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The Queen has attended a special celebration to mark the launch of the National Year of Reading in Scotland, led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. 

285 students are the latest cohort to benefit from the Defence Digital & Cyber Bursary scheme, taking the total to 500.

Regulations for Awaab's Law to be introduced in Scotland.

A man’s convictions and sentence have been referred to the Crown Court after the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) discovered important evidence in a report which was not disclosed to the defence. 

APCC Joint Leads for Economic and Cyber crime Tijs Broeke and Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts responds to the official launch of Report Fraud, a new, improved service for the reporting of incidents of fraud.

Frank Ferguson, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We received a file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary in July 2025 asking us to consider further allegations against Lucy Letby, 36, relating to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

Public Health Wales has been awarded a £20,000 grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council Creative Communities programme to run a new project called Cynefin: A Creative Health Review for Wales.

Funding for colleges, universities and apprentices now in same place

People across Wales can now see where they are on NHS waiting lists using the NHS Wales App.

The government has published updated new build design guidance today.

The Welsh Government has published its Final Budget 2026-27 following an agreement with Plaid Cymru.

Young engineers to master battlefield-proven technology at Hereford university from September 2026.

Two men were arrested on 20 January 2026 as part of an ongoing Environment Agency investigation.

The CMA has today launched a consultation on its priorities for 2026 to 2027 in the first detailed implementation plan under its new 2026 to 2029 Strategy.

Children who are affected by domestic abuse are not being consistently recognised as victims despite this being set out in law, according to a new joint report by Ofsted, the CQC, HMICFRS, and HMIP.

New analysis paints a deeply shocking picture of people’s experiences waiting for care in busy A&E departments.

Defence talks in Copenhagen today will bring the UK and Denmark together to discuss High North security, industrial cooperation, and vital support to Ukraine, with Defence Secretary John Healey MP meeting Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. 

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, will today ask MPs to support the removal of aspects of the controversial law that would have given immunity to terrorists for Troubles-related killings. 

Minister Murray encourages regions to bid for funding in next wave of the Creative Clusters programme, which has boosted Liverpool’s music innovation sector 

Water companies who broke environmental rules are now funding the recovery of England’s waterways by local communities and environmental groups.

Cities and regions initiative to 'enhance capability, attract investment, and accelerate growth for the benefit of all of Scotland'

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones' speech on rewiring Whitehall and building the new digital state (20 January 2026).

This article originally appeared in The Telegraph on the 19 of January 2026 and comes ahead of the Remedial Order which will be debated/discussed in Parliament tomorrow

Blog posted by: Dan Austin, Engagement Lead, GDS and Lyndsay O’Brien, Senior Product Manager, GDS, 19 January 2026 – Digital Centre, Digital engagement, GDS team, People and skills, Transformation, Ways of working.

The Final Budget 2026-2027 will provide £1.2 billion more for people, public services and businesses across Wales than in this financial year.

Hello, happy new year and welcome to the first Global Tech Trade Policy Update of 2026. 

Bold new strategy will grow education exports to £40bn a year by 2030, supporting UK jobs and investment.

The National Crime Agency led a record year of takedowns of social media accounts linked to organised immigration crime during 2025.

Ministers to highlight government focus on stability and certainty in a volatile world.

Final preparations are underway for the launch of new NHS services in all parts of Wales to improve access to vital healthcare services for women.

Statement given yesterday by the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Eleanor Sanders, at Lebanon's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UK has secured a record amount of new offshore wind capacity in the latest Government-backed auction for vital new clean power projects. These new offshore wind farms will strengthen Britain’s energy security and reduce electricity bills.

We have published updated Guidance on Rail Retailing, following a public consultation in autumn 2025.

Up to 250,000 more people with health conditions will receive support to stay in or return to work, as a groundbreaking programme proven to transform lives and boost living standards is to be rolled out across England.

New requirements for colleges and universities proposed.

Government launches consultation on children's social media use and bans phones in schools to protect young people's wellbeing and ensure safer online experiences.

The Charity Commission yesterday published an update on its inquiries into Dudley Central Mosque and Muslim Community Centre and The Muslim Community Centre and Mosque 1977.

Teachers, school nurses, and GPs will be offered NHS support to spot the early signs of eating disorders, so no child is left to ‘suffer in silence’.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating after a man became seriously unwell while in the custody of Cheshire Constabulary.

The First Minister of Wales has urged the Prime Minister to stand firm in the face of threats by Donald Trump to increase tariffs unless the UK complies with the US President’s desire to purchase Greenland.

techUK is delighted to announce the members of the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Council for the January 2026 to January 2028 tenure.

