WIREDGOV

The Government has confirmed it will provide a grant for new electric ambulances to replace those destroyed in arson attack.

Biggest crime-fighting shake up in decades as police gain new powers to tackle local crime as the landmark Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent.

An extreme-right wing terrorist was convicted of plotting a terror attack today, after previously admitting to attempting to purchase prohibited gun, 200 rounds of compatible ammunition and several terrorist manuals.  

Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, responds to latest Bank of England decision on interest rates

Households across the UK are embracing solar power as the government accelerates its clean power mission.

In a major report launched today (30th April), on the impact of organised crime on UK high streets, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) have revealed some of the UK’s main hot spot areas where dodgy high street shops are concentrated.

Primary‑aged children across England want more time for language learning in schools, finds a new British Council survey for the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) – a Department for Education‑funded, research‑informed programme led by UCL Institute of Education.

Digital exclusion is rising, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing pace of digital transformation. Access to a suitable device remains one of the key barriers for children, working-age adults and older people affected by this deepening issue.

A misunderstanding of AI – as used in US air strikes against Iran – obscures deeper questions about the pace modern militaries are trading deliberation for speed.

US export controls on chips and hardware alone will not prevent China from further developing advanced AI.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford condemns Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, highlighting the mounting civilian toll and damage to infrastructure. Russia’s actions show a deliberate pattern rather than a temporary surge. The UK reiterates its unyielding resolve in support of Ukraine and its people.

Victims and Courts Bill receives Royal Assent to become law.

Cost-of-living measures become law, including free breakfast clubs, expanded free school meals and limits of branded uniforms.

Shaping the rules for communications to the Moon and beyond.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, gives inaugural Lord Fisher Lecture at RUSI.

A knife attack might have been prevented if the perpetrator had received better mental health care, an investigation by England’s Health Ombudsman has found. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recently (28 April 2026) summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom.

Seven of the UK’s major business groups have written to Kate Dearden, Minister for Employment Rights, setting out concerns over Trade Union proposals in the Employment Rights Act and lack of government engagement with business.

As Children’s Commissioner for England, my goal is to make sure every child grows up safe, happy, healthy, and with the best possible chances in life.

Secondary school pupils with high prior attainment in maths make slower progress when placed in mixed-attainment maths classes, a new study from UCL and the Education Endowment Foundation finds.

Transforming the Royal Navy by embracing the rapid technological advances of our age (29 April 2026).

An update on the government's vision for ending the feudal leasehold system (29 April 2026).

Houthi attacks on shipping are read as an instrument of geopolitical pressure. That reading is incomplete. The attacks have a second, less visible effect – and it is economic.

Statement given recently (28 April 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

The stalemate over government formation is affecting the semi-autonomous region’s ability to deal with the fallout of the Iran war – and eroding its autonomy.

In a keynote speech at the Cumbria Business Dinner (Thursday 30 April), new CBI Chair, Cressida Hogg, will warn that the widening gap between businesses’ needs and the current skills system is stifling UK growth. She will say: "right now, this system is failing too many businesses. And in doing so, it is failing too many young people."

Thousands more therapists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses are working in health service.

Total income from farming is the official measure of the profit (output minus costs) of the agricultural industry in Scotland. Initial estimates for 2025 predict record high total income from farming around £1.5 billion.

Being out of work and education between ages 16 and 24 has long-term consequences for people’s employment, finances, physical and mental health in midlife, according to new UCL research.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall MP, spoke at RUSI, giving a landmark address on the future of artificial intelligence, tech sovereignty and Britain’s place in the world.

The Timms Review is today announcing a wider programme of evidence-gathering and public engagement, giving disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations, carers, practitioners, clinicians, researchers and other experts more ways to share evidence and experience.  

Hospital extensions, community diagnostic centres (CDCs) and emergency care departments are among billions of pounds of healthcare building projects completed through collaboration between Government

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act receiving Royal Assent, marking a landmark moment in protecting public health across the United Kingdom. The Act represents one of the most significant pieces of public health legislation in a generation, and CTSI has played a central and sustained role in supporting its development from the outset.

