WIREDGOV

The deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy joined over 300 business leaders and other senior politicians at Queen’s University Belfast’s Whitla Hall for the CBI Northern Ireland Annual Lunch on Friday April 24.

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.

Members of the Armed Forces will soon have expanded access to media and entertainment, from top-flight sports like football and rugby to podcasts, gaming, and the latest and Defence news.  

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 13-and-a-half years for the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in her home in Walsall.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has today, Friday 24 April, launched the Engagement for Change Fund

As China ramps up its pressure on Taiwan, the Strait of Hormuz closure must serve as a wake-up call for European policymakers.

Ambassador Neil Holland recalls the vital contribution of media freedom to security in the OSCE region, and calls on Russia, Belarus and others to live up to their OSCE commitments (23 April 2026).

Pollen levels across the UK are forecast to vary over the next five days, with a gradual increase across parts of England as tree pollen becomes more prevalent before reducing slightly towards the start of next week.

Automated passenger services permitting scheme: government response (23 April 2026).

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published a report calling for the government to go further and faster in its efforts to consolidate small government bodies into larger organisations and overhaul reporting requirements for low-risk bodies.

New agreement between the UK and France to step up patrols and intelligence operations in France to reduce illegal crossings.

New digital waste tracking service to be introduced.

Five men have been sentenced following a National Crime Agency investigation after £1.4 million of ketamine was smuggled via a fishing boat from Amsterdam to Suffolk.

The FCA has led international action to stop illegal finfluencers putting consumers' money at risk.

The EFRA Committee today publishes its report, ‘Resetting the relationship with fishing communities’, outlining how the Government can help the UK fishing industry thrive after a number of unforced errors.

The Devon waste carrier was fined £1,466 and told to pay back the economic benefit he realised by his illegal activity of £12,300.

We yesterday announced Round 24 of Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP), our funding programme that supports individual creative and cultural practitioners to focus on their career development. 

Lieutenant (Lt) George Kenneth Steinberg MC, from Hampstead, London, has been given a named grave after he was killed near Arras during the Great War in 1918.

Ian Murray's statement on the use of UK Biobank data (23 April 2026).

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

A charity has honoured two Health Innovation North West Coast colleagues for their contribution to the improved treatment of people with heart failure.

A Washington man who raped and deliberately transmitted HIV to other men was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court.

The clock is ticking with just over a week to go until the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act goes live. As the deadline nears, we have added yet more new documents to our exclusive – and free – ​landlord starter pack for new Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs). 

Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, denounced recent Russian threats and intimidation at the OSCE, reaffirmed the UK’s continued military support for Ukraine, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of unlawfully detained OSCE Special Monitoring Mission members (23 April 2026).

This POSTnote summarises the challenges and opportunities for developing the evidence base required to ensure the effectiveness of nature recovery actions.

Every maternity service in England will need to meet new clinical standards, set out by the NHS, to significantly reduce the number of women who die each year during or after pregnancy.   

Sapia has agreed to make a voluntary payment of £19,637,950 to WealthTek clients and the FCA has censured the firm.

Two Derbyshire Constabulary call handlers have been charged with misconduct in public office, following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), over allegations they passed confidential information to criminals.

Another two men have been convicted – and one jailed for more than 20 years - following the collection of cocaine worth £26.5 million which was dropped off at sea off the Somerset coast.

This week, the Telegraph has published an article debating the merits of compulsory voting. Partly inspired by the approaching first anniversary of the launch of the Campaign for Compulsory Voting, the Telegraph’s research shows that “at least half of UK adults support compulsory voting a range of public votes and elections”.

New advisory highlights how to defend against attacker tactics believed to be used by the majority of China-linked actors to hide malicious cyber activity.

Every child should be safer after an interaction with the police. But for thousands of children – especially Black children – who have been strip searched as part of the police’s stop and search powers, this isn’t the case.  

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs commented on the latest inflation figures

BBSRC-funded scientists have identified an East African bat coronavirus that can enter human cells, a discovery that could help prepare for future outbreaks.

Dr Layla McCay responds to the Public Accounts Committee's report on the New Hospital Programme.

Passkeys are the more secure and user-friendly login method and should be the default authentication option for consumers.

