WIREDGOV

No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

The governments of Canada, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the anniversary of the Algiers Agreement.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000.

Northern Ireland continues to experience the highest levels of digital poverty in the UK. In rural areas, where around 17 per cent of homes still lack decent broadband, access to online services cannot be assumed. For young people aged 11 to 16, this shapes how education is accessed and how effectively they can engage with systems that now operate primarily online.

The first six months of Network North Wales has seen new train and bus services introduced, along with improvements to station infrastructure with more exciting developments to come.

Funding ensures young people from all backgrounds can learn about the varied, highly skilled jobs and future opportunities in aviation across the UK.

The UK has sanctioned individuals suspected of atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and deliberate attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan.

The Bank of England successfully navigated complex risks and interdependencies to deliver its Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) renewal programme, incorporating innovation and best practice in managing this digital transformation, says the NAO

Commissioned by South Africa's G20 Presidency, RUSI delivered high-level analysis on the need to position environmental crime at the heart of the global agenda, leading to the G20 Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment – hailed as a historic first.

A husband, who manipulated a young child into helping him to kill his wife, has been found guilty of murder, having previously been acquitted of the crime in 2017. 

The FCA has fined Nationwide Building Society £44m for inadequate anti-financial crime systems and controls between October 2016 to July 2021.

The Office of Rail and Road has today published its first annual benchmarking report on train and station operators’ delivery of passenger assistance. 

An update following the third round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

The future medical workforce phase 1 report follows an extensive exploratory process to understand the challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s medical workforce as we look ahead to the next 15 to 20 years.

President Trump’s new corollary to the Monroe doctrine will provide more triggers for forceful action in the Western Hemisphere, but the focus on Latin America could motivate the US toward more cooperation.

The Colorado beetle, a major threat to potato crops, was found in Kent in 2023.

A national patient safety alert has been issued by the NHS England National Patient Safety team – in collaboration with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine – about the risk of harm from incorrectly assembled breathing circuits lacking a proper exhalation route for patients receiving invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support.

The UK reaffirms our thanks to Special Representative Dr Kari Johnstone for the work of her Office (11 December 2025).

Japanese Ambassador joined First Minister at Conwy Castle to sing Welsh national anthem, to mark end of the year of Wales and Japan.

GDA process enables regulators to assess new nuclear power station designs at an early stage of the regulatory process and to provide confidence that these new designs can be constructed, operated and decommissioned in England and Wales.

A violent drug dealer who terrorised his neighbour and driver had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Excalibur is a 12-metre experimental vessel. At a displacement of 19 tonnes, it’s the largest uncrewed underwater vessel ever trialled by the Royal Navy.

The National Plan to End Homelessness was launched yesterday, and will support the most vulnerable people in our society.

Hospital admissions rise as cases continue to increase.

Our new series of work in partnership with Limbic to demystify the use of AI in mental health services.

A Derby businessman who used Covid support scheme funds on online trading platforms has been jailed.

A widespread, but misleading, assumption holds that Moscow’s current weakness signals its inevitable retreat from the region. In reality, Russia has deepened its entrenchment.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is delighted to announce the return of the CBI Cumbria Business Dinner, taking place on Thursday 30 April 2026 at the outstanding Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa on Lake Windermere in a new strategic partnership with Armstrong Watson.

The tool scores places in England and Wales on how well connected they are to health services, education, shopping, leisure and workplaces (11 December 2025).

This plan sets out actions to accelerate active restoration of habitats and species across Scotland and support communities interested in undertaking restoration.

Border Force seizes over 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products as part of an intensive international operation to target criminal networks.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford highlights Ukraine’s constructive approach, condemns Russia’s ongoing aggression, and affirms the UK’s commitment to defending international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Energy Secretary and Minister for Industry attended first Clean Energy Jobs Fair at the Port of Tyne in North East England.

As part of our ongoing review of consumer protection arrangements in the legal sector, we are consulting on further proposals to strengthen protections for the money consumers deposit with law firms.

If next week’s resident doctor strikes go ahead, it will cause huge disruption for patients and staff.

The latest data indicate our role as a statutory consultee saw 94% of all concluded planning applications involving playing fields result in the protection or improvement of facilities

Over the next decade at least 18 million people could be offered extra help with their investments and pensions with the introduction of targeted support by the FCA.

