has responded to latest GDP data (March 2026).

The BBC World Service is at risk of losing its position as the most-trusted international broadcaster as it is unable to present a strong case for future investment.

Michael Wade was charged on two counts of illegal water discharge activity. He was fined £340 and is to pay costs of £4,302. 

The Security Minister yesterday delivered an update on the work of the Defending Democracy Taskforce to counter harassment and intimidation of elected representatives.

Blog posted by: Eva Horvathova, 11 March 2026 – a great place to work, International Women's Day.

People across England and Wales can find out if they are due a government-backed broadband upgrade with new gigabit address checker.

Strengthened focus on family group decision-making ahead of Bill vote.

The Home Affairs Committee has published its report into the Government’s proposed reforms to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Ripples of economic disruption radiating from the attack on Iran by Israel and the US give notice of the effect a war over Taiwan would spread through the world.

Support for parents and teachers to help with important conversations about poverty in schools and at home.

On Friday 6 March, the High Court refused permission for the judicial review sought by the Charity Commission in relation to two investigations we completed in March 2024. 

On the 34th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict on the Nistru River, UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, honours the victims and all those affected (12 March 2026).

Welsh hit zombie horror Sker Ritual is continuing to build on its global success with the release of its latest chapter Tides of Terror, supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.

YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector procurement organisations, has taken proactive steps to help protect customers from market volatility, as conflict in the Middle East impacts energy pricing.

Protecting working families in more turbulent times will underpin discussions at the second UK-Ireland Summit in Cork today (Friday 13 March) as the Prime Minister unveils £937 million in new Irish investment into the UK, which will create around 850 new jobs.

A mother and son who plotted to smuggle 14 kilos of cocaine into the UK have been jailed, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Plan to overhaul nuclear system will speed up building, strengthen national and energy security, and cut costs.

Joint letter from Education Secretary and teaching union.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Delivered yesterday by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a young person’s convictions for affray and drug possession with intent to supply because of evidence he is a victim of human trafficking and modern slavery and therefore had a defence to the charges under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Tourism Minister hosts UK industry leaders at 10 Downing Street to mark English Tourism Week

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-2031 published.

Welsh farming businesses will be able to access affordable finance to modernise their operations and cut carbon emissions, under a new loan scheme to be launched by the Welsh Government and delivered by the Development Bank of Wales later this year.

A man who claimed that sexual assaults he carried out on a patient were part of therapy has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.

In Gateshead, the next stage of Tech4Communities has begun. Applications are now open for refurbished laptops, tablets and smartphones, following six months of device donations from local residents and refurbished staff laptops from Gateshead Council.

The NRLA is excited to announce its new partnership with HMRC-recognised digital tax filing platform, Taxd, strengthening the capabilities of its Portfolio management system and helping members prepare for the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD).

Rory Deighton says NHS leaders have gone above and beyond, but there is still much to do

Lenders and brokers in the second charge mortgage market need to consider how they advise customers, assess affordability and charge fees.  

Delivering better experiences for learners, teachers and practitioners to thrive.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, commented on the results of the latest NHS Staff Survey and the latest NHS performance figures, 

Over £740,000 of Welsh Government Tech Valleys funding will help inspire thousands more children across Southeast Wales to explore cyber security careers.

Between 2000 – 2015, subpostmasters were removed from their branches, wrongly prosecuted or threatened with legal action for money outstanding from a faulty accounting system, 'Horizon'. From wrongful convictions through to financial ruin and devastating personal consequences, the miscarriages of justice in this case have severely impacted the lives of hundreds of subpostmasters.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform how South Africa’s leading astronomical observatories operate.

An examination of council tax support schemes across England, Scotland and Wales, and the case for reform

The Welsh Government has invested £8 million in a Swansea company developing cutting edge technology, helping to position Wales as a leader in offshore wind.

Rory Deighton responds to the findings of the 2025 NHS Staff Survey

Greater scrutiny of prices paid at the pump in light of the conflict in the Middle East.

Police will be better equipped to protect candidates from harassment and intimidation under new measures announced ahead of the local and devolved elections.

The NHS has faced its busiest winter on record while bringing waiting lists to their lowest for almost 3 years.

A woman from Tewkesbury who kept another woman captive for over 20 years and forced her to carry out labour in her home has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

We have today published an open letter to social media and video‑sharing platforms operating in the UK, calling on them to strengthen age assurance measures so young children can’t access services that are not designed for them. 

Scotland’s crucial role in UK defence is to be boosted, as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard and Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander today launched a landmark £50 million Scotland Defence Growth Deal.  

Ministerial Board established to coordinate recovery effort.

