WIREDGOV

Blog posted by: Gemmaine Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, GCS, 25 April 2024.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched criminal proceedings against Lee Steven Maggs of Sittingbourne, Kent, for 2 counts of fraud and 1 count of breaching the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally, as part of an investigation into a Channel boat crossing which resulted in the deaths of a number of migrants, including a child, off the French coast recently (23 April).

New laws have been passed as part of an update to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

Today the Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) launches its report on the Future Regulation of Space Technologies. techUK will host the first presentation about the report during the Space Commercialisation and Tech Summit.

New enforcement powers for councils to build on Government's long-term plan for housing.

Clients award GAD 4.7 stars out of 5 for being highly valued. The findings are from our latest client feedback exercise which surveyed our clients about GAD.

In this article we want to address some misunderstandings about how we're funded. Contrary to what some people think, Ofcom is not funded directly by taxpayers or the Government.

A ringleader who organised the importation and supply of Class A drugs disguised in printer ink was yesterday (24/04/2024) found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court.

FM thanks departing Ministers and commits to continue consensus-building approach.

The recent announcement that the UK will commit to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030 is welcome news for the country’s armed forces, even if how the increase will be funded remains as yet unclear.

To break through Libya’s political stalemate, the UN must be willing to pursue a bolder strategy, despite the risks of failure.

GP teams delivered almost 30 million appointments for patients last month (March 2024), up almost a quarter on the same period before the pandemic, new data shows today.

The Upper Tribunal has ruled on our action to require Experian Limited to change how it handles people’s personal data, dismissing our appeal of the First-tier Tribunal’s ruling of 20 February 2023.

Retail sales fell sharply in the year to April, according to the latest monthly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. This follows no change in sales over March.

A new entrance building and exhibition at the country's oldest human-made underground space – complete with previously unseen flint tools discovered at the site, such as an axe, sickle and circular knife – will reveal the wonders of this ancient industrial hub, the Neolithic equivalent of Yorkshire's cotton mills, or South Wales' steelworks.

Green Project Management (GPM Global) has published a new report, Insights into Sustainable Project Management 2024, with input from APM, which shows how sustainability is perceived, integrated, and operationalised within organisations globally.

Live firings of the British Army’s highly lethal future tank – the Challenger 3 - have taken place in Germany this week, witnessed by UK Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge.

As we continue to assess and rate services using our single assessment framework, our new guidance looks at how we will assess services that do not receive a rating.

This POSTnote summarises associations between diet, nutrition and cancer. It describes the dietary and nutritional factors associated with cancer risk, and interventions for cancer prevention.

A former Sussex Police officer is facing multiple charges of misconduct in public office (MIPO) following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into allegations they abused their position for a sexual purpose.

A man’s sentence has been reduced by the Court of Appeal after time spent on remand in a foreign prison was not deducted.  

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority.

Measures announced to give UK aviation and the SAF industry the certainty to keep creating skilled British jobs while ensuring air travel is fit for the future.

Independence would enable Scotland to take its own decisions to address issues such as drugs and gambling, and increase cooperation with international justice partners, according to a new paper published by Justice Secretary Angela Constance

With its first-ever National Defence Strategy, Australia aims to respond to a rapidly shifting strategic environment. 

A ground-breaking project that could transform ocean monitoring, giving coastal communities vital extra time to prepare for tsunamis is being unveiled today.

A 41-year-old man who was caught with a car boot full of cocaine at an Essex port has been jailed for 10-and-a-half years following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Blog posted by: Lucy Denton, Director of Communications, Gambling Comission, 23 April 2024.

At a time when our commitment to mitigate the impact of climate change has never been more urgent, a sustainable approach to technology should be at the heart of any digital transformation strategy. 

We are delighted to announce that techUK and TechWM have signed a new strategic agreement to accelerate regional tech economy! 

A former senior Hampshire Police officer who attempted to influence and intimidate officers who responded to a domestic incident has been barred from policing following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A conviction for failure to have an immigration document at an asylum interview has been quashed after being sent back to court by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). 

Trading Standards warn public over harmful illegal cosmetic products for sale online.

