WIREDGOV

A Merseyside Police officer who propositioned sex workers while on duty has been found guilty of misconduct in public office and data protection offences following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).   

Eating disorders, such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge-eating, are serious mental health problems that can severely affect the quality of life of children and their families. In the UK, it is estimated that there are 1.25 million people with eating disorders, and a disproportionate number are below the age of 25.

Deputy First Minister to meet City of Edinburgh council leader.

Today (Friday 31 July), the Chancellor has confirmed that the date of the Budget will be Wednesday 28 October.

Urgent work to take place to protect bereaved families.

Chris McDonald MP has been named the new UK Science Minister, appointed as a Minister of State at the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST), following the arrival of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. 

A Hull ex-funeral director has been imprisoned for multiple counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial after remains were found in 2024. 

Most Americans favour non-violent measures, such as temporary barricades, over violent measures, like the use of rubber bullets, by border enforcement officers towards undocumented migrants on the southern border, a UCL-led study has found.

The G7 Cyber Expert Group has successfully concluded its 2026 Cross-border-coordination exercise.

The Prime Minister spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India today.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has revealed his new trade team.  

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has been moved into an enhanced level of monitoring by the fire inspectorate.

Ten people have now been sentenced for endangering others on small boats crossing the Channel after two migrants from Afghanistan and Sudan were jailed today.

Kate Norgrove, WWF’s Executive Director of Conservation, Advocacy and Policy, said: “On the day that wildfires have forced hundreds to flee for safety and new figures estimate heatwave deaths are already double last year’s, Shell has announced annual earnings of £12.5 billion.

Funding set to unlock land for development across Clyde Gateway.

The FCA has published a package of reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen access to market-wide information and support confidence in UK equity markets.

All 22 local authorities in Wales are now on track to offer 12.5 hours a week of Welsh Government-funded childcare for all two-year-olds by the end of this financial year, marking a significant milestone in the Welsh Government’s journey towards a universal childcare offer for children aged nine months to four years.

We are pleased to share the latest paper in our UK Resilience Academy Insight Series: Wargaming in a Resilience Context.

The Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has backed calls for an overhaul to the way senior police officers are chosen after gross misconduct was found against former Staffordshire Chief Constable Chris Noble. 

A former Dorset Police officer has been jailed for misconduct in public office after abusing his position of trust with a vulnerable domestic abuse victim.

We have executed search warrants across the UK as we crack down on suspected nuisance marketing linked to car finance mis-selling claims as part of the joint regulatory taskforce.

The government has published its formal response to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee's (ECCC) inquiry into drought preparedness, addressing the 17 recommendations set out in the Committee's report.  

Ask a Mancunian about England’s second city – so the story goes – and they will tell you it is Manchester. Ask a Brummie, and they’ll tell you it’s Birmingham.  

Environment Agency investigation ends in prosecutions of 2 cousins who are ordered to pay fines and costs totalling nearly £7,000.

The Welsh Government has today launched a 12-week consultation on changes to the criteria used to classify self-catering properties for local tax purposes, including a review of the 182-day letting threshold.

Around 6,600 people in England with a serious heart condition will be able to access a new treatment following simultaneous MHRA authorisation and NICE approval yesterday.

The 2,877 excess deaths represents a significant increase on the 1,504 excess deaths observed in summer 2025.

NHS trusts and construction partners have signed agreements to deliver the next phase of the New Hospital Programme.

Led by the Environment Agency - more than 35 officers from five organisations took part in an intelligence-led operation.

CBI yesterday responded to interest rates hold (July 2026).

Oversight of misconduct procedures is to be reviewed as part of an overhaul of policing standards.

The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.

Households eligible for the Warm Home Discount must be named on their energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically this winter.

The Prime Minister yesterday launched the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

This study assesses the potential health benefits of further policy actions affecting domestic solid fuel burning in Scotland. Three options were taken forward for more detailed modelling: Burn less; Burn better; and Targeted stock upgrades.

Nature protection is an inherently international mission, one for which technology is increasingly integral. Across the globe, local teams are increasingly using technological solutions to address complex issues and deliver on nature-positive outcomes.  

Russia’s parliamentary election result will be what the Kremlin wishes it to be. But it is an opportunity for Europe to communicate with a population that is feeling the effects of Putin’s war.

Young people starting their first job can now access a new guide and workshop sessions from Healthy Working Wales, designed to help them build confidence, protect their wellbeing and develop the skills they need to thrive at work.

We are proud to publish our Impact Report 2026, highlighting the pioneering work we have supported to deliver improved patient outcomes and boost our local economy.

NATO Allies should come together to form a defence financing instrument that supplements national defence spending, improves companies’ access to affordable capital, and incentivises joint procurement.