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director responds to Smart Electricity Meters Design Plan

Flexible grants of £5,000–£15,000 are now available through the next phase of Reach Fundto help charities and social enterprises get investment‑ready and unlock their next stage of growth.

Santander Cycles and the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition launch a new photography competition celebrating London's urban nature

The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) was yesterday [Thursday 30 April] held at Hillsborough Castle

The Environment Agency has blocked access to land in rural Northumberland following reports of illegal dumping and burning of waste.  

The previously un-named graves of two officers who gave their lives during World War One have been identified in Belgium. Captain (Capt) Gordon Cuthbert of Sunbury, Middlesex, and Lieutenant (Lt) Leslie Harvey, originally from Windsor, both served with 1/8 Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own, Middlesex Regiment and both died near Ypres on 25 April 1915

Act follows on from the English Devolution White Paper, which set out government agenda for devolution.

As part of our Digital Justice portfolio and our ongoing work to explore the role of technology in strengthening outcomes across all stages of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), the Justice and Emergency Services programme is pleased to be hosting our Digital Justice Impact Day for 2026.

Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the next three months (weighted balance of -25%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. Notably, expectations are at their weakest since December 2025, and the latest data extends a period of negative predictions for growth that began in late 2024.

The next generation will be smoke-free as Tobacco and Vapes Bill is granted Royal Assent.

An Official Statistics publication for Scotland.

Environment Agency and Natural England act on 30,000 tonnes of illegal waste at Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Leicestershire.

Over 20 million workers are set to get more from every pound they save towards retirement thanks to the passing into law of historic pensions legislation today, Wednesday 29 April 2026.

The EFRA and Environmental Audit committees have endorsed the Government’s chosen candidate to become the next Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP).

An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

Human error blamed as enough water to fill 300,000 baths taken without Environment Agency licence

Major wargame exercise brings together leading defence companies to test supply chain resilience under wartime pressure.

We’ve recommended a new treatment called rozanolixizumab for some adults living with generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) whose symptoms are not controlled by existing treatments.

Government-commissioned independent review launches call for evidence as part wider government commitment to strengthen social cohesion and tackle prejudice.

Hospital patients at every NHS trust across England can now check their referrals and appointments through the NHS App, making it easier for millions of people to manage their care in one place.

Lance Corporal William Voice MM was born in Horsham, Sussex in 1886. Lance Corporal Lionel Weller Sandell – known to his family as Solly, was born in Worthing, Sussex in 1899. Both men were buried after the was in graves marked simply Known to God.

On Thursday 16th April 2026 the Government published its response to the consultation on the Supported Accommodation (Regulatory Oversight) Act that took place last year.

The FCA is reviewing whether Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) help consumers understand borrowing costs and is seeking views on whether it should change how these are communicated in credit advertising.

The Attorney General's Office is relaunching the Public Legal Education (PLE) Committee.

techUK's Technology & Innovation programme is excited to announce that we are now seeking contributions for our annual focus week, which is taking place from 15-19 June. 

The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States from 27th to 30th April to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate the close ties between the two nations, before The King makes his first visit as Sovereign to Bermuda from 1st to 2nd May.

The APCC’s Joint Leads for Victims, Clare Moody and Matthew Scott responds to the findings of the fifth annual report from the national Domestic Homicide Project

What does success look like for Day Services? Alleviating crises? Meeting someone’s basic needs? Ending rough sleeping and homelessness? Connecting people to effective support? Encouraging people to thrive? 

Dame Julia Unwin's first speech given yesterday as Chair of the Charity Commission at the Civil Society Trustee Exchange in London.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service doesn’t effectively gather and record site-specific risk information (SSRI) to protect firefighters and the public, the fire inspectorate has said.

MPs have urged the Government to clearly set out what success will look like as it advances a new approach to delivering international aid.