We have fined two companies a total of £225,000 for sending millions of unsolicited marketing messages in breach of the law. 

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) yesterday launched its manifesto setting out how the next Welsh Government can promote a better private rented sector (PRS) across Wales.

The funding will go towards UK research and development projects that help deliver net zero aviation by 2050.

Community groups across Wales are being reminded that there is still time to apply for the Perthyn grant, which supports communities to develop social enterprises or community-led housing projects.

A man’s rape conviction has been sent to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) because there is a real possibility the court will conclude that a Crown Court had no jurisdiction to try the defendant for the offence in the first place. 

Wasteful duplication in government to be rooted out through new sweeping reviews.

Victims going through the Crown Court better supported to recover from crime and get closure with free access to transcripts of judges’ sentencing remarks.

British entrepreneurs, workers and communities will benefit from a sweeping package of growth measures, as the Government acts to invest in key growth sectors and slash red tape to help businesses scale up.

Second phase of Women’s Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times.

Protests in Iran add to an uncertainty over the fate of the Iranian regime, that is felt within the country and the region.

In her speech, the Education Secretary, yesterday announced stronger safety measures to be introduced around AI in education.

Powered systems that controlled airflow and ventilation through the two reactors at Wylfa nuclear power station, Anglesey have been permanently switched off.

Statement given yesterday by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre at the UN Security Council meeting on the ICC’s work in Sudan.

Two North Wales stations, Shotton and Ruabon, have progressed to the next stage of the Access for All programme, a UK Government scheme backed by the Welsh Government to improve accessibility at railway stations.

He was handed a suspended sentence last year.

A company has made a financial contribution of over £1 million to come into compliance and to deal with the effects of a pollution incident in 2018.

The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC recently (17 January 2026) delivered a speech at the meeting marking the UN-Association's 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly.

Four students from Stratford-upon-Avon have claimed first place in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Challenge with their impressive project to tackle the area’s traffic congestion.

Consultation launched on whether to remove market remedies, which could benefit more than 10,000 businesses.

As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to gather the views of women and girls to inform the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan, five third sector organisations were commissioned and funded to carry out focus groups.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation into the role West Midlands Police officers and staff played in the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham.

US actions in Venezuela and its identification of the Western Hemisphere as a US sphere of influence presents a complex set of challenges for China.

A new £20 million space innovation hub has officially opened in Buckinghamshire, supported by UK Space Agency funding, providing cutting-edge facilities to help space businesses grow and creating up to 300 jobs.

A new once-in-a-generation plan to overhaul the water system and protect households from disruption has been unveiled today (Tuesday 20 January).

MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee have endorsed Emma Douglas for the role of Chair of the Pensions Regulator.

The India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi represents a pivotal moment in the global AI dialogue, marking the first time this summit series will be hosted in a developing economy. 

Letter from the Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation to the Chair of the Business and Trade Committee on the Government's plans for audit reform legislation.

Government rolling out Jess's Rule posters to all GP surgeries in England to act as reminder of a life-saving patient safety initiative.

The FCA's decision to ban Darren Antony Reynolds from working in financial services and fine him £2,037,892 has been upheld by the Upper Tribunal.

The UK’s inaugural Town of Culture competition delivers community renewal for towns in Wales. 

Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific – Asia House Outlook 2026 Keynote Speech given recently (15 January 2026).

Over the past year, Breakthrough Social Enterprise has grown rapidly in scale, complexity and responsibility.

The UK has signed a £205 million contract extension with QinetiQ to strengthen the RAF's Typhoon fleet with technical and engineering support

Over 50,000 UK drivers have made savings of up to £3,750 on a new electric vehicle and £1,400 a year on running costs.a

Young entrepreneurs will be supported to turn their ideas into successful businesses through a new Scottish Government programme.

The Iranian regime has no answers to the country’s problems and there will eventually be change. But this may not happen quickly or neatly.

A 55-year-old Romanian truck driver was recently jailed for 27 months after 10 foreign nationals were found in the back of his truck in Dover.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Aspiration Awards, a national celebration of the outstanding achievements of learners, apprentices, educators, support staff, and educational institutions across the UK. 

A bankrupt builder from Derby has been jailed after illegally obtaining more than £400,000 for home improvement projects.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, has championed the strength and innovation of Welsh manufacturing and reiterated the Welsh Government’s unwavering support for the vital sector on a visit to one of the largest private sector businesses in the mid Wales region.

