WIREDGOV

Learner drivers are facing long waiting times and some are paying up to eight times the standard rate for a driving test through third parties due to a failure from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to resolve test booking issues, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The UK has met with allies as part the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO), a ten-nation space coalition spanning four continents, to discuss the security of space.

UK Government takes next step to enable donation of proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club (F.C.) to help the grave humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

Customers warned they need to be alert to scams ahead of 31 January Self Assessment deadline.

We’re excited to announce that the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Rough Sleeping Outreach Services is on the way.

The NHS is urging patients not to put off coming forward for care, with thousands of resident doctors expected to walk out on strike for five days from today.

The westbound A55 Conwy tunnel will close from the 10th to the 19th January for essential road safety works.

Full power of the state will be deployed in the largest crackdown on violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history, as part of new strategy.

The UK and EU have agreed that the UK will join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027, along with further progress in other areas of the UK-EU reset.

CMA interim report highlights persistent issues in the civil engineering market for roads and railways – which appear to hinder UK growth and productivity.

Developed jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, this new framework outlines how mental health, and drug and alcohol services should work together more effectively. The framework sets out a clear and shared approach to improving treatment and support for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions through better integrated care.

Trial pilots across Wales have successfully registered over 16,000 new voters automatically, an independent evaluation has found, paving the way for a more accessible democracy.

The government is consulting on a new licensing scheme designed to save lives by blocking illegal knife sales and imports.

New figures from Public Health Wales show that opioids continue to drive the majority of drug misuse deaths in Wales, prompting renewed warnings about the significant harms associated with these substances.

Plans for a new regulator to bring together standards across buildings, products and professionals in the construction sector have been announced today.

UAE Scotland Week to promote trade and attract investment.

Women will benefit from groundbreaking research and innovation designed to eliminate health inequalities at Wales’ first Women's Health Research Centre.

Beverley Warmington appointed DVSA Chief Executive to lead agency operations and deliver plans to cut driving test backlog and improve services for learners.

A new referral service will connect victims with help through their GP and there's up to £50 million for therapeutic support for child victims of sexual abuse.

A government review of the Regulator of Social Housing has concluded.

The UK has committed £600 million in air-defence capabilities, including cutting edge turrets that can shoot down Russian drones to support Ukraine through the winter.

Whole life orders for murders connected to the police, prison or probation officer's current or former duties

We are looking for young people's thoughts and ideas on the opportunities and risks of emerging and disruptive technologies.

Marine Recovery Fund to get nature thriving and accelerate offshore wind development

Vital chemical production at Grangemouth protected as Government provides over £120m support package in £150m joint investment

Last week saw a significant step forward in the journey to modernise Great Britain’s grid connection process, as part of DESNZ and Ofgem’s Connections Action Plan and NESO’s TMO4+ reforms.

The Culture Secretary has launched the once-in-a-decade review of the BBC’s Royal Charter with the aim of bolstering trust in the broadcaster and putting it on a sustainable financial footing.

The rise of ‘minilateral’ Europe now stands at a crossroads. Will countries seek to structure the new ad hoc formats to retain a distinct European security community, or risk further fragmentation?

We are asking for views on new proposals as the next step in shaping the UK’s crypto rules.

CBI Wales yesterday reacted to the introduction of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024.

Minister Malhotra, Minister for Indo-Pacific, FCDO, recently delivered a keynote address at the Tokyo Economic Security Forum on 15 December 2025.

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) Network organised a guided tour of the “Centre for Future Construction” (CFC) for members and guests on 27 November 2025.

Exam board issued more than £2 million in combined penalties for breaking Ofqual regulations in 3 cases.

Former Heath Secretary Alan Milburn yesterday launched his groundbreaking investigation into the causes of record unemployment and inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds with a call for young people and a range of experts to come forward with their views.

There were 327,746 local authority housing stock units as of March 2025. 3.0% of the total local authority stock was vacant, however this includes stock that will be demolished or cannot be currently let as it needs modernisation.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has published its environmental sustainability strategy for 2025 to2030.

There are growing concerns that the AI sector may be overvalued. If an AI bubble does burst, China could benefit in the long term.

In Scotland there are 20,927 second homes, 44,453 properties empty for more than 6 months and liable for Council Tax and 44,989 properties with unoccupied exemptions from Council Tax.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer is due to appear in court charged with misconduct in public office following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Three years since Wales made it illegal for parents to physically punish their children, a new review shows it is protecting children and promoting positive parenting.