ICO have yesterday published final guidance on the 'charitable purposes soft opt-in' provision, helping charities to understand and apply the new rules.  

Find out how the Digital Services team approached the design of the new catalogue and how users play a vital role in shaping our services.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Liz Kendall, yesterday delivered a speech at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

This publication reports on the number of short-term lets in operation in Scotland as well as other data relating to short-term lets. 

Training tackles harmful assumptions about disability and ensures staff make practical, meaningful adjustments for the people they serve.

Statement given recently (27 April 2026) by Letisha Lunin, UK Spokesperson and Counsellor, at the UN Committee on Information General Debate.

Blog posted by: Lucy Leonard, HMRC Onboarding Team Lead, GDS, 28 April 2026 – GOV.UK One Login.

International pressure on flag registries has pushed part of Russia’s shadow fleet directly under Russian registration, potentially exposing news limits of sanctions enforcement.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has today published the government’s response to the Committee’s report Housing Conditions in the Social Rented Sector.

Parents of teenagers starting qualifying further education or training courses must extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August

Information for consumers not covered by the energy price cap on how the situation in the Middle East might affect their energy costs.

Statement given yesterday by Steven Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The Chief Statistician has released figures on Community Payback Orders (CPOs) unpaid work or other activity requirements today.

The common law partner of a man, suspected to have been involved in Swedish organised crime and who was assassinated on his doorstep in Battersea, has agreed to pay a six-figure sum after civil recovery proceedings were brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The war in the Middle East has boosted oil profits for Russia and Iran and neutered the price cap. It is time to revisit the past.

Statement given yesterday by Steven Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories, at the UN Security Council Meeting on the safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain.

The UK Government must inject renewed impetus into AUKUS – a landmark defence partnership with Australia and the United States – if it is to deliver on its potential, a report by the Defence Committee has found.

Incidents off Kent coastline and others inland – company released sewage into water weeks after getting record £90 million for almost 7,000 illegal discharges

A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced after encouraging other internet users to self-harm, as well as downloading indecent images of children.

Viveca Mellegard explains how she used scientific analysis to investigate textile samples seized from a ship sailing from Suriname in 1795.

The government has confirmed it will bring forward further reforms to Right to Buy.

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has today published its report, ‘Fortifying the fiscal framework’.

The FCA is seeking views on proposals to change rules that govern the publication of research during the initial public offering (IPO) process.

The US-Israel attacks on Iran have triggered a global energy supply shock more severe than those of 1973, 1979 and 2022 put together, according to the head of the International Energy Agency. 

The Official Receiver has completed the sale of the Lindsey Oil Refinery to Phillips 66 Limited.

Looked After Children Statistics were published on 28 April 2026. 

In a landmark speech, the Technology Secretary said there must be a “decisive move” towards backing more British tech companies as AI reshapes global power, security and prosperity.

Following reports in The Guardian suggesting that the Chancellor of the Exechequer may be about to introduce a one-year rent freeze over the coming weeks, the NRLA has issued its response to this speculation.

Across the homelessness sector, providing food is often one of the first ways we open the door to support. 

Retail sales volumes were judged to be below seasonal norms in April, to a greater extent than in March, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Separately, sales volumes declined at a sharp pace in the year to April.

Joint Statement given recently (25 April 2026) between UK Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Prime Minister's speech given yesterday at USDAW conference 2026.

The TUC and unions are supporting the workplace day of action for Palestine on 14 May. We continue to speak about against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, as we also call for peace in the wider Middle East.

The UK government’s Sovereign AI is backing Ineffable Intelligence, co-investing with the British Business Bank to scale a UK-built, self-learning AI that can generate new knowledge and drive breakthroughs.

The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has shaken oil and gas prices, and for Europe, can only stir a greater drive for energy independence.

 Providing access to talent and skills through the most cost-effective solution.

Minister for Development Jenny Chapman recently (24 April 2026) gave a speech at the high-level ceremony to launch the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises in London.