Childhood is precious. Every child deserves the opportunity for play and leisure time, alongside a great education – the two things are key to developing the skills to succeed in adult life.  

In a recent development, management consultancy LS telcom has been appointed to produce an independent report addressing the complexities of sharing Defence spectrum. At the heart of this endeavour lies the need to reconcile the growing need for spectrum sharing with the stringent security requirements of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Measures announced to give UK aviation and the SAF industry the certainty to keep creating skilled British jobs while ensuring air travel is fit for the future.

The Education Committee has published the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) response to its report on Ofsted’s work with schools. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tells President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Britain will stand with Ukraine for “as long as it takes” on visit to Kyiv.

Last week, it was announced that the Crown Commercial Service had appointed it's new Chief Executive to replace Simon Tse when he retires this summer

We're delighted to welcome Hiba Foundation as a new member of Homeless Link!

As part of our efforts to reduce crime, fill gaps in the job market and grow the economy, we’re encouraging businesses to recruit more prison leavers.    

Dabrafenib with trametinib is a targeted treatment that can be taken at home rather than hospital and improves the length and quality of life for patients. 

The coordination exercise took place on 17 April 2024.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak Comments on a report on the rollout of free childcare hours published by the National Audit Office (NAO) today (Wednesday), which shows “challenges and uncertainties” in the rollout of free childcare hours

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Cardiff-based Outsource Strategies Ltd (OSL) £240,000 and London-based Dr Telemarketing Ltd (DRT)£100,000 after the companies made a total of almost 1.43 million calls to people on the UK’s “do not call” register, the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

UK Government and NI Executive Ministers gathered at Ulster University Coleraine to sign the Heads of Terms for the Causeway Coast and Glens Council

This guest blog is written by Eva Bell, Participation Officer at Samaritans and lead of the Suicide Prevention Consortium.

The influence of AI deepfakes on the UK General Election is a concern for most tech experts, according to a new survey.

Sentiment within the manufacturing sector improved in April and output expectations were the strongest for six months, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.

Deputy First Minister welcomes completion of new £49 million Stornoway terminal.

Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new online training course for small business leaders.

New research underlines the significant value viewers and listeners place on due impartiality as Ofcom puts broadcasters on notice that they must maintain the highest editorial standards ahead of a General Election.

Invitation to comment launched by the CMA on the partnerships between Microsoft and Mistral AI, and Amazon and Anthropic, and Microsoft’s hiring of former employees and related arrangements with Inflection AI.

Marley Morris, IPPR associate director for migration, trade and communities repsonds to Rwanda hurdles only just beginning

Speaking yesterday at a NATO press conference in Poland, the Prime Minister committed to increase Defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, representing an additional £75bn in funding over the next 6 years.

Cash-first approach to help with infant food insecurity.

Government is working quickly to expand childcare entitlements for working parents, but the ambitious timetable was set amid significant uncertainty around feasibility, costs, and benefits, according to a new National Audit Office report.

Eight in 10 UK homes (80%) are now able to get gigabit-capable broadband, up from 73% the same time last year, according to new Ofcom data published today.

Rory Deighton comments on data which reveals that the number of people waiting longer than four months for cancer treatment has doubled since 2020

£11 million grant funding confirmed for public sector bodies.

The NHS is set to roll out the first ever targeted treatment for brain tumours in children and young people in England, which can be taken at home and has been shown to significantly slow the progression of the disease, allowing them a better quality of life for longer.

Britain's biggest businesses are being urged by the government to recruit prison leavers as part of a national campaign.

Statement released yesterday (23 April 2024)

Watch techUK’s Head of Financial Services, Andy Thornley, explain the FCA’s response to their work on big tech and data asymmetry in financial services!

The Welsh Government will listen to the people of Wales and work with councils to deliver targeted change to the implementation of 20mph, Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates has said.

We’ve funded the new facility at Lilleshall, which will be used by both elite archers and the community, with support from UK Sport.

Improving gender identity healthcare for children and young people.

Ahead of the anti-greenwashing rule coming into force on 31 May, the FCA is supporting industry with guidance to help them meet the standard.

Government prepares for age of AI with the publication of a new report from The Alan Turing Institute outlining the importance of AI to support strategic decision-making on national security.