UK applicants can now apply to 2026 calls under the following EIC schemes.

Blaise Metreweli, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service on how SIS is keeping the UK safe in a world where the rules of conflict are being rewritten (15 December 2025).

Readiness, resilience and reconnecting society and the military at the heart of speech given to RUSI members, held in Banqueting House.

Publication of correspondence between six key business organisations and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the Employment Rights Bill.

Case studies of projects delivered through UK involvement in the European Space Agency's General Space Technology Programme (GSTP) from 2019–2025.

Today I’m launching recruitment for my third – and final – group of Youth Ambassadors. As I begin my final year as Children’s Commissioner for England in March, this cohort of Ambassadors will play a critical role in holding decision makers accountable for what we need to see happen to improve children’s lives.

Seasonal workers encouraged to check their pay to ensure they're not out of pocket.

This report was issued in December 2025 and covers the time period 1 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive.

Flat owners in England and Wales could get better access to fast, reliable broadband under new proposals set out in a government consultation.

First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.

While STC controlling the majority of Yemen’s southern littoral may constrain the Houthis’ ability to operationally expand attacks into the Gulf of Aden, the benefit may outweigh the costs.

Precision treatments tackling the hardest-to-treat cancers set to be produced from hundreds of tonnes of reprocessed uranium from nuclear reactors.

NICE Chairman, Sharmila Nebhrajani, yesterday announced Professor Jonathan Benger CBE as incoming chief executive, with effect from Friday 19 December 2025 taking over from Dr Samantha Roberts.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Leadership for Peace.

The public will be asked to help shape the future of support for people with dementia and their families, as a new 10-year strategy was published yesterday.

The Electoral Commission has concluded an investigation into campaign group Best for Britain. The announcement is part of the Commission’s monthly update on concluded investigations.

A temporary export bar has been placed on a manuscript journal detailing Captain John Narbrough’s expedition to Spanish America and the Pacific

Ofcom is seeking views on proposed industry Guidance relating to how tech firms respond to requests from bereaved parents about their child’s use of a service in the event of their death.

Local colleges set to receive £570 million to expand training facilities and places to train the next generation of skilled workers.

New standards ensure consistent help across Scotland.

First-time buyers and the self-employed could get a step-up onto the housing ladder, under new plans from the FCA.

A husband, who manipulated a young child into helping him to kill his wife, has been found guilty of murder, having previously been acquitted of the crime in 2017. 

TUC Cymru yesterday (Monday) warned of the serious threat to Welsh industries like automotive, metals and plastic manufacturing posed by policies put forward by Conservatives and Reform.

More victims of domestic abuse will receive better protection through nearly £500 million as part of the forthcoming Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

This plan sets out actions to accelerate active restoration of habitats and species across Scotland and support communities interested in undertaking restoration.

Ofcom’s first assessment since the Online Safety Act came into force highlights early progress, remaining gaps, and what businesses should expect in 2026.

New £2.3m fund backs 30 farm tech trials testing lower emission machinery, digital tools and peat-free compost to boost productivity and sustainability.

Round two of the Connect Fund opens for applications in New Year.

Cryptoassets firms will be backed to innovate and grow under plans to make the UK a global destination for digital assets and attract more investment.

The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People's Rights Plan, a 10-year commitment to making sure disabled people can participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales.

UK marks one year of CPTPP as Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra MP visits Japan further deepening economic ties.

Alarming events in nuclear proliferation, space security and hybrid warfare meant 2025 was a year in which the international security order deteriorated.

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) will invest over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year of operation.

Advice has been accepted on eligibility from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme. 

Scotland has taken a major step in strengthening its international space industry links with the signing of a new agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

In a short time frame, the Khaf-Herat railroad received a flurry of Russian and Iranian oil shipments.

Our Head of Policy Delivery, Charlene Maginnis, answers your questions on how the new social value model in Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002 applies when using frameworks.

Director sentenced for fraud and falsifying accounts.

A new process came into effect yesterday to speed up the planning process and make Wales a more attractive place for investors.

Smartphones are ubiquitous. Around five billion people out of a global population of just over eight billion have access to a one.

In her first public speech, the new Chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli will set out how MI6 is tackling new and emerging threats to the UK and its allies.

The Bank of England successfully navigated complex risks and interdependencies to deliver its Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) renewal programme, incorporating innovation and best practice in managing this digital transformation, says the NAO.

