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The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has found Essex County Council at fault after an investigation uncovered serious and repeated failings in transport arrangements for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), causing significant distress to families and putting children's safety at risk.

The Rt Hon Ellie Reeves KC MP has been sworn in as Attorney General and Andy Slaughter MP has been sworn in as Solicitor General.

September 2026 was characterised by notably warm conditions across the UK, with temperatures widely above the long-term average and many regions enjoying more sunshine than usual.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford yesterday thanked Secretary General Sinirlioğlu for presenting the first 2027 Unified Budget Proposal, and underlines UK support for protecting the OSCE's outward-facing and operational work through an inflation-adjusted budget.

The UK is ramping up its defence of the High North and Baltic to combat Russian hybrid threats with the Joint Expeditionary Force conducting major exercises across the region.

Over 750 young people attended Birmingham's first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair, bringing them together with the UK's biggest businesses.

The Scottish Government is investing nearly £3 million to help turn university research projects into commercial business propositions.

The UK and the EU insist that sanctions remain atop their security agendas, but current enforcement levels provide little evidence to support that claim.

Government reiterates opposition to commercial whaling at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), 80 years after it was established.

Routine flu vaccination is estimated to have prevented more than 800 flu-related hospital admissions in Wales last winter. Public Health Wales estimates that, without vaccination, 50 per cent more people would have been admitted to hospital.  

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto.

Today, Friday 2 October 2026, techUK will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA). 

The Environment Agency has given a drought permit to South East Water to help secure the public water supply at Ardingly Reservoir.

APCC Criminal Justice Leads yesterday responded to tough new restrictions for offenders released on licence.

On 30 September 2026, MI5 issued a Security Service Espionage Alert stating that the primary purpose of the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI)  中国通用技术研究院 is to fund research that directly improves Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) technical capability for espionage.

As fighting escalates in Tigray and neighbouring areas, there are fears that Ethiopia’s internal instability could spill over into the wider Horn of Africa region.

YPO has played a key role in bringing Huddersfield's new Library Hub to life as part of Kirklees Council's £200 million Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme – including supporting the design of the children’s area and its Enchanted Forest theme.

Ambassador Holland expressed deep concern about reports of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Oleshky and other temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine’s Kherson region. He called on Russia to respect its obligations under international law (01 October 2026).

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who struck and seriously injured a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver, received a suspended prison sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Business volumes in the financial services sector fell at a modest pace in the three months to September, following a rapid decline in Q2. 

As of today (02 October 2026), airlines will be required to seat children under the age of 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge.

We are investing around £50 million a year into a portfolio of strategic research to ensure that Scotland maintains its position at the very cutting edge of advances in agriculture, natural resources and the environment.

A man arrested by the National Crime Agency in connection with the deaths of at least 27 people who drowned attempting to cross the English Channel has been convicted in France.

32-year-old is being questioned in connection with illegal waste sites in Peterlee and Hartlepool, County Durham.

Blog posted by: Probation Data Science  Team, 1 October 2026 – Data Science, Our services, Probation, User research.

The Home Office policing super-complaints system has been running since 2018. It allows organisations designated by the Home Office to raise an issue (a super-complaint) on behalf of the public.

Israel’s next defence headache may have little to do with Iran, Gaza or Hezbollah. It could begin in Belgrade.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford yesterday reaffirmed the UK's support for the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate and called for accountability for grave violations.

Third parties and investors will pay lower fees to invest in rail network infrastructure and rolling stock under new rates published today by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, as part of wider work to boost economic growth.

The UK had its joint-fourth warmest September on record in a series which dates back to 1884, according to provisional figures from the Met Office.

Neurodivergent people can thrive in the workplace when they are given tailored employment support an independent report has found.

Change agreed with industry to simplify trading conditions ahead of autumn movements.

The BBC should explore new ways to raise revenue, make better use of its buildings to support the creator economy, and spend more wisely when competing for programming, as part of a plan to ensure it is fit for the future and able to compete with the best in the world.

A detailed, reciprocal, and verifiable process is essential to ensure that any agreement holds.

Reforms will help speed up planning decisions by focusing specialist advice on complex cases with significant environmental impacts

We have joined the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group's (NCRCG) National Ambassador Programme, reinforcing our commitment to improving cyber resilience across the UK and helping organisations protect the personal information they hold.  

The full membership of the Welsh Government’s Town Centre Taskforce was yesterday announced, as members came together for its inaugural meeting as the next phase of work begins.

When the Prime Minister walked out to make his speech at Labour Party Conference, we were confident homelessness was going to be quite literally centre stage.