Mitie Care & Custody has been awarded the contract to operate HMP Millsike, the UK’s first all-electric prison that will provide around 1,500 places. 

Government responds to the Policing Productivity Review.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2030.

The FCA has recovered funds from an unauthorised deposit-taking scheme operated by Bright Managment Solution Limited [sic] and others.

A topping out ceremony has been held in Manchester at the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) First Street government hub to mark the building reaching its highest point.

National Archives are delighted to announce a new commercial collaboration with Laidlaw Education who will be leasing part of our building.

Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire promotes the UK’s balanced approach towards tackling drug use, with a focus on the challenge of synthetic opioids.

On 3 April the very best of Alliance pomp and ceremony was on display at NATO headquarters for the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Washington Treaty. 

A new public awareness campaign, launched yesterday by the Electoral Commission, is urging voters across Scotland to make sure they are ready for changes to how we vote at UK Parliament elections.

Final phase of implementing the flagship policy to commence, marking a crucial step in the global response to illegal migration.

An Albanian man who organised small boats crossings for migrants, including children as young as five, has been jailed after a National Crime Agency investigation.

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland has today quashed a conviction for murder, after a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

People in Scotland have received more than £30 million via two Scottish Government benefits to help them deal with increased energy costs this winter, new statistics have shown.   

SAPIENT enables interoperability of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled sensors, combined with intelligent fusion and sensor management.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday announced the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on his visit to Poland.

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is helping patients referred to the service to lose over 8 pounds, new research shows.

Alliance countries need better understanding of the risks to their undersea infrastructure, and improved signalling to deter Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks.

On 28 March, the UK-Georgia Cyber Partnership (UKGCP) launched a Georgian language version of research shedding light on the experience and perception of cybercrime and online harms in Georgia.

As Children’s Commissioner, I have a duty to promote and protect the rights of all children. But I have a particular duty, and feel a profound responsibility, towards those who are not living with their own families.

There is just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, for voters who do not have another accepted form of photo ID they can use in a polling station.

The Government Communication Plan 2024/25 sets objectives for some of the most recognisable brands in the country.

A new Performance Archery Centre has officially opened at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, in Shropshire.

Launched yesterday, the Government Communication Plan 2024/25 outlines how communicators across government will support the Prime Minister’s priorities.

The CMA has won an important legal challenge in the High Court after the CAT refused to grant it a domestic search warrant as part of a cartel investigation.

New EU fruit and vegetable rules will create further differences in how fruit is sold in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, according to the European Scrutiny Committee’s latest report.

Leading experts have been appointed to oversee the department's work to transform the UK into a science and technology superpower.

More child and vulnerable adult witnesses involved in serious criminal trials will have access to specialist suites to pre-record evidence, away from the courtroom, following a further £2 million investment from the Scottish Government.

Blog posted by: Vicky Wills, Chief Technology Officer, Exclaimer, 22 April 2024.

Fund will help groups of farmers investigate how they can better manage water for use in time of drought, helping to safeguard food security.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), in collaboration with its subsidiary Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), has awarded two contracts to establish an innovative partnership for the enhanced management of asbestos waste.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in March 2024.

As tensions between the US and China continue to grow and efforts to ‘friend-shore’ supply chains gather pace, Australia is being forced to make a difficult choice when it comes to the future of its critical minerals strategy.

In a speech delivered yesterday, the FCA's Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi announced the regulator's plans to examine how Big Tech firms’ unique access to large sets of data could unlock better products, more competitive prices and wider choice for consumers and businesses.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this morning.

New legislation will provide extra protections for victims' counselling notes during criminal investigations.

The incentive is backed by £200 million investment to support schools and colleges attract and retain the excellent teachers they need in vital subjects.

The supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic will be banned across the UK following overwhelming support during public consultation, with 95% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the proposals.

Boat-owner’s challenges 'relentless' – Environment Agency.

The Deputy Prime Minister will lead a 300+ strong delegation to the Saudi GREAT FUTURES flagship event in Riyadh on 14 and 15 May 2024.

Public Health Wales (PHW), in conjunction with Revolution-ZERO, yesterday published a report which highlights the potential to reduce carbon emissions from microbiology laboratories by investigating ways to reduce single-use plastics.  

