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IOPC Director Amanda Rowe commented following the conviction of Paul Quinn today (17 April) 

NICE has recommended a new take‑at‑home tablet for some people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia whose disease has returned after treatment. The draft guidance could give patients greater choice and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits.

Michelle Ferguson, CBI Scotland Director, responds to Scottish Liberal Democrats manifesto

A number of government compensation schemes have made progress in handling claims and processing pay-outs to claimants but there is still more to do to identify all those eligible and minimise delays, says a new report by the National Audit Office (NAO), the independent government spending watchdog

Music lovers should be given more representation in policy and decision making with the establishment of a government and industry-backed Music Fans Association, according to the fan-led review of live and electronic music published today. 

Foreign Secretary statement welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon

Critical discussions on the Strait of Hormuz are set to be hosted in Paris today.

New measures to tackle inequality of opportunity and breakdown barriers to healthcare careers

Health Innovation North West Coast (HINWC) is recruiting a Commercial Director, a senior executive role that will play a key part in accelerating the region’s health innovation ambitions.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto.

Water cooperation is not only mutually beneficial for India and Pakistan, but essential. Restoring the Indus Waters Treaty could be a powerful foundation for rebuilding trust.

Developing countries will be able to respond faster to economic crises through new proposals developed by the London Coalition and driven by the UK government.

Blog posted by: Josh Dresner, 16 April 2026 – digital services, Our services, User research, User Researcher.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Liz Kendall, spoke at Wayve, launching the Sovereign AI Fund on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, yesterday spoke at the Early Years Alliance's Connect Roadshow in London.

If the UK hopes to end ransom payments, it must build an ecosystem of accredited cyber incident responders to work with government agencies and move as quickly as criminal operators.

The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to bid to develop safe, personalised AI tutoring tools designed to improve learning outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

Members of the Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office have visited the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to understand more about its role in relation to the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.

Ambassador Holland updates on recent Russian activity in the Atlantic, speaking on behalf of Norway, the Netherlands and the UK (16 April 2026).

A new survey published by the TUC today (Friday) shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year.

Supporting children as they learn to write is one of the biggest challenges faced by teachers. The Show-me® Bubble Handwriting Scaffold Drywipe Boards are an effective and engaging tool designed to build confidence and consistency in early writing.

In December 2024, Breakthrough Social Enterprise had around 30 learners. A brand new training provider, delivering its first Skills Bootcamps, building everything from the ground up. 

Specialist staff, tougher disciplinary action and bolstered security measures will be deployed at HMP Woodhill to reduce violence, combat drugs and improve safety.

Sovereign AI is the UK’s £500 million bet to back homegrown AI founders, drive growth and create jobs across the UK.

The UK Government yesterday (16/04/2026) published its response to the consultation on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). 

Ambassador Holland says Russia’s approach to the Easter ceasefire demonstrates its contempt for peace, highlighting thousands of ceasefire violations and attempts to distort the narrative. Ukraine made a good faith commitment to a ceasefire and demonstrated its readiness to engage constructively. Russia made a different choice.

Rare direct talks are unlikely to succeed in the long-term without Hezbollah disarming, but they are a welcome opportunity for the Lebanese state to regain its authority in foreign policy and pursue confidence-building measures with Israel.

Northern Ireland community and voluntary organisations will be able to bid for an additional £1.5 million in grant funding.

Government to back firefighters with tailor made, research backed health support during and after service

Salma Yasmeen, chair of the Health and Care Women Leaders Network, in response to the government's renewed Women's Health Strategy, sets out the network's focus on supporting delivery that improves access, experience and outcomes for women.

Victims across London will see justice delivered faster and fairer as Harrow Crown Court reopens in a major Government drive to cut court backlogs. 

The government has sent an open letter to UK business leaders warning of the rapidly evolving cyber risks posed by advancements in AI systems. This follows the announcement that some new models have the potential to find vulnerable cyber defences at unprecedented speeds.

