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A man who was involved in recruiting lorry drivers for people smugglers has been jailed for six years today (27 March), following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating complaints linked to the Merseyside Police investigation that led to Peter Sullivan being wrongfully convicted of murder.

A joint statement of G7 Foreign Ministers following the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay

Government answers parents’ calls for support on screen time with new evidence-backed guidance.

Five companies now under investigation as the CMA steps up its work to tackle fake reviews and misleading star ratings – and protect people online.

The use of data analytics to tackle fraud and error is underdeveloped across government.

The UK will urgently commit an additional £100 million for air defence support to Ukraine, helping to defend the country from Russia’s relentless attacks. 

At techUK’s 2026 Tech Policy Conference, we were delighted to welcome Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP.

The FSA Board has agreed the scope of the Future of Food Regulation programme, with a clear vision: an effective, resilient and trusted regulatory system that is fit for the future.

National Trail opening is culmination years of work by Natural England and partners alongside £5.5 million government investment for upgrade

Secretary of State for Transport yesterday announced £27 billion strategy to maintain, upgrade and improve England’s major roads, boosting safety, growth and connectivity.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday responded to the government’s announcement on procurement reform, which aims to protect the UK’s economic security and by prioritising British supply chains in four critical sectors: steel, shipbuilding, AI and energy infrastructure.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s attempts to justify its illegal occupation of Crimea. He reaffirms that Crimea is Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its occupation and cease its wider war of aggression (26 March 2026).

The Chancellor and Economic Secretary brought together the six largest banks and building societies, alongside UK Finance, to take stock of the impact of the conflict in Iran on households and small businesses.

Shipbuilding, steel, AI and energy infrastructure will be recognised as critical for national security, with new guidance prioritising contracts for British business where necessary to protect our national security.

Offenders posing a threat to national security to spend longer behind bars

On 7 May, a series of elections will take place in England, Scotland and Wales. In England, there will be local elections across more than 130 councils, as well as mayoral elections in a small number of areas.

Government publishes formal response to independent review of Arts Council England.

Dedicated specialist support for affected families.

Report: The National Security Strategy

Neutrality between China and the US, sidestepping two competing chauvinisms for fear of being crushed in between them, plays into Beijing’s hands.

The government has launched a competition to help deliver a second new national forest, as search begins for a location for a third.

Shared ownership is a long-standing and popular housing tenure model, but gaps in data means government cannot fully show if it is working for everyone, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) finds.

Madagascar benefits from a generous UK Trade Preference Scheme, giving thousands of products tariff‑free access to the UK market. Learn how to access it here.

The Welsh Government is investing up to £9.25 million to purchase and upgrade an industrial unit at the Heads of the Valleys, in a bid to attract high-quality manufacturing businesses and create new jobs in one of Wales' most deprived areas.

CBI has recently (25 March 2026) responded to latest inflation data for February 2026.

Report: Disinformation diplomacy

Early morning raid sees man arrested for packaging fraud and money laundering offences.

Ministers working closely with the new Cabinet Secretary order a clear up of Whitehall consultation culture to speed up decision making and deliver for the British people.

Ofsted yesterday confirmed the formal closure of the expert reference groups set up to support the development of the renewed education inspection framework.

New framework strengthens Scotland’s rail decision‑making, protecting devolved powers and delivering clearer, more reliable services for passengers.

Marking the achievement of the men’s national football team.

Over £3 million has been invested to help modernise the National Library of Wales, protecting historic collections, improving visitor spaces, boosting digital access and helping the Library reach net zero by 2030.

New £70 million funding has been announced to address shortages in building safety professions and help build 1.5 million homes.

The Built Environment Committee has published its report, ‘New Towns: Creating Communities’, following the second module of its inquiry into new towns.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has published its new five-year strategy for 2026-2031, setting out how it will continue to support financial stability, by giving consumers confidence, continuity and compensation quickly and efficiently when firms fail.

We have fined a Birmingham-based company £100,000 for making over 260,000 unsolicited marketing sales calls to numbers registered on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), in a clear breach of law.

