WIREDGOV

A husband and wife from Nottingham have been given a suspended sentence after arranging for taking two boys under 18 to Pakistan to be married.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

CMA independent inquiry group concludes deal can proceed if Shutterstock sells its editorial business

Activities will place communities at the heart of Windrush Day 2026 as nation continues to celebrate and commemorate the Windrush generation

The court of appeal yesterday quashed a jury’s finding of guilt on a rape charge because the Crown Court which heard the trial had no jurisdiction to do so.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Public Health Wales is working with Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Welsh health boards and local authorities to respond to the outbreak and to take appropriate action.  

Last Friday, I hosted my second Our Future, Our Voice: Festival of Childhood in collaboration with the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester.

Safer and faster care for patients as NHS set to introduce Single Patient Record and cut bureaucracy

Wider youth employment support, backed by £2.5 billion which will ensure every young person is able to earn or learn. 

X has made the following public commitments to better protect UK users from illegal hate and terror content, which Ofcom has today accepted:

A former imam who carried out a sustained campaign of sexual abuse against women and girls over more than a decade has been jailed.

In a joint initiative coordinated by the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), business leaders from across the UK have come together to sign a collective open letter condemning antisemitism and committing to meaningful action.

Drones which will accompany the Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving £10 million investment today as the programme reaches a new milestone.

Eleven foreign far-right agitators intent on coming to the UK to spew their extremist views have been blocked from entering the country, as the Prime Minister takes action to protect British communities from vile hate.

The National Lottery Community Fund has warned that the rapid development of AI risks leaving some of the UK’s most marginalised communities behind

PROSECUTORS have been issued new legal guidance on the use of offensive banners, slogans, chants or symbols to recognise the changing national and international context and increase in hate crime ahead of significant planned protests in London this weekend.

Ofgem has closed its investigation into British Gas on its treatment of customers who had a prepayment meter (PPM) installed without their permission, with consumers set to benefit from the settlement agreement made with the regulator.  

New Mental Health strategy will transform care in England and drive shift from crisis intervention to preventative care.

Government announces first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer new bite-sized courses, with applications opening this September.

Measures will help separating families save cash and settle childcare issues more easily.

GOV.UK Chat is now available in the GOV.UK app – a new AI tool that lets people ask questions in plain language and get clear, reliable answers instantly.

Access to UK eGates expanding to children aged 8 and 9 years.

Registration for tax advisers opens next week

Water companies are failing to win back customers’ trust amid deepening concerns over the fairness and affordability of water bills, a new report has revealed.

Renters in England worked for 133 days for their landlords this year. The 14th of May is the first day they start working for themselves.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has raised concerns about the support provided to Hounslow children with special educational needs who are schooled out of borough after two complaints were upheld in quick succession.

A new appeal has been launched to locate and bring to justice 12 of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, who are believed to be hiding in, or have links to Spain.

The centre, a UKRI investment funded through the government's Gambling Levy, will direct world-leading research on how to tackle and prevent gambling harms. 

Stronger protections for UK audiences under new content and accessibility standards for streaming services 

Rather than being a principled reform to the taxation of pensions, this change creates another new arbitrary line in the tax system.

RMT union members are scheduled to take strike action on the Tube network this week between 19-22 May

New strategy launched to strengthen UK preparedness against African and classical swine fever

Dr Layla McCay responds to the latest NHS performance figures.

The targeted treatment helps people live longer and can help prevent the disease from returning.

Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of IPPR, responds to the King’s Speech

Government-backed insurance continues to enable exports to Middle East countries.

Funding of up to £1m available for existing veterans’ hubs across the UK to join VALOUR – the Ministry of Defence’s new support system

Ben Jones, CBI Senior Lead Economist, responds to latest GDP figures (three months to March 2026)

People living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in England are set to gain routine access to two potentially life-changing treatments, following our publication of final draft guidance

The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the UK Government's priorities announced in the King's Speech 2026. Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, commented:

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) will hold its End Digital Poverty Gala Reception on Thursday 10 September at the Royal Watercolour Society Gallery in London, as part of a wider week of activity marking a new chapter for one of the DPA’s most important annual moments.