In-dock charging set to be introduced in summer 2026 as Serco extends their operating contract of TfL's flagship cycle hire scheme until 2031

A Food Standards Agency's (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) operation involving illegal frozen bushmeat has resulted in one arrest.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, responded to a report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission looking at how children with SEND who are not in school full-time are supported 

Access to essentials like water and sewerage services should never be a struggle, especially for those who need extra support. That’s why, in June this year, water companies published their final vulnerability strategies, setting out how they plan to help customers who need additional assistance. But how well are these strategies working in practice?

Around 800,000 people reported losing money to investments or pensions‑related scams in the 12 months to May 2024, according to FCA research.

We are delighted to announce £2.5 million in repayable grants for 15 dance and theatre productions to tour across the UK and Ireland through the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board has agreed to a public consultation in 2026 on proposals for a revised discount system for abattoirs, to offer more targeted financial support to smaller abattoirs.

It is essential the metrics which underpin league tables are carefully chosen to provide a rounded and accurate picture of performance.

Former Humberside Chief Constable Paul Anderson will face no further action following an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into a series of allegations raised by whistleblowers.

We have fined password manager provider LastPass UK Ltd £1.2 million following a 2022 data breach that compromised the personal information of up to 1.6 million of its UK users.

A callous man who punched the air in celebration after fatally attacking a man outside a Wetherspoons in London has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail today – highlighting the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Combatting people smuggling was the focus of Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Pakistan this week.

Ofwat has published its final determinations for the blind-year adjustment.

The Environment Agency has already begun preparations to ensure the site is cleared as soon as possible

Over 440 firms now committed to improving female representation at the top of the industry.

Report sets out views on how the profession could change over next two decades.

A man who saved over 43,000 indecent images of children, including AI-generated abuse material and self-written paedophile manuals, has been sentenced to three and a half years, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

It is important for your customers to receive timely and relevant information to support decisions about their finances, while having their direct marketing preferences and data protection rights respected. This is crucial in order for customers to trust the information they receive, helping them to make informed decisions and pursue their financial goals.

The Education Committee has published the Government’s response to its report ‘Solving the SEND crisis’. 

Plans for a new Child Protection Authority unveiled as part of government strategy to protect children from predators and abuse.

Supporting future Grangemouth industries

Flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week, plunging the NHS into a “worst case scenario” situation for December, new figures reveal today. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on the House of Lords yet again rejecting the Employment Rights Bill 

The tool scores places in England and Wales on how well connected they are to health services, education, shopping, leisure and workplaces.

The National Plan to End Homelessness has been launched today, and will support the most vulnerable people in our society.

Grangemouth workers and the community will benefit from jobs and investment as UK government backs a new biotech project on the site.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued a warning that human rights in Wales are being compromised because of gaps in the Welsh Government’s action.

For years, short-term, reactive measures have shifted pressures within the asylum system, creating new backlogs and leaving many claims unresolved for extended periods. This has led to inefficiencies, wasted public funds, and harm to both asylum seekers’ life chances and the government’s ability to meet its obligations to them and UK citizens, says the NAO.

Accessibility must become a major priority for the House of Commons and be woven into the fabric of what it does, according to a landmark report from the cross-party Modernisation Committee.  

Small businesses across the UK will benefit from new Government funding and support to help them invest in sustainability, to cut their operating costs and boost their business.

Published today, the Sentencing Council’s December 2025 roundup summarises some of the latest analysis and research work carried out or commissioned by the Council to inform the development and evaluation of sentencing guidelines.

APCC Chair Emily Spurrell responded to reports that the Home Secretary is considering significantly reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales as part of the police reform programme, 

Schools and other public buildings across Wales will receive solar panels as part of £9 million funding to reduce energy bills and decarbonise public buildings.

Additional first-time offenders bring recent hearing payments to £27,541. More to come as summer patrols serve 68 notices.

Government's first steer to the Trade Remedies Authority to make trade defence system simpler and faster for UK producers and manufacturers

A new partnership with Google DeepMind will help to turn cutting-edge AI into real benefits for working people.

Universal Primary Free School Meals across Wales are to benefit from an estimated additional £8 million investment over the coming two years, with the price spent per meal to rise from £3.20 to £3.40.

Yorkshire is moving into recovery status following drought as of 10 December 2025.

Combat Stress funded to provide mental health support.

A report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) finds that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who do not attend school full-time is too inconsistent.

The government will prioritise UK medical graduates for training places from 2026 as part of efforts to bring an end to industrial action by resident doctors.

Faster, more convenient hearing care will be available closer to people’s home, as part of a radical reform of audiology services.

The Environment Agency wants to hear your views as South West Water seeks permission to process more sewage waste in St Mabyn, Cornwall.

Ofqual is today launching a 12-week public consultation on its proposed approach to regulating on-screen exams in GCSEs, AS and A levels.

The Defence Secretary met with his US and Australian counterparts in the United States to discuss the progress on AUKUS.

Agreements between the UK, EU, Norway and other coastal states secure access to over 80 stocks for British fishing industry

A jealous ex-boyfriend who plotted a deadly house fire that killed a mother and her three young children has been convicted of murder, following a successful CPS prosecution.

Customers and staff will benefit from major improvements, including extra capacity on the Mildmay and Windrush lines

A Bill to reform bus services in Wales was yesterday (Tuesday 9 December) been passed by the Senedd, putting Wales at the forefront of improving bus services in the UK..

The FCA has set out ambitious new growth measures for 2026 including supporting UK-issued stablecoins to provide faster and more convenient payments.

Progress also highlighted in educational attainment.

NHS leaders urge consideration of the root causes of 'corridor care' ahead of Senedd debate.

TfL and the London Marathon Foundation funding 61 new and 119 existing community groups, supporting every London borough, providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to walk and cycle

Senedd Members yesterday supported a historic Bill, which will create Wales' first smoke-free generation.

HM Treasury’s passive approach to how fees and charges are set for public services has resulted in large and unfair surpluses and deficits for the taxpayer.

Supporting communities to generate their own power.

Two finalists announced as part of HMRC's data competition.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has responded to the Operation Kenova Final Report.

Great British Energy backs renewable schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Builder failed to disclose bankrupt status

Further support provided for innovative medicines as the rebate rate falls by more than third for 2026

Councils can be the catalyst to unlocking the UK’s economic potential, but need the right powers and funding from government to deliver on this possibility, according to a new report. 

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker visits Armenia and Azerbaijan, boosting defence ties.

Consultation launched to review contract practices in the combinable crops sector, building on Fair Dealing reforms in dairy, pigs, eggs and fresh produce sectors.

The regulator is investigating Blackpool’s Voice over financial and governance concerns.

Baroness Anne Longfield CBE will lead a 3-year statutory independent inquiry, focusing on grooming gangs and looking at ethnicity, religion and culture.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People, and Families Committee responds to the Government’s 10-year youth plan

The UK has joined a defence exports treaty with European allies which will make it easier for UK defence businesses to export

Government plans will offer young people somewhere to go, something meaningful to do, and someone who cares about their wellbeing in moves to strengthen their connections in real life

Free support to get people online is rolling out in communities in every region of the country.

The outbreak involved 293 cases between May and November 2024.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has won the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Business Hero Award at the CTSI Hero Awards, held on 2 December in the House of Lords.

Ofcom yesterday imposed a total financial penalty of £375,000 on religious channel, The Word Network, for breaching our broadcasting rules on multiple occasions.

Taxpayers lost £10.9 billion to fraud and error as the previous government’s pandemic response left the front door open to fraud, an independent report yesterday (9 December 2025) revealed.

The number of pupils reaching expected levels of literacy and numeracy in Scotland’s schools is at the highest level on record, officials statistics show.

The UK will host a key peacebuilding conference next year to help establish an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine.

Association for Project Management (APM) has announced a major pilot that will take place in 2026 to trial a new assessment that, if successful, all future Chartered Project Professionals will complete when launched in 2027.

A prison building boom is underway across the country as the Government presses ahead with the biggest jail expansion programme since the Victorian era.

Network members representing major global economies have committed to re-double their shared focus on the science of AI measurement and evaluations following their latest round of talks in San Diego last week.

The number of teachers in Scotland in 2025 increased to 53,475 full-time equivalents (FTE), a rise of 63 FTE compared to last year. Pupil numbers also decreased compared to last year, dropping by 6,505 to 695,923. 

The vote pits left- and right-wing approaches to tackling crime and redefining the country’s alignment with global partners.

China’s surging high-tech competitiveness, weak appetite for imports and undervalued renminbi have fuelled the huge surplus – but the trend is unsustainable.

Two hundred and fifty years after her birth on 16 December 1775, Jane Austen fans will have a rare chance to see her will in The National Archives’ Love Letters exhibition, opening on 24 January.

We have called for urgent improvements across UK local authorities and Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland after warning that people trying to access their own care records are being let down.

Results published yesterday in the Funded Early Learning and Childcare Statistics 2025 report show that there were 90,264 child registrations for funded provision in September 2025. This is similar to registrations in September 2024.

The Education Committee has published the Government’s response to its report into FE and Skills which made recommendations on strengthening the sector.

Do we give more credit to the impact of probability? Are we stuck in our risk ways?. I propose that we are. If we ignore the “What if” and justify it with the “Never will”, we then add insult to injury with what we could never have foreseen when it does happen. Do we spend too long trying to decide if it’s a black swan, a grey rhino, or a risk ferret, and the book sales we can do from publishing the idea, or less trying new ideas and testing old ones? 

A homeless Leicester family spent nearly 10 months too long in Bed and Breakfast accommodation, according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

The FCA has confirmed changes to simplify its rules and lower costs for insurers, while maintaining appropriate levels of protection for smaller commercial customers.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a new survey to map the UK’s AI and software cyber security services.

As the end of the year approaches, it is an opportunity to reflect on the important progress we are making in all areas of connections reform and strategic energy planning.

Thousands of people have set up payment plans to help spread the cost of their Self Assessment tax bill.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, yesterday gave a speech at the Sea Power Conference.

David Holdsworth's speech at the Charity Commission's Annual Public Meeting 2025.

The school attendance, absence and exclusions statistics 2024-25, published today, brings together statistics from the annual attendance and absence collection and the biennial exclusions collection.

Can Britain afford not to support Ukraine, risking a security environment with a triumphant Russia?

Almost 80,000 young people have taken part in employer-led experiences in the Creative Industries as part of government campaign

Reforms to student housing risk undermining access to higher education and making it harder for students to secure accommodation. 

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The Central Government programme reflects on a milestone year of collaboration, innovation and policy insight. 

The race to bring satellite calls and texts to ordinary smartphones has begun, after Ofcom today announced its final decisions about how the technology can be rolled out. 

Doing the Right Project: Using a Systems Thinking Approach to Select Successful Projects guide insight.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM, First Sea Lord, yesterday gave a speech at the Sea Power Conference.

Special schools and alternative provision settings are fighting an “uphill battle”, often serving children in some of the most deprived areas of the country while lacking the vital information about their needs to properly support them, the Children’s Commissioner has warned.

Official statistics have been released today on school pupils’ Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Levels (ACEL) in the reading, writing, listening & talking and numeracy ‘organisers’.

Every winter, as temperatures drop, some of Britain’s most vulnerable citizens seek shelter wherever they can find it.

Europe should look to history to prepare for the realities of long-term occupation of Ukrainian territory.

A passionate plea for clemency from Oscar Wilde’s lover Lord Alfred Douglas goes on show in The National Archives’ Love Letters exhibition, opening in January.

Train operators in public ownership are demonstrating they are putting passengers first, by delivering customer improvements.

The latest criminal proceedings statistics for 2023-24 have been published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. 

We're continuing to invest National Lottery funding into the impactful campaign that supports people with long-term health conditions to be active.

Mark Simms OBE's speech to the Commission's Annual Public Meeting 2025.

Remit of inquiry published.

The Prime Minister yesterday welcomed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, to Downing Street.

The G7 Finance Ministers met virtually on 8 December 2025.

New feedback from councils, published in a new report today, shows that free holiday provision for low-income families improves children’s health and wellbeing and boosts future school attendance. 

Rates of vaccination – one of the most effective public health interventions – are declining in the UK. 

Eleven local projects to receive arts funding.

Digital Pixel secures first contract in the Middle East, insured with government’s Small Export Builder.

Parents whose children missed their flu vaccine in school are being urged to take up the offer as flu activity in Wales is rising.

Two men were jailed yesterday (Monday 8th December 2025) for committing a series of sexual offences against five teenage girls more than 25 years ago.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published its second report into the Draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025. 

New tools to support public bodies

With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, government is building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.

Education Secretary announces reforms to tighten rules on fraud in the student finance system that cost taxpayers £2m in 2022/23.

Poor literacy and homelessness are strongly interconnected, and the relationship works both ways. People with low literacy skills may face barriers that make sustaining stable housing more difficult, for example, having limited employment opportunities, difficulty navigating complex systems like housing applications and welfare benefits, and challenges in reading bills or understanding contracts. Homelessness can also worsen literacy challenges through interrupted schooling, digital exclusion and lack of accessible learning provision.

