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If tomorrow’s wars are fought mainly by machines, victory belongs to the power that can fuse AI with robotics and build the result by the million. Today, that is China.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant, is in Dublin today (Monday 24 August).

Pub and hotel valuations will be made fairer as the government takes a further step to back the businesses that help drive growth in every postcode.

2026 is going to be renowned for the development of the largest El Niño in living memory and what is probably the largest such event since the 19th century.

A plan outlining the second phase of delivery of the Ending Destitution Together strategy, continuing to improve support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) living in Scotland.

Mayors across England are to be given ‘call in’ powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.

Blog posted by: Dr Adrian Browne, Dr Philippa Hellawell, Dr Liberty Paterson and Taylar Carty, 21 August 2026.

The Regulator of Social Housing has opened a call for evidence on their 'More and Better Social Homes' proposals. 

Volunteers needed as Tour de France Grand Départ comes to Wales in 2027, deadline to apply is Tuesday 1st September.

GAD helped the Science Museum Group assess climate-related risks, develop bespoke scenarios, and build resilience across its estate and operations.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.

This report was issued in August 2026 and covers the time period 1 July 2026 to 31 July 2026 inclusive.

FM outlines progress made in first 100 days of government.

This year, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) is celebrating a remarkable milestone as the Harwell site marks its 80th anniversary.

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to Royal Mail's latest Quality of Service results, which show the company hasn’t met its reduced delivery targets for 1st or 2nd class post between April and June 2026 

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine on Monday 24 August for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.

This report reviews evidence on how Scottish Income Tax policy may influence businesses and Scotland’s economic competitiveness. It examines potential effects on labour costs, recruitment and retention, migration, business behaviour and investment, drawing on research, surveys & business interviews.

Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Finland on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan.

The Financial Futures Fund is available to fund the long-term solutions that help people feel more secure, confident, and in control of their financial future.

The Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, met with Lord Burns this week to share views on the future direction of transport policy and investment across Wales.

Nine-year director disqualification for Scottish businessman

Devolution has huge potential. It has the potential to drive economic growth, empowering local leaders to develop strategies that are right for their local areas and their economies and encouraging the economies of coordination needed to unlock opportunity and tackle the NEETs crisis. It has the potential to revitalise our public services, enabling local areas to deliver joined up, preventative, people-centered services.

The BBC provides the opportunity for charities to have an appeal broadcast on BBC Radio 4 or BBC One Lifeline to audiences across the UK.

The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications is supporting a toolkit developed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to help NHS organisations establish communications trainee schemes and widen access to careers in the profession.

The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage Challenge will strengthen UK energy security, create jobs in new industries and protect households from price spikes.

IPPR has announced the advisory council for its landmark programme of research aimed at improving the lives of young people.

Morrisons Foundation is offering capital grants of up to £20,000 to charities who provide placed-based services to our entire community or specific groups.

Audit Wales finds progress since the Welsh Government’s intervention, but questions remain about how it will fund further improvements and measure their impact.

Plug-in solar panels are portable kits designed to sit outside on a balcony or in a garden, and plug directly into your mains electricity to generate power.

Rape Crisis England & Wales awarded £8.7m government funding to provide round-the-clock confidential support for survivors and victims of sexual violence

Government departments to second officials into mayoral authorities, working with the mayor, in the largest transfer of Whitehall capacity to local leaders yet

The Welsh Government has commissioned new research by the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) to review the formula used to distribute funding to local authorities in Wales.

The Regulator of Social Housing has opened a consultation on their 'More and Better Social Homes' proposals. The call for evidence seeks views on how regulation should enable the delivery of more social housing while improving existing homes. 

Joint statement from the foreign ministries of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom on Israel closing the investigation into strikes on the World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza on 1 April 2024.

The latest resource has been designed to support conversations between social care professionals and care-experienced people wishing to obtain records through a Subject Access Request 

The Welsh Government is finalising its approach to a National Energy Strategy, which will be published later this year. It sets out Welsh Government’s vision for a low carbon energy system that retains value in Welsh communities.

French police units prevented 185 small boat crossing events in the first 3 months of a new UK-France deal.

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

Multi-year funding to support expansion by 2031

Flood-hit residents in Milford Haven are helping shape the next step in Wales’ national response to flooding, as the Welsh Government strengthens support for communities before, during and after flood events.

Visitors to Salisbury River Park can now explore a new artwork trail and family treasure trail, featuring pieces created by local and regional artists.

Earlier this week, I reflected on why listening to children and young people must be central to the government’s plans for improving children’s lives.