The UK has announced a package of 31 sanctions against Russia as UK steps up economic pressure ahead of the winter.

Read our progress update on how the MHRA-NICE aligned pathway and integrated scientific advice services are working since launching in April 2026.

Hinkley Point B nuclear power station in Somerset transferred from EDF to the NDA for decommissioning.

As the Hormuz crisis strains supplies, Russia is likely to test Europe's resolve this winter, with cyberattacks on energy infrastructure the most credible threat.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford set out the fundamental facts of Russia’s war: an unprovoked invasion that violated its international commitments, followed by extensively documented abuses. Russia chose this war, controls whether it continues, and must now choose an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.

ORR’s latest assessments show that Network Rail is exceeding its efficiency targets, but rising costs and reduced financial headroom are increasing pressure on renewals.

Households will be better protected from rising global energy costs this winter after the Government cuts tax on household electricity bills from today.

MoD extends £190 million contract with Airbus to maintain the RAF's A400M Atlas fleet, boosting aircraft availability while sustaining over 350 UK jobs.

This week, I went to a place that, for many years, was home. 

The Prevention Unit Areas of Shared Interest paper sets out topics of strategic importance for addressing key prevention challenges in Scotland and where further research, evidence and collaboration could help support the shift towards a more preventative system.

Stablecoins are becoming important payment infrastructure, but policymakers are still trying to govern them through the financial crime frameworks built for traditional finance.

Environment Secretary announces local communities to receive £79 million to restore nature and adapt to climate change.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has officially changed its name to the Public Service Ombudsman, marking a new chapter for the organisation and reflecting its role in improving public services. 

Colonel Joby Rimmer, UK Senior Military Advisor, challenges Russia’s claims of inevitable military success in Ukraine and calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire (30 September 2026).

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday responded to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s announcement that there will be a new collective pension scheme for care workers

Speech by British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner, at the King’s Birthday Party on 30 September 2026.

Yesterday was International Podcast Day, a celebration of an increasingly popular platform that’s making big changes to how we listen to – and watch – our favourite content.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis' speech for the annual International Security Expo on 30 September 2026.

Every day, weather stations across the UK record the conditions around us.

Labour held its annual Conference this week in a sunny, yet very windy, Liverpool, with a number of major policy announcements and a chance to showcase the party's leader and our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

The Scottish Government yesterday published the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2025. 

The Information Commissioner's Office yesterday reached a significant milestone in its evolution as it formally transitioned to the Information Commission.

Devolution has the potential to make policy more responsive to people and places. For children and young people, that matters. 

CBI recently (29 September 2026) responded to Prime Minister's speech at Labour Party Conference 2026.

Smaller businesses backing the next generation will receive £2,000 for every new young apprentice they take on, opening more doors for young people into skilled careers across the country.

Sets out our overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in meeting the challenges of a changing climate and biodiversity loss.

On Tuesday 22nd September Homeless Link supported a webinar by Minister for Homelessness Florence Eshalomi, which gave the homelessness sector an opportunity to meet the Minister and hear her answer some of your questions.

New plan gives local people a stronger voice.

Offenders leaving prison from today will be monitored under the toughest supervision in British history, as new powers to restrict their movements come into force.

Businesses, charities and innovators can start bidding for a share of £60 million to help unlock work for the millions of people out of work with a disability or a health condition.

From today (Thursday 1 October 2026) the minimum price of a unit of alcohol will increase in Wales from 50p to 65p in a move which is expected to save hundreds of lives.

New Vaping Products Duty comes into force from 1 October 2026.

First step in tracking waste and placing waste criminals under unprecedented scrutiny as new tracking system goes live

More than 10,000 businesses across Great Britain are a step closer to vital government support to slash their electricity bills, as applications open today for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).

But new data reveals a lack of consensus over who is responsible for keeping systems safe.

Welsh citizens are being encouraged to check what financial support they could claim, as over £1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed in Wales every year.

Thousands of victim-survivors across Cambridgeshire will benefit from £4.4 million in Government funding, providing mentoring, counselling and other support services over the next two years.

Government expands Healthy Babies support, boosts adult social care workforce and backs NHS action on violence against women.

Following the Grenfell Tower update from the Metropolitan Police, please see the below statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Families facing debt, housing or welfare disputes will get earlier access to free legal support through a new £16 million Government fund.

Every neonatal unit in Wales is engaged with the Bliss Baby Charter, which puts families at the centre of their baby’s care.

A joint statement from the African Union, the European Union, France, Germany, the UK and the United States, who met at UNGA to coordinate efforts to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The UK government has put tacking the climate and nature crisis front and centre of discussions at last week's annual gathering of the UN General Assembly.

