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The Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee is pressing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a full market investigation into the UK’s live music industry before the end of the year.

Blog posted by: Andrea Bollella, Third Party Data Manager and Marisa Hayes, Partnerships Delivery Project Manager, GeoPlace.

Calder Hall, the world’s first nuclear power station, marks 70 years. Decommissioning of the facility progresses, creating space for Sellafield’s future mission

Tackling nuisance behaviour on buses and trains will help people feel safer and more comfortable.

First Minister announces series of interventions to tackle violence against women and girls.

The first ever waste crime summit to bring partners together in Liverpool City Region was held in Widnes.

Autumnal weather moves in as low pressure takes charge of UK weather.

£140 million will fund 14 urgent care schemes, with 25 more sites opening for winter, to boost NHS capacity and ease pressure on A&E.

£30m Scotland Together Fund to tackle poverty, disadvantage, and racism.

The collaboration will offer new training and capacity building for those involved in fighting financial crime and sanctions evasion.

All 3 masts of SS Richard Montgomery have been successfully removed and have been transferred to the Historic Dockyard Chatham for conservation and preservation.

The Government will today [Monday 19 October] strengthen the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill through a substantial package of amendments.

The decision by the Israeli government to open tenders for settlements in E1 is a direct threat to the prospect of a two-state solution.

The First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, will today call on the UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to agree a new "partnership for growth” when the 2 leaders meet later this month.

After months of extreme weather, the Environment Agency have been stepping up efforts to protect the country from weather whiplash.

The Children’s Commissioner will name the hardest places to grow up in England and warn of a ‘state of emergency’ in some communities.

Two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges are coming to Scotland after the Scottish Government confirmed it will match fund the UK Government's £10 million,

CMA proposes to designate Microsoft with strategic market status in its business software ecosystem.

Cap to be expanded across the north east of Scotland from April 2027.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, recently (16 October 2026) spoke at the Confederation of School Trusts 2026 annual conference in Birmingham.

As Children’s Commissioner, I want every child to have the chance to have a happy, healthy childhood. 

Italy’s low fentanyl death toll reflects Europe’s distinct opioid market history, not mafia restraint – but synthetic opioids such as nitazenes are a growing threat.

Statement given recently (16 October 2026) by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Fund to Leave scheme investment doubled to £4 million.

A speech delivered recently (16 October 2026) by Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, at the Confederation of School Trusts annual conference.

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP recently (16 October 2026) told the government to act decisively on the future of Thames Water, amid reports that its creditors may issue new debt that would allow the company to continue operating into autumn 2027.

'Organisational failure' at water company behind pollution.

Fraudsters who agreed millions of pounds in contracts to supply healthcare staff PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic but instead bought luxury cars and renovated their home have been sentenced.

The Committee on Standards recently (16 October 2026) published its report on complaints against Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA that she had breached the Assembly Members’ Code of Conduct (the Code).

More than 250 additional nursing graduates have been placed into posts across NHS Wales since June.

Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, responded to Ofgem's latest announcement on the Market Stabilisation Charge 

The shift from analogue to digital is already happening across health and care. The question now is whether the system can match industry's pace.

A vehicle recovery driver has pleaded guilty after a runaway Range Rover he failed to secure rolled down a hill in Bournemouth, dragging him beneath the vehicle before crushing a member of the public who attempted to help

Businesses across the UK backed with a share of £50 million to deliver innovation and training for real-world quantum technologies.

Sir Ciarán says NHS leaders recognise the importance of ensuring that services are safe, inclusive and legally compliant for every patient and member of staff. 

Investment Doubled for Bridges Programme.

On Monday 12 October, techUK hosted a Women in Tech Group breakfast event, Closing the gap: Women, work & AI adoption, to open Women in Tech Week and mark the day before Ada Lovelace Day.

A new Community Jobs Fund could give local leaders the resources to create paid jobs for young people shut out of the labour market in areas where opportunities are scarcest, according to a new report from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University

Root and branch reforms are needed to the Capital Gains Tax system to help tackle the rental housing supply crisis. 