Mandatory investment screening rules will be refined to provide greater clarity for British businesses and ensure the UK remains open for safe investment and protected against national security threats.

Almost 1 in 7 NHS staff (14.47%) were physically attacked by a patient or the public last year – the highest rate for 3 years – according to the latest NHS staff survey.

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Economy held its weekly meeting in the Magee campus of Ulster University yesterday (11 March 2026) and visited Seagate Technology in the city.

Statement given yesterday by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

CBI yesterday responded to government plans to overhaul approach to grid connections.

Major sites and apps must enforce their minimum age rules with highly-effective age checks, Ofcom warns today, as the online safety regulator examines continued failings by services most popular among children

A new Ofsted report, published today, describes the challenges some schools and colleges face in supporting children in care to reach their potential, due to inconsistencies in local authority practice, unclear national expectations, and a lack of training for staff.

The Government has confirmed the end of the asylum accommodation move-on pilot and a new revised move-on period of 42 days.

This week’s Deep Dive takes a closer look at a major driver behind the UK’s weather over the coming days: a positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation, often shortened to NAO.

We have issued a £66,000 fine and a reprimand to Police Scotland for serious failures in the handling of sensitive personal information. 

Former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland Fiona Taylor has been appointed to lead an independent Commission which will consider how to safely and effectively criminalise the purchase of sex in Scotland.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper travels to Saudi Arabia to show UK support for regional allies as they defend themselves from reckless Iranian aggression

Macron’s concept of ‘forward deterrence’ offers a distinctly European approach to nuclear deterrence.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Allen Trust (charity number: 1146388 )

Flooding on the B1127 between Wrentham and Southwold is set to reduce thanks to a new drainage system installed by Natural England in the Easton Valley.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East (11 March 2026).

The British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, brought forward by Mark Isherwood (Member in Charge of the Bill) has been passed by the Senedd on 11 March 2026.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Remarks by Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive, at the NSPCC.

Leading voices from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector were recently (10 March 2026) appointed to the new Civil Society Council, established by the Prime Minister to bring civil society into the heart of government decision‑making.

Are you interested in observing the rule making process? The Civil Procedure Rule Committee is hosting the annual Open Meeting of the Committee on 8 May 2026.

Dstl develops an open source framework to standardise, test, and speed up innovation in sensor fusion and tracking for modern defence operations.

Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country.

A former South Wales Police employee is set to make their first appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on 13 March to face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

An e-bike cyclist who killed an elderly man while riding on the pavement has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years for his manslaughter in what is thought to be the first case of its kind in the country.

As the home to the largest tech sector in Europe, the UK’s technology industry is now valued at over $1.2 trillion. Contributing 101 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and employing approximately 1.7 million people, the sector is projected to grow by a further 8.9% over the next three years. A critical driver of this success has been the UK’s ability to attract world-class talent from across the globe.  

Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, condemns Russia’s continued violations of international law and OSCE principles in Ukraine.

People in Wales will have their personal data better protected after the Senedd approved regulations on 10 March abolishing the open electoral register.

Two men who dealt illegal steroids and laundered their criminal gains have been ordered to hand over their ill-gotten gains.

The Welsh Government is today (Thursday 12 March) unveiling its landmark ten-year strategy to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

Last year techUK's Future Visions series explored physical AI as a next-generation technology with cutting-edge uses in robotics, smart machines, and human-machine collaboration. This year, our AI and Data programme will dig deeper into how physical AI is evolving and what it could mean for the UK's AI sector. 

Ofwat has today (12 March 2026) proposed a £44.7m enforcement package following its findings that Welsh Water has breached its legal obligations in operating its wastewater treatment works and network.

Women at every stage of their careers are set to benefit from new government measures announced today, aimed at boosting female participation in tech.

Rajinder Gill and accomplices have been sentenced for their involvement in a sale-and-rent-back scheme. 

A new 3G pitch at Dragon Park in Newport will improve training for women and girls across Wales.

Whilst we are not in agreement with the recommendations advanced by the Committee in yesterday’s report, techUK remains keen to work constructively with Government and the creative industries to develop a copyright framework that ensures the UK can effectively compete when it comes to AI moving forward.  

Ofwat has responded to the Competition and Markets Authority’s final decision on the disputed 2024 Price Review price controls for five water companies (Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water)

As global events continue to impact the daily lives of communities across the UK, the Prime Minister is visiting Belfast today (Thursday 12 March) to highlight his relentless focus on cutting the cost of living for working people.

Imerys Minerals Limited has paid £430,000 to the West Country Rivers Trust, to be used to restore water quality and improve fish migration.

Over 60% of the women surveyed said being advised to have any of the vaccines by a healthcare professional was an important reason for taking up the offer.