Expanded Leigh flood storage area and new Hildenborough defences will reduce flood-risk to 1,870 homes and 575 businesses.

A former National Crime Agency (NCA) officer has been ordered to repay more than £1.8million after stealing valuable cryptocurrency that had been seized as part of an investigation into online crime on the dark web.

Welsh Government announces extra £2million investment in sport facilities across the country.

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

Chancellor John Healey has delivered his speech at Labour Party Conference 2026, setting out further details of the government’s mission to ‘bring back hope’. Delivered just one month ahead of his first Autumn Budget, the Chancellor emphasised the difficult economic conditions and need to adhere strictly to the government’s fiscal rules, implying a difficult Budget for businesses.  

Almost £10 million will be invested in 45 communities across England to improve access to healthy, affordable food in areas with the highest levels of deprivation

Dozens of London schools achieve TfL's Travel for Life Gold accreditation for the first time, bringing the total number of Gold-accredited schools in London to a record high of 1,057

Wales's experience of bringing the Welsh language into the digital world is featured as a leading international example in a new UNESCO toolkit published today.

Scotland’s unique package of winter heating support will begin this autumn

Government yesterday unveiled plans for a new investment vehicle, Great British Grid (GB Grid), which will invest in electricity networks. As the first publicly owned player in electricity networks since privatisation, it will compete for - and co-invest in - transmission projects. The vehicle will sit within Great British Energy (GB Energy) and be funded through the existing £4-billion budget. 

In conjunction with Groundswell, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced communication materials to help support access to the winter vaccination programme for people experiencing homelessness: individuals sleeping rough, or staying in hostels/night shelters.

From today, the new Information Commission takes over the ICO’s functions, modernising the regulator’s governance while maintaining its independent oversight and existing powers to protect people’s personal data.

New approach designed to strengthen accountability of NHS Wales as well as spotting risks earlier and getting support to health boards and trusts sooner.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have today published a new package of supplementary guidance for businesses developing cell-cultivated products, the latest milestone in the Cell-Cultivated Products (CCP) Sandbox Programme.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October, techUK has published our submission to HM Treasury. 

UK-Iraqi security cooperation is set to enter a new phase, as the Global Coalition's military mission against Daesh in Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve, successfully concludes and its forces - including UK personnel - depart. 

From today, crypto firms can apply for authorisation from the FCA, marking a landmark moment as the UK takes a step closer towards becoming one of the most trusted places in the world to build and invest in cryptoasset businesses.

The Prime Minister announced a new settlement for older people yesterday: a state pension that rises every year, no personal care charges and a high-quality National Care Service to give peace of mind in later life.

Attorney General visits Liverpool as the Universal Service for all victims and the Enhanced Service for survivors of domestic abuse – including a dedicated victim liaison officer – is set to become the standard offer in every Crown Prosecution Service Area.

Water Bill to remove caps on government share ownership in water firms

Disabled passengers and families are set to benefit from unassisted level boarding as the standard on new Great British Railways (GBR) trains.

New licensing safeguards will strengthen public safety and help police assess risks.

Drivers who leave their engines running while parked may face a significantly higher fine from yesterday, as the Welsh Government steps up efforts to tackle air pollution and protect public health.

Families and businesses across the country will benefit from faster grid connections.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Cumbria Community Homes (charity number 1184991).

This early report briefing sets out the key findings from the thematic criminal justice joint inspection: ‘Electronic monitoring in practice: The police response to electronically monitored bail conditions and the use of electronic monitoring on community sentences and post-release licences’.

Results published yesterday from the Scottish Household Survey 2025 show that 83% of households with a two to five year old child (not yet at school) used at least one form of childcare, similar to previous years.

The Food Standard Agency's (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has taken part in a multi-agency day of action in Leicester, targeting the illegal sale of ‘smokies’ through an online business.

Undertakings offered by Co-op Group could address competition concerns relating to its acquisition of Southern Co-op.

Leaseholders will be given more rights and better protections under new rules, the government yesterday confirmed.

People needing support with their mental health and wellbeing will get access to help closer to home, including through new walk-in hubs and 24/7 emergency response teams.

Week of action targets criminal gangs who illegally try to enter the UK from Ireland, comes alongside a wider 74% surge in organised immigration crime arrests.

Polls suggest Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives as American voters are dissatisfied with President Trump and his policies.

A rare printing of the United States Declaration of Independence, discovered in The National Archives’ collections earlier this year, went on public display for the first time yesterday.

New strategy marks significant shift for the Agency – helping people and businesses deal with financial trouble earlier, as well as making quicker returns to the economy, and stepping up action against those who abuse the system.

The Fiscal Framework Outturn Report 2026 publishes outturn and reconciliation information for Scottish Income Tax, Scottish Landfill Tax, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and devolved Social Security benefits, as well as updates on borrowing and the Scotland Reserve.

Homeless Link have co-hosted an event at Labour Party Conference, during which a panel with a range of expertise called on Government to make the political choices needed to end rough sleeping and other types of homelessness. 

A former West Midlands detective who kept a large amount of evidence at home, including mobile phones relating to child abuse cases, has been found to have committed gross misconduct following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

Passengers will benefit from more reliable trains, better connectivity and a greener railway across the UK.

Findings from a process and impact evaluation of the Scottish Government's Cash-First Programme. The Programme supported new local partnership work to deliver Cash-First interventions across eight delivery partner areas.

Planning approval for the Environment Agency’s Greatham North East flood alleviation scheme has now been granted by Hartlepool Borough Council.

The Chancellor has announced a package to help people into work, education and training, while building the skilled workforce Britain needs for the future.

Blog posted by: Nava Ramanan, 29 September 2026 – a great place to work, Our People, Our services, Technology Services, Women in Tech.

New amendments to the Social Housing Bill will deliver stronger protections for homeless households.

Scottish delegation will join FM to help boost trade.

A Met Police officer has been charged with perverting the course of justice, as part of our ongoing investigations into the behaviour of officers at Charing Cross police station.

At the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) yesterday released Caring and Connected: Empowering Young Carers in a Digital World, a new report on the impact of Tech4YoungCarers, one of the DPA’s flagship delivery programmes.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the West Bank.

Vladimir Putin never formally ended his 2022 partial mobilisation. The question is not whether he orders another, but how long its quieter replacement can hold.

The court found that the company’s conduct amounted to reckless failures as judge says that 'incidents of pollution will not be tolerated'.

The Home Secretary has reopened the UK Resettlement Scheme, with around a quarter of referrals expected to be Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees.

Resilience is no longer something organisations bolt on after the fact. It’s becoming a core part of how boards think about strategy, investment and growth – and this October, the UK Resilience Academy will be part of the conversation shaping that shift.

Independent review into Leeds maternity and neonatal care sets out terms of reference for investigation.

A project involving researchers from the UK has been selected by NASA for a pioneering mission to explore the history and evolution of the Universe.

There were just over 17,000 new homes built and 15,500 homes started in the twelve months ending June 2026. 

New UK GDPR Code of Conduct by WASPI gives organisations a clearer, more consistent framework for sharing personal information safely, lawfully and confidently.

2026 WellChild Awards.

Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the three months to December (weighted balance of -14%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. 

Free entry protected for every visitor to England's national museums

Landlords must act fast on damp and mould under new law coming into force next week.

A comprehensive 12-month pilot with Mitie (TfL's existing cleaning and associated services contractor), which will explore how TfL could deliver cleaning services in-house in the future in an efficient, affordable and productive manner, begins on 28 September 2026.

Government to invest in a new sea monitoring ship to be built in UK shipyards – creating British jobs. 

The Jurassic Coast marks 25 years old as England's only natural world heritage site. Work continues to protect the coast's geology and wildlife.

Overseas buyers will be offered a new UK Export Finance loan guarantee to incentivise buying goods and services from British companies.

There is uncertainty over what capabilities a sovereignty-minded government decides Britain must control.

Multi-disciplinary Team meetings (MDTs) are operational meetings that bring together professionals from different services and sectors to work collaboratively around the needs of an individual. 

Victims of a £1.5m crypto investment fraud will recover lost funds after the FCA obtained confiscation orders against Raymondip Bedi and Patrick Mavanga.

A convicted mortgage fraudster has paid £265,000 after the Crown Prosecution Service took civil recovery action against a property purchased using a fraudulently obtained mortgage.

Lord Chancellor Alex Norris yesterday announced action to tackle prison drones and drug use, and help offenders into work and stable accommodation.

From 7 March 2027, Avanti West Coast's services will be nationalised to improve infrastructure, cut delays and improve the passenger experience.

Proposals published to start dialogue with local authorities.

A Bolsonaro victory would mean Trump-aligned governments dominate South America.

We recently led a stop motion animation workshop for families. We collaborated with Aardman Academy, the in-house training department of Aardman Animations, home to Wallace and Gromit.

The Insolvency Service is encouraging anyone who paid for a debt relief order (DRO) but did not submit their application to get in touch for a refund.

The TUC yesterday (Monday) welcomed the Chancellor's announcement that the government will reinstate the Union Learning Fund – and restore the funding to where it would have been had the Conservatives not scrapped it six years ago.

Welcome to this week’s update on the fast-moving world of global trade, digital policy, and transatlantic relations. Here’s what’s shaping the global agenda right now.

Every year, families, friends, colleagues and leaders come together to remember the lives and sacrifice of police officers who have died or been killed in the line of duty at a service organised by the Police Remembrance Trust, with this year’s event held at Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

CBI has responded to Chancellor's speech at Labour Party Conference 2026.

The new scheme called Your First Home will support first-time buyers.

The City of London Police is warning businesses and the public to stay alert to Payment Diversion Fraud after new analysis revealed victims lost more than £101 million to the crime over the last financial year.

Speech given yesterday (27 September 2026) by Alex Davies-Jones MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Victims, Violence Against Women and Girls and International Justice.

Thousands of young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are set to be offered a fast-tracked job under the government's Jobs Guarantee.

Final report of the Independent Professional Advisor on future school reform in Scotland, with a focus on improvement, funding and governance.

Europe’s reliance on US energy exports was meant to insulate the continent from Russia.

Blog posted by: Phil Swan, Director, GDS Local and Emily Ball, Deputy Director, GDS Local, 25 September 2026 – Digital Devolution, GDS Local, People and skills.

Cross-sector report warns skills, finance and a clear delivery plan are needed to turn UK Government's ambitions into reality.

Statement given recently (25 September 2026) by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Refugees.

Welsh Government urges Chancellor to speed up delivery of £14 billion rail pledge, as current funding covers just 1% of Network Rail's spend across England and Wales.

Funnyfuzzy Tech UK Co., Ltd sold pet supplies online – a previous company was wound up in 2024

Communities across the country are set to benefit from growth and good jobs as new measures are announced to put spending back in service of the public.

The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, yesterday announced that every survivor and victim of domestic abuse will be given a dedicated victim liaison officer, as part of a nationwide expansion of support for victims.

Low pressure in the Atlantic will help bring a period of warmer weather on Tuesday, before turning increasingly wet and windy later in the day and into Wednesday.

Young people will be able to access specialised support in their community, as the government makes largest investment into youth services in a generation.

First Minister welcomes investment in Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.

Twenty-one Contracts for Differences (CFD) firms have closed since 2025, following a FCA crackdown.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is accelerating a wider reordering of the region, as Iraq, Syria and Lebanon plan new oil pipelines and transport corridors. But whether they can seize the opportunity to diversify will ultimately depend on wider reforms.

The TUC recently (Friday) renewed its call for a social tariff to bring down energy bills for the majority of households in the UK – funded by a windfall tax on banks' enormous profits.

New whole-school approach to give schools new package of support to tackle misogyny and combat influence of figures like Andrew Tate

Mike Burgess AM, Director-General of Security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), delivered this year's Gallipoli Memorial Lecture at RUSI on 23 September.

TfL announces new publicly owned bus company.

Geothermal Engineering Limited will invest around £43 million in a new lithium mine in Cornwall, backed by nearly £10 million through government's DRIVE35 fund.

NHS staff suspected of improperly and unlawfully accessing patients’ medical records will face immediate suspension and have their access to NHS computer systems cut off, under a zero-tolerance crackdown on “snooping staff”.

Two major maritime projects to be part of “new age of industrialisation” for Britain.

Farmers who are members of the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL) scheme will not need to complete separate Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) ‘measure’ and ‘plan’ requirements for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

People and small businesses are using AI to navigate phone, broadband and pay TV markets, but have mixed views about it, according to a new report published recently (25 September 2026) by Ofcom. 

Tens of thousands of Yemenis displaced by escalating Houthi violence will be supported by new UK funding.

British companies will gain access to a goldmine of battlefield data from Ukraine for the first time to develop new AI models for advanced drone swarms.

The changes will bring more long-term empty homes back into use, helping ensure that existing housing stock is used more effectively.

New changes introduced to the sale and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in shops come into effect.

Delivers on the Prime Minister’s promise to put power back in local hands and bring good growth to every postcode.

CEOs from the most sensitive sectors of the economy will receive closed-door briefings on threats posed by Russia.

Thousands of patients with suspected brain tumours could get a diagnosis sooner, as the NHS launches a major pilot of a rapid genomic test.

Repeat offender behind bars following Insolvency Service and police investigations.

Welcome to the latest edition of Dispatch from Brussels, techUK's bi-monthly update on the European policy developments shaping the operating environment for UK technology companies.