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Government updates school food standards for first time in over a decade, backed by Chef Jamie Oliver, actor and campaigner Dame Emma Thompson and parents.

Welcome to Local public services innovation focus week! This week will feature blogs from techUK members in the run up to our Local public services innovation summit 2026 on Tuesday 15 September.

Families, homeowners and businesses have been warned not to gamble with their safety by using unregistered gas fitters, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in prosecutions for illegal gas work. 

HMP Lancaster Farms capacity boosted by more than 40 per cent as part of largest prison expansion programme since the Victorian era

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray signs new treaty with his Canadian counterpart

More than 1.43bn 'hops' now taken place across London - making it easier and more convenient for people to travel by bus or tram.

English Whisky has been granted protected status, becoming the newest member of the UK's recognised whisky family.

Statement given recently (11 September 2026) by Chris Elmore MP, Minister for the Americas, Multilateral, and Human Rights, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

A new station entrance and ticket hall at Surrey Quays is now open with new accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.

A growing number of candidates faced abuse and intimidation at this year’s elections, while voters have significant concerns about the accuracy of information they see, according to the Electoral Commission’s new report on elections held in England in May.

Bereaved military family members can travel for free on National Rail services to attend Remembrance events between 7 and 8 November 2026.

From 20 September 2026, if a train is cancelled, passengers can get on another operator’s service and carry on their journey without paying again.

In response to a report by the Treasury Committee, the government has committed to change the information provided to potential students so that they can make better informed decisions before taking out student loans.

Today I am sharing a guest blog written by one of my former Youth Ambassadors, Rylie. Rylie was part of the first cohort of Ambassadors in 2024 – she has since gone to work as a global advisor on education and youth policy, supporting the Education Beyond 2030 process.

Around three and a half million people have switched their landline or broadband provider over the last two years, with new analysis suggesting many out-of-contract customers could save over £100 in the process.

Passkeys are being rolled out across GOV.UK One Login, giving more than 23 million users a faster and more secure way to access government services.

Tracking of Leach’s Storm-Petrel from St Kilda and European Storm-Petrel from Treshnish Isles around offshore wind farm lease areas on the West Coast of Scotland.

UK and US set to sign agreements at the Global Fusion Summit to combine expertise in AI, computing and fusion and to cooperate on regulating fusion energy.

This week, Lucy Yu's independent review into AI deployment in electricity networks, "The Grid We Need Now", was published alongside Government's "Vision for an AI-enabled clean energy system". 

Homeless Link has been awarded a Salesforce Accelerator – Agents for Impact grant to develop AI for homelessness case management, and they are now exploring what it could look like in practice with three organisations piloting the functionality, and what it might mean for the frontline workers and organisations they support.

One mystery about 9/11 is why no attack of comparable scale has followed. With new motivations, enhanced delivery and AI-devised weapons, there should be no complacency.

A new station entrance and ticket hall at Surrey Quays is now open with new accessible toilet and baby changing facilities

The UK SPF Cluster 4 workshop brought regulators, operators and technical specialists together to debate whether the rules that govern sharing between GSO and NGSO satellite systems are still fit for purpose. With WRC-27 approaching, the conversation has moved beyond “incumbents versus newcomers” into a more complex question: how to protect existing services while enabling the next phase of satellite connectivity.

Ten works by eight artists from Yorkshire and the East of England acquired for the Government Art Collection

People in Wales are being encouraged to take part in a consultation on new measures to protect seals and hares.

Ground survey investigations for the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme will begin mid-September.

Innovate UK investment and new government-industry collaboration will help UK createch businesses scale, attract investment and expand globally.

How should artificial intelligence be used in education? What opportunities does it offer, what risks does it present and what safeguards should be in place? Most importantly, what will AI mean for the next generation of children and young people? 

The government has temporarily blocked ‘The Resurrection of the Good and the Bad’ by Stanley Spencer, a painting considered pivotal in the development of British Modernism, from being taken out of the UK permanently.

The Welsh Government has announced a new partnership with sovereign AI company Cosine to help improve how AI works in Welsh.

ICO statement on its investigation into Police Scotland

Latest GDP figures (11 September) show that the tech sector is continuing to drive the UK's growth. Ahead of the Budget, techUK is calling on the Chancellor to double down on tech adoption.

