WIREDGOV

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses.

Spiritual abuse and immigration abuse have been included in prosecution guidance for the first time to help prosecutors tackle emerging harmful practices.

Mental health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as concerns grow about the rising number of men struggling in silence.

New data published today by the telecoms watchdog has pinpointed areas where millions of phone, broadband and pay-TV customers could save money on their bills. 

A South Yorkshire Police (SYP) Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been convicted of assault, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).  

UK Research and Innovation has published its first AI Strategy, setting out a long-term plan backed by £1.6 billion to strengthen the UK’s AI research, skills and infrastructure.

APCC Retail and Business Crime leads, PCCs Katy Bourne OBE and Andy Dunbobbin yesterday responded to the findings of the 2026 crime report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

A panel of influential figures from education, skills, and the media will come together to judge the 2026 Aspiration Awards – a nationwide celebration of individuals and organisations making an outstanding impact in learning. 

Statement from the foreign ministers of the Sudan Core Group on the UN Fact Finding Mission (FFM) report on El Fasher.

What is the legislative framework for surrogacy in the UK? What discussions are there around surrogacy law in the UK, and what are the policy considerations?

The new Deeside Parkway station will strengthen links between North East Wales, Deeside Industrial estate and Liverpool, improving access to one of the largest employment sites in Europe and help reduce congestion on main roads in the area.

Find out how our Public Sector Contract supports small and medium-sized enterprises.

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

Blog posted by: Robin Linacre, 24 February 2026 – collaboration, Data, data quality, Innovation, Splink.

The government has launched a new vulnerability monitoring service (VMS) to reduce cyber risks and speed up fixes, and a new Cyber Profession to build long-term resilience across public services.

Funding to strengthen emergency response and tackle health inequalities.

£1 million boost to deliver lasting legacy for Scotland.

Middle powers like the UK and Canada will not win the race for ever larger AI models, but through collaboration they can win the deployment race.

Foot and mouth disease has been detected in Cyprus.

Better mental wellbeing is linked to improved heart health, with new evidence showing it is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality and reduced risk factors such as high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

UK Senior Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer hails Ukraine’s extraordinary resilience – defending its territory and protecting civilians to withstand relentless drone and missile barrages – as he condemns Russia’s illegal invasion and demands full withdrawal on the invasion’s fourth anniversary.

An energy saving grant scheme has invested over £5.4 million to help sports clubs across Wales make improvements that lower energy costs and make their buildings more efficient.

UKHSA data shows that fewer than half take up the free shingles jab.

A fresh lease of life – and fish – have been given to ponds in Devon thanks to local anglers, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Environment Agency.

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has become the first university in the UAE and the Middle East to receive Academic Accreditation from the Association for Project Management (APM) for its Master of Project Management (MPM) program.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces will be able to better defend itself against Russia’s brutal attacks.

The State of the Union showed the president’s faith in the efficacy of tariffs is undimmed – despite the adverse Supreme Court ruling.

Primary School children to learn vital water safety skills.

Statement given yesterday by Chris Elmore MP, Minister for Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean, at the UN Human Rights Council High-Level Week.

A new online campaign is helping businesses in the UK make their pricing clearer – and avoid legal pitfalls.

Business sentiment and activity across the service sector continued to fall in the quarter to February, albeit at a slower pace, according to the CBI’s latest Service Sector Survey.

Two new funds to tackle homelessness head-on and help deliver on the national target to halve long‑term rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament.

Spending plans vote.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds recently (24 February 2026) delivered a speech at the NFU’s annual conference.

Landowners and farmers across Wales can apply for enhanced tree planting grants from next week, with a new £825 per hectare incentive payment available for native broadleaf woodland creation.

Professor Alexis Jay to chair statutory Inquiry.

Windsor and Maidenhead council has agreed to apologise and reconsider if it should provide free transport to a Disabled young woman trying to get to college. It will also look at other Disabled adult learners’ cases to see if they have also been affected by similar decision making.

Statement given recently (24 February 2026) by Steven Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories, at the General Assembly’s General Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Ukraine.

A programme to improve maternity and neonatal services is being launched as the Welsh Government accepted the recommendations of a major assessment of services.

Survey shows stigma could be holding people back from seeking support.

The Government Actuary’s Department has set up a Public Sector Defined Contribution Pension Scheme working group.