The UK will see a mix of spring warmth and increasingly changeable conditions this week, with temperatures above average for most, before a growing chance of some heavy and potentially thundery showers towards the end of the week.

A woman who was stalked by her former partner has spoken out for the first time during National Stalking Awareness Week, urging others to recognise the signs of stalking and report it.

Today, we have launched our new digital service in private beta: Comply with Heat Networks Consumer Protection Regulations.

Waste criminals get prison sentences following major Environment Agency investigation.

The Committee for Communities has published a report highlighting mounting pressures on homelessness services and the Supporting People Programme, warning that urgent action is required to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford marked the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, honouring those affected and stressing the enduring human and environmental consequences, while warning that Russia’s war against Ukraine has revived acute nuclear safety risks across the OSCE region (24 April 2026).

A new CBI survey of nearly 700 businesses across the UK has revealed stark evidence that the current business rates system is acting as a major brake on investment, productivity and economic growth.

Voters without ID have just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at the upcoming May local elections in England.

The current crisis shows that Europe must transition to renewables to reduce its dependency on volatile fossil fuels. This week’s AccelerateEU plan rightly reaffirms that goal.

Do you keep a close eye on the weather, or do you just enjoy talking about it? Either way, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with this week’s Met Office weather quiz.

The FDA has condemned the Prime Minister’s dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins, former FCDO Permanent Secretary, over the vetting of Lord Mandelson for his appointment as Ambassador to the United States.

Learning pathways provide structured, flexible routes that help people build capability over time, aligning skills, knowledge, and experience with real-world roles and responsibilities.

Statement given recently (23 April 2026) by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Dame Vera Baird KC, Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), recently [Thursday 23 April] welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to quash the indeterminate sentences of six IPP/DPP prisoners, three of them following CCRC referrals.

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

Middle powers can, through cooperation, retain the rules and institutions they still value.

Sibsey Trader Windmill in Lincolnshire, one of England’s last remaining six-sailed mills, is reopening to the public next month following a five-year conservation project by English Heritage.

This is a summary report which describes the process under taken to develop the Scottish Learning and Improvement Framework for Adult Social Care Support and Community Health (SLIF) Digital Tool.

UK and others call for action to uphold safety of journalists and media freedom against a deteriorating background within some OSCE countries (23 April 2026).

Welsh businesses and employees are urged to get behind efforts to remove barriers to women’s careers and improve workplace gender equity, by taking part in a new CBI-University of South Wales survey.

Industrial Chemicals Limited (ICL), a chemical manufacturing company based in Essex, has been fined £3.8 million after two employees at two separate sites suffered serious chemical burns as a result of exposure to sodium hydroxide, known as caustic soda

Lord Robertson, former NATO Secretary-General, was speaking at a Chatham House event to launch a House of Lords report on UK–US relations.

The 2024 General Election in Scotland was a one-sided affair. Scottish Labour won 35.3% of the vote in Scotland and 64.9% of the available seats. While the SNP came a narrow second place on 30% of the vote and won 15.8% of the seats. The polls may have shifted since then, but can we expect to see a similar result in the Holyrood election this May?

The Big Catch-Up (BCU), a historic multi-year, multi-country effort to address vaccination declines driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached an estimated 18.3 million children aged 1 to 5 across 36 countries with more than 100 million doses of life-saving vaccines, helping to narrow critical immunity gaps, announced Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), WHO, and UNICEF at the start of World Immunization Week.

A former teacher at Junior King’s School in Kent has been found guilty of sexually abusing a school pupil more than 40 years ago.

Extreme weather, supply‑chain shocks and rising inequalities are affecting public services. Chris Naylor explores five implications of climate change for health care and other public services. 

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred another man’s IPP sentence to the Crown Court after the Court of Appeal recently quashed indeterminate sentences that had been imposed on other men at a similarly young age.

More than half (52 per cent) of adult social workers experience increased severity and complexity of need in their caseloads, while capacity and resources do not keep pace with the demand, a new survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals.