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Applications open for the AI Upskilling Challenge Fund, inviting organisations to deliver innovative AI training to help Barnsley workers, businesses and residents build AI skills as part of the Barnsley Tech Town.

Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme will be introduced on 1 October 2026. It is recommended that you apply by the end of July (see below).

Five people have been charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into Russian Coms, a group which made products used by criminals to defraud victims all over the world.

11 top benefits of the largest services trade deal concluded by the UK.

A new report showing that 75% of identified adult care home places in Wales are run by for-profit providers, and that the only significant growth in supply of care home places is coming from private investment firms, should be a wake-up call for politicians and council leaders, say TUC Cymru and UNISON today (14th July 2026).

Fourteen government buildings were closed last year, contributing to savings across the government estate of £43.1 million in the past year.

Funding will see a consistent, national Independent Child Trafficking Guardians service for child survivors of modern slavery and trafficking.

High pressure remains dominant bringing another week of mostly dry, sunny and very warm conditions for many, though a slight downturn in temperatures is likely by the weekend.

The UK music industry will benefit from a range of new powers and investment as the government unveils a new long-term plan to back the sector.

Britain's rail industry must maintain a relentless focus on safety as it undergoes major reform, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says in its annual health and safety report published today.

Shared interests among European and Asian middle powers, navigating a turbulent Sino-American unilateralism, sustain NATO’s Asian partnerships.

UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement to deliver new opportunities for UK food and drink exporters.

A major incident has been declared by emergency services responding to a large-scale wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain.

The governments of Australia and the United Kingdom gave a joint statement following the third UK–Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality on 4 May 2026.

Wakefield Trinity RLFC and Wakefield-based public sector buying organisation YPO have recently unveiled a new dual-branded Rugby League equipment range.

The new presidents are part of a swing to the right in Latin American politics – but can they govern such divided societies?

The IRGC are among the first bodies designated under new powers to crack down on foreign state-backed activity in the UK.

Ofsted has today published its annual report and accounts, covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Government signs a working Arrangement with the EU Drugs Agency to protect public health and reduce drug harms.

How might effective governance of solar radiation modification research be established, as interest grows in outdoor research experiments?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published a report titled Local Authority Assessments 2023–2026: Emerging Themes and Findings drawing together findings from the first-ever national programme of assessments of local authorities in England.

A man who helped smuggle Vietnamese nationals into the UK over 18 days in 2020 has been jailed.

CBI has responded to announcement of enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Switzerland.

The second phase of Awaab's Law will come into force on 30 November 2026, so more dangerous hazards are fixed quickly to help tenants living in social housing.

The government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy is a welcome first step but it is not a complete plan to tackle financial exclusion in the United Kingdom, according to a new Treasury Committee report.

techUK’s Rail Policy Working Group has engaged with Peers to protect the tech sector as the Railways Bill enters the House of Lords.

Inquiry will assess how public services worked during the incident and the treatment of his family.

The government’s ambitions to build 1.5 million homes, upgrade home energy standards, and deliver a £725 billion long-term infrastructure pipeline will depend on a significant expansion to the construction workforce – and stronger employer involvement in training the next generation of workers, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) published yesterday.

Over a quarter of a billion-pound investment to increase policing in Jewish communities after a spate of violent attacks.

The First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will set out the first phase of the Welsh Government’s new legislative programme in a statement to the Senedd this afternoon.

UK and EU hit back with first joint cyber sanctions package.

APCC Joint Equality Leads yesterday welcomed funding for police to tackle antisemitism.

A new Defence Universities Alliance with 35 UK universities will help strengthen defence research, build critical skills and support the UK's future defence capability.

FTA seals £5.2bn services deal with Switzerland and separate agreement paves way for travellers to use Swiss E-gates.

New analysis from the TUC reveals bank bonuses have hit a post-crash record – as the union body calls for a hike in the bank windfall tax, which it says is “common sense and long overdue”. 

It's 5 years since the 2021 flash floods that affected 24 boroughs and over 2,000 properties, including homes, schools, hospitals, and Underground stations.

Britain’s next prime minister faces major policy decisions on tech and AI. They should aim to strengthen the UK’s tech sovereignty by building the national strengths – and the alliances – that give a middle power leverage in a shifting order.

Hundreds of thousands of students heading to university this autumn are being urged by the NHS to book a potentially lifesaving MenB vaccine as of yesterday before term starts.

People struggling with debt could get help sooner, thanks to a £900,000 tech investment to speed up access to debt relief orders (DROs).

Nearly half of the government’s 1.5million home building target could be met by giving a new lease of life to historic buildings currently lying vacant or under-used, MPs say today.

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, and Yvette Stanley, National Director, Regulation and Social Care, spoke at the ADCS Annual Conference in Manchester.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has welcomed the Government’s intention to strengthen enforcement powers across England and Wales, subject to consultation. This is something that CTSI has extensively campaigned on and will help Trading Standards – and partner agencies – to close down “dodgy shops”.

The Chief Medical Officer’s annual report, published yesterday, has called for a shift to a prevention first approach to health and highlights that successful prevention initiatives have demonstrated the potential for improvements in population health. 

UK ratifies the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

Ofcom has published its long-awaited consultation on the Additional Duties for Category 1 Services under the Online Safety Act, alongside the Register of Categorised Services.

Housing company Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd has been sentenced for polluting a North East stream following an Environment Agency investigation.

Tens of thousands of small businesses to receive a boost, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces most significant reforms to small business finance in years.

Climate change added between 3-4°C to maximum temperatures and is estimated to be responsible for about 42% of the deaths across both heatwaves.

Professor Chris Whitty writes for The i paper on the update to the UK CMOs' physical activity guidelines.

In January this year, the Treasury Committee published a report on the use of AI in financial services.

The next global shock may be the use of nuclear weapons assisted by the more casual attitudes of less responsible world leaders and the lack of popular understanding and fear.

Government sets out clear path to the international agreed target of protecting and improving 30% of land by 2030

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

Brits heading overseas this summer urged to check Travel Advice as the FCDO highlights unusual requests for consular assistance.

CBI yesterday responded to Chancellor’s plans to boost finance for small businesses.

The humble postcard – a communication staple for over 150 years – is at risk, we have warned today (10 July) as new research commissioned by the charity reveals that only 8% of adults send a postcard once a year and 52% never send them at all.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act received 'Royal Assent' 29 April 2026. Most of the Act is not yet in force (meaning businesses do not need to follow its requirements just yet), but it will be the law, so your business needs to be prepared. 

MOD has awarded £3.16 million to three companies to counter drone threats, becoming the first European partner to act under a joint defence programme.

Health Innovation North West Coast is a key partner in a national initiative to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most significant global health challenges of our age.  

On Monday 6 July, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released their long-awaited review into the impact of AI on retail financial services. 

A statement given yesterday by the E3 (UK, France & Germany) on Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and countries in the region.

A growing number of water companies are introducing hosepipe restrictions in an effort to combat the impact of sustained hot weather on water supplies and the environment.

The NHS is urging millions of people in their 50s to complete lifesaving bowel cancer screening tests, as new figures show this age group is less likely to take part.

A timetable to implement the biggest pension reforms in a generation has been published today, showing how millions of savers will benefit over the coming years.  

Halfway through the first 100 days of the Scottish Government formed in May, the rollout of an expanded 10-year £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund is underway.

The mastermind of a largescale drugs ring and his gang members have been jailed, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

A West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer has been sentenced for assault, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

Officers fighting crime in their communities put their lives at risk every day and are repeatedly exposed to traumatic incidents in high-pressure environments.

The review looked at recent changes to Debt Relief Orders (DROs) – finding they are helping more people in financial difficulty make a fresh start

The Defence Investment Plan shows where more money may go. The harder test is whether ministers can show how spending, assets, maintenance and liabilities become readiness.

Government has designated four major global cloud services and technology providers as Critical Third Parties (CTPs).

The kingpin of a £109 million drugs network has been jailed, after a National Crime Agency-led international investigation unearthed his criminality.

People living in supported accommodation will soon be able to work more without losing access to Housing Benefit, thanks to changes introduced by Government this week.

A crisis of pride in the UK and growing disillusion with the current political system mean it’s time for a new understanding of what it means to be a citizen alongside a radical overhaul of our democracy, says IPPR in a major report

Ofcom has published its long-awaited draft Fraudulent Advertising Codes of Practice, setting out how Category 1 and Category 2A services should tackle paid-for scam adverts under the Online Safety Act. The consultation is open for responses until 2 October 2026.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s, Health and Wellbeing Committee, responds to new UK CMO activity guidelines showing every movement counts

FSA and FSS publish new guidance to help businesses bring cell-cultivated products and other novel foods safely to market. 

An innovative procedure which uses high energy soundwaves to treat a rare and serious condition in pregnancy called twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is safe.

Beccy Baird, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, responded to the annual GP Patient Survey published by NHS England

On 7 July 2026, the EU Commission presented its Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, setting out how the EU intends to manage the risks and harness the opportunities of advanced AI for cybersecurity.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded to the government announcement on launching a crackdown of vapes targeting children.

A young couple from Merseyside have been charged with smuggling cannabis from Thailand, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Ahead of the UK Government Immigration and Asylum Bills second reading, we have contacted every MP to ensure they consider key human rights implications as they review the proposed legislation.

Big Tech will be held accountable for tackling scam ads on their platforms, under proposed new fraud-fighting rules announced today by Ofcom

The international nature of large businesses presents high risks to the UK’s tax revenues.

A man from London has been charged with smuggling cannabis from Thailand, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Ministers have launched a crackdown on vapes marketed at kids with a shift to plain white packaging.

Largest ever numbers of drug lines closed, gang leaders put behind bars and dangerous weapons seized through county line operations

Uncertainty over how many people are not being monitored, combined with wider inefficiencies in the Ministry of Justice’s electronic monitoring service, is wasting resources and increasing public protection risks. The National Audit Office says this raises concerns about plans to expand a system that has grown quickly but is not yet working effectively

The Environment Agency has changed the status of parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to prolonged dry weather.

Welsh Government along with other Governments from across the UK are asking for views on new rules aimed at making vaping products less attractive to children and young people

The Environment Agency, in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, are launching ground investigations this summer

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and First Vice-President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo Caballero have signed a roadmap on UK-Spain collaboration in Brussels on 9 July 2026.

The National Security (State Threats) Bill recently (08 July 2026) received Royal Assent. 

From 1 August to 31 August 2026, kids aged 5 to 15 years will benefit from free bus travel in England.

Support available to those most at risk from drop in pig prices.

US–Iran peace negotiations have stumbled, but if normalcy returns to the Strait of Hormuz, the G7 must be ready to align again on pressuring Russia.

Fifteen towns shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition.

As a member of NCFE’s Youth Ambassador Network, I’m passionate about improving opportunities for young people and making sure our voices are heard. 

Ambassador Holland thanks Austria's Court of Audit for their professional work as External Auditor, and welcomes their assessments of the 2025 Financial Statements and the overall financial liquidity of the organisation (09 July 2026).

Updated physical activity guidelines confirm that increasing your physical activity even a bit can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing.

The Environment Agency has seized an HGV as part of its investigation into an illegal waste site in Bradford.

Ofcom has published its long-awaited consultation on the Additional Duties for Category 1 Services under the Online Safety Act, alongside the Register of Categorised Services. 

New science-led performance guide for Servicewomen will transform how they train, fuel and recover for the most demanding military roles.

Updated UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines find even small amounts of physical activity benefit health.

Consultation on packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products.

Two home improvement companies have been fined a total of £370,000 for making hundreds of thousands of unlawful marketing calls to people who had asked not to be contacted.

The UK condemns Russia’s systematic efforts to compel loyalty from Ukrainian children through militarisation, indoctrination, and coercion

New data released by the Department for Education (DfE) yesterday shows that a record number of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) were excluded in 2024/25

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has announced the launch of new NRLA Knowledge Hubs to support private landlords in the wake of the Renters’ Rights Act’s introduction.

Inverclyde Council delivers a range of highly performing services, involving local communities in decisions about how money is spent and redesigning services.

The justice system in England and Wales is failing to meet people’s needs, with cuts to legal aid forming part of a wider pattern of declining investment and support, warns a new UCL-led report.

We have launched a 10-week consultation on proposals to strengthen requirements for solicitors using or arranging third-party litigation funding in consumer claims.

Andy Burnham has promised us the ‘biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen’ through his devolution agenda. But if devolution is to seriously tackle the crisis our democracy faces, it can’t only be about rebalancing power between politicians and political institutions.

A 45-year-old woman has been charged with smuggling 51.2kg of cannabis from Thailand on a flight to the United Kingdom, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Audit Wales has published the Auditor General for Wales’ new Code of Audit Practice, which takes effect immediately, replacing the 2020 Code.

Our report, the safer management of controlled drugs 2025, highlights our oversight activity under the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2013.

Ofcom has fined an online porn provider £600,000 for not having age checks in place, and a further £30,000 for failing to respond to a legally binding information request on time.

Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships at The King’s Fund, responded to the government’s 10 Year Capital Plan

The Sentencing Council has launched a public consultation on its proposed strategic objectives for the period 2027 to 2030.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, responds to the interim report of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A new, tightly controlled British Business Investment Visa (BBIV) could attract around £425 million in investment in the UK from 100 applicants each year, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)

The Sentencing Council has published its Annual Report for 2025/2026, and a public consultation on its Strategic Objectives for the next three years.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak responded to the Timms review, which finds Personal Independence payments (PIP) - a key disability benefit – is “not fit for purpose” and needs fundamental change 

Ofqual has stopped an awarding organisation from accepting new learners on a set of security qualifications.

Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions following the release of the UKHSA public health risk assessment this week

Improving match experience for all.

The FCA led an international crackdown on illegal finfluencer promotions – resulting in 3 arrests and 650 social media takedown requests. It also secured a combined 11 years in prison for 2 cases of insider dealing in the first year of its 5-year strategy, according to its Annual report and accounts published today.

The Building Safety Regulator will update its approach to building assessment certificates, providing greater support for duty holders while maintaining high standards of building safety.

Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s intensified missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, highlighting civilian casualties and damage to humanitarian infrastructure. Russia has rejected opportunities for a ceasefire and is using continued attacks to exert pressure.

A national programme to build confidence in AI across the UK education workforce will help tens of thousands of teachers and education professionals develop the skills they need for an AI-enabled future.

The NHS is facing a “summer onslaught”, with A&Es experiencing their busiest month on record in June amid record heatwaves and the World Cup.

Families across the country will be able to see how the Government will track its progress in tackling child poverty in the years ahead, as a new report is published today (9 July).

The ‘Bashi Breakout’ – China’s maritime operation east of Taiwan – is a warning that disruption to maritime trade is spreading to the Indo-Pacific.

Ofcom yesterday fined Virgin Media £28 million for putting customers on millions of calls through unreasonable effort, hassle and difficulty when trying to switch to another provider. 

Thames Valley Police has made improvements in how it responds to the public and prevents crime, but more work is needed in safeguarding vulnerable people and crime investigations, the police inspectorate has said.

Guiding AI weather models to better preserve physical consistency during training could be the key to addressing limitations of future AI forecasts, according to new research from the Met Office and the Alan Turing Institute.

Dangerous cladding will be removed from lower-rise buildings with serious fire safety risks, thanks to new government funding.

Guest Blog: Jocelyn Paulley, Partner at Gowling WLG, 07 July 2026.

China’s ‘war by other means’ is there to see, if Europe looks past isolated incidents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's speech given yesterday at Ruskin College.

Gaps in NHS dental services and confusion over responsibility of care left patients in pain and without appropriate treatment, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has found.  

Richard Bloomfield has been charged by the FCA with 5 counts of insider dealing.

New national indicators for literacy and numeracy will provide a clearer picture of progress and support raising educational standards.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into alleged failures by Cambridgeshire Constabulary to investigate the report of assault on a man in Fletton, Peterborough on 27 September 2025 has concluded.

Joint statement given yesterday from the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom on the Deep Precision Strike Capability Investment Initiative.

Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, rejects Russia's attempts to characterise Ukraine's defence of its territory as terrorism, reaffirms that Ukraine's armed forces personnel are lawful combatants entitled to full Prisoner of War protections under the Geneva Conventions (08 July 2026).

Erosion of public trust in US leadership and the growing Russian threat are opportunities for European NATO allies to build public support for fast and decisive action on defence.

The Sentencing Council have launched a consultation seeking views on their proposed sentencing guidelines for immigration offences.

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

A dentist has been found guilty of defrauding the NHS out of more than £92,500 by manipulating more than 1,000 claims for dental work.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak recently (Tuesday) commented on Nigel Farage’s announcement.

50 UK Government-funded 4G masts have been switched on to boost signal in some of Scotland's hardest-to-reach communities.

Findings from the 2025 Scottish Social Attitudes survey on discrimination and positive action. It explores attitudes to prejudice, diversity and immigration, trends over time, and identifies groups most at risk, alongside mixed public views on equality and support for positive action in Scotland.

The head of the NHS yesterday issued a stark warning to staff that they face the sack or even prison if they access patient records without a legitimate reason, as part of a new crackdown by the health service.

Report:  The appointment of Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to the United States

Sizewell B power plant given 20‑year lifetime extension to continue operating until 2055.

Plans to improve access to social care, provide same day mental health support and strengthen the Women's Health Plan were outlined by the Deputy Minister.

Life Sciences sector attracts over £3 billion in new public-private investment in 12 months, reflecting international confidence in UK science and innovation.

New explainer warns planning decisions are shaping Wales’ health, with urgent action needed. 

Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade, the Timms Review has found.

New powers are now in place for the Home Secretary to crack down on groups carrying out hostile activity on behalf of foreign states.

Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in United Kingdom, has been granted a conditional pardon by His Majesty the King following the Deputy Prime Minister’s advice.

Proposals for a new independent veterinary ombudsman to give pet owners stronger rights

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Türkiye have today signed a new Security and Defence Partnership at the NATO Summit in Ankara, marking a significant milestone in their strong strategic partnership.

UK Export Finance provided over £11 billion in new financing last year, helping UK companies to export and grow .

Accompanied children aged 8 and above can now use UK eGates, meaning speedier and smoother journeys for millions of families.

Children with a parent in prison will be recognised earlier and connected to support under a new government pilot to help them thrive

Families and businesses will benefit from more solar power as the government has approved a major new solar power project.