Official statistics published by the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU) at Public Health Wales show that by 2022 one-year cancer survival had recovered to pre-pandemic levels, after falling by four percentage points between 2019 and 2020.

Scottish Recommended Allowance to increase in line with inflation.

New funding for independent advocates will help people in need navigate the social care system.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and National Federation of Builders (NFB) have launched a joint campaign aimed at accounts payable professionals and finance personnel in the construction industry that highlights the risks of invoice fraud, a crime that costs businesses millions each year.

An Iraqi man living in Wolverhampton who pleaded guilty to working with an organised crime gang to illegally bring Vietnamese nationals to the UK was jailed for 10 years and two months yesterday (26 March).

Pupils missing more than half of classes hit an annual record high last year, according to new figures from the Department for Education

More than half a million pounds is being committed to expand the Victim Witness Care Unit to support around 100 additional cases each year and specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) teams set to be deployed to Catterick Garrison and HM Naval Base Devonport. 

Ruth Rankine responds to the announcement of the first 27 new neighbourhood health centres

New rules to help people make healthier food choices came into force yesterday (26 March 2026), marking a significant milestone in the fight against obesity.

An Accredited Official Statistics Publication. for Scotland

Dave Hawkey, senior research fellow at IPPR Scotland, responded to the Scottish government's child poverty statistics

Step-free access feasibility work to start at Barkingside, Brent Cross, Preston Road, Queensbury, and Totteridge & Whetstone Underground stations as part of the Mayor and TfL's ongoing work to improve transport network accessibility

Ahead of key bills including council tax and water rising from April, cost-of-living pressures continue to hold households in a vice-like grip, pushing them deeper into debt, Citizens Advice warns

Every Saturday morning for the past 6 years, Richard Wheeler has been lacing up his trainers and heading to Aberbeeg parkrun and he’s busy making sure as many people as possible join him.

First Minister: "Qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment”.

Planned reforms to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy will have little impact on the government’s efforts to tackle obesity. 

Scientists from the UK and the US tested and explored what it would take for medics to delegate high-stakes decisions to AI on the battlefield.

Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the next three months (weighted balance of -18%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. Expectations for growth have now been negative since the end of 2024, and the latest outturn is roughly in line with the average seen over this time.  

The UK has taken further action against a network that operates illegal scam centres across Southeast Asia.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) yesterday launched best practice guidance to help adult social care providers deliver fair, transparent and accountable complaints handling – particularly for self-funding care users.

The government has launched a consultation as part of commitment to introduce mandatory certification for fire risk assessors in wake of Grenfell Tower tragedy

Right to maintain contact with siblings to be strengthened in law for children in care via amendment to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Road Investment Strategy 3 will fund major schemes to upgrade and future-proof England's roads over the next 5 years.

New UK poverty figures published today (Thursday) highlight the vital benefits that will come from the government having ended the two-child limit on support for low-income families, says the TUC.

Official Statistics in development and Official Statistics

techUK will be launching a new report – Digital Infrastructure 2030 – The backbone of Britain’s future economy – in July 2026, highlighting the key role of digital infrastructure as the foundation for all future economic activity.  

We have published a joint statement with Ofcom about the main areas of interaction between online safety and data protection as they relate to age assurance.

Almost two thirds of NHS consultants are keen to work for the NHS’s online hospital when the revolutionary service launches next year, a new poll has revealed.

Historic new deal for resident doctors would have seen more frequent and fairer pay rises and more training places from this year.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday commented on the latest figures showing that as expected February CPI inflation was unchanged at 3.0 per cent.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “GP teams are working harder than ever, delivering more than 1.5 million appointments for patients every working day over the last year – the highest number on record.

The Electoral Commission has responded to the Rycroft Review into foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics, published yesterday.

The Government has published ‘A guide to the duty to refer’, outlining what the purpose of the duty to refer is.

As weather becomes increasingly influential on everything from infrastructure to supply chains, the ability to generate, process and share high quality weather intelligence at speed is critical.