Record £9.5 billion early years investment next year to help families access affordable childcare and boost growth by supporting parents back into work.

Business organisations are clear that there remain concerns about many of the powers contained in the Employment Rights Bill. 

Before we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to celebrate everything we have achieved together through the 2025 Justice and Emergency Services Programme.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a man’s sexual offence conviction to the Court of Appeal, after it was determined that police did not follow all reasonable lines of enquiry into possible alternative suspects. 

This week marks 20 years since the Buncefield explosion in Hertfordshire – one of the largest industrial incidents in Europe and the UK’s largest peacetime explosion.

Ofcom has today launched investigations into BT and Three following outages in the summer that resulted in UK-wide disruption to mobile call services, including to emergency services. 

The third UK-EU Cyber Dialogue took place on 9-10 December. Both sides agreed to hold the next UK-EU Cyber Dialogue in London in 2026.

First Minister John Swinney has raised his concerns about reports of intended large-scale cuts by the UK Government to its development assistance budget to Malawi.

Northern Ireland continues to experience the highest levels of digital poverty in the UK. 

The UK’s intelligence community must adapt to stay ahead of intensifying hybrid threats that blur the line between war and peace.

A major breakthrough, delivered through Project SIREN, directly supports the UK’s future integrated air sensing capability and provides a clear operational advantage.

As of friday, visitors to The National Archives can request access to records from Parliament’s Archive which are now housed at Kew.

FSCS has confirmed that the 13 firms below were declared in default in the last four months – which means they have gone out of business and are unable to meet any claims themselves.

An improved train timetable across Wales started friday.

The UK-funded Climate Finance Accelerator South Africa has opened its fourth call for proposals, offering tailored support to low-carbon projects.

English artists, creators and music businesses will benefit from expert guidance as Arts Council England launches a new Music Growth Package Advisory Group. 

Blog posted by: Marc Bowie, 11 December 2025 – delivering value, Evolve, Justice Digital Strategy.

Around 50,000 specialist places to be created nationwide – making sure more children with SEND can thrive alongside their friends at their local school.

Scotland's first summit on neurodevelopmental support will take place today, Monday 15 December.

Delivered recently (12 December 2025) by Kumar Iyer, Ambassador and Permanent Representative for the UK Mission to the WTO and UN in Geneva.

CQC’s 2026 national maternity survey is happening soon.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak recently (12 December 2025) commented on ONS figures showing GDP falling by 0.1% in the three months to October 2025.

A 56-year old man has been arrested during a day of action to tackle waste crime in Lancashire.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs responded to the latest growth figures

New Technology Services 4 framework helps public sector organisations modernise digital systems and adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies.

More than £41m extra will be invested into general practice this year as part of a deal struck between the Welsh Government and GPs.

Synthetic phonics, where children are taught to pronounce sounds in isolation before putting them together to form words, isn’t working for many struggling young readers, a study led by UCL has found.

NHS leaders welcome General Medical Services Contract Reform for 2025-26, with measures key to supporting the shift to providing care closer to home.

Revealed: The 14 Scottish most in need communities each to benefit from up to £20 million UK Government Pride in Place Programme funding.

We study four reforms that cut non-health-related benefit provision and find each reform led to increased disability benefit claims. 

The new strategy aims to lift 550,000 children across the UK out of poverty by 2030

For months, there was a pattern with Layla and her ideas. It would start with her working on the same problem for weeks.

New unified organisation to speed up how Defence gathers and shares intelligence.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on ONS figures showing GDP falling by 0.1% in the three months to October 2025 

Technology Minister Ian Murray returns from the latest G7 Ministerial gathering in Canada with strengthened tech ties and new agreements in key areas.

The Homelessness Strategy makes a welcome pivot towards prevention, but must go further to restore control, order, and hope to British streets, says the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)

The Government’s plans to fund energy efficiency improvements in the private rented sector are financially unviable for most landlords, according to new research published by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

Sandra Ferreira is CEO Designate of Homeless Link member, the Ferry Project in Wisbech. She is keen to share her learning about language and trauma informed care with homelessness practitioners:

The latest CBI Economic Forecast finds businesses swimming against the powerful tides of weak demand, elevated labour and energy costs, and ongoing domestic and global uncertainty.

Take the bus for a festive day out this Christmas.

Demand for specialist places has rocketed over the last decade.

No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

The governments of Canada, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the anniversary of the Algiers Agreement.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000.

The first six months of Network North Wales has seen new train and bus services introduced, along with improvements to station infrastructure with more exciting developments to come.