HIV testing uptake lowest among Black African heterosexual women in sexual health services

An independent review will look at how shifts in face-to-face banking services affect people and communities, with new powers enabling the Government to act on what it finds.

The Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

CMA sets out scope of its investigation to determine whether Microsoft should be designated with strategic market status for its business software ecosystem.

Hundreds more children with muscle-wasting condition spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are to be offered potentially “life-changing” therapy on the NHS which could help them live years longer and attend primary school.

The Sentencing Council has published a new guideline for offences related to hare coursing which will come into effect on 1 June 2026. 

Renters face bearing the brunt of the Chancellor’s planned tax hikes, with almost half of landlords planning to increase rents as a result of the changes due next year. 

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge against a 31-year-old man in connection with an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London.

As we launch our Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2031, it is important to reflect on what Cafcass Cymru achieved over the past five years and how this has shaped our ambitions for children and young people.

Ambassador Holland welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire and Ukraine’s efforts to pursue peace, condemns Russia's mass attack on Kyiv and highlighted how Russia’s actions have undermined cooperative security, OSCE mechanisms and trust.

But they can make important progress at their summit, by sharing their threat perceptions about the nuclear escalation risks brought by AI.

Blog posted by: George Armstrong, 14 May 2026 – Business Relationship Management, strategic partnerships, Technology Services.

The Prime Minister has extended the term of Lieutenant-General Andrew Figgures CB CBE FREng for 9 months, from 1 February 2026 to 31 October 2026.

The Government's Growing Up in the Online World consultation closes on 26 May. techUK sets out its positions ahead of submitting a formal response.

The Iran war shows loitering munitions critically influence conflict. Yet, allied air defences remain inadequate. Remedy requires will and investment in people and technology.

Today, I am in Carlisle, starting a journey across England with a simple but important purpose: to hear directly from children about their lives.

The NHS has hit its target for the number of patients waiting 18-weeks thanks to the biggest improvement in waiting times since the launch of the iPad.

UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer warns that Russia’s selective ceasefires mask bad faith engagement, a war dependent economy, and growing militarisation, making Moscow more coercive and risk tolerant. Russia’s actions, not its rhetoric, demonstrate the absence of any genuine commitment to a lasting peace in Europe.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth yesterday appointed his Cabinet which he has said will have a “relentless focus on doing what’s best for Wales”.

A major inflation shock is likely thanks to high global energy prices.

Cyber criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to carry out attacks that are faster, more advanced and harder to detect. From AI-generated phishing emails that impersonate trusted contacts, to automated tools that scan for and exploit software vulnerabilities, the threat landscape is evolving rapidly.

UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo strengthening NATO partnerships and Euro-Atlantic security across the Western Balkans

The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill will take its first step through Parliament today with its First Reading.

What the 2026 legislative agenda means for investment, innovation, and the UK’s digital economy.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal police shooting in Bedford recently (12 May).

The UK Government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 18th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

CBI yesterday responded to King's Speech 2026.

Statement given recently (12 May 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Colombia's 31 May presidential election will decide whether ‘paz total’, Petro's flagship security framework, is refined under a continuity government or dismantled outright.

CIPD responds to King's Speech

New fund aims to make fostering more accessible and support more people to become carers, as part of wider drive to create 10,000 new foster places.

Who would be most affected by the government’s planned reform to the NICs treatment of salary sacrifice pensions and would it improve the tax system?

Yesterday’s King’s Speech outlined the government’s legislative priorities for the year ahead, including an upcoming Bill covering digital identity, called the Digital Access to Services Bill. The focus of the Bill is to modernise how citizens interact with public services. 