We are consulting on potential new rules which will require all solicitors to keep a record of how they are reviewing and addressing their learning and development needs. We are also proposing that all solicitors take part in mandatory ethical discussions on an annual basis.

The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the labour market figures for April 2026 released by the Office for National Statistics.

An international team of physicists, including scientists from STFC’s Laser Facility (CLF), has achieved a landmark advance in laser science.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, responded to a report by the National Audit Office on changing demand for school places

More than 120 military families in Woolwich will live in newly refurbished properties, as part of an overhaul that is already benefitting families returning from deployment to Cyprus.

Three men have been found guilty of raping a woman on Brighton beach, including one man who did not participate in the attack, but filmed it.

Clearance is underway on a West Yorkshire illegal waste site following court action by the Environment Agency.

On Tuesday, the Government revealed its plan to cut energy bills, in the context of rising wholesale prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East. 

Young people across the United Kingdom are set to benefit after McDonald’s becomes the latest major employer to support the Government’s Youth Guarantee and launches the biggest work experience programme in the country.

New data released by the Crown Prosecution Service today shows levels of victim attrition are falling and that prosecutors completed more rape prosecutions than at any point in the last decade.

Latest Active Lives data shows continued progress as focus remains on tackling inequalities and supporting those facing the greatest barriers

Government boosts efforts to help young people find their Child Trust Funds

Partnership aims to boost tip-offs about banned directors still operating in the shadows.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a man’s robbery conviction to the Court of Appeal because new forensic evidence identifying a potential alternative suspect raises a real possibility of the conviction being overturned.

Disruption to the supply of oil, on the present scale, is teaching new lessons about the vulnerability of modern economies.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) will mark an important moment in its 25th year on Tuesday 9 June at the Royal Institution, with the launch of the next iteration of its National Delivery and Advocacy Plan (NDAP) and the publication of its 25th Anniversary Impact Report.

An award-winning partnership empowering young people to become “changemakers” in their communities across the North of England is entering its second year.

Sentiment among UK manufacturers has deteriorated sharply, with optimism about both the business situation and export prospects falling at their fastest rates since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey. Both output and orders declined, as competitiveness in UK markets deteriorated at a record pace.  

Most Israelis support continued conflict with Iran and Hezbollah. But polls show fewer believe in the government’s ability to deliver victory.

The educational charity NCFE recently (21 April) announced finalists across six categories for its upcoming Aspiration Awards.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

The risk landscape of the UK is constantly evolving, with more diverse risks than ever before.

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

Almost a third of searches are of children who have been subjected to a strip search by police before, despite an overall drop in the practice – raising serious concerns about the impact of being repeatedly strip searched and missed opportunities to safeguard vulnerable children.

Private (Pte) Reginald Joesph Blake, from Tendring, Essex, was buried in France today nearly 110 years after he went missing in action.

The UK is accelerating growth by developing six frontier technologies that strengthen digital capabilities and boost long-term competitiveness.

The UK, when presiding over the Financial Action Task Force, should update the mandate to focus on reducing criminal activity.

Statement given recently (21 April 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

The Northern Ireland Digitisation Project is making material related to the Troubles free to view online.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis MBE yesterday used a speech given at CYBERUK to say AI companies should work with government in a “generational endeavour”.

Public sector procurement leaders YPO and Pagabo have formed a 10-year strategic delivery partnership that will see resources, reputation and expertise combined to establish a new benchmark for construction procurement. 

CYBERUK kicked off in Glasgow yesterday with opening keynote speeches from Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre and Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Minster for Security.

The UK defence industry stands to benefit as the Government considers new ways to unlock private investment to drive military readiness, create jobs and deliver economic growth across the UK.

UKEF announces collaboration to ensure veteran-led firms are matched with the right support to export and grow.

A new approach to national leadership and accountability

techUK is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with TelecomTV, one of the telecoms industry's most authoritative and widely-read media platforms. The agreement will see techUK's Telecoms Programme join forces with TelecomTV to collaborate on key events, thought leadership and industry debate - deepening the connections that drive our sector forward. 

Defence tech start-ups and small businesses in Northern Ireland will benefit from a £50 million investment boost launched by the UK government yesterday, creating highly-skilled jobs and strengthening UK national security.