Funding ensures young people from all backgrounds can learn about the varied, highly skilled jobs and future opportunities in aviation across the UK.

The UK has sanctioned individuals suspected of atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and deliberate attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan.

Commissioned by South Africa's G20 Presidency, RUSI delivered high-level analysis on the need to position environmental crime at the heart of the global agenda, leading to the G20 Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment – hailed as a historic first.

The FCA has fined Nationwide Building Society £44m for inadequate anti-financial crime systems and controls between October 2016 to July 2021.

The Office of Rail and Road has today published its first annual benchmarking report on train and station operators’ delivery of passenger assistance. 

An update following the third round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

The future medical workforce phase 1 report follows an extensive exploratory process to understand the challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s medical workforce as we look ahead to the next 15 to 20 years.

President Trump’s new corollary to the Monroe doctrine will provide more triggers for forceful action in the Western Hemisphere, but the focus on Latin America could motivate the US toward more cooperation.

The Colorado beetle, a major threat to potato crops, was found in Kent in 2023.

A national patient safety alert has been issued by the NHS England National Patient Safety team – in collaboration with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine – about the risk of harm from incorrectly assembled breathing circuits lacking a proper exhalation route for patients receiving invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support.

The UK reaffirms our thanks to Special Representative Dr Kari Johnstone for the work of her Office (11 December 2025).

Japanese Ambassador joined First Minister at Conwy Castle to sing Welsh national anthem, to mark end of the year of Wales and Japan.

GDA process enables regulators to assess new nuclear power station designs at an early stage of the regulatory process and to provide confidence that these new designs can be constructed, operated and decommissioned in England and Wales.

A violent drug dealer who terrorised his neighbour and driver had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Excalibur is a 12-metre experimental vessel. At a displacement of 19 tonnes, it’s the largest uncrewed underwater vessel ever trialled by the Royal Navy.

The National Plan to End Homelessness was launched yesterday, and will support the most vulnerable people in our society.

Hospital admissions rise as cases continue to increase.

Our new series of work in partnership with Limbic to demystify the use of AI in mental health services.

A Derby businessman who used Covid support scheme funds on online trading platforms has been jailed.

A widespread, but misleading, assumption holds that Moscow’s current weakness signals its inevitable retreat from the region. In reality, Russia has deepened its entrenchment.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is delighted to announce the return of the CBI Cumbria Business Dinner, taking place on Thursday 30 April 2026 at the outstanding Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa on Lake Windermere in a new strategic partnership with Armstrong Watson.

The tool scores places in England and Wales on how well connected they are to health services, education, shopping, leisure and workplaces (11 December 2025).

Border Force seizes over 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products as part of an intensive international operation to target criminal networks.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford highlights Ukraine’s constructive approach, condemns Russia’s ongoing aggression, and affirms the UK’s commitment to defending international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Energy Secretary and Minister for Industry attended first Clean Energy Jobs Fair at the Port of Tyne in North East England.

As part of our ongoing review of consumer protection arrangements in the legal sector, we are consulting on further proposals to strengthen protections for the money consumers deposit with law firms.

If next week’s resident doctor strikes go ahead, it will cause huge disruption for patients and staff.

The latest data indicate our role as a statutory consultee saw 94% of all concluded planning applications involving playing fields result in the protection or improvement of facilities

Over the next decade at least 18 million people could be offered extra help with their investments and pensions with the introduction of targeted support by the FCA.

In-dock charging set to be introduced in summer 2026 as Serco extends their operating contract of TfL's flagship cycle hire scheme until 2031

A Food Standards Agency's (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) operation involving illegal frozen bushmeat has resulted in one arrest.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, responded to a report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission looking at how children with SEND who are not in school full-time are supported 

Access to essentials like water and sewerage services should never be a struggle, especially for those who need extra support. That’s why, in June this year, water companies published their final vulnerability strategies, setting out how they plan to help customers who need additional assistance. But how well are these strategies working in practice?

Around 800,000 people reported losing money to investments or pensions‑related scams in the 12 months to May 2024, according to FCA research.

We are delighted to announce £2.5 million in repayable grants for 15 dance and theatre productions to tour across the UK and Ireland through the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board has agreed to a public consultation in 2026 on proposals for a revised discount system for abattoirs, to offer more targeted financial support to smaller abattoirs.

It is essential the metrics which underpin league tables are carefully chosen to provide a rounded and accurate picture of performance.