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The government is exploring options to cut HS2 costs, reduce delays and deliver the benefits of increased rail capacity and faster journeys earlier.

As the conflict deepens, the world must urgently address the risk of biological weapons falling through the cracks.

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

A group of smugglers who were part of a vast drugs supply network have been sentenced.

Over 300 schools to open or expand nurseries, creating thousands of places, targeting areas childcare gaps and helping families save up to £8,000 a year.

The TUC yesterday (Monday) called for an emergency taskforce – learning from the lessons of the pandemic – to help protect the UK from the economic fallout of the US-Iranian conflict.

Sustained progress on waiting times during the past year.

Over £1.6m in new funding has today (24th March) been announced to provide additional mental health and wellbeing support in schools over the next three years.

Popular festivals like Reading and Leeds, Download and Wireless are more accessible for disabled fans following a legal agreement with Britain’s equality regulator.

New funding designed to help secure a successful future for the site and support the local economy and communities affected by the closure.

People in the UK will be better protected online from illegal self-harm material and unsolicited nude images, under new proposals published today by Ofcom. 

More than a million people including the elderly, unemployed, and people living in rural communities have benefited from the combined efforts of government, industry and charities to boost digital inclusion and help more people get online.

A three year a funding package has been announced for the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, securing the tournament’s future and supporting its continued growth.

Only Europe can take the action necessary to defeat Russia, save Ukraine and the international rules-based order, and reclaim the bloc's geopolitical power.

“Plug-in” solar panels to be in shops within months, offering households chance to significantly cut energy bills.

Following an attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, the Department of Health and Social Care is taking action to support the charity and patients.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office yesterday summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom in response to two individuals being charged on suspicion of providing assistance to a foreign intelligence service.

Farmers across Wales will have access to a wider range of support to improve the resilience and sustainability of their farm businesses, which is outlined in yesterday’s publication of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS): Optional and Collaborative Layers overview.

The Scottish Governments Rural Support Plan will deliver continued support for Scotland’s active farmers and crofters to 2030 and beyond.

Marking her first 100 days as Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson delivered her first keynote speech on 19 March 2026.  

The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC delivered the annual Harry Street Lecture, highlighting the importance of upholding the international rules-based order.

Conditions turn colder and wetter this week, as more unsettled weather spreads across the UK following last week’s early taste of spring.

The government has accepted advice from the JCVI on eligibility for the autumn 2026 Covid-19 vaccination programme

Investment in the offshore wind supply chain in the Inner Moray Firth and Stornoway will bring new jobs and expand Scotland’s renewable energy capabilities.

People in Wales will benefit from clearer standards for mental health and self-harm services across the NHS and social care.

Involve civil servants and properly invest in AI to achieve the productivity and savings the government seeks, a new report argues.

David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, yesterday issued a statement in response to attacks on ambulances run by registered charity, Hatzola Northwest Trust.

UK businesses can now apply for a share of up to £14.7 million in funding from the UK Space Agency, unlocking new opportunities to develop cutting-edge space technologies and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability.

Seven locations proposed as new towns with each location delivering at least 10,000 homes with several delivering up to 40,000.

New maternity standards to improve consistency and quality of care.

Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA) delayed: The CADA is now expected to be proposed on 27 May 2026. 

New proposals to restrict recreational shooting of threatened wild birds.

An Assembly Committee says an ‘unacceptable’ response to its recommendations on access to GP services has prompted the recall of senior officials to address their concerns.

Homeless Link will deliver innovative new initiatives as a key partner of the Government’s National Workforce Programme within its National Plan to End Homelessness, it was announced yesterday.

The Welsh Government recently (22 March 2026) set out its plans for the £547 million Local Growth Fund, which will be used to boost the Welsh economy.

A new devolved tax with the circular economy at its heart is set to be introduced.

Tallinn Mechanism members recently gave a joint statement in London on 10 March 2026, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s civilian cyber defence.