UK joins International Energy Agency members in coordinated oil stock release.

New measures to strengthen appointment and vetting processes.

The Charity Commission has concluded its review of allegations of accounting failures and political activity at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Slough.

Screwfix Foundation is open for small grants up to £5k for projects that improve, repair and maintain physical buildings (or land attached to it) used by those in need throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) has today (Wednesday 11th March 2026) agreed to pay £20 million into Ofgem’s Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme after accepting historic failures to properly monitor, maintain and repair some civil assets and to plan and resource remediation works on those civil assets at the Harker 132kV substation near Carlisle, Cumbria (“Harker”) in the period November 2016 to November 2021. 

The government’s flagship rail upgrade programme for the north of England must more closely align with national and local growth plans and involve better collaboration between central and local authorities to fully realise the benefits, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO).

A new treatment option for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can be used in the NHS when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not suitable.

Wales has taken a major step forward in protecting residents in their homes after the Senedd yesterday (Tuesday, 10 March) passed the Building Safety (Wales) Bill — one of the largest pieces of legislation ever considered by the Senedd.

Research funders urged to back a voluntary charter including commitments to paid maternity leave for PhD students and more help to return to work and flexible working.

Study highlights misperceptions on the role of antibiotics in managing common childhood illness.

Defence Secretary and Attorney General met JEF legal representatives to address action against Russia's sanction-evading shadow fleet funding Ukraine war.

Environment Agency plans to remove blight in time for new season “Sunk, wrecked, abandoned – they’ve got to go” says Deputy Director of Navigation

No new regulation needed on salmon mortalities.  

The CMA is examining heating oil amid concerns about rising prices due to conflict in the Middle East.

UK Export Finance announces support for a UK luxury sustainable packaging company to expand into new foreign markets.

Reforms will strengthen conditions for joining and remaining in the queue for demand connections, and prioritise projects that deliver growth and jobs.

An additional £40.5 million of funding has been allocated this year to support essential capital repairs and maintenance across schools, colleges and universities in Wales.

Fund cleared historic debt in over 70,000 cases across Scotland.

This competition requires ideas for optimising the safety of blood used in deployed settings

Government is currently unable to deliver on its strategic objective to reduce spending on consultants. In a new report, the Public Accounts Committee not only casts doubt on government’s ability to meet its aspiration to put an immediate stop to all non-essential consultant spending, but shows that it is not even clear if the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s intention to halve this spending in 2025-26 is an effective approach to achieving the £1.2bn+ in savings aimed for by this year.

Yesterday we have published a research report on good practice in health and social care services when caring for people living with a type of dementia. As part of our dementia strategy, we commissioned this research, which was carried out by IFF Research in partnership with Leeds Beckett University.

The funding is being provided by Great British Energy, the UK Government’s publicly owned energy company, with the Welsh Government overseeing delivery of the funding in Wales.

The Hereditary Peers Bill has passed in the House of Lords in one of the biggest reforms to Parliament and UK democracy in a generation.

British manufacturers will save millions of pounds a year as the Government removes tariffs on offshore wind energy components from 1 April.

Tech firms must do more to protect women and girls online or face further action, Tech Secretary Liz Kendall warns at major platform roundtable.

Throughout my time as Children’s Commissioner, I have heard from a million children and know how socially aware and engaged young people today are – as well as being full of practical ideas to make England the best place to grow up.

The Home Office has published its Fraud Strategy 20262029, outlining a multi-year plan to tackle fraud against individuals and businesses in the UK. 

The UK has established its first sovereign manufacturing capability for ultrahigh temperature materials - vital for space, hypersonic and propulsion systems.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is launching a UK‑wide training programme to support the development of project professionals across the nuclear sector.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) says allowing five water companies to increase their customers’ bills even further will heap more pressure on households already struggling to absorb recent price hikes.

In less than a month, new providers of children's homes, fostering services and secure accommodation will no longer be able to make a profit in Wales, making it the first nation in the UK to take this landmark step.

More than 180 people from across the UK heard speeches, viewed exhibitions and ate together at a Ramadan event.

The government has published its Fraud Strategy 2026-2029 which sets out its plan for fighting fraud over the next three years. 

Rape victims will have access to dedicated legal advice throughout the criminal justice process, while new project will look at shifting the focus of rape court cases from the victim to the perpetrator.

Boost for patients as the government bolsters the dental workforce by thousands.

Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 grants announced.

Aside from policy differences with the US, the UK’s Armed Forces’ size and capacity make difficult any large UK involvement in war with Iran.

The Government has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.

A new study by Public Health Wales, Bangor University and Liverpool John Moores University has shown how abuse, struggling with finances and loneliness and social isolation in later life increase people’s risks of poor health.