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responds to Ofcom’s Interim Review on the Universal Service Obligation

With all eyes on the forthcoming UK Budget, more than 200 businesses, politicians and other leaders joined CBI Northern Ireland at its flagship annual networking breakfast in Country Antrim to discuss growth, resilience and the opportunities presented by the Northern Ireland economy.

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:  “We have written to the Green Party of England and Wales about its recently adopted ‘Zionism is racism’ motion to ask for more information and assess its practical implications and potential impact.

Report Fraud, run by the City of London Police, is urging the public to be sure of who they are talking to following a spike in reports of calls from ‘spoofed’ police force phone numbers.

The price of a Second Class stamp will remain flat in real terms until March 2028, under proposals announced today by Ofcom. 

Proposal to activate the Market Stabilisation Charge to mitigate risks to consumer interests.

US voters are linking economic concerns to the Trump administration’s foreign policy choices. This is bad news for Republicans.

Fixed link transport infrastructure, such as bridges and tunnels, has the potential to deliver 'transformative benefits' for Scotland's island communities, according to a new report published today by the Scottish Affairs Committee.

UK and Germany deepen defence-industrial cooperation at Lancaster House talks, building on the Trinity House Agreement and Kensington Treaty.

From 1 January 2027, central government will score social value differently. 

A new digital platform for recording, transcribing and translating spoken Gaelic has been awarded £600,000 through the CivTech innovation programme.

Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries have caused a Russian kerosene shortage, disrupting flights, draining the budget and pushing Central Asian partners towards other suppliers.

Fishermen, scientists and fisheries managers met at a Defra-hosted conference to share evidence, discuss the impacts of the octopus bloom.

Six men who were supplying cocaine in Northern Ireland have been sentenced after a National Crime Agency (NCA) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation.

Minister for the Polar Regions, Uma Kumaran MP, yesterday delivered remarks at the launch of the Update to the United Kingdom's Arctic Policy Framework.

Seventeen museums, archives and libraries projects across Wales are to benefit from additional funding - helping to deliver on the Welsh Government's Programme for Government commitment to widen access to culture - with over £550,000 being invested in communities across the country.

Schools across Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds have benefited from £2,500 worth of free stationery thanks to a YPO donation marking the NSPCC Kindness Challenge 2026.

APCC Criminal Justice Leads yesterday welcomed the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.

Ofsted has today announced that it is piloting a new Independent Complaints Review (ICR) service for schools inspected during the academic year 2026/27.

Dame Julia Unwin yesterday addressed the Charity Commission's Annual Public Meeting 2026.

This report presents the results of Scottish regional king scallop stock assessments carried out by the Marine Directorate including data up to 2024. It also provides background information on Scottish fisheries for scallops, and the current management and regulatory framework.

Health Innovation North West Coast, NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a long-term strategic partnership.

Parts of England have moved into severe drought as prolonged dry weather continues to put enormous strain on water resources and the environment.

Blog posted by: Robin Linacre, 15 October 2026 – Data, Our services, Splink.

Announces formally amended national policy statement for ports (15 October 2026).

Whether Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro wins Brazil’s presidential run-off, a right-leaning Congress and pressure from China, the US and Europe will constrain its foreign policy.

techUK has submitted its response to the Department for Transport's consultation on the Statement of Safety Principles (SoSP) for automated vehicles (AVs), and we call for further guidance in its implementation.

The new row between Washington and Kyiv must not distract Europe’s leaders from the urgent matter at hand: how to sustain Ukraine’s economy through the winter.

£10 million investment to grow skills in defence sector.

Flu vaccination remains our best defence against workplace and school absenteeism.

New research from PF Global and IPPR Scotland shows that most Scots want Scotland to move to net zero. They favour a pragmatic middle path for the North Sea, with 69 per cent saying oil and gas decisions should be made case by case, while 63 per cent backing further investment in renewable energy.

Marine tech company HydroSurv has secured £150,000 in funding support from Nighthawk Export Finance, backed by a government guarantee.