The Minister for Social Care Dawn Bowden has welcomed the launch of the new National Office for Care and Support, which marks another important step towards a National Care Service in Wales.

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee recently (19 April 2024) published the Government’s response to its report on gambling regulation.

It’s Stephen Lawrence Day today (22 April). Which means that, this year it has been 31 years since he was mindlessly killed in a south London street. Eltham to be exact.

The Director General of the National Crime Agency and European Police Chiefs are calling for industry and governments to take urgent action to ensure public safety across technology platforms.

Beijing’s diplomatic activism shows it is worried Iran–Israel tit-for-tat may undermine Saudi–Iran reconciliation.

UK astronaut Rosemary Coogan says she is proud to be a step closer to space after a graduation ceremony today (22 April 2024) following her European Space Agency training.

The UK is to become the first country in the world to proscribe the Terrorgram collective, with draft proscription order laid against the group today.

Blog posted by: Daniel Roberts, Senior Policy Manager, 22 April 2024.

Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division yesterday commented on charges against two men alleged to have breached Official Secrets Act on behalf of China.

More than one million faster broadband connections have been delivered to homes and businesses across Scotland, backed by £1 billion of publicly-driven investment.

Since its signing in 2014, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement has faced some delays in its implementation. However, with Beijing showing no signs of curtailing its aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, recent years have seen an uptick in security cooperation between Manila and Washington.

More than 700,000 eligible individuals have booked an appointment to get their spring Covid-19 vaccine since the National Booking System opened on Monday (15 April).

Rashik Parmar MBE FBCS Group CEO BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London on behalf of the BCS.

Four new Welsh language feature films are to be supported for development as part of Creative Wales’ Sinema Cymru Fund.

GAD provided recommendations for HM Treasury's guidance on climate scenario analysis for government and public bodies. We looked at approaches for each factor.

PM Rishi Sunak's press statement on the next stage of the plan to stop the boats.

The UK warmly welcomes the significant progress made with our partners the US and Australia to advance the AUKUS trilateral partnership, working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and thereby enhancing stability, security, and prosperity in the region.

Blog posted by: Catherine Day, 19 April 2024 – Categories: A Brilliant Civil Service, A great place to work.

We are expanding our support to help stakeholders understand and use the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts.

Professor Arthur Chapman joins the Commission on Countering Online Conspiracy in Schools launched last week by the Pears Foundation and Public First.

Conventional, publicly capitalized financial instruments are the only way to mobilize private finance on a very large scale.

Teacher vacancies have increased in nearly nine in 10 (86%) English local authorities since 2010, according to new TUC analysis published recently (Friday).

Organisations can apply for the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to use AI for projects that make UK waters safer, operations smoother and air cleaner.

Our strategy for transforming genomic medicine across Scotland from 2024 to 2029.

Recently, Friday 19 April, the NCSC officially announced Richard Horne as the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Lindy Cameron who stepped down earlier this year.

The UK Government will introduce new world-leading legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic.

As a Wave 2 provider, New College Swindon has been delivering the Health T Level to their students for three years.

The government has announced measures making it easier for police to apply for stalking protection orders, meaning more victims will be protected earlier.

More than £100 million is being invested in improving public transport and encourage economic growth, the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates has said.

The Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) Conference hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council is a pivotal event designed to bring together senior leaders and practitioners in the fire service sector.

The latest figures released last week in the government’s annual State of the Estate report, highlight the significant progress being made to make the public estate more sustainable and efficient.

We have published a thematic review looking at law firm understanding of best practice to avoid getting involved in strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).

Parliament to consider tax to raise more funding to fix unsafe cladding.

Ruth Rankine said that people are sicker than they were and have more complex healthcare needs.

Andy Cook, CEO of the CSJ commented on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s keynote policy speech about welfare reform at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into contact West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had with Kulsuma Akter in the weeks before she was fatally stabbed in Bradford.

Two men who attempted to smuggle migrants from the UK to France in the back of a lorry have been sentenced following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

Ensuring access to information and advice.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland responded to the Scottish Government’s announcement on future climate action