A Dorset Police officer is due in court accused of assaulting a man, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The long-expected consultation into the National Digital ID Scheme was yesterday launched. 

Sistani has issued a layered statement addressing the war against Iran.

An independent group of experts appointed by the CMA has decided how much revenue 5 water companies are allowed following their rejection of Ofwat’s decision.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, yesterday [09 March] announced the Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.

First students to do V Levels from 2027 as part of ambitious reforms to post-16 system that will prepare them for future jobs.

You may have seen recent reports in the news regarding gas shortages. 

The Shield seeks to address serious security and narcotics issues in Latin America. But a detail-light, ‘Trumpista-only’ alliance repeats past mistakes in Latin America.

Blog posted by: Rob Thompson, Home Office Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer, 10 March 2026 – Digital strategy, Leadership, Transformation.

After a murky weekend, the week ahead begins on a somewhat brighter note for parts of the UK.

The government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom

This is a Report on research into the roles and functions of the Scottish Law Officers.

Vignettes of Article 5 responses reveal wide, plausible consequences of NATO shortcomings in pursuit of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Families to save on their energy bills with new obligations for suppliers to fix smart meters more quickly, cutting waiting times for billpayers.

Learn how NICE's healthtech guidance helped bring life-changing genetic testing to neonatal units across the UK, saving 20 babies' hearing so far with potential to prevent hearing loss in 200 babies annually.

Statement given yesterday by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

13 Welsh games studios and companies are on the way to the 40th GDC Festival of Gaming, the games industry’s major annual global gathering, in San Francisco, California.

Over a third of workers in Great Britain now work remotely or in hybrid arrangements, but not all employers realise health and safety responsibilities apply equally at home as in the workplace.

The Crown Prosecution Service has today announced Anthony Russell, 43, has been charged with the murder of Ian Huntley at HMP Frankland.

Statement to update the House on the Middle East.

For 2026 to 2027, the light dues rate will increase to 46 pence per tonne to support the high-quality service on which the maritime sector relies (09 March 2026).

The data also shows just over half of all retail areas are found out of town

The Trump administration has given mixed messages about its support for a potential Kurdish uprising, which would face a range of challenges against an uncertain backdrop.

A man nicknamed “Killer” and his two younger brothers have been convicted 18 years after they sexually abused four children and a woman in Sheffield, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Powers are in addition to an imminent consultation that will road-test plans to ban leaders who use their positions to promote violence or hatred.

A new plan to reduce deaths and harms caused by alcohol and drugs has been published.

Education Secretary's key note speech given yesterday at the South East RISE inclusion conference.

A popular online platform for Welsh-language live music is expanding, with the launch of a new Awni? mobile app.

Departmental officials are being recalled before an Assembly Committee this week and have been told to be ready to give ‘substantive and detailed’ answers about their handling of the Child Poverty Strategy.

RoSPA has launched Towards a Safer Scotland, our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election, which sets out key priorities for accident prevention across Scotland.

The majority of young people trust the information they learn about politics at school, but just 30% of under-18s say they have learnt about it there, according to new research by the Electoral Commission.

Britain’s welfare bill is set to surge by £18 billion in a single year, enough to fund a huge expansion of the armed forces, as ministers scramble to find money to strengthen the military

New online resources, made possible by UKRI investment, provide useful information and support to loved ones of people ‘sectioned’ under the Mental Health Act.

A new app will offer free, bilingual and personalised support to help people quit smoking for good across Wales. 

Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder

More young people in Wales will be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) from September.

Five years on from COVID, Scotland's public services are still struggling to recover

JD Spencer Farm Partnership was fined £7,000 and £8,944 of legal costs after two slurry pollution incidents impacted the Bristol Avon river.

A compulsory winding-up order was made against Oenofuture Limited on 4 March 2026 and the Provisional Liquidation which was in place since the 5 February 2026 has come to an end.  

Public Health Wales is celebrating the re-designation of its Policy and International Health Directorate as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being. This reaffirms Wales’ position as a global leader in shaping policies, strategies and investments with health, well-being and equity at the heart.

Jordan Cummins, CBI UK Competitiveness Director, responds to NISTA announcement on infrastructure pipeline

Welsh farmers will benefit from a £6.5 million funding boost after the Ffermio Bro scheme delivered remarkable results in its first year.

Following the recent energy price cap announcement on the 25th of February, the Adam Smith Institute’s (ASI) updated Electricity Tracker reveals a staggering divergence in electricity costs between the UK and its nearest neighbour. British households are now paying 40% more for electricity than those in France, adding an average of £193 to quarterly domestic bills.