There are now over 100 confirmed Bluetongue cases in Wales. Keepers in Wales should continue to follow current Welsh Government guidance.

The EFRA Committee has published the government’s response to its veterinary sector report, which called for a new independent regulator, efforts to protect rural-based practices from new regulations, and urgent support for veterinary education. 

Charges for stalking offences have more than quadrupled in the last five years according to new prosecution data

Early September has seen a flurry of activity around the much-touted UK-EU reset.

Delivered to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, September 2026. Agenda item: Transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT.

As we have moved into meteorological autumn, many are asking what the coming months might have in store for UK weather.

Over 80 UK and U.S. SMEs and business organisations participated in the Dialogue convened by BIST.

Annual report to The Scottish Ministers, written by Professor Gordon Findlater, His Majesty's Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland, providing a resume of duties undertaken in the role during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Direct German funding of the UK’s nuclear deterrent would create more problems than it solves. Deeper Anglo-German cooperation on integrated deterrence offers a better path.

More than 900 young people attended Bristol's first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair, meeting some of the UK’s largest businesses – exploring jobs, apprenticeships, training and work experience.

Upgrades to the nation’s electricity grid are necessary to accommodate increasing amounts of renewable energy generation but need to accelerate to avoid rising costs being passed on to consumers, a new report from the NAO finds.

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

The £1 single fare and £3 day tickets are available to 5 to 21-year-olds with a mytravelpass, for use on bus services across Wales and some cross-border routes.

Today the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare published its recommendations for a future regulatory framework, setting out how UK regulation should evolve as AI is increasingly used across health and care.

Delivered to the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting in September 2026.

CBI has responded to GDP data for July 2026.

New vet-led approach will give farmers faster diagnosis of the disease, cutting waiting times for confirmation of bluetongue cases.

Scotland’s position at the forefront of healthcare innovation to be strengthened thanks to a new Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge.

Germany’s attribution of the Leipzig drone attack to Russia shows why transport networks now sit at the centre of both NATO’s and Russia’s defence.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury yesterday delivered her speech at UK Private Capital.

As the UK moves from summer to autumn, the weather can change markedly.

The UK’s mix of high fiscal deficits, rising bond yields, anaemic growth, high taxes and an impatient electorate can only be solved with politically brave choices.

FM: New initiative to drive growth and strengthen ties with Massachusetts.

A guide to cyber security opportunities within Europe’s flagship Research and Innovation Programme.

£1 billion investment in 29 new British-built battery-electric trains will deliver faster, more reliable journeys across the North, supporting 6,000 UK jobs and boosting capacity.

Learners and education providers can now access new regulated qualifications in esports, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between leading awarding organisation NCFE and Canada-based Esports Academics.  

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Areas of the Amazon previously considered resilient to climate change may be under growing threat, a new study written in partnership with WWF UK reveals. 

Public Health Wales is thanking parents and carers in Barry after 1,000 children received a Hepatitis A vaccination as part of the response to the ongoing outbreak – and is reminding families that there is still time to get vaccinated before the programme ends this Saturday (12 September).

Natural England submits proposal to the secretary of state for the environment to extend the boundary of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Christopher Woolcott has pleaded guilty to 4 counts of fraud and forgery after creating a fake takeover bid for Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Research England unveils its Collaboration for a Sustainable Future programme, further enabling collaboration across universities for a sustainable cost-effective future.

Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.

TfL has published the latest version of its Corporate Environment Plan to enable a more resilient, reliable and sustainable network

The Sentencing Council’s sixth annual consultation on miscellaneous amendments to guidelines is now open.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, responded to the latest NHS performance stats

UKRI is updating its grant assessment approach to speed up grant decisions, respond to generative AI and ensure we continue backing the best talent and ideas.

David Williams comments on the latest NHS performance figures following a summer of heatwaves.

Thameslink will upgrade its standard class seat cushions from 2027 to give millions of passengers a more comfortable commute.

Mayors and local leaders will be given new powers with a levy on overnight stays as part of a devolution drive to shift power out of Westminster.