Viewers and listeners say they find discriminatory language more problematic than swearing on TV, radio and on-demand services according to Ofcom's latest attitudinal study.

The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is a key counter-fraud tool, using electronic data matching to help public bodies avoid financial losses and delivering various wider benefits, but there is still scope to improve how some follow up data matches and record outcomes.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has published its new research data policy.

Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships at The King’s Fund, commented on the latest Estates Returns Information Collection data for 2025/26

A new survey from Public Health Wales shows strong support among people in Wales for making healthier food and drink the default option – promoting healthier options, while putting less focus on less healthy choices.  

Matthew Hopkins says despite recent increased investment, trusts face huge infrastructure risks, with many patients treated in crumbling, outdated buildings.

Seven people appeared before Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday 14 October 2026

Almost two million foreign nationals now receive benefits or the state pension, a landmark inquiry reveals

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey used the IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok to set out how the UK and its international partners can work together to respond to global economic headwinds and strengthen the conditions for growth.

The Government has declared severe drought in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.

The government has today (15 October) confirmed that an inspection will be undertaken at Tees Valley Combined Authority

Government launches campaign to help everyone know how to Respond to disclosures of abuse with people urged to "Listen.Believe.Support"

The TUC has today (Thursday 15 October) called on the Chancellor to take urgent action in the Budget to bring down living costs, as spiralling household bills have left households paying £13,961 more in average bills over the last five years– or £2,792 a year.

Home Secretary gives Eritrea ultimatum: accept returns or lose UK visa access.

The Science and Technology Committee has published the results of its call for ideas on what it should explore during this Parliament.

Events in recent weeks have brought public and policymaker concerns about the future of AI to the fore: rapid advancements in model capability, high-profile cybersecurity incidents, and intensifying global competition are dominating the debate.

Hundreds of vulnerable women will be better supported to break the cycle of reoffending for good through the expansion of crime-cutting Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs).

A UK statement on escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the CBI is calling on the Chancellor to give firms ‘breathing space’ by delivering a decisive set of measures that bolster business confidence, unlock investment and turn the government’s growth ambition into action.

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) is investing £2.43 million in 13 new winter maintenance vehicles through YPO’s Specialist Vehicles procurement framework, helping to improve reliability, keep more roads open and boost public safety.

In her speech, Lucy Powell set out a bold vision to reimagine childhood for a new era.

With flexible and hybrid working allowing more women to combine caring responsibilities with their careers, the CBI and the University of South Wales (USW) have warned many females may be falling between the cracks when it comes to senior leadership roles.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on the announcement of the Living Wage accreditation rates and the Minimum Income Standard rates

Today’s guest blog comes from Ben Walker a Youth Lead in the Scouts; he recently met the Children’s Commissioner as part of The Big Future visit in Cumbria.

Safeguarding arrangements for young and vulnerable people at risk of radicalisation have not kept pace with changing threats and increasing demand, a new report from the policing inspectorate has found.

The weather pattern across the North Atlantic is undergoing a remarkable transformation this week, with an intense area of low pressure near Iceland followed rapidly by strong high pressure across the UK.

New mission launched to help protect active satellites which underpin national security and everyday services.

New mission launched to help protect active satellites which underpin national security and everyday services

A report summarising the outcome of the September 2025 Open Market Review into current and planned broadband infrastructure across Scotland.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday commented on the publication of Skills for Care’s annual report on the state of the social care sector in England

Ministers, officials, industry leaders and RUSI experts gathered to discuss how the UK–Norway defence partnership can deliver on challenges including NATO's northern flank, shared industrial capacity and countering hybrid threats.

Speech given yesterday by Energy Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, on the future of our energy system at Energy UK's annual conference.

A 45-year-old woman has been jailed for 25 months after admitting smuggling 51.2kg of cannabis from Thailand on a flight to the United Kingdom, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

UK Politico-Military Counsellor Arron Newble rejects Russia's portrayal of deterrence as a threat and asks which armed attack it relies on under Article 51.

People should be able to access mental health support whenever they first seek help, without the need for a referral.