This week the Prime Minister announced a major shake-up to secondary education, committing to new technical routes in schools for 14-year-olds from 2028.

Senior Military Advisor, Col Joby Rimmer, yesterday marked the close of the trimester by condemning Russia's continued war against Ukraine, its drone incursions into Romanian airspace and the strike on Latvia's Consulate in Sloviansk, and reaffirms the UK's ironclad support for Ukraine.

A showcase of traditional tunes, shared culture and cross-community musical collaboration took centre stage at Parliament Buildings yesterday as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly marked the road to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast.

A Norwegian teenager has been convicted of plotting a murder after travelling to the UK to carry out a contract killing for a Swedish crime group with links to the Iranian state.

Afghans who worked with UK forces were wrongly refused relocation and left facing years of danger, delay and uncertainty, according to a major report by the Defence Committee. 

Ofgem yesterday (29 July) launched a consultation on plans to tackle speculative data centre projects in Britain's electricity connections queue, as part of a wider programme of reforms to ensure network capacity is used for projects that are ready and able to connect.  

Airbus Operations Limited has paid a record £6.4 million compound settlement.

Recent hot and dry weather has not only affected parts of the UK but has also contributed to significant wildfire activity across Europe.

Yesterday I shared what the first half of my Youth Ambassadors wanted the new Prime Minister to focus on to improve children’s lives – their answers focused on what the Andy Burnham should do to make children’s lives better across health, education, children’s social care and how to improve access to jobs and skills for young people.

Expanding access to “national front door” to family support.

Despite its involvement in Russia’s nuclear and conventional weapons production, Rosatom continues to maintain access to European markets.

Excellent care is happening in health and social care services across the country every day. 

Many of us will face the moment when someone we love needs end of life care – whether in a care home, at home with support, or in a council-funded placement.

Ambassador Holland argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a long-standing pattern of challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states.

Details of the ‘More than just words’ programme of events taking place during Urdd Eisteddfod Ynys Môn 2026

English Heritage offers private access to the stone circle for one lucky visitor every day in August at no extra cost.

The Prime Minister yesterday set out his commitment to end decades of political drift on social care and fix the system so that it gives people dignity, security and support when they need it most.

A new report from media regulator Ofcom reveals that UK audiences are now just as likely to turn to Netflix as they are the BBC when deciding what to watch, highlighting the ongoing battle for viewers' attention.

An Indian youth movement led by an organization calling itself ‘the Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) has called a halt to weeks of protest in India, after securing a significant victory: India’s government has acceded to its key demands, and the education minister has resigned.

The Scotland-India Strategic Market Insight Report provides an independent, evidence-based assessment of the Indian market, identifying where Scotland's key sectors, capabilities and export strengths align with India's current and future demand.

A former Royal Navy petty officer already serving a life sentence for the murders of two young men has been convicted of a series of non-recent sexual offences.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) began 102 independent investigations into 104 deaths during or following police contact last year.

A new UK and England June daily temperature record of 38°C has been verified by the Met Office’s site weather assessment team, higher than the 37.7°C figure previously reported.

“We will help more young people into work by changing the education system and giving them more support – more mental health support.”

Scotland and India’s trading partnership could be worth more than £3 billion a year by 2030 – up by more than a half on current levels – according to a new report.

techUK has been working closely with Ofgem, NESO and Government since late 2025 on demand connections reform – a process that aims to remove speculative applications from the significantly inflated queue to connect to the grid, while ensuring viable, strategically important projects see much shorter waiting times.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has welcomed PM Andy Burnham's announcement about the need for adult social care reform.

We revisited South Wales Fire and Rescue Service after identifying three causes of concern related to understanding risk, recording risk and protecting the public.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday responded to the Prime Minister's announcement.

The UK and France committed to strengthening cooperation to anticipate, prevent and respond to climate-related risks, particularly wildfires, and called for greater international action to tackle climate change and build resilience.

A major £8.4bn investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent, delivering jobs and opportunity for young people for years to come, is set to be announced by the Prime Minister today.

The question is no longer whether a Housing First philosophy works, but whether the political system is ready to embrace it, says Sophie Boobis, Homeless Link's Head of Policy and Research, in an article for Inside Housing.

New flood storage areas and other measures will hold up to 8,900 cubic metres of water during storms at Wellholme Park.

The UK and Spain agreed that the climate crisis is an urgent policy priority and committed to co-leading the green transition, strengthening clean energy cooperation and advancing international climate action.

An ex-Dorset police officer found guilty of gross misconduct for pursuing an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met whilst on duty had his sentence increased after the Attorney General intervened.

Scheme helps break down barriers and empower more young people to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.