£343 million plan will open 159 NHS mental health centres in England, giving people earlier local support and specialist crisis care outside A&E.

Ofqual has today confirmed its arrangements for the regulation of V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates.

The government will strip away needless 'box-ticking' consultations as part of a drive to accelerate decision-making and deliver real change at pace.

Freshers urged to get vaccinated with 2 doses before term starts.

New reports have been published today on government's progress to improve building safety and deliver the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report recommendations.

September marks the beginning of meteorological autumn, but the UK’s weather during the month can retain the warmth of summer or offer an early indication of colder conditions to come.

New Zealand's 2025 Defence Capability Plan is a promise, not a result. A Defence Capacity Statement could keep national-security risk, readiness and delivery connected.

The NRLA has issued its response to the Government's announcement that, over the coming year, landlords across England will need to sign up to its 'Register Your Rental Property' private rented sector database.

US–Canada trade war will test not only economic strength but also political will. On the latter, Canada may have an advantage.

CBI has responded to new CenTax report on childcare cliff edges.

UK pupils are bucking the international trend of declining educational attainment, maintaining standards in reading and maths while improving in science, finds a study co-led by a UCL researcher.

North Korea is emerging as Russia’s reserve arsenal – and potentially its reserve army. This deepening partnership has strengthened Pyongyang’s military capabilities and its strategic position in East Asia.

Online safety watchdog, Ofcom, has warned tech firms they only have weeks left to put in place measures to stop illegal intimate images and deepfakes from spreading on their platforms.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) will be at both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences this year, hosting a roundtable and panel focused on youth empowerment and the role technology plays in the opportunities available to young people.

Geopolitical turbulence, contested supply chains, and renewed pressure on European security have reinforced the importance of close UK–EU cooperation on technology and innovation. 

A low-cost route to force regeneration: actively manage the Veterans ID card and Defence Gateway to build a dynamic, trained virtual reserve from those who have served.

A man wanted by the National Crime Agency in connection with a multi-million pound fraud has been arrested in Dublin.

The Housing and Planning Minister's speech given yesterday at the Housing Community Summit 2026.

More patients than ever before were seen within four hours in A&E this summer, despite record demand on the NHS.

Statement regarding the situation in Yemen and in response to recent Houthi actions.

Speaking to business and political leaders in Glasgow, CBI Chief Executive Rain Newton-Smith will call on the Scottish and UK governments to work with business to unlock investment, create jobs and raise living standards in communities across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Patients will be able to get quicker, more convenient treatment for migraines, acne and 3 other everyday conditions at hundreds of pharmacies in England from autumn, without needing to see their GP first.

Tens of thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds enrolled in further education settings are severely absent and attending learning less than half the time – meaning they are disengaged from education but remain invisible to official NEET figures, the Children’s Commissioner has warned.

A record nine museums, libraries and archives across England have earned an award of Designation for their collections in the most recent Panel meeting. An award of Designation recognises a particular collection as being of national and / or international importance based on their quality and significance, as assessed by the Designation Panel.  

Minister Pollard highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, industry and private finance, to strengthen UK deterrence and drive economic growth (09 September 2026).

Thousands of people with health conditions or disabled people are in work following support from the Government’s flagship local employment programme, according to official data published today [Thursday 10 Sept]

This report presents a literature review of work on trust in government, and uses this to re-think how Scottish Government could conduct future research on trust in government.

The new project from RUSI's Centre for Finance and Security examines how think tanks and other policy organisations can act as opaque conduits for translating foreign funding into undue political and policy influence.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak recently commented on the statement by Secretary of State on Foreign Affairs.

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle yesterday addressed attendees at the NFU's Back British Farming Day 2026 reception.

Clarifying the law on who can stand in Local Government elections.

One year after the Modern Industrial Strategy, and following a more recent Government restructure, the UK Government has launched a new Space Strategy. 

Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism

People applying to become British citizens are charged more than five times the amount it costs the Home Office to process their application, according to new analysis from IPPR.

The Minister for Africa yesterday spoke about how the UK and Angola are working together to drive growth and tackle shared challenges.

More than £2.3 million is being made available to support new housing and care projects, helping people with care and support needs to live independently, in their own communities, for longer.