The Prime Minister chaired a COBR(M) meeting yesterday, focussing on the domestic economic impact of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

£26 billion is spent each year to operate the railway, with just under half of this government funded. Even small percentage changes in productivity can make a big difference in value for passengers, freight users and taxpayers.

An independent Reviewer will assess the steps taken by the Department for Work and Pensions regarding its prosecutions of Post Office staff during the Horizon period.

Scotland Legacy Group set up to develop proposals.

The Government is losing hard-won gains in global gender equality due to ongoing aid cuts and a lack of action on the international stage, MPs have found.

Children are spending tens of thousands of days stuck in hospital when they don’t need to be because the support they need to go home is not available – meaning children who desperately need hospital care are left waiting for beds.   

Public Health Wales welcomes the report from Module 3 of the Covid-19 Public Inquiry and its considerations of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A Met Police officer has been cleared of gross misconduct over allegations relating to a misconduct investigation into serial sex offender and former Met officer David Carrick. 

Unrecorded historic place names are being collected and recorded through community gathering sessions, adding to a national record of more than 715,000 entries.

Welcome to the latest Market Access Brief insight. This is a new fortnightly insight which focuses on the events, opportunities, trade missions, as well as wider updates that we have within the techUK International programme and from our members and stakeholders.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has released the findings of its investigation into the conduct of three Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers over their handling of information relating to a major fire in Oldham that resulted in the deaths of four Vietnamese men.

With the publication of the government’s response to the post-16 skills pathway consultation, there’s been lots of media outlets and commentators outlining the high-level content.

MORE than 150 guests celebrated North Wales’ success as a powerhouse for sustainable economic growth at the CBI Business Dinner in Llandudno on Thursday 19 March.

We are delighted to announce that YPO has partnered with Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation, joining the new Principal Inclusion Rugby League Partner.

Environment Agency obtains a restriction order for site on Haine Industrial Estate. Court order prohibits anyone from entering the site without permission.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in February 2026.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, spoke at Voice 21's Speaking Summit in London (20 March 2026).

New initiative will support local areas to reimagine and revive their struggling high streets.

£500,000 funding of digital development for world’s largest performing arts festival.

The Sentencing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 22 January, makes a number of important changes to the sentencing regime in England and Wales, some of which will have implications for sentencers.  

By targeting data centres in the Gulf, Iran has created global uncertainty about the resilience, sovereignty and security of digital infrastructures.

His Majesty King Charles III recently (20 March 2026) launched the England Coast Path at an event at Seven Sisters.

The new chair of a major review into medical training has pledged to bring the “dial up” system into the modern era.

Statement given recently (19 March 2026) by Sacha Heathfield, UK Policy Adviser, Climate and Nature, at High-Level Celebration of World Water Day 2026.

Everyday spaces across Wales key to thriving Welsh language.

A large construction vehicle and a HGV lorry were seized recently (Thursday 19 March) during a joint operation at Throckmorton Industrial Park, Worcestershire.

A rapist who broke into a woman’s home and tried to get her to drop case against him has his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened

Ofsted recently (20 March 2026) published updates to the framework for inspecting local authority children's services (ILACS).

Laura Shoaf and Tony Poulter join the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) board, helping to set up Great British Railways (GBR).

An international aid network has received £200,000 Scottish Government funding to support its work responding to humanitarian crises around the world.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford recently (19 March 2026) reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to tackling anti Muslim hatred and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and the enjoyment of human rights for all.

Scotland leads the way with new patient charter

The government has boosted the UK’s resilience to severe space weather by strengthening its forecasting capability and testing how it would respond to an event – but ongoing issues such as an incomplete cross-government understanding of how sectors plan to respond to an emergency need to be resolved, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report. 

A Disabled Norwich man slept on the concrete floor of a garage for several nights after Norwich City Council failed to consider his homelessness application properly, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has found.

“Grief, anger and fear” are among words that residents of seaside communities used to tell the EFRA Committee about the looming threat of coastal erosion.

The South Kensington development delivered by TfL, Native Land and Places for London, will focus on improvements to public transport, bringing a significantly improved passenger experience, enabling step-free access to all platforms within the Grade-II listed station, as well as adding a new eastbound Circle and District line platform

Ten youth work organisations receive share of latest funding.

The EU Green Deal is failing not because decarbonisation is undesirable but because it relies on mission-oriented, technology-specific industrial policy that systematically magnifies policy failure, according to a new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs.

The Food Standards Agency has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals which would provide a 90% discount on regulatory charges for all the smallest abattoirs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak responded to the Covid Inquiry’s Module 3 report published last Thursday, which finds the NHS only coped with the pandemic thanks to the “superhuman” efforts of healthcare workers and their colleagues

£25 million for seven projects to kick-start the Anglesey Freeport and drive economic growth across the island and North Wales has been announced.

Delivering more safe, warm and affordable homes.

In several areas Wales has been a follower on tax policy, mirroring ill-advised tax policies in England

The National Cryogenic Facility (NCF) will receive £51.2 million from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund to help scientists run tests in temperatures below deep space.

Dr Layla McCay responds to the Module 3 report of the UK COVID-19 inquiry on behalf of the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers.

159 new affordable homes will be delivered across Wales after the Welsh Government agreed loans totalling £45 million to five Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

Free webinars for senior-phase school pupils

Progressive politicians risk making a serious electoral miscalculation if they dilute climate ambition in response to populist right attacks, according to new analysis from The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Persuasion UK

Innovate UK announces a new approach to support the government's Modern Industrial Strategy, backing the nation's most promising deep tech businesses.

Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to March, at a faster pace than in February – according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). But manufacturers anticipate output volumes to be broadly flat in the quarter to June, the least pessimistic outlook for 12 months.   

A man has been jailed for raping a woman at knifepoint over four decades ago, thanks to a breakthrough in forensic science and a complex cold case prosecution.

People who owe money to government will receive clearer, more tailored support to repay in a way they can afford, under new plans launched during Debt Awareness Week.

Tenants can now look out for new important information explaining their new rights coming on 1 May 2026 - including a ban on Section 21 'no-fault' evictions.

A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across the UK from September 2026.

Ofsted has today published updates to the framework for inspecting local authority children's services (ILACS).

New Strategy to deliver economic growth and prosperity.

The European Commission published its legislative proposal for EU Inc. on 18 March 2026. The proposal is a response to the Draghi and Letta Reports' diagnosis that legal fragmentation across 27 national corporate systems in the EU acts as an "invisible tariff" on cross-border growth.

Ecuador and UK hold political consultations in London, reaffirming strong ties and advancing cooperation on security, trade, environment and education (19 March 2026).

Rogue landlords across the capital are being let off the hook as new data shows councils in London have collected just a third of the total fines issued to them.

Some of the worst illegal waste sites across England to be cleared, restoring pride in our communities.

CBI yesterday responded to latest Bank of England decision – March 2026.

Upgrades to air defence radar systems will help unlock record breaking offshore wind capacity.

Approval has been given for a cutting-edge Civil Service campus in Manchester to drive forward world-class digital capability and services for the public.

The UK makes it quicker to return Nigerians with no legal right to remain.

British Army begins retiring iconic Land Rover fleet after 70 years of service.

UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant yesterday gave a speech at the Chatham House Global Trade Conference.

A new voluntary social care bargaining body will help improve pay and conditions for more than 110,000 workers.

Forty more communities selected for Pride in Place, with local people choosing how £20 million is invested to strengthen their neighbourhood.

The adoption of nuclear power accelerated in reaction to oil crises in the past, and the proposition only makes greater sense today.

New plans aim to support British farmers by improving supply resilience to global market shocks and supporting innovation in the fertiliser sector.

Public Health Wales is advising students who lived in campus accommodation at the University of Kent or visited Club Chemistry nightclub between 5-7 March and who have returned home to Wales, to contact their GP for preventative antibiotics.

The Foreign Secretary yesterday made a statement to Parliament on the Government’s revised approach to international development and Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations.

The Senedd has taken a significant step to further strengthen democratic accountability by passing the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill.

Entering a football match without a ticket will become a criminal offence this weekend, with offenders facing a banning order alongside up to £1,000 fine.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and its attempts to portray itself as the victim while continuing its war of aggression. He highlights rising civilian casualties, Russia’s refusal to engage seriously in diplomacy, and reaffirms the UK’s support for Ukraine’s self defence and a just, lasting peace (19 March 2026).

The war is fuelling worries about US commitment to its Pacific partners. The ‘triangle’ of US-aligned countries must use the moment to strengthen their mutual defence. 

This report was issued in March 2026 and covers the time period 1 February 2026 to 28 February 2026 inclusive.

Creating a capability to test UK defensive aid systems (DAS) in real-world flight conditions before integration onto frontline aircraft.

Scotland's first Center Parcs resort will create 1,200 permanent new jobs First Minister John Swinney announced recently (18 March 2026), as he visited the site near Hawick in the Scottish Borders where the resort will be built.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomes the government’s announcement this week of a £53 million support package for households affected by rising heating oil costs, having long called for targeted support for consumers who rely on heating oil. Unlike mains gas and electricity, heating oil is not covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap, leaving consumers fully exposed to sudden market increases.

The UK reaffirms Ukraine’s right to self defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and voices concern over external military and dual use support to Russia, stressing the need to uphold international law and maintain regional and global security.

A Met Police custody sergeant has been sacked after he told a detainee he ‘smelled like a junkie and shouldn’t be in this country’, threatened him and then pushed him into a cupboard unit.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has authorised two new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston in the West Midlands, the first two of five new stations to open in the West Midlands.

We’re investing £25 million in our Place Universal Offer until 2028, working with 30 Active Partnerships and other local organisations to drive community-led change

Thousands more criminals will be tagged alongside changes to supervision that will focus probation time on the offenders who pose the greatest risk.

New research from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), shows over one in four people surveyed (28%) have either personally received, or know someone who has received a lump sum of £120,000 or more. 

Ofcom has fined 4chan £450,000 for not having age checks in place to prevent children from seeing pornography on its site. 

Scotland has made its tax and benefit system more progressive than the rest of the UK’s, but unnecessarily complex and distortionary.

Further funding announced on Project Willow Anniversary.

Gavin Crowden, director of advocacy at WWF, responded to the UK Government announcement on Overseas Development Aid

Investigation examines whether Adobe’s early cancellation fees are unfair and misleading.

To meet the growing demand for satellite connectivity services in the UK, Ofcom yesterday decided to make more spectrum available for satellite gateway earth stations.

Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the labour market figures for March 2026 released by the Office for National Statistics. 

Funding to help local communities thrive.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “These proposals represent a huge shake up to planning policy and we recognise the Government’s pledge to deliver more homes, better integrated with infrastructure and connected to jobs and amenities. However, to succeed, local government and its views must remain at the heart of planning and delivery. 

HMRC launches Tax Confident, a new website to help people understand tax in plain, simple terms.

The Welsh Government has confirmed £3 million of funding over the next three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP), supporting Welsh sheep farmers to improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.

Energy Analyst at the Institute of Economic Affairs Andy Mayer reacted to the news that the UK will hike a 50% tariff on steel

Supporting the planning and consenting process.

James Cockett, senior labour market economist for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, responded to yesterday’s ONS labour market figures

UK Export Finance announces support for UK exporters to supply high-value projects in Nigeria.

Almost a ton of cocaine has been seized and two men charged in a National Crime Agency investigation.

The Meningitis B will now be offered to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.

New redress scheme announced for relatives of postmasters affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal

Investment will upgrade vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port.

Historic legislation to end the two-child limit has become law, putting 450,000 children on a pathway out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament.

UK steel producers and thousands of steel workers to benefit from a new landmark Steel Strategy and robust trade measure.

This review sets the course for the regulator’s approach to the fixed market and help promote competition and investment.

Tackling conflict and supporting fragile states at centre of the government's new approach to development.