Almost 1 in 4 NHS patients and carers receive appointment invitations after their scheduled appointment date, new analysis reveals – highlighting widespread administrative failure across the health service.

New research from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has found that inadequate communication is preventing some business customers from realising the full environmental and cost-saving benefits of smart meters.

Rory Deighton responds to the latest NHS performance figures.

If strikes by RMT Tube drivers go ahead, there is expected to be some service on most London Underground lines - but significant disruption is expected with services varying across lines

The FCA has finalised a simpler UK short selling regime that reduces reporting burdens for firms, while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The UK government risks being boxed in by AI backlash if they don’t share the benefits of the technology with the public, according to a new report from IPPR

People across the UK worry processed foods may harm children’s health but say a lack of clear evidence leaves families in the dark, UKRI public dialogue found.

Police forces in England and Wales are struggling to effectively investigate online child sexual abuse and manage registered sex offenders, as rising demand continues to exceed resources, a new report has found.

This blog gives an overview of the key regulations and timescales. Our regulation of homelessness services webpage delves deeper into each area and implications for providers. 

The IEA’s Head of Lifestyle Economics, Dr Christopher Snowdon, commented on the Advertising Standards Authority banning its first food advertisements under the government’s new advertising restrictions

The largest 3D map of the Universe is a major milestone in understanding the force driving cosmic expansion.

Dr Layla McCay responds to findings on NHS administration and communications.

Two Met officers – one of whom is no longer serving - have been charged in connection with a fatal road collision in south-east London in 2024.

Michelle Ferguson, CBI Scotland Director, responds to 2026 SNP manifesto

Minister for the Middle East in Lebanon on first visit since regional escalation and pledges new humanitarian funding

Around 1,600 people a year in England with multiple myeloma are set to benefit from a new treatment option after we recommended belantamab mafodotin (also known as Blenrep and made by GSK).

A&E waiting times have fallen to a five-year low, despite the NHS seeing record numbers of patients in March as the health service experienced a ‘prolonged winter’.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has published a new report examining how digital education platforms are experienced by learners with neurodivergences, and where their design is still falling short.

New government guidance and practical advice launched on primary school offer day to help families get children ready for school, backed by language support.

Statement given yesterday by the UK Youth Delegate, at CPD 59.

More than one in five children born after 2013 experience poverty for at least half of their childhood, finds new research by UCL and the University of Oxford.

Councils will receive an extra £41 million to help them enforce new rules coming in under the Renters’ Rights Act, it has been revealed this week.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) joined campaigners at Downing Street yesterday to hand over a petition signed by more than 140,000 people calling on the Government to protect the future of Freeview.

AS and A Level physics exam materials containing errors were delivered to over 14,000 students which affected some grades.

A blockade striking Iran’s Economy will provide direct leverage in negotiations, but that it provokes questions that are going unanswered should impel caution.

New drive could help reduce environmental impact

Across the UK, education providers are navigating a period of sustained pressure. Teacher shortages and rising learner numbers are increasing demand for skilled educators, assessors and support staff. 

Statement given yesterday by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Great Lakes Region.

CBI has responded to latest GDP figures (three months to February 2026).

The Electoral Commission has launched an innovative pilot to detect political deepfakes and counter the growing threat of AI misinformation. The pilot is now live ahead of the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales. 

The Chancellor has coordinated a joint statement with international counterparts calling for a co‑ordinated response to the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict.

Crypto will be regulated in the UK from October 2027. The FCA is finalising the wider cryptoasset regime, with rules to be published this summer. Parliament has now confirmed which cryptoasset activities will fall within the scope of regulation.

Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the historic Erasmus+ programme.

Director presents roadmap for organisation at first public event.

Blog posted by: Liz Adams, Service Owner, GDS Local and Sam Nutt, Digital Strategy Lead, GDS Local, 15 April 2026 – GDS Local.