British soldiers will be equipped with modern guns capable of firing eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70km away – delivering the long-term close support artillery solution for the British Army, a landmark moment in UK defence modernisation.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, which represents councils responds to the King’s Speech

Joanna Marchong, head of communications and external affairs of the Adam Smith Institute responds to The King’s Speech

Appeal comes after the number of reported incidents involving items on Tube tracks more than doubled between 2022 and 2025

Sarah Walter responds to the King's Speech and NHS Modernisation Bill

The UK Government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 18th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

Sussex families to get answers as maternity review scope confirmed.

Children are paying an intolerable price for escalating militarised operations and settler attacks across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

A man has been remanded to custody after being charged with smuggling firearms and ammunition, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

APCC Chair Emily Spurrell comments on the following confirmation in today’s King’s Speech the government will introduce a bill to reform policing

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into The Shoosmith Gallery (registered charity number 1147845).

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund responds to the King's Speech and the government's announced intention to pass the NHS Modernisation Bill in this parliamentary session

The Environment Agency has stopped illegal waste activity in its tracks at a site near Chesterfield.

A US national has been charged with smuggling crystal meth following a National Crime Agency investigation.

On the 12 May, the government published the annual Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2026 report, sharing insights on the size, growth and focus areas for the UK cyber security sector. 

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Steiner Friends (registered charity number 1071781).

Statement from the Secretary of State regarding the King's Speech in Parliament

Director made false declarations on two separate government-backed loan applications

We’ve recommended that newborn babies receiving antibiotics in hospital could potentially switch to oral antibiotics and be cared for at home if they are doing well and responding to treatment.

Great Britain’s energy security and clean power ambitions have received a boost yesterday (Tuesday 12 May) after Ofgem greenlit early construction funding (ECF) for a series of large electricity transmission projects in Scotland.

The FCA is reviewing how consumer investment firms support bereaved customers and whether they're getting it right.

A child abuser who attempted to evade justice by faking severe illness has been sentenced after the Crown Prosecution Service and police combined to prove he was lying about his condition.

Rhun ap Iorwerth has become First Minister of Wales, following a swearing in ceremony in Cardiff yesterday afternoon.

Primary school children and teachers set to gain AI and digital skills as North East AI Growth Zone Taskforce meets to drive local opportunity

A Scottish soldier killed in Sicily during World War 2 has finally been identified and given a named grave, 83 years after he died in battle. The previously unknown soldier’s grave has been identified as that of Corporal (Cpl) Gilbert Nay Hamilton, from Lanarkshire.

Latest information on cases including British nationals.

New plans aim to support British farmers by improving supply resilience to global market shocks and supporting innovation in the fertiliser sector.

Isomorphic Labs – a company using frontier AI for drug design and development – is the latest to receive investment from Sovereign AI.

Defence Secretary announced UK contribution to Strait of Hormuz mission at virtual summit of Defence Ministers yesterday.

Forestry Commission staff whose plant health roles contribute to protecting woodlands, forests and green spaces.

Great Britain’s energy security and clean power ambitions yesterday (Tuesday 12 May) received a boost after Ofgem greenlit early construction funding (ECF) for a series of large electricity transmission projects in Scotland.

A waste and recycling company in South East London has been fined after Britain’s workplace regulator found multiple failures, including skips being dangerously stockpiled.

This report was issued in May 2026 and covers the time period 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026 inclusive.

Sarah Spencer, UK Tech Envoy, underlined the opportunities and risks of frontier technologies, stressing responsible governance, partnerships and dialogue through the OSCE. She reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine, condemned Russia’s illegal invasion, and highlighted the OSCE’s role in ensuring technological progress strengthens security, stability and a more humane future (12 May 2026).

Thousands of pounds have been seized from the bank accounts of a notorious American gangster who was once on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.

The Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals' Board convened on 17 April 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The 12 winning projects will provide more people with healthier and sustainable active travel options across England.

A new generation of brain-inspired computing technologies could lead to smarter AI and more efficient technologies for an increasingly data-driven world.

The King’s Speech – the second under this government – is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills facing up to the big challenges our country faces and put the UK on a stronger, fairer path that unlocks hope for people across Britain.