Imagine a bid manager at a supplier pulling together a response to a central government tender. 

Keynote speech given yesterday (14 October 2026) by Ofgem Chief Executive Tim Jarvis delivered at the Energy UK Annual Conference.

Yesterday, Chair of Arts Council England, Dawn Airey, delivered her inaugural speech at The Arts Britain Ignores: 50 Years On, a national gathering marking the 50th anniversary of Naseem Khan’s landmark 1976 report that challenged the sector to confront the exclusion and marginalisation of Black artists and culturally diverse communities.

Transcript of the speech given yesterday by Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, at the 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards.

Trading Standards body test purchase reveals that basic product safety rules are not being met and poses questions about the safety of products sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces.

However, steps can be taken to ensure that the programme is delivered. Read more in the Built Environment Committee’s third and final report on new towns.

The Foreign Secretary yesterday delivered a keynote speech at a Rockefeller Foundation event in Bangkok, where he proposed action on developing countries’ debt, private investment, support for fragile states and resilience to shocks set to be intensified by El Nino.

People who are better at noticing fine details in sound – known as auditory precision – can master the pronunciation of new languages faster and more accurately than other learners, a new study finds.

The renewed conflict in Yemen exposes the limits of Saudi Arabia’s military options and the vulnerabilities of the Gulf states. A unified Gulf Cooperation Council strategy on Yemen and a credible political settlement between Yemenis are needed.

CBI has responded to GDP data for August 2026.

As part of a new partnership with UKHospitality announced today (15 October 2026), major employers will provide paid employment as well as work experience and training opportunities for 18 to 24 year olds who are not in education, work or training.

Sets out the progress made between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 by national government, local government and third sector partners towards reducing drug deaths and improving the lives of those impacted by drugs in Scotland.

A national expansion of the CPS Victims Programme means in the future, when a charging decision is made by the CPS, victims will receive direct communication explaining whether prosecutors decide to charge a case or take no further action, why the decision was made, their rights under the Victims’ Code, and what happens next in the case.

X has submitted its first quarterly report to Ofcom on the action it has taken when suspected hate and terror content is reported to it by users.

With GOTT support, HSE transformed RIDDOR data into a beta dashboard that helps users identify workplace safety risks and trends.

New headquarters in Derby will employ up to 450 staff and open up apprenticeships for up to 600 young people.

74 heritage and faith buildings including churches, synagogues, town halls and castles will receive support from the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

Urgent action is needed to increase and protect investment in prevention, according to a new Public Health Wales report, which warns that health systems continue to spend too little on measures that can prevent illness, reduce pressure on services and improve people’s well-being. 

UK to provide £17m in funding towards repairs to the Chornobyl nuclear power plant damaged by Russian drone strike last year.

Prime Minister and Health Secretary met campaigner Archie Goodburn, following his emotional plea on BBC Breakfast.

An army chef has been sentenced to 46 months after a homemade gun and explosive ingredients including gunpowder were discovered inside his bedroom.

Scheme will see 58,000 tons of rock arrive by boat with 30,000 more tons expected by road. 

Major milestone in government’s mission to fix the building safety crisis, as the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill is introduced to Parliament.

Over 900,000 people could benefit from new plans which include measures to crack down on bogus self-employment.

The National Armaments Director and the Chief of the Defence Staff urge faster capability delivery, greater innovation, and improved readiness.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the current system is failing developing economies and holding back shared global prosperity

The Environment Agency has taken action following an investigation into reports of foul smells in Little Hulton in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Proposed changes at Monument junction include new and improved pedestrian crossings and new facilities for cyclists

Workplace monitoring technologies (WMT) are not simply good or bad for workers and outcomes depend on how and why they are implemented. As government considers its next steps following the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade's consultation on WMT, getting the definition and approach right will determine whether policy supports businesses and workers without holding back responsible adoption. 

The companies appeared unrelated until a joint investigation uncovered similar conduct concerns.

Scarborough soldier, Lance Corporal (LCpl) Claude Stanley Dell, has been laid to rest more than a century after his death in World War 1.

Yesterday thousands of Welsh farms have advance farm payments in the bank, giving businesses financial support, at a challenging time for the industry.

On Saturday 26 September, a new memorial was unveiled at Treloar's College.

Long-term plan to grow England’s organic sector and help farmers meet growing consumer demand launched

Proposed measures will automatically disqualify individuals convicted of hate crimes from serving as charity trustees or senior managers.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP yesterday publishes his Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chair’s Annual Report - his second as PAC Chair. 

The Welsh Government is working with partners to build a transport network that can withstand future climate pressures and best serve the people of Wales, it was announced yesterday.

Almost 30 suspected scammers have been arrested and 3.7 million online profiles and accounts removed as part of a National Crime Agency-hosted crackdown against fraud perpetrated from across Africa.

Taking a human-centred approach to designing head-mounted equipment will increase the performance and effectiveness of warfighters and reduce the risk of injury.

A new National Audit Office (NAO) case study highlights the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)’s and HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)’s Justice Transcribe programme as an example of how organisations can use technology to support frontline services.

We have issued a reprimand and enforcement notice to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) after finding that its officers and staff shared personal information using an unapproved third-party retail crime intelligence-sharing platform without appropriate data protection safeguards, governance or oversight.  

National Hate Crime Awareness Week is held each year to encourage communities, safety partners and civic leaders to work together to tackle hate crime and promote support for victims. 

Customers will receive around £440,000 in refunds.

Businesses investing in the Falklands Islands are set to be protected from Argentinian domestic measures targeting companies and individuals involved in lawful economic activity

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music has been fined over serious shortcomings in its arrangements for retaining and managing assessment evidence.

Campaign launched with backing of foster carers and care-experienced influencers as part of government plans to create 10,000 new foster places.

Unique wetland habitats created by River Yare to support wildlife. Work is part of wider government commitment to restore nature and protect water environment

The Chancellor of the Exchequer spoke to Vice Premier He Lifeng of China on Thursday 8 October.

Reforms to the heating oil sector are being planned to ensure stronger regulation and protections for consumers

The United Kingdom and Canada announce a renewed AI security partnership

Government yesterday launched campaign placing the voices of victims and veterans at the heart of government policy in addressing legacy issues

Statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom

New Flood Performance Certificate to give homeowners and insurers a clear assessment of a property's flood risk and resilience.

National Crime Agency officers have taken part in a major operation targeting transnational people smuggling gangs and organised crime in Bulgaria.

New campaign highlights how employers can prevent permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and hand-arm vibration syndrome through effective workplace action.

The new UK government aims to deliver “growth in every postcode.” Scale-up companies – firms with consistent, rapid growth in turnover or employees over a three-year period – are the engines of that economic growth.

Two people who worked at financial advice firms have pleaded guilty to fraud after 4 clients lost £2m.

An Arts Council England survey suggests that extreme heat is already having operational impacts across the cultural sector, affecting staff, audiences, finances, and organisational resilience. 

Parents say ‘stranger danger’ is their biggest concern about their children gaming online, as more than half of young gamers play with people they have never met in person, according to a new Ofcom summary report published yesterday. 

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to check if they can benefit from Pension Credit, an income top-up that can provide vital help with everyday costs.

In the age of hard power, beneficial ownership transparency must shift from an anti-corruption ideal to a national security capability for Britain and its allies.

This year’s Festival of Social Science’s theme is the role that money plays in our lives, from everyday financial decisions to the forces shaping the economy.

President Zelenskyy will arrive in the UK this morning as the UK calls on international partners to step up sanctions on Russia and increase pressure on Putin to respect the United States' calls for an energy ceasefire.

DWP is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. It administers the State Pension and a range of working-age, disability and ill-health benefits to around 23 million people across Great Britain.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has urged police chiefs to review their AI policies to prevent officers and staff unwittingly falling into the police misconduct system.

Welsh Government and Welsh Labour reach agreement on further investment for Additional Learning Needs, enabling the Supplementary Budget for 2026-2027 to proceed.