Tens of thousands of children are spending long chunks of their childhoods in unsuitable shared accommodation – sharing bathrooms with strangers, often in unpleasant conditions and cramped together in one small space without privacy.

CBI yesterday responded to expansion of British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).

Robots, not people, could respond to future high-risk incidents following the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory's recent testing.

Quantum technology is no longer a distant prospect. From accelerating AI and scientific discovery to enabling ultra-secure communications, or transforming sensing across healthcare, defence, and climate monitoring, it is rapidly becoming one of the defining technologies of our era, capable of solving problems that lie entirely beyond the reach of classical computing. 

The Environment Agency has secured £2.35 million from Yorkshire Water for environmental improvements following a series of pollution incidents.

The Government has announced that electricity bills will be cut by up to 25% for over 10,000 businesses through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Review into deaths of young people leaving the care system to be published later this year, led by Ashley John-Baptiste and Clare Chamberlain

Thousands of new magistrates will be recruited and trained in under half the time it currently takes thanks to a new drive to bolster the ranks and deliver faster and fairer justice for victims.

Eleven more asylum hotels have been returned to communities nationwide, with further closures coming soon as the Home Office ends their use for good.

April to early June is the prime window to experience the reserve's spectacular wildflowers and wildlife

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street yesterday to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

NHS patients get faster access to groundbreaking treatments as government drives forward 150-day clinical trial target

More than 1,000 jobs have been secured through a new contract to help sustain Army Apache and RAF Chinook helicopters.

New guidance published to help organisations and businesses prepare for terrorist threats and protect lives.

Shocking accidental prisoner releases to be stamped out, as the Government moves to digitalise the archaic paper-based prison system.

Construction is to begin on a new flood defence scheme at Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, reducing flood risk to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Joint statement from the Finance Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Poland and New Zealand on the Middle East.

Organisations boosting unity, trust and togetherness in their communities will receive a share of over £2 million funding

Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the historic Erasmus+ programme

The FCA has set out plans to take action against Hartley Pensions Limited and an individual involved at the firm.

New flood defences already operational, protecting homes through wet months and set to help prevent an estimated £10 billion in damage

A man who was convicted of indecent assault and abduction as a teenager has had his sentence sent back to the appeal courts following a review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). 

We have launched a public consultation on the proposed adoption of the new EQ-5D-5L value set which will help us to make more accurate assessments of how treatments improve health-related quality of life.

Adverts which used edited, unauthorised clips of Martin Lewis to make misleading claims about average motor finance compensation and used the FCA logo without permission, have been banned by the FCA.

Sam Alvis, associate director at IPPR responds to the latest IMF World Economic Outlook

A four‑week seabed mapping survey will bring together scientists from 11 organisations to improve understanding of the marine environment.

Funding will help local councils with cost of fixing England's aging road infrastructure.

More time for vulnerable people to pay their bill after missing one month’s payment

Responding to the Government's latest Women's Healthcare strategy, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “We support the ambition to put women’s voices and lived experience at the heart of healthcare. 

An estimated 21,000 tonnes of illegal waste to be removed after being dumped by criminal gangs

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has opened a statutory inquiry into Dovecot and Princess Drive Community Association (registered charity number 1064490).

Consultation on new rules to stop employers using NDAs to cover up workplace abuse

Biggest ever UK drone package for Ukraine announced, including more than 120,000 drones, supplying cutting-edge battlefield technology.

The Official Receiver has announced a period of exclusivity with a preferred bidder for the company.

Investigations by the Environment Agency into water pollution has brought a contribution of £2.1 million from Severn Trent Water Limited to a river charity.

The AA Driving School and BSM Driving School – both of which are owned by the AA – must refund more than 80,000 customers and pay a fine of £4.2 million.

Women across the country will be better heard and served under new plans set out in the renewed Women’s Health Strategy.