A recovered hepatitis C patient in Wales is urging people in at-risk groups to get tested for the virus, as if left untreated, it can cause liver damage and cancer of the liver.  Treatment for hepatitis C is highly effective and is a simple course of daily tablets with very few side effects. 

High pressure will continue to generate dry, fine and warm conditions before a change of weather type will bring a fresher feel to all parts of the UK by the end of the week, though with precious little rain for southern Britain.

Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the three months to October (weighted balance of -18%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator.  

The DoH and FSA have launched a consultation on restricting the promotion and placement of food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS).

https://www.techuk.org/resource/techuk-health-and-social-care-programme-h1-2026-review.html

The Prime Minister has set out his commitment to end decades of political drift on social care and fix the system so that it gives people dignity, security and support when they need it most.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Freeview channel Great! Romance have today launched a joint campaign highlighting warning signs of romance fraud, a crime that affects victims both emotionally and financially, costing millions of pounds every year.

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

Seven areas of England now officially in drought after record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures.

techUK's response to the publication of the Ministry of Defence's SME Action Plan

Matthew Hopkins responds to further heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency.

More than 100 criminals linked to drug and gun crime in Merseyside have been jailed as a result of investigations by a specialist team formed in 2021.

£750,000 to help islands go carbon neutral by 2040.

22 companies, including British SMEs, will receive contracts worth up to £300,000 each to carry out feasibility studies on sites for new UK energetics manufacturing plants.

Welsh Government support is helping a Carmarthenshire business expand and build bespoke new headquarters as part of ambitious expansion plans which will create a number of jobs.

Investigation will examine whether customers were misled about Microsoft 365 subscription options and paid more as a result.

The Environment Agency is  taking action to protect  water supplies, wildlife, agriculture and navigation as dry weather  puts pressure on river levels.

Lottery funding worth millions to power community energy projects across Scotland.

He also misused all the funds he fraudulently applied for

Thousands more young people will be able to gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need for future careers, as the government yesterday rolled out a major package to break down barriers stopping access to technical education, training, and apprenticeships.

Small and micro food businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are demonstrating a strong commitment to food safety, despite continued economic pressures facing the sector, according to new research published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

A young driver who killed two people in a car crash after speeding had her sentence increased following the Attorney General’s intervention.

Agreement with maritime trade unions secures above inflationary pay rise and improved conditions for Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel.

A specialist machine that keeps donated lungs alive outside the body has been conditionally recommended in draft NICE guidance in a move that could unlock hundreds of organs for transplants.

A 13-mile walking route along the Suffolk side of the Stour estuary has opened, connecting Cattawade to Shotley Gate.

Scottish Government support for Veri Energy project.

An FCDO statement on recent declarations by the Nicaraguan authorities about elections.

The country’s purchase of Russian air defences has prevented it from acquiring US F-35 fighter jets. The UAE could face similar issues if it purchases the systems.

Ofcom yesterday launched a consultation on its provisional views on a set of commercial offers that Openreach intends to introduce.

Victims of convicted fraudster John Burford are set to recover the majority of the money they invested after the FCA obtained a confiscation order against him.

FM: Delivering better access to care will be this government’s legacy.

Visiting a care home today [Wednesday 29th July], the Prime Minister will say he is making the choice to fix the broken social care system by finding common ground across party lines to tackle the big issues.

Emmersons Transport LTD has been ordered to stop crushing waste until the risk of pollution has been removed.

Giorgia Tolfo continues the second leg of her journey while exploring how archival research and walking can work together. This time: the 'Valley of Rocks' and a quest to find the Ilfracombe Hotel.

His business partner was also convicted of fraud.

An established Ukrainian F-16 Fighter Wing and the overstretch of fighters and air defences on both sides by sustained long-range strike campaigns have changed the nature of the air war.

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

Teaching science and Religious Education (RE) in a more connected way improves students’ engagement with science and boosts interest in STEM careers, UCL researchers find.

HMRC is urging customers who receive a Simple Assessment letter this summer to check it carefully and pay any tax owed by the deadline.

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that firms broke the law by charging excessive and unfair prices for hydrocortisone tablets over a decade.

New figures show that more than 7,000 consultations were held at Scotland’s first GP walk-in services. 

In uncertain markets, organisations look for confidence signals and this is a clear one. The Government is signalling that skills matter. 

Hundreds of thousands of women have accessed the morning-after pill at high street pharmacies in the first 5 months since the NHS made it available free-of-charge.

Millions of car finance customers who may be owed compensation can get help making a complaint for free, as the FCA launches a national advertising campaign.

The Welsh Government has announced the extension of three housing support schemes, reaffirming its commitment to making homeownership more accessible and affordable for people across Wales.

Statement given from the Children’s Commissioner on new education reforms, including offering technical subjects to pupils from age 14.

As Barclays announce surging Q2 pre-tax profits of £3.3 billion – up 31% on the year and bringing its half year 2026 profits to £6.1 billion – the TUC is today (Tuesday) calling for the government to increase taxes on banks to bring down household bills.

Environment Agency investigations into waste and water offences across Lincolnshire have secured £168,000 for a Lincolnshire charity.

Scotland has become the first nation in the UK to publish an integrated infection prevention and control strategy covering both health and social care settings, as part of efforts to protect patients, residents and staff from preventable infection. 

Director failed to act with reasonable care, skill and diligence

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has published a discussion document setting out how it proposes to ensure railway licences are updated and ready for the reformed railway.

This report was issued in July 2026 and covers the time period 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 inclusive.

Outcome decisions for individual research projects follow the recent announcement of a plan to balance budget.

UK government to support residents of evacuated homes in Coalsnaughton.

Burnham’s Makerfield Test will reshape UK foreign policy. But will it deliver real benefits at home, or risk isolationism and strained alliances abroad?

Pyongyang’s account of the Korean War remains a fabrication. But its rapidly growing strategic leverage is dangerously real.

Retail sales volumes fell at a markedly slower pace in the year to July, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Retailers separately judged July’s sales to be below seasonal norms, though to a considerably lesser extent than last month.

GAD and the IFoA brought together 8 government organisations in London Climate Action Week to explore climate scenarios and strengthen resilient policymaking.

Much of the UK has seen a dry and warm summer so far, and the coming days will bring another rise in temperatures for some.

Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers.

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed continued progress in controlling the Cairngorms wildfires as he chaired another meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) this afternoon.

Renewables and electrification could help the new prime minister deliver on his promise to distribute economic benefits across the UK.

Cyclists and communities across Wales will benefit from £4.5 million of new Welsh Government investment in cycling tourism infrastructure, as part of wider work designed to leave a lasting health, sporting and economic legacy from the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Wales in 2027.

First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, held his first face-to-face meeting with First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, recently (24 July 2026), vowing closer cooperation between their governments in fighting for a fairer deal from Westminster for their respective nations.

A UK heatwave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold for a particular location. 

A Sudanese national has been charged with endangering another during a journey by sea to the UK following a small boat crossing.

Whisky products will have zero tariffs in the US.

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the news that residents of Nethy Bridge affected by the precautionary evacuations prompted by the Cairngorms wildfire have been advised they can return home.

Dstl worked with the Army, industry and allies to test drone technology and develop AI capabilities for future battlefield operations.

High pressure will bring dry, fine and increasingly warm weather for many this week.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to act as UK Governor to the World Bank.

Confirmation Coalsnaughton ground movement caused by mining.

The Prime Minister has held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain's job creators.

International financial centres have lessons to pass on about the role of professional services in combatting illicit finance and kleptocracy.

Pension fund could be used to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.

First Minister John Swinney has chaired a further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) on the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

The risk is a prolonged crisis, followed by a breakdown in maritime security cooperation and a widening conflict. But Houthi actions could be addressed by strengthening existing multinational efforts.

British soldiers will be better protected and more lethal on the battlefield as a new investment of up to £400 million will see the Army equipped with the latest spy drone technology.

Boost for whisky producers as tariffs removed for shipments bound for US

Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statement on the Commonwealth Games.

Gambling-related harms can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities across Wales, affecting health, relationships, finances and wellbeing. 

Care experienced and aged 16-18? The Children’s Commissioner wants to give care experienced children and young people a direct say in how children’s social care services are inspected. 

Britain’s weak recovery from the 2008-09 financial crisis was caused by post-crisis banking regulation, not fiscal austerity or an inevitable feature of deep recessions, according to a new chapter from the Institute of Economic Affairs. 

techUK has submitted its response to the Department of Health and Social Care's Call for Evidence to inform the new cross-government Mental Health Strategy for England.

One month after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s north-central coast, children and families continue to face the lasting impacts of displacement, damaged infrastructure and disruption to essential services.

NCA and Border Force seized 54 handguns and 764 rounds of ammunition from smuggler's cars

The book has been recognised by leading reviewers as being rigorous, politically important and comprehensive. 

techUK has responded to the London Assembly Transport Committee's call for evidence on autonomous passenger vehicles in London, drawing directly on the operational experience of members of our Self-Driving Vehicles Working Group. 

Councils should not be used to run a national tax for high-value properties that could be expensive for councils, confusing for residents and damaging to local accountability, the Local Government Association warns. 

The Welsh Government places a strong emphasis on working in partnership with the UK Government to improve outcomes across the justice system in Wales – that was the message from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality Sioned Williams 

New analysis by IPPR finds that life satisfaction among young people in England has been in steady decline since 2010, while instances of bullying and not feeling a sense of belonging are far higher than OECD peers