An 18-year-old from Cwmbran has been sentenced after pleading guilty to possessing a terrorism document, following a thorough investigation by police and prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.

As digital systems become more interdependent and concentrated, a growing number of ‘ordinary’ components quietly turn into de facto critical infrastructure.

Blog posted by: The GDS Team, 16 January 2026 – GOV.UK One Login.

EU Commission drafting guidelines in case standards miss 2027 deadline: According to an article by Euractiv, The EU Commission is currently drafting “transitional” AI guidelines to step in if the AI standards (currently being developed), necessary for the EU’s AI Act application, are not ready on time.

Clashes between the Syrian government and the SDF and deadlocked talks with Israel threaten to drag Syria into renewed conflict. The EU should step in with a longer-term approach.

AI has become a part of our everyday life. Be it at work, at home, or even when we learn. 

Atlantic air dominates this week, bringing largely cloudy and changeable conditions, with temperatures close to average.

The government is launching CustomerFirst, a new unit within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to modernise public services and improve the experience for millions of people who rely on them.

Our campaign is shining a light on the fact that over half of pregnant women and new mums on lower incomes feel excluded from sport and physical activity.

Despite decades of public debate, South Korea cannot conscript its athletes and performers fairly while still maximising their soft power contribution.

The US wants to establish supply chains for critical minerals free of Chinese control. Disrespecting sovereignty and international law will isolate the country from the partners it needs to achieve this ambition.

Thousands of men with prostate cancer will be offered a life-extending drug on the NHS within weeks.

The UK and Ukraine mark the first anniversary of  the historic  100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. 

New legal protections for NHS staff against nuisance and disruptive behaviour in hospitals have come into force in Wales.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said it will continue looking into the actions of West Midlands Police, and the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Birmingham, following Craig Guildford’s retirement as Chief Constable.

See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme…

The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine as both countries mark the first anniversary of the landmark 100 Year Partnership.

A temporary export bar has been placed on Claude Lorrain’s Landscape with Rural Dance.

Summary of outcomes at a national level on the 'Scottish National Standardised Assessments' (SNSA) and ‘Measaidhean Coitcheann Nàiseanta airson Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig’ (MCNG) (collectively known as NSA) in the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Justice to learn from Ukraine’s expertise, to harness their wartime innovation and tackle prison drones.

The UK’s conversation on children’s online safety has reached a critical moment. As political attention turns once again to proposals for a blanket ban on social media use for under-16s, it is vital that policy decisions are guided by evidence, not popularity. 

A Romanian fugitive wanted for sex trafficking offences has been arrested by the National Crime Agency

Three former directors of Ethical Forestry Limited plead guilty following a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into a £70 million investment scheme fraud.

More than a decade of underinvestment has left the NHS with crumbling estates and aged infrastructure in desperate need of repair and upgrading.

A man, who was found guilty of murdering his wife in a double jeopardy case, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Two men convicted over their involvement in a major people smuggling ring have been extradited to Belgium following a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency and Belgian police.

The FCA has fined Russel Gerrity £309,843 for using inside information to net himself £128,765.

The Local Government Association (LGA) supports a focus on improving pay in adult social care, but is warning that the proposed adult social care Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) model is unworkable without adequate funding and local government involvement in the negotiating body. 

Four people appeared before York magistrates court on Thursday 8 January 2026

Labour market returns for female graduates have been historically overestimated using tax data, as much of the documented graduate pay premium is the result of female graduates working longer hours, not higher hourly wages, a UCL led study finds.

More than two million bus journeys have been taken by young people across Wales since the introduction of the £1 bus fare scheme in September last year.

A new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces in their fight against Putin's illegal invasion.

AI tools have shown the potential to improve NHS productivity and address specific challenges faced by organisations.

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source has presented three early-career researchers with its ISIS Springboard Awards.

The Charity Commission has taken regulatory action against The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and The Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance.

A new multiyear grant scheme will enable vital maintenance works on over 400 former coal tip sites across Wales thanks to over £80 million of funding.

Army cyber warriors are to benefit from new modern accommodation and specialist training facilities, following nearly £300 million investment announced last Friday for Duke of Gloucester Barracks.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, responded to a report by the Public Accounts Committee on children’s care homes, and children placed in unregistered care settings

A driver caught with £4m-worth of cocaine in the back of his van has been jailed for nine years today [16 January], following a joint National Crime Agency (NCA) and police investigation.

The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine as both countries mark the first anniversary of the landmark 100 Year Partnership.

The UK and Ukraine mark the first anniversary of  the historic  100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. 