UK to protect Sudan aid pledge and double funding to frontline responders as Foreign Secretary visits International Sudan Conference in Berlin.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its Sector Support Programme for 2026/27 for local and combined authorities, funded by the UK Government.

UKAEA launches Diagnostics Innovation Centre of Excellence (DICE) to strengthen UK's position as a world leader in fusion diagnostics.

The Government has published its response to the recent public consultation on the proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme.

The Environment Agency has secured £300,000 from Wessex Water for the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust, to be used to improve habitat in the Upper Yeo catchment.

Fresh backing for the sector unlocked by the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.

A dozen breakthrough technologies are set to reach farms faster, boosting productivity and sustainability.

The laundering of illegally sourced endemic species undermines conservation efforts. National governments must switch the incentives to ensure sustainable trade benefits are captured locally.

Consumers and businesses could be given greater control over their financial data to help secure better deals, under a vision for open finance published by the FCA.

We’re making sure every pound goes straight into fixing roads and tackling potholes across England, not being spent elsewhere.

130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are set to receive a share of almost £130 million to protect them for present and future generations.

The National Cyber Awards recognise the individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference to the UK's cyber security landscape.

Director used two companies to repeatedly evade debts, an abusive phoenixism behaviour.

UKAEA launches Global Fusion Guide for SMEs, helping businesses with clear, practical steps to collaborate with, and supply, fusion developers worldwide.

2026 is a period of deep change in the UK’s Health and Social Care ecosystem.

UKAEA and National College for Nuclear and Clean Energy launch CROSS (Cumbria Robotics Operations Skills Centre) to build UK’s robotics-enabled workforce.

Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000

A new study will explore how AI can be used to transcribe court hearings and open the door to faster, cheaper access to court records for victims.

Knowing how easily our platforms can be detected by radar is vital for keeping them safe and spotting any weaknesses.

From cancer research to challenges beyond the reach of traditional AI, four UK start-ups are using quantum technologies to bring new innovations to market.

Record £8.5 million funding secured through enforcement action will be reinvested directly into repairing harm to rivers and habitats

Government invests £237 million to expand Community Diagnostic Centres across England.

UK Statement given yesterday at the World Trade Organization's General Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

The Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza yesterday responded to findings from the first phase of the Southport inquiry, released by Sir Adrian Fulford.

UK’s national fusion laboratory charts a clear mission and targets progress towards fusion energy and generating economic benefits for the UK.

The Home Secretary yesterday (13 April 2026) gave an oral statement to the House of Commons responding to The Southport Inquiry Phase 1 report.

In its 2026-27 Business Plan, Britain's rail regulator and monitor of National Highways explains how it will protect rail passengers and road users, while itself transforming for the biggest shake-up of the railways in a generation. 

The Better Connected strategy establishes a shared vision to deliver a safe, reliable, affordable and accessible transport system for people across England.

On 4 September 2025 the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) submitted a draft update of its Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations to the Minister for Women and Equalities.  

Local authorities across England are receiving an extra £41 million to cover costs for new enforcement powers through the landmark Renters' Rights Act.

New £50 million South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal expanding cutting-edge defence research to help defence companies and boost skills in a region that already supports 3,200 defence jobs.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Cooperation between the UN and the European Union.

Our Cyber Resilience Learning Pathway is designed to build capability progressively, from foundational awareness through to practical application and strategic leadership in managing cyber risk.

Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities can now apply for funding through the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), funded from the over £132 million committed to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years.

Statement given yesterday on Lebanon by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Six men have been charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the seizure of more than half a tonne of cannabis at Birmingham Airport.

A flower supplier has been fined after an employee’s leg was amputated following a serious incident at its processing facility in Huntingdon.

World Quantum Day is an international initiative that invites businesses, scientists, engineers, educators, communicators, entrepreneurs, technologists and more to showcase the latest advancements in quantum technologies and generate interest in quantum-based ambitions. 

An ex-private school teacher has been found guilty of numerous child sexual abuse offences against former pupils.

The Minister for Armed Forces recently (11 April 2026) delivered a closing speech at the London Defence Conference.

Tens of thousands of unpaid carers affected by confusing guidance on their earnings are set to have their debts reduced, cancelled, or refunded, in a major reassessment of cases launched by the government. 

Fishing licence income delivers £10 million of investment in fisheries since 2015.

CBI yesterday responded to Scottish Labour manifesto.

£28.5 million UK Games Fund to support video games studios with great ideas create the next Grand Theft Auto or Tomb Raider.

£3 million funding boost will help 6 mayoral authorities set up bus franchising to improve travel for passengers across England.

World events and the oil price are likely to determine the future sanctions strategy of Ukraine’s allies. It is time to finally focus on crypto.

With only one week left to register to vote for the local elections in England, the Electoral Commission is urging voters to register before the deadline at 11.59pm on Monday 20 April.  

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group is now fully established and sees the retirement of its Deputy Director Andy Start after 37 years in defence.

Environment Secretary approves additional £1m of government funding to explore the reintroduction of golden eagles, restoring hopes they will return to England

CBI Northern Ireland and over 20 other business groups have written a joint letter to Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, in which they raise concerns about the NI Employment Rights Bill.

The next three weeks could change western security and the geo-political world forever if the Chagos ‘deal’ passes through UK Parliament.

NHS deploys specialist teams and expands urgent care services to tackle corridor care, cut waits and ease A&E pressure, targeting worst-affected trusts.

Iran will be reluctant to give up the leverage it has gained in the Strait. But options exist to try and change its perspective.

British scientists have launched a crew of microscopic worms to the International Space Station in a pioneering experiment that could help unlock the secrets of long-duration space travel - and support ambitions to reach the Moon and beyond.

Following an Environment Agency investigation, United Utilities pleaded guilty to introducing thousands of fish into Bessy Brook, near Bolton, without a permit.

Read techUK's latest white paper, including executive summary.

Two men have been jailed for 19 years each for their roles in a people smuggling ring moving migrants across Europe after a National Crime Agency investigation.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting thanks NHS staff for working around the clock during industrial action.

The Government has published two documents – the Smart Data Strategy and the Transport Data Action Plan – which outline the vision and actions required for steps that the Government will take for a data‑driven transformation. 

With Parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales and local elections across England due to take place in May 2026, we know many people have questions about how their data may be used.

The Channel Tunnel Group Limited (CTGL also known as Eurotunnel) has been fined £2.25 million after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which followed an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Government today launches plan to make it easier for the wealthiest in society to give back to communities that need help most

Progress on union access rules, but employers face ongoing implementation challenges

The disappearance of male role models is creating a generation of unhappy young boys, warns a new report

A man has been arrested on suspicion of endangering life after four migrants died in a small boat Channel crossing.

We fund schools, as well as community and voluntary organisations working with schools, mainly through our National Lottery Awards for All Scotland programme. We’ve funded many great school-based projects over the years.

Section 106 planning rules have delayed the completion of over 40,000 homes and have acted as a £1.3 billion tax on housebuilding, equivalent to £13,600 per open-market home, in 2025/26, according to new research from the Adam Smith Institute (ASI).

High-sugar and deep-fried food taken off the menu in new plans to overhaul school dinners amid health crisis facing children, helping to tackle obesity

£5 million funding boost to increase deployment of highly trained officers to identify and disrupt criminals and terrorists in key public spaces.

​Being prepared is about taking action before an emergency happens — identifying risks, planning ahead, and making sure people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond when it matters most.

Two British men have been handed lengthy prison sentences after prosecutors successfully argued in court that they played a leading role in an illegal immigration “business” after they claimed to only be acting as middle men who were not seeking to make money.

Social media platforms are prioritising influencers, adverts and brands over posts from friends and family – contributing to a more divisive and less social online experience, according to a new report from IPPR