Animal movement restricted in an area around Dumfries and Galloway.

From this week young people will begin to receive the second dose of their potentially lifesaving Meningitis B vaccination.

Following COBR meeting chaired by Prime Minister, National Drought Group now moves to weekly meetings.

FCDO Indo-Pacific Minister Baroness Winterton of Doncaster responds to the guilty verdict against Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung in Hong Kong.

Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan.

The number of National Crime Agency officers tackling organised immigration crime has more than doubled since the start of 2025.

The Environment Agency is investigating an illegal waste site at Hinckley in Leicestershire after local partners stopped further waste arriving on site.

UK weapons and ammunition manufacturing jobs rose 51% in 2024/25, part of a wider 26,000 increase in defence-supported roles nationwide.

GeoPlace has supported Durham County Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in securing Department for Transport (DfT) approval for new lane rental schemes, helping both authorities develop robust, evidence-led proposals, designed to reduce disruption from road and street works.

Fly-tippers will be forced to clean up our communities and pay the costs of clearing up their mess under government plans for ‘clean up squads’.

Secretary of State Chris Bryant yesterday released a statement following engagement with victims and survivors' groups and veterans' representatives in Northern Ireland.

Clearance decision comes well ahead of deadline following constructive engagement by the businesses with the CMA’s inquiry group.

Applications are now open for the latest round of SMART funding to help organisations across Wales invest in new equipment and technology.

Latest results from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) reaffirms that fish from Lough Neagh is safe to eat, and existing food safety advice remains unchanged.

GRECO (Group of States Against Corruption) publishes 6th round evaluation for the UK.

Minister for Tourism and Place brings together leaders across eight local authorities to understand local perspectives on new theme park and resort development

Food and drink businesses will be able to boost production, create jobs and grow their companies thanks to almost £6 million of support from the Scottish Government.

The new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism will be observed annually on on 21 August.

As geopolitical competition heats up in the Arctic, security and science must go hand in hand.

One week after T Level results day, thousands of learners across England are looking ahead to university, apprenticeships, and the first steps in their careers. 

The FCA is warning consumers about the risks of investing in loan notes and mini-bonds issued by unregulated companies, after continuing to see people lose money in these high-risk investments.

Manufacturing order books saw a noticeable improvement in August according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS), following a sharp deterioration over April-July.

Tech4Youth is expanding into Lincolnshire this August, extending the programme’s existing work in Leicestershire.

People with disabilities are being let down by public services due to poor or inaccessible communications, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has warned.

Statement given recently (18 August 2026) by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

CBI yesterday responded to July 2026 inflation data.

More than a century ago, Aleksandr Svechin warned against mistaking formations that still existed on paper for units that retained real fighting power. Ukraine shows why that distinction still matters.

The recent spell of cooler and more unsettled weather marks a notable change from one of the most remarkable summers the UK has experienced in recent years.

Over 6,000 more students achieve grade 7 and above in maths is largest ever uptick in maths standards.

In Scotland, the total organic land area (in-conversion and fully organic) was 168,200 hectares, a 28% increase compared with 2024, and a 62% increase compared with 2021. This represented 3.3% of the total agricultural area in Scotland in 2025.

Pakistan counts militants killed to the digit. It does not routinely measure whether goods can still move through Balochistan.

The impact of AI on health and care is already being felt. From supporting diagnosis to helping services manage growing demand, AI could transform health and care as we recognise it.  But it also raises significant questions.

The continent is increasingly vulnerable to arson attacks, while climate disasters are diverting militaries from other threats. Policymakers must respond with a security-based approach to climate change.

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, has congratulated learners across Wales receiving their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification results.

The Prime Minister sets out new plan to shut down the criminal gangs running illegal waste sites, as part of his pledge to bring hope back to Britain's communities.

In his second blog this August, Joseph Kelly looks at two more archive services marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This year’s FDA Group Impact Award was presented to the union’s Ofsted Branch. 

Digital sovereignty is the agency a country or organisation has to shape, use and maintain its digital word. How sovereign is the UK, and should sovereignty be increased?

Statement given yesterday by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Political Coordinator, at the Security Council meeting on Working methods of the Security Council.

While summer 2026 will be remembered for its exceptional heat, the season's longest dry spells highlight just how unusual the past few months have been.

Challenge aims to strengthen UK energy security, create jobs in new industries, and reduce energy bills in the long-term

Health checks to enable earlier treatment and improve life chances.

Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, responds to the latest NHS Wales activity and performance data.

On 19 August Prime Minister Andy Burnhamannounced a national drive to get all people sleeping rough into accommodation for Christmas.