Parliament to scrutinise spending plans.

The reset of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) has put it on a more realistic timetable but with replacement schemes for hospitals built with Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC) now expected in 2032–33, and a tight construction schedule overall with little contingency in the next five years, there are significant delivery risks

New AI notetaking tools being backed by the NHS could help doctors spend up to a quarter more time with their patients.

Construction of a Government Hub in Darlington got underway with a breaking ground ceremony today, January 16, led by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, spoke at the Livery Education Conference at Drapers' Hall.

North West England will receive a new rail line connecting Liverpool and Manchester, as the UK Government announces plans to unlock billions of pounds of economic potential in the region.

The Armed Forces Bill will grow the pool of former Service personnel who Defence could draw on in times of crisis, in a move welcomed by senior military leaders

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

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will launch a new customer feedback survey in January 2026.

The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on a draft permit variation to Saputo Dairy UK for their creamery site near Davidstow, Cornwall.

In the 1980s, computer literacy was a differentiator between those who could participate in the modern workplace and those who could not.

New Defence Housing Service to be put into law, turbocharging biggest renewal of military housing in a generation.

New requirement that every teacher receives training to support pupils, as government makes good on promise to deliver reforms families are crying out for.

Supporting family finances and employment opportunities.

The US operation to remove Maduro succeeded despite fundamental ambiguity about what cyber delivered but that opacity has strategic consequences.

Government seeking to restore trust and common sense to the benefits system. 

In this blog, we reflect on the 2025 ‘Talking records: Pollution in the Archive’ symposium held at The National Archives. 

Ambassador Holland yesterday thanked Federal Councillor Cassis for presenting Switzerland's priorities as OSCE Chair-in-Office, and gives full UK support.

Yesterday saw the announcement of the outline route and start and finish locations of the 2027 Tour de France, when Wales will host the world’s most prestigious cycling race for the first time.

The Environment Agency will refurbish the mitigation pipe at Widewater Lagoon near Lancing in early 2026.

Moscow has prioritized the war in Ukraine over its commitments in Venezuela, Syria and Iran as Trump reshapes the world order.

New polling reveals that a majority of parents back unions’ urgent call to make education staff central at every stage of AI adoption in education – to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people, the TUC says. 

Robotics and defence tech announced as the RIO's 2 new priority areas.

The Scottish Parliament has approved government legislation which will help ensure EURO 2028 in Scotland is fair and affordable for supporters and businesses.

Children are being put at risk as a result of being placed in inappropriate homes through a residential care system in England that is not working.

Statement given yesterday by Simon Thomas, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN General Assembly.

Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.

The recommendations of the Irish Sea Resilience Taskforce were published recently (14 January 2026).

A national review into the provision of  Additional Support for Learning (ASL) will be led by former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland Janie McManus.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, responded to the latest NHS waiting list figures

Reproductive health education needs a radical overhaul, with appropriately trained teachers providing the education the pupils say they need, UCL researchers say.  

ETSI has published a new European standard aimed at strengthening cyber security for artificial intelligence systems, setting out requirements to improve resilience and trust. The standard provides a common framework to help organisations address cyber risks associated with AI technologies.

A more streamlined tidal barrier structure will cut costs and construction complexity and provide the same level of protection for 12,800 homes and businesses.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is marking a planned change in Board leadership, as two long serving trustees complete their terms and new leadership takes on responsibility.

But the data also shows that the NHS continues to be incredibly busy – with services seeing significant numbers of patients in December.

Aramark’s purchase of Entier found to harm competition in the UK for offshore catering services.

Ofcom has opened an investigation into Novi Ltd, which provides an AI character companion chatbot service, in relation to its compliance with age check requirements under the UK’s Online Safety Act.

We are investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic incident in Southwark on 7 January, where a pedestrian sadly died in a collision with a Met Police vehicle.

For young carers, education and social life are often shaped by responsibilities that sit outside the classroom and beyond the school day. Caring does not pause for homework, deadlines, or friendships.

Citizens Advice is issuing a stark warning as a staggering 13,300 people turned to the charity for help with debt in the first working week of 2026 alone.

Call for evidence launched as CMA merger efficiencies review gets underway.

Applications for businesses to apply for space at Lockton Street Arches in North Kensington now open

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on yesterday’s GDP figures

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has backed regulator Ofwat’s decision to launch an investigation into whether South East Water has complied with its licence.

North Lanarkshire Council is focused on improving its residents’ lives and has strong foundations to make the major changes it needs to tackle tightening finances.