People and businesses in Barnsley will gain AI skills and benefit from shorter hospital waiting lists through new government pilots in the UK’s first Tech Town.

Initiatives to drive economic growth and tackle poverty.

Trail hunting is set to be banned in England and Wales.

Solutions may be found in unconventional ways.

Ministers and industry leaders convene first Farming & Food Board to drive profitability and put farm productivity at the heart of government.

The apprenticeship system is entering a new phase of development. With the 2025 reforms now in place, changes aim to simplify vocational training and reduce administrative burden. 

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, on the UN General Assembly resolution on the Declaration of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest Crime Against Humanity (25 March 2026).

Workers across Wales will gain new skills in housing, construction and retrofit, as the Welsh Government invests £655,000 to tackle the shortage of trained professionals in the sector.

A former police officer and West Mercia Police Federation treasurer has been jailed after using members' funds to pay for family holidays, alcohol, and entertainment.

Government rolling out first 27 neighbourhood health centres, providing more care closer to home.

New data published today by the Environment Agency shows a significant reduction in both the number and duration of storm overflow spills across England compared to 2024

British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters as the UK steps up its pressure on Putin.

Ordnance Survey (OS) is announcing the latest expansion of the national map of Great Britain (GB), the OS National Geographic Database (OS NGD). 

Young people in Wales are set to benefit from expanded employment support through a further 12 new Youth Hubs as the Government continues to provide opportunity across the country.

£7.9 million Gambling Levy funding will support prevention and treatment services.

The war threatens the UK prime minister’s hopes for economic recovery and heaps pressure on US relations he has worked hard to maintain. A long war will see his problems mount.

This year’s FDA delegation for the TUC Young Workers’ Conference in Brighton included Daniel Marshall (lead delegate), Natasha Bloomfield, George Cammack, Zaine Mansuralli, Aqsa Bibi, Sheldon Allen, and Alex McCann.

Communities in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire will benefit from a greater focus on preventative healthcare.

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

New UK–Welsh rail agreement gives Wales a bigger say in services, working together to deliver better and more reliable journeys and with a commitment to providing bilingual customer information.

Young people are set to benefit from expanded employment support through a further 80 new Youth Hubs as the Government continues to provide opportunity across the country.

Minister Matthew Patrick visited Boston over St Patrick’s Day to champion NI's tech and innovation sector to US businesses, investors, and academic leaders.

Millions of drivers who claim motoring expenses could benefit from a review of approved mileage rates.

National guidance supports teachers and pupils to use AI safely and ethically.

The government has launched a public consultation on applying the new Nutrient Profiling Model, which

New Pandemic Preparedness Strategy has been published alongside the UK Government's response to the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 report.

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with five suppliers to provide support services for the fleet of 3,000 smaller vessels used by Royal Navy, Army, RFA and MOD Police.

Major wind factory set for Scotland creating 500 skilled jobs through drive for clean, homegrown power.

Details of emergency fund confirmed

The Housing Secretary and Mayor of London yesterday confirmed emergency measures to accelerate housebuilding in the capital.

Consultation launched on corporate re-domicilation

The previously un-named grave of a Yorkshire man who served with the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards has been identified and rededicated in his name more than 85 years after his death.

The Senedd yesterday voted in favour of new regulations that will establish a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Wales from October 2027.

Deepening partnerships with the Global South.

Landmark changes to protect UK democracy from scourge of foreign actors and financial influence are set to come into force.

Hospices across Wales will receive further funding support as landmark national commissioning guidance is agreed.

Most Tube lines will be running as normal, with changes on the Bakerloo, District and Hammersmith & City lines

Ministerial Accountability Board concludes ten months of oversight.

A new report by the Health and Social Care Committee challenges the Government to ensure its forthcoming plans for England’s palliative and end of life care sector lead to lasting improvement, including in services for children and young people.