A gang of drugs couriers who were part of a plot to smuggle cannabis worth £13.8 million into the UK via Birmingham Airport have been convicted.

Hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes could swap daily insulin injections for a once-a-week jab, following a NICE recommendation today (Thursday, 20 August). The switch could cut the number of injections each patient needs by 85%. 

A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

Florence Eshalomi has been officially confirmed as the new Government Minister with responsibility for homelessness. Homeless Link welcomes her to the role, as she takes up the position from her predecessor Alison McGovern MP.

UK condemns the Government of Israel's launch of a tender for the E1 settlement project, and summons Israeli Chargé d’Affaires

New crackdown unites government, regulators, police, local government, and Mayors against criminal gangs behind illegal waste sites.

Parents and guardians reminded to apply for their child's Zip Oyster photocard or check that their existing card is still valid ahead of the new school term

This change to the law means 18-year-olds can now apply to become train drivers, tackling train driver shortages and helping young people into stable, skilled and well-paid jobs.

Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty MP, has concluded a two-day visit to Egypt marking his first official visit to the region.

A man who conspired to smuggle drugs and banned items using a drone into a Suffolk prison had his sentence increased following the Attorney General’s intervention.

NICON members respond to the resignation of Mike Nesbitt as NI Health Minister after two years in office.

If your child is 1 to 5 years old and lives in Barry, or goes to a nursery, school or childcare setting in Barry, you can get a free hepatitis A vaccine.

The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation as part of a major revision of the National Development Framework – which sets out how places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources should be planned and managed through the planning system in Wales.

Devolution is back in fashion in England. Yet health and wider policy have been devolved to the home nations since 1999, creating opportunities to learn from the different choices each nation has made on policies that affect the public’s health.

Ruth Rankine comments on patient safety findings over the use of NHS advice and guidance services.

The summer is usually a quieter time in the political calendar, with Parliament on recess and no new policy announcements, white papers or legislation coming our way. 

The FCA has banned Demetrios Hadjigeorgiou from working in senior management positions in financial services and fined him £56,400.

Continued help for small and medium sized firms to update operations

TUC General SecretaryPaul Nowak comments on inflation figures showing CPI up to 2.9 per cent in July

Beccy Baird, Senior Fellow for Primary Care at The King’s Fund responds to the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) investigation into Advice and Guidance (A&G).

Charity Commission Chair, Julia Unwin, and Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, invite you to join our Annual Public Meeting on Thursday 15 October at 12.45pm.

The Met Office is inviting the public to decide whether beloved characters Shaun or Timmy should become a future storm name, as part of a collaboration with Aardman, the creators of Shaun the Sheep.

Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK Cymru have today launched two new national resources to support everyone diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in Wales — giving people the knowledge and confidence to live well from day one and helping prevent serious complications. 

Our new research reveals a significant gap between how much control parents believe they have over their children's online experiences and the reality of their children's digital lives.

Work has begun on Wales’s first Climate and Nature Action Plan, which will set out a cross-government programme of action to tackle the climate and nature emergency as one connected challenge.

Surveys to explore families’ experiences of smartphones, social media and going online.

Trade restrictions to prevent Sweet Chestnut Blight will be extended in Devon, and the area will now include a small part of Cornwall

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

A new daily long-distance coach service connecting the north and south of Wales will come into service from Sunday 25 October.

Semiconductor company's expansion safeguarding skilled jobs and boosting exports.

The Chair of the Transport Committee has welcomed Government plans to enable disabled people across England to travel by bus for free at any time of day.

HMRC has opened the second phase of mandatory tax adviser registration, with eligible advisers required to register by 18 November 2026.

Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, wants to be the biggest supporter of tourism and work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination.

Insolvency Service takes action to shut down unauthorised crypto investment firm

Recent weather headlines have focused on everything from a potential September heatwave to plunging temperatures, flooding and even wintry weather.

Two-thirds of Prevent referrals for children made by schools and colleges were returned to education settings – and in almost all of these the cases (93 per cent) the children received no support from Prevent. 

Maggie’s cancer centres and the Royal Family have jointly released a film featuring The Queen discussing the role of cancer support services for patients and their families. 

New AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, while freeing up police to tackle crime and help victims.

One month after making his first instruction as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham today (Wednesday 19 August) has announced the next steps in his national drive to end rough sleeping by announcing immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by increased funding of £442 million.

Investigations into online pricing practices are part of CMA’s work to help ease cost of living pressures.

New CBI and Oliver Wyman report identifies an emerging AI ‘execution divide’ and calls for a national partnership to make AI work for Britain.