The FCA has chosen 4 companies to test how their stablecoin services work with proposed regulation in a safe environment.

There had been multiple pollution incidents involving the farm since 2012, but the defendant failed to increase slurry storage at the farm as required.

Jail for Bounce Back Loan fraudster

Major proposals to strengthen the construction products used in buildings across the country were published yesterday in a crackdown on unregulated practices.

Government takes decisive action by rapidly introducing a new legal definition for ‘honour’- based abuse.

Faster and fairer justice for victims is at the heart of the Courts and Tribunals bill

Energy regulator Ofgem has today (Wednesday 25 February) announced a 7% (or £117) reduction of the energy price cap for the period covering 1 April to 30 June 2026. 

Victims will benefit from a ‘transformed’ justice system, the Deputy Prime Minister set out in a speech earlier yesterday (24 February).

The SFO has secured its first recovery order against David Ames, who defrauded thousands through the Harlequin timeshare scheme.

Patients will receive better support to help them stay in and get back to work in areas of high economic inactivity.

A new type of tablet specifically designed to prevent migraine is transforming lives across England, with the number of people being prescribed these medicines more than tripling in just one year.

Lenders could have access to more comprehensive information to support lending decisions, under new proposals by the FCA.

The MOD has trialled a series of projects designed to improve the UK's ability to outload munitions quickly and at scale during high-intensity conflict.

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

New government guidance outlines how offenders’ vehicles should be searched, seized and destroyed

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has launched a formal investigation into William Blake House Northants (registered charity number: 1089471).

Dawn arrests in Cornish town as part of Environment Agency investigation.

Regular rail freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel will help reduce pollution, potholes and congestion while providing new jobs across the UK.

28 projects share £1 million.

A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will launch in Wales from April 1.

Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion will now have 3 times as long to renew their stay.

HM Land Registry to help conveyancers and home buyers following the sudden closure of PM Law, on 2 February 2026.

Two of the Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 31 frigates have reached key milestones.

Government response to the Post Office Green Paper published today by Ministers, confirming that the minimum branch requirement will be maintained.

Driving a bus is a rewarding career offering fast progression, competitive salaries, good benefits, travel concessions and a sense of purpose.

Wales has taken another huge step forward in tackling the nature and climate emergencies after the Senedd passed landmark environmental legislation.

Environment Secretary to announce £345 million to fund innovation, new technology and infrastructure to boost farm productivity and support the conditions for more affordable food over time

Patients to benefit from improved access to GP appointments under new contract backed by nearly £500 million.

Schools white paper will reform deprivation funding for schools to help halve disadvantage gap cutting the link between background and success.

Flat owners, landlords, renters and businesses will be able to get grants of up to £500 per charge point.

From today (25 February), non-visa nationals will be barred from entering the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) .

The government’s Mobile Market Review (MMR), launched at techUK’s Future Telecoms Conference in early February 2026, marks an important moment for the future of the UK mobile sector. 

We're taking action to help families with the cost of living, here is what you need to know.

For the first time, NICE has recommended a medicine that effectively treats the underlying cause of devastating skin condition vitiligo.

Billpayers to start benefitting from an average of £150 off the costs of energy bills from April onwards.

Secure Care Statistics for the year 2024-25 were published yesterday. 

The world is in a race to the top in regards to quantum computing.

Households across Britain will benefit from cheaper energy bills this spring, thanks to actions taken by the government – putting money in working people’s pockets in a major step forward in tackling the cost of living.

Spring is one of the most eagerly anticipated times of the year, bringing a shift from the darker, colder months into a season that feels brighter, lighter and full of renewal.

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded the third and final major contract within the Business Modernisation for Support (BMfS) programme.

Patients seeking access to GP-led care without an appointment are to benefit from a total of 16 planned centres across Scotland, the First Minister has announced.

The TUC supports the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign’s trade union solidarity statement marking the anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine.  

Director disqualification for council convener

Tens of thousands of people living with vitiligo affecting their face are to be offered the first approved medicine on the NHS to restore lost skin colour.

A former Northumbria Police officer investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who exchanged inappropriate messages with a vulnerable 14-year-old girl has been convicted of misconduct in public office.

Health Secretary hails ‘undeniable progress’ in tackling long waits.

techUK has submitted its response to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency call for evidence on AI regulation in healthcare, reflecting input from across the sector.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's words marking the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine war.