The latest Child Measurement Programme official statistics from Public Health Wales show that 27.3 per cent of four – and five-year-olds in Wales are living with overweight or obesity – the highest all-Wales prevalence recorded since the programme began in 2014-2015. 

IOPC Director General Rachel Watson recently responded to Ofcom's ruling, on complaints we made about the BBC Panorama documentary 'The Chris Kaba shooting'

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has warned that a combination of unclear guidance from Government, legislative restrictions and the need to balance growth with their other duties might result in regulators failing to meet the Government’s call for them to facilitate innovation and growth.

The Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA, has encouraged people to take positive action to support mental health after hosting an event in Parliament Buildings yesterday (11 May 2026) to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

A temporary weight restriction of 18 tonnes will be introduced from 1 July 2026 to ensure safety for all bridge users.

The World Health Assembly in Geneva presents a narrow window of opportunity for action to save multilateral cooperation on global health. Three things need to happen.

Hundreds of thousands of filers submitted their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year between 6 and 12 April.

You may have noticed our weather app has changed a lot this year, with a new design and various updates since it went live in January. So, what has been the process behind the refreshed app, what has changed since launch, and what’s coming next?

Partnership will put the UK at the forefront of next generation self-driving technology 

Today MPs on the Education Committee warn that the government has no clear plan for universities facing insolvency and that protections for students are inadequate, as the Committee publishes a new report on the funding of higher education.

Station announcements by internationally acclaimed artist Dame Tracey Emin encourage people to be mindful of non-visible conditions and to give up their seat if they can to those who need it more.

Chronic fatigue syndrome patients, also known as ME, to benefit from world-first genomics study.

Shoppers are being urged to look out for lumps, swelling, skin changes and unexplained bruising as Morrisons teams up with the NHS to put cancer advice on its own-brand bath and shower products.

The FCA has banned Frank Breuer from working in UK financial services and fined him £755,000 for repeatedly acting without integrity and putting customers at risk for personal financial gain.

Companies House is reviewing the retention period for dissolved company records, following concerns that records should be held for longer than 20 years.

Hello there! My name is Sirea Jabar. I have recently switched roles at Homeless Link, from regional partnership manager (North) to National Learning and Development Manager, leading on the National Homelessness Skills Framework (NHSF).

UK and France to host first meeting of Defence Ministers to advance the Strait of Hormuz multinational mission. This comes as HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s most capable warships, will forward deploy to the region.

A new National Centre for Environmental Horticulture and Plant Health will help to protect the UK’s 23 million gardens.

Following last week's local elections and the Senedd vote in Wales, Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a reset speech on 11 May morning.

Foreign Secretary announces sanctions against organisations and individuals enabling hostile Iranian activity.

We have fined South Staffordshire Plc and South Staffordshire Water Plc (together South Staffordshire) £963,900 following a serious cyber attack that resulted in the personal information of 633,887 people being extracted and published on the dark web.  

The Prime Minister will meet with apprentices to underline the Government’s drive to overhaul the apprenticeship system, break down barriers to opportunity for young people and ensure the economy works for people in every part of the country.

Details of the fish health inspectorate service charter.

UK businesses are being urged to strengthen their cyber defences against fast-evolving AI-enabled threats.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn yesterday (Monday 11 May) published the May Review Report

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) yesterday announced a major package of measures to protect workers from the dangers of engineered stone dust, including silicosis, a deadly-but-preventable lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust released during stone cutting.   

In at least three areas Europe and China’s interests align that harm Russia: preventing Putin from war with NATO, Russian de-industrialisation, and safeguarding NATO.

The UK is exposing and taking action against Russia’s hostile and heinous activity at every level, from its systematic campaign to forcibly deport and militarise Ukrainian children to recent attempts to interfere in upcoming Armenian elections.

President Trump should not concede much on issues like Taiwan. But both powers have an interest in opening the Strait of Hormuz and making progress on AI safety.

An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

Modernising track and train will help improve the passenger experience, while supporting jobs, growth and homes in Britain.

The Ariel payload has cleared a major test milestone, paving the way for the mission that will uncover the secrets of over 1,000 alien worlds.