Supporting workers in the North East.

Both directors disqualified as company directors until 2035

UKHSA, alongside the Food Standards Agency and other public health partners, continues to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella in the UK.

The Crown Prosecution Service yesterday announced that a man has been charged under the National Security Act following contact with a representative believed to be from the GRU Volunteer Corps.

UK and Belgian police to share intelligence autonomously and in real time, enabling faster action against organised criminal gangs, including people smugglers.

Education Secretary convenes leaders from education, industry, and local government at No10 North to put local expertise at heart of education policies.

 Royal Marines and British Army personnel attended the funeral of King Harald V of Norway on Wednesday.

A woman who lied to the police falsely accusing ten innocent men of rape had her sentence increased following intervention by the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP.

TfL is organising a special treasure hunt to mark the centenary of Charles Holden's iconic Northern line stations

NHSE has made efforts and has targeted funding towards improving A&E waiting times and patient flow through hospitals, but this growth in spending has not been matched with proportionate improvements for patients, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has found.

Five Mexican men will appear in court charged in relation to the alleged production of meth, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Sir Ciarán Devane responds to NAO report on patient flow through hospitals 

Transport for London (TfL), Unite the Union, London's bus operators and the Greater London Authority have been working closely to tackle the impact of extreme weather

More than 950 projects will make NHS hospitals safer, more resilient and better equipped to care for patients.

Trust in government compensation schemes collapses when people have to rely on the same body that caused them harm to manage the compensation process.

Investment to help children and families access support.

Sir Charles Randell CBE and Harjit Sandhu both bring independent advice, support and constructive challenge to DfT.

The Government will introduce legislation requiring tech companies to strengthen protections on devices and platforms to prevent children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images, helping tackle grooming, exploitation and abuse before harm occurs.

A new national community cohesion framework will support colleges, universities and student unions to strengthen belonging and inclusion.

All landlords must sign up to new, simple ‘Register your rental property’ service as it rolls out across the country.

techUK’s CEO was in the room for the Chancellor's first major economic speech, delivered at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry on Monday 7 September. 

A consultation seeking views on guidance to restrict mobile phones in schools has launched.

A man who shared antisemitic, racist and homophobic messages on social media intending to stir up hatred against those groups has been jailed for two years. 
 

Customers who have income to declare for the 2025 to 2026 tax year encouraged to register for Self Assessment now.

United Utilities Limited fined £900,000 for five environmental permit offences following successful Environment Agency investigation into sewage spill.

Tens of thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds enrolled in further education settings are severely absent and attending learning less than half the time – meaning they are disengaged from education but remain invisible to official NEET figures, the Children’s Commissioner has warned.  

UK to bring forward new powers to respond to moral emergency in Palestine, and target illegal settlement activity in the West Bank to protect the viability of a two-state solution

The Charity Commission has removed four charities from an ongoing statutory class inquiry into 105 charities.

Joint statement by the Prime Minister, President Macron and Prime Minister Carney on the Two-State Solution.

Further arrests made as part of Environment Agency investigation, supported by Surrey Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit

Policing has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve lasting reform and make much-needed improvements to the service provided to the public, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary has said.

Businesses and entrepreneurs are being invited to develop technology solutions to some of the country's most pressing public service challenges.

APCC Chair yesterday responded to the State of Policing Report 2025-26.

Northern Trains has overhauled the way it manages the training of its staff to support disabled passengers following an investigation by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), earlier this year.

Young people will be given vital work experience opportunities thanks to a major initiative between government and Britain’s leading retailers – with the ambition to create up to 100,000 jobs by the end of the Parliament.

The Chief Statistician has released part 1 of the 2025-26 justice social work statistics. This includes information on justice social work services, as well as characteristics of the people involved. Part 2 will be published in the first quarter of 2027.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires to condemn commemorations surrounding the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.

Public Health Wales has published a practical new guide to help organisations better understand and support people who are digitally excluded. 

A Devon taxi driver who “cynically exploited” a Covid loan scheme to buy a flat in Turkey and a pizza oven has been ordered to repay more than £60,000.

The dissident Irish republican terror group threat is changing. Counter-terrorism officials must keep pace to meet the evolving security challenge.