The CIPD responds to today's announcement on Government apprenticeship funding, noting that wage grants or other direct support to employers would be more effective at increasing opportunities

The UK and Ukraine have launched the second round of the InnovateUkraine programme, which will support a further 14 green energy innovation projects with a £17m investment from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Toys, clothes, bags and more featuring designs inspired by London's transport network can be found in stores worldwide and online

Cutting-edge technology being used to help prepare for future droughts

The government wants Gen Alpha (born after 2012) to be ‘the healthiest generation of children ever’, but what about Gen Z? While some of Gen Z (currently aged 13–28) are still categorised as children, a large proportion are transitioning into adulthood or are already fully fledged adults. So, were Gen Z any healthier than previous generations? And is there anything the government can learn from the changing health patterns of this generation?

Senior officers in local government are set to benefit from new digital and AI leadership skills to drive forward transformation in their councils and communities.

Storm Bram will bring strong winds and very heavy rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with Amber warnings issued.

Thousands of children living in poverty across Wales to be helped as the UK Government launches its Child Poverty Strategy.

Ofgem today unveiled sweeping proposals to speed up grid connections, whilst at the same time warning network operators to hit tough new targets or risk facing financial penalties. 

Support for businesses on more islands.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) unveils how its financial backing for SMEs has helped take innovations from concept to military deployment, while also transforming other sectors like healhcare, transport and telecommunications.

New anti-corruption strategy 2025 will drive dirty money out of the UK, strengthening national security and putting more money into working people's pockets.

Mothers and babies in England will receive safer care thanks to the roll out of a first-of-its-kind safety signal system across NHS maternity services.

The FCA has set out a suite of measures to empower retail investment, reinforce wholesale markets and maintain the UK’s position as a world-leading financial centre. 

Initiative launched to help businesses and boost local economies.

A new expert panel chaired by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will meet for the first time today (Monday 8 December), to make sure the UK remains a leading global centre for legal services.

Travelling football fans advised to plan early and follow updated guidance for the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of next summer's tournament.

HM Land Registry publishes avoidable requisition data to help conveyancers cut delays, improve application quality and access free training.

Almost one million young people will benefit from learning or employment opportunities as a result of a major £820 million funding package.

A further £2.5m in Welsh Government funding has been announced for the creative industries in Wales.

The UK has unveiled work on its groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, which will make Britain more secure secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.

Government calls on public to back Britain's businesses on Small Buisness Saturday

The UK will host a major international summit next summer to tackle the flows of dirty money around the world, which are making the UK’s streets less safe.

The £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with thousands more young people expected to benefit over the next three years.

Projects designed to support and sustain Wales' journalism sector have been awarded funding.

The Home Office has published new guidance, survey findings and an open consultation on a future legal framework for biometrics and facial recognition. techUK will submit a response and invites members to share their views to help shape a clear, trusted and future-proofed approach.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded the publication of the national Child Poverty Strategy 

Oxford spin-out and London startup have been selected for artificial intelligence (AI) projects in carbon monitoring and space environmental intelligence.

Professor Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at IPPR, responding to the government’s child poverty strategy

An Iraqi man who had been extradited to Italy and convicted of terrorist offences there, was jailed for two years and three months on 5th ​December for returning to the UK illegally in a small boat.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has published the UK's first safety guidance for cell-cultivated products (CCPs).

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, responded to the announcement from the Department for Health and Social Care on the digitisation of adult social care services 

We’re proud and excited to share that London PLUS has been awarded funding as part of the 2026–30 #LondonCouncilsGrantsProgramme!

The number of children aged under 16 in England is expected to decline by 6% over the next decade – policymakers will have to decide how to respond.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza reacted to the government’s Child Poverty Strategy

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the actions and decisions taken by Avon and Somerset Police, prior to the death of a teenager on the M5 in Somerset on Sunday (30 November). 

In May 2024, we reported on the potential to do more to detect fraud and error in community pharmacy by improving how data is centrally analysed by the NHS in Wales.

The Education Secretary has announced a new timeline for the complete removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all schools and colleges across England by 2029.  

A new briefing paper from the Institute of Economic Affairs argues that spontaneous order – the emergence of complex systems without central coordination – provides strong grounds for resisting Government action, especially when proposed to correct market failures or promote efficiency.