Office for Nuclear Regulation grant a site licence to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) - major milestone that will enable the site's decommissioning.

389 employers from across the UK named for failing to pay workers the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers.

CBI yesterday responded to announcement of new investment to back the North’s industrial strengths.

NHS staff have delivered the biggest monthly reduction in the waiting list, as the time people wait for treatment falls to its lowest level in almost 6 years.

ORR's fourth annual assessment of safety performance on the Strategic Road Network assesses National Highways’ performance in 2024.

New reforms will let credit unions reach millions more people, expanding access to low-cost borrowing and secure savings for households.

Blog posted by: Emma Nicol and Amy Laurence, 18 March 2026 – digital services, Our services, User research.

Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions will be able to share their views on how PIP should be reformed, as the Timms Review opens a Call for Evidence today.

The Scottish Government has announced a package of three-year funding totalling £6.3 million to continue development of the Genesis Scottish Open. The financial support covers the DP World Tour’s event up to 2028.

Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on the Strait of Hormuz.

The Joint Committee on National Security Strategy (JCNSS), as part of its Defending Democracy inquiry, has published a report on political finance and foreign interference in the UK which draws heavily on the work of RUSI’s Centre for Finance and Security (CFS).

UK will win the AI adoption race as Chancellor sets out her economic growth ‘big choices’

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) at Public Health Wales, yesterday gave a statement on the Meningitis outbreak in Kent.

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

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed the national rollout of the Child Focused Courts model across England and Wales.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Have you heard the great news? ESPO Early Years has officially landed and we're so excited to tell you all about it!

A DJ who systematically groomed and abused girls as young as nine in the late 1990s has been jailed for a further 12 years, on top of an existing 24-year sentence.

An exhibition co-curated by The National Archives and MI5 has been shortlisted in the category, Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year (Budget more than £80,000) by the Museums + Heritage Awards.

Hundreds of new UK jobs are set to be created as Nigerian companies scale up their operations, reinforcing Britain's position as a leading global business hub.

New proposals to combine Right to Buy legislation to simplify the process for community groups to take over land and assets have been published.

The government must overcome ongoing challenges including a lack of available housing and poor data to ensure its programme to resettle thousands of Afghan citizens in the UK is successfully completed, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

Public Health Wales has refreshed the indicators in the Public Health Outcomes Framework reporting tool. 

The Senedd has passed a Bill to support the development of tourism in Wales and improve visitor accommodation.

Ensuring safe environments for pupils and staff.

Seven Sisters is one of the country’s most treasured landscapes

New jobs, opportunities and major regeneration for communities and businesses will be created in the North as the Chancellor backs the region’s industrial strengths with new investment.

On Wednesday 11 March, Homeless Link joined a mass lobby event in Parliament to oppose proposed immigration and settlement reforms which risk increasing homelessness.

Level 1 teaching assistants in Wales will be moved to level 2 roles from September 2026.

An Official Statistics in Development Publication

The UK yesterday stepped up its support for Gulf partners, convening a meeting of defence industry leaders to reinforce countries in the region under attack from Iran.

The government and NHS England are not responding to the growing financial crisis in the adult hospice sector with the seriousness and urgency the situation demands.

High levels of rough sleeping in London were the subject of a London Assembly Housing Committee session on Thursday 12 March.

Funding to deliver modern, sustainable integrated transport systems across Wales was announced yesterday.

Initiative to help staff gain skills and find new employment.

New Action Plan to be published to tackle waste crime and restore pride in our towns and cities.

Changes to passport application fees will take effect on 8 April 2026. 

TfL will unveil a large-scale installation by London-based artist Phoebe Boswell at Bethnal Green and Notting Hill Gate Underground stations later this month as part of its Art on the Underground programme

A new deal has been launched to ensure Wales meets its renewable energy targets, whilst maximising the benefits for communities.

Additional £26 million for CashBack for Communities projects.

Communities and local leaders will benefit from new powers introduced in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

England’s first Land Use Framework sets out a plan for managing the country’s finite land to ensure the nation’s long-term resilience