The government can invest in financial transactions (FTs) in ways that reduce risks of destabilising public finances and increasing national debt – provided that it fully implements the framework governing these investments through more consistent risk assessments and controls, improved guidance, and stronger monitoring and assurance, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

A new £34 million health and wellbeing hub bringing GP, mental health and family services together will be built in Cardiff.

Investment will back local talent advancing creative technologies like computer games and virtual reality to drive new products and grow the economy.

Families encouraged to use Tax-Free Childcare to save thousands on their childcare bills.

The UK and Türkiye have signed a multi-billion-pound training and support contract, marking the next phase of the landmark £8 billion Typhoon deal agreed in October 2025.

Welsh councils will benefit from £50 million in additional capital funding this financial year, helping them manage rising costs and invest in vital local services.

Ground Control's Wildfell project in Essex combines woodland creation and habitat banking across 116 hectares, testing funding routes for nature recovery.

Survey shows the biggest drop in dissatisfaction in the NHS since 1998 as Health and Social Care Secretary pledges to do more to tackle underperforming trusts.

Government pilots social media bans, time limits and digital curfews in 300 teenage homes to inform national consultation on children's online safety.

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Agencies from across Greater Manchester joined forces for the region's first waste crime summit, strengthening the collective fight against illegal activity.

The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and the Depot Charging Scheme aim to help businesses make the switch to electric vans and trucks.

Tens of thousands of sick or disabled people are closer to work following a landmark programme introduced by this government, as part of its efforts to fix the broken welfare system it inherited.

Culture Minister attends first UK-European Commission cultural high-level meeting to take forward commitment to collaborate on culture

Ofgem yesterday (Tuesday 24 March) announced it has shortlisted its biggest field of bidders since 2019, who can all now compete to own and operate the offshore electricity transmission links for three major North Sea wind farms off Great Britain’s east coast.

Smart signs which answer questions about bathing waters are now at Goring Beach, Worthing and Worthing Beach House.

14 veteran support centres across the UK to receive up to £1m each to act as a single point of contact for local veterans

Retail sales volumes dropped at a rapid pace in the year to March, marking the quickest decline since April 2020 – according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey.  

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) takes decisive action to phase out animal testing by helping developers to make greater use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

Musicians based in Scotland are to benefit from a new fund to help them cover the rising costs of international touring.

Organisational resilience is the ability of organisations, infrastructure, and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, adapt, and thrive amidst disruption and evolving conditions.

Blog posted by: Sabina Ciofu, 23 Mar 2026.

Heavy rainfall sees water levels recover across England with all areas now back to normal status

557 people have been arrested as part of Operation Henhouse, the fifth year of our UK-wide campaign against fraud, coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre at the National Crime Agency and City of London Police.

Sports stars Chloe Kelly, Conor Benn, and Dan Burn lend support to the ‘Enough’ campaign as government drives forward on mission to halve abuse in a decade.

More survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence will be able to get help in safe, welcoming spaces across Wales, thanks to £3.1 million of Welsh Government funding.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) yesterday published its annual UK wine production data, revealing an exceptional year for English and Welsh wine, with total production rising by 55% compared to 2024.

The CMA has set out its final reforms – which will start coming into force later this year – to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market.

How the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advance of the SME Action Plan.

On the Isle of Man, good connectivity does not mean equal access. Fast internet and strong mobile usage may shape the island’s reputation, but they do not change the fact that some young people are still trying to learn without a suitable laptop at home.

£7 million funding package to empower communities and regions.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee yesterday published a report on Economic Growth in Northern Ireland: new and emerging sectors.

Government departments have, for the first time, set individual spending targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to deliver over £7.4 billion a year to small businesses by 2028.

As families prepare for Easter outings to farms and petting attractions, Public Health Wales is issuing a clear warning: do not pick up, cuddle, or handle lambs during visits this spring.

Households across Britain set to benefit as Chancellor acts on food prices, energy bills and profiteering – taking action on cost of living pressures while securing Britain's long-term energy independence.

Patients across Wales will benefit from faster and more accurate diagnoses as nine hospitals receive new scanning and X-ray equipment.

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.