New legislation to be announced in the King's Speech on Wednesday will give government the option to bring British Steel into public ownership.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office summoned the Chinese Ambassador on Friday 8 May following convictions under the National Security Act.

Lloyds Bank and the government are urging fans to Stop! Think Fraud ahead of the FIFA World Cup next month.

With a cooler northerly flow bringing lower than average temperatures for the time of year and the risk of overnight frost for some, we explore why frost can still occur late into Spring.

With the world distracted by the Iran war, the situation is worsening in Gaza, where neither Israel nor Hamas are under pressure to make progress on the ceasefire plan.

Today we’ve published the latest figures for complaints we’ve received about the UK’s major landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV providers.

In 1928, a debate was held in the House of Lords on the right to dig up public roads.

New Cambridge South rail station opening in June 2026.

A man who moderated multiple dark web sites which shared indecent images of children has been sentenced to six years in prison, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Statement given recently (08 May 2026) by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Arria meeting on the West Bank.

CBI recently (09 May 2026) responded to the Scottish election result.

You just crossed the stage. You’ve got the scroll, the photos, and the debt. Now what?

The National Archives’ record collections on former British territories are an invaluable resource for researchers studying architectural history. In this blog, PhD student Adefola Toye considers how these and other records can be used for research into and beyond West Africa's colonial period.

9,500 more homes and businesses in Essex to receive faster, reliable internet as part of the government’s Project Gigabit roll out.  

French, Swiss and UK taskforce holds flagship event for prosecutors in London.

Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission, Scotland recently (08 May 2026) gave a statement following the conclusion of the Scottish Parliament election count.

On Friday 8th May, the Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza hosted her second Festival of Childhood in collaboration with Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. 

UCL marked the publication of Student London: A New History of Higher Education in the Capital with a vibrant celebration, honouring a new book that places the student experience at the heart of London’s history.

The Ministry of Defence will pay for Second World War veterans to attend commemorations in Europe this summer in partnership with the Royal British Legion

New education missions launched to open doors for children in the most under-served communities.

The Financial Action Task Force’s plans for cross-border payment transparency are welcome, but this ambition without safeguards may undermine financial system access.

The UK welcomed Armenia’s successful hosting of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, reaffirmed UK support for Armenia’s democratic resilience, and highlighted the agreement of a new UK–Armenia Strategic Partnership (07 May 2026).

As political parties in Wales respond to the outcome of the Senedd elections, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) calls on the next Government to rule out the introduction of any form of rent controls. 

Recent assassinations in Aden are likely to undermine confidence in the Yemeni government’s ability to maintain security for its civilians as well as international organizations and aid workers.

CBI recently (08 May 2026) responded to the Welsh election result.

A convicted money launderer has been sentenced to an additional 499 days in prison for failing to fully pay the money owed under a Confiscation Order.

A Hampshire-based company has been fined after a roofer suffered life‑changing injuries when he fell through an unprotected loft hatch while carrying out work on a domestic property in Wimbledon

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred a man’s sentence for drug-related convictions to the Court of Appeal because time he spent in custody awaiting extradition to the UK was not deducted from the sentence.

Following a successful pilot in priority sectors, defence and robotics, the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO)* are seeking insights from businesses to understand the regulatory barriers that are holding back innovation across all science and technology sectors. 

Oliver Griffiths, Group Director for Online Safety – statement on priorities for the year ahead

We have published our draft Business Plan and funding requirements for 2026/27, setting out our proposed programme of changes to improve how we regulate solicitors and law firms, with a sharper focus on protecting the public from the biggest risks.

The second phase of work on the Menai Suspension Bridge is progressing following the installation of the scaffold under the bridge known as the Aerotruss.

Somewhere right now, a promising drug candidate is failing a Phase II clinical trial. It will not make the news, but the costs run into the hundreds of millions. Multiply that across the industry, and you begin to understand why drug discovery, for all its scientific brilliance, remains one of the most economically broken pipelines in modern commerce.