A pair of people smugglers who arranged the transport of Vietnamese migrants to the UK hidden in lorries have been convicted.

The Secretary of State for Transport corrects a small error in departmental forecasts used to support government’s carbon budget and growth delivery plan.

An Accredited Official Statistics publication for Scotland.

An armourer who converted blank firing guns to become deadly weapons and planned to produce industrial supplies of methylamphetamine in the Lake District has been sentenced to 22 years and three months in jail following a National Crime Agency investigation.

On 23 February 2026, the UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP hosted the Minister for Defence Industry of Australia, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, for the Australia–UK Defence Industry Dialogue (AUKDID).

Video-on-demand streaming services to meet subtitling, audio description and signing requirements that traditional broadcasters already follow.

The Chief Statistician has released figures on fuel poverty, energy efficiency, the condition of housing and other key descriptors of the occupied housing stock in Scotland. This is the first release of information from the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) for 2024.

How to negotiate with Putin, and what to discuss?

Water Minister Emma Hardy delivered the opening keynote speech at the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit in London

NDA publishes latest strategy setting out long term roadmap for the safe and secure decommissioning of the UK’s legacy nuclear sites.

Co-chairs statement – Coalition of the Willing call.

Retail sales volumes fell at a rapid pace in the year to February, extending a run of weakness that dates back to mid-2023. Sales are expected to decline again next month, albeit at a slower rate, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. 

Statement given yesterday from the Children’s Commissioner on Individual Support Plans and Education, Health and Care Plans in the Schools White Paper.

UK boosting support for Ukraine four years after Putin’s full-scale invasion with new military and humanitarian support.

Criminal Crown Courts in England and Wales will be funded to hear as many cases as possible next year to deliver faster and fairer justice for victims.

Bridget Phillipson's speech given yesterday on the schools white paper, delivered at Ormiston Bushfield Academy in Peterborough.

Director jailed for scheme that deceived aviation industry.

We have fined Reddit £14.47m after finding the company failed to use children’s personal information lawfully.

The government has saved over £17 million in the past six months by closing three expensive central London offices and relocating staff to existing spaces.

The UK’s leading business and energy trade bodies have come together to warn that persistently high business energy costs are threatening the UK’s global competitiveness, dampening investment plans and putting the brakes on the country’s growth ambitions. 

This follows the confirmation of £78 billion for councils through the settlement, helping them restore public services for communities and tackle deprivation.

Island communities are set to benefit from a new plan to improve housing and healthcare, alongside efforts to grow the economy and increase the number of people living on Scotland’s islands.

The third edition of Policing Tomorrow highlights emerging science and technology supporting policing, including work on violence against women and girls, forensics and natural language processing tools.

Yorkshire Water is sentenced for polluting Pools Brook Country Park stream three times in less than a year.

New findings from the NHS Wales Dental Epidemiology Programme show that the oral health of School Year One children in Wales continues to improve, with fewer experiencing tooth decay than in previous years. 

A police force has been fined after one of its officers was hit by a passing car while responding to a traffic collision on Christmas Eve.

Positive destinations second highest on record.

The UK has announced a landmark sanctions package, cutting off critical oil revenues and further degrading the Kremlin’s ability to wage its illegal war.

Association for Project Management (APM) has launched its new Nuclear Sector Interest Network, creating a global community for professionals involved in the delivery of nuclear projects.

Royal Navy submarine HMS ANSON arrives in Western Australia for maintenance with AUKUS partners.

Doug Gurr yesterday announced as the preferred candidate to remain as chair of the Competition and Markets Authority.

Funding for broadcasting, education and cultural projects.

Showing Russia that Ukraine can sustain its resistance while expanding the costs on the Kremlin is the only path towards a settlement on durable terms.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Destiny Community Services to investigate the charity’s failure to file statutory financial reports.

A man from Bristol has been charged with firearms offences in connection with the purchase of almost 40 handguns and the discovery of two other weapons in the city.

Data protection authorities from across the globe have today published a Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery. 

The free tickets are on offer to some the most iconic places across the country this St David's Day.

Procurement week 2026 will bring together policymakers, buyers and suppliers to examine the evolving role of procurement in technology adoption, sustainability and public sector reform. Across six sessions, the programme will explore the impact of the Procurement Act 2023, AI in decision-making and practical strategies for competing and delivering under new commercial models.

Seven social media influencers have been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their role in the promotion of an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme.

The National Archives oversees the UK Government Licensing Framework, helping both public sector information providers and people who re-use this data to understand their rights and responsibilities. We need both groups to participate in user research to make sure we are meeting your needs.

Radical expansion in rights for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to transform life chances

The Welsh Affairs Committee recently launched a survey inviting NHS patients who use cross-border healthcare between England and Wales to share their experience. 

Chatham House analysts give their Initial reactions to the Supreme Court’s tariffs ruling, its likely impact on President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, and his angry response to the ruling.

Statement given recently (19 February 2026) by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Ofcom has today fined porn company 8579 LLC £1.35m for not having age checks in place, plus £50,000 for failing to respond to an information request.

New changes to the GP contract will help protect thousands more children across the country from deadly and highly infectious diseases.

Scotland sending fishing nets to repel drones.

Crypto is embedded in Russia’s procurement model, allowing it an access to Common High Priority Items that international sanctions were intended to deny. Huge disruption is necessary to apply pressure to Russia's supply chains for critical military components.

Generational reforms to transform outcomes for children with SEND and end one size fits all approach.

A memorial to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse was recently (20 February 2026) unveiled in Parliament Buildings.

FDA members in Northern Ireland had the opportunity to hear directly from two current Finance Ministers; Minister of Finance in NI Executive, John O’Dowd MLA and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford at the FDA NI Section’s annual conference.

The historic Royal Alexandra hospital is to be transformed by a major £33m investment by Welsh Government that will improve NHS services for people living in Rhyl

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £20,000 to support local community initiatives.

Blog posted by: Catherine Chan, Senior Principal, Stakeholders and Insight, Equality and Human Rights Commission, 20 February 2026.

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

Patients across the country will have better access to NHS dentistry, boosting earlier intervention, prevention and continuity of care.

Information collected for the February meeting of the MAB reporting on the progress made towards the completion of the various recommendations and commitments being monitored by the board. It is based on information from Scottish Government, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Prison Service.

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

Threat perceptions have changed. Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt all wish to avoid a war that would bring even more upheaval to the region.

CBI recently (20 February 2026) responded to US Supreme Court ruling on 'Liberation Day' trade tariffs.

The move will prevent unlicensed operators from sponsoring sports clubs, as part of wider measures to tackle illegal gambling market.

Islanders to benefit from cheaper ferry travel.

Day 4 marked the high-level leaders' plenary and CEO roundtables at the AI Impact Summit, with the main summit closed to invited guests only.

The MHRA have raised new concerns around the PATHWAYS trial looking into the prescription of puberty blockers among young people with gender incongruence.

The number of people searching for trusted NHS advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025 with hundreds of thousands of extra visits to online information on risk and how to get checked.

Joint Ministerial Statement from the UK and partners on the Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Operations in Sudan (19 February 2026).

The NHS is being encouraged to commit to improve access to eating disorder services and focus on a new model for early intervention.

Read techUK's updates from Day 3 of the AI Impact Summit, New Delhi.

A former teacher who abused his position of trust to target and groom a girl 20 years ago has been jailed for six years for sexual offences.

One-third of England's woodlands now estimated to be damaged by deer, with urgent action needed to protect trees and wildlife

We’re excited to announce that Homeless Link is partnering with Social Investment Business to deliver the Energy Resilience Fund.

Passenger numbers on the Cambrian line have seen a significant boost in the past year with more local people and tourists using the improved service.

Pay as you go fares on Tube and TfL rail services to increase in line with the expectations set out in the Government Spending Review

Over the course of this Human Rights Campaign week, techUK’s members and partners explored a wide range of issues across the tech and human rights landscape which paint an intriguing picture as to how human rights are conceptualised and implemented today, and raising important questions as to where we go from here.  

Suspended jail terms or fines for three men after countrywide crimes Illegal sites read like an A-Z: Cambridgeshire, Kent and Surrey among counties targeted

ONS figures show borrowing in the first 10 months of the year is £15 billion below the same months last year.

A North Wales biotech firm has pioneered a new robotic dispensing system for diagnostic devices that test for conditions such as cancer, with Welsh Government support.

Anne Pardoe, Head of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to Royal Mail's latest quality of service results, which show Royal Mail did not meet its delivery targets for First or Second class post between October and December 2025