Two men have been arrested following a series of raids by the National Crime Agency in Kent and the East Midlands, as part of an investigation into a criminal network suspected of smuggling people into the UK in boats.

Despite primary school pupil numbers falling since 2018/19, DfE has provided the school sector with limited support to manage the risks to educational performance and value for money caused by a drop in pupil demand, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to Downing Street yesterday.

A company and its director have been given a month to clear an illegal waste site or risk further court action.

Rachel Reeves yesterday brought together the CEOs of Barclays UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander UK, NatWest Group, Nationwide Building Society and HSBC UK.

The Charity Commission has concluded its statutory inquiries into the Kantor Foundation and Kantor Charitable Foundation, finding neither charity remained viable after the designation of the charities’ founder, Dr Vitacheslav Kantor.

Families face financial penalties when young people take up apprenticeships.

Martin Sartorius, Lead Economist responds to latest inflation data for March 2026

The UK Government must go further and faster in tackling poor conditions in temporary accommodation, says the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee.

 TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak comments on the latest figures showing March CPI inflation rising to 3.3% from 3.0%

The FCA has carried out its first operation with partners to disrupt illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading across multiple London locations.

Households could receive a £183 rebate on their energy bills if the government acts to claw back excess profits made by energy network companies, according to new research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

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

The Government has ruled out developing a new national vaccinations strategy, despite the Committee urging Ministers to brand the current one a failure as vaccination rates have fallen over a number of years.

Andrew Johnson, IOPC Director for Policy, Strategy and Impact, said: “We welcome the latest report from the Children’s Commissioner regarding strip searches of children outside of police custody.

Firms will benefit from reduced costs and greater flexibility, and find it easier to comply with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), following reforms set out on 22 April by the FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

We’re delighted to share that we have been officially approved to deliver the CIH Level 4 Homelessness Service Management qualification. This marks a significant milestone in our work to support and champion the professional development of managers and team leaders across the homelessness sector.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee respondd to a report by the National Audit Office on changing demand for school places

Responding to the HCLG report on conditions in temporary accommodation, Cllr Carl Cashman, Vice Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, warm, and good quality home – it’s a key foundation for a good life and strong community.    

Voters across England are being reminded that they’ll need to present an accepted form of photo ID at their polling station to be able to vote in May’s upcoming local elections. 

A man has been found guilty of sexual assaults on young boys at a children’s home in Hastings in the 1970s.

Almost a third of searches are of children who have been subjected to a strip search by police before, despite an overall drop in the practice – raising serious concerns about the impact of being repeatedly strip searched and missed opportunities to safeguard vulnerable children.  

Boost to Seafood Exports Package will help UK businesses reach new markets

Tim Jarvis responds to the government’s review of Ofgem

The SFO launches public appeal and searches six sites across the UK as it announces new investigation into three companies delivering ECO4 contracts.

Referral to phase 2 comes after period to resolve concerns has expired.

The Charity Commission is today publishing updated guidance for charity trustees on conflicts of interest, with research by the regulator suggesting many trustees are unsure how to recognise a conflict.

The first ‘Chief Regulator’s Rebuke’ has been handed to WJEC CBAC Ltd for serious failures involving 4 of its Eduqas GCSE, AS and A level qualifications.

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

Leading AI companies should work with the UK Government to build AI-powered cyber defence capabilities, the Security Minister Dan Jarvis will tell industry leaders and experts at CYBERUK on Wednesday. 

Billpayers set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator to ensure they are treated fairly

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has welcomed the publication today of approximately 1,000 Government records relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles by The National Archives

The changes apply to non-commercial movements of dogs, cats and ferrets

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has launched its new five-year strategy, marking a renewed commitment to delivering fair and impartial justice for individuals and a greater focus on its role in improving public services. 

Homeless Link is proudly backing the Million Acts of Hope campaign, which celebrates people working hard to change their communities for the better across the country. 

Research and development for defence aims to create new military capabilities or improve existing ones. How is it funded in the UK, and what are the challenges?

Connections reforms and strategic energy planning are both crucial for achieving Clean Power 2030 and wider decarbonisation, and 2026 is an important year of development for both.

A new targeted treatment for a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer has been recommended by NICE for routine use on the NHS in England, giving people more time with better quality of life.

Dstl, in partnership with the British Army, is seeking innovative solutions to remotely assess diverse terrain for safe passage.

Blog posted by: Tom Galpin-Swan, Master Technologist, DXC Technology, 21 April 2026.

Military planners from over 30 nations will today (Wednesday 22 April) advance detailed planning to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a two-day UK-hosted conference.

Speaking at UK FinTech Week, Jessica Rusu, chief data, information and intelligence officer at the FCA, has confirmed the second group of firms selected to join AI Live Testing.

The government has published ‘Archives at the Heart of Society’, a new national vision for archives in England.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday (21 April) updated the House of Commons on the Government’s economic response to the Middle East.

CBI yesterday responded to plans to boost clean energy and decouple gas and electricity prices.

The UK’s payments sector is to be equipped for the future of rapid financial innovation through a new package announced today during Fintech Week in London.

The week ahead is set to bring plenty of dry and fine weather for many, with high pressure dominating and helping temperatures edge upwards as the days go on.

Islamabad has an obvious interest in ending the war, to ease energy problems and cool tensions on its border with Iran. But any hopes for economic benefits from the Trump administration may be misplaced.

Enforcement action launched after evidence suggests child sexual abuse material being shared on Telegram and teen chat sites being used by predators to groom children.

Families across the country will be better protected from energy crises, as government moves to break link between gas and electricity prices.

The maturation of Chinese and US strategies to control strategic minerals supply chains echo Cold War structures. Fresh EU and UK plans are already behind the times.

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

Public sector schools saved £12million last year by choosing YPO’s own‑brand stationery products instead of branded alternatives, helping them stretch increasingly tight budgets and reinvest savings where they matter most.

The Royal Family marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II through a series of commemorative events in April 2026, including a visit by The King and Queen to a Royal Collection Trust exhibition, a personal message from The King broadcast on the centenary itself, engagements at the British Museum and in The Regent’s Park, and a reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating the life, service and enduring legacy of Her late Majesty.

The Group Litigation Order (GLO) Compensation Scheme will close to new applications on 31 July 2026, with a view to the scheme concluding on 31 December 2026.

The publication of the Government’s Renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England is a welcome and necessary milestone for the health system. 

Emily Potts, Modern Slavery Advisor, highlights the UK's commitment to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly in light of the rapid growth of forced criminality linked to cyber‑scam centres. She underlines the need for cross‑border cooperation, strong victim support, and partnerships with multilateral organisations to address this global threat.

The devastating war in Sudan shows no signs of abating. Diplomatic efforts must prioritize a Sudanese-led political process.

A renewed commitment to PE in schools, ending the 3pm Saturday blackout for women’s football and the removal of unnecessary ‘No Ball Games’ signs are among the recommendations in a new report from MPs aimed at getting people to move more.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband's speech at the Good Growth Foundation’s National Growth Debate (21 April 2026).

New complaints scheme introduced by the Education Secretary for the next academic year to raise concerns about suppression of freedom of speech.

A major exhibition exploring the birth of the United States of America to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 2026.

The Security Minister gave an oral statement to the House of Commons on 20 April responding to recent antisemitic attacks.

The war against Iran has tested two competing narratives about security in the Middle East, and have sharpened the resilience of the Gulf Arab Countries.

APCC Joint Leads for Victims, PCCs Clare Moody and Matthew Scott, yesterday marked the start of National Stalking Awareness Week 2026.

The recommendations made by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, including the masterplan for a permanent memorial in St James’s Park, London, a new charitable trust for regenerating community assets across the United Kingdom, and an online Digital Memorial to allow people to submit their own memories of the late Queen, have been announced.

The Foreign Secretary met Foreign Minister Motegi in Tokyo on 20 April 2026 for the tenth Japan-UK Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

Read Box’s latest insight on building a more connected, AI‑enabled justice system – and what this evolution means for policing, from reducing digital evidence backlogs to improving the speed and quality of decision‑making across the frontline.

Millions more people are now benefiting from lifesaving bowel screening compared to a decade ago, as the NHS urges even more people to get tested.

UK and others condemn systematic repression of independent voices and civil society in the Russian Federation (16 April 2026).

The cross-party Education Committee publishes the Government’s response to its ‘Foundations of learning’ report on improving the school estate.