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First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, held his first face-to-face meeting with First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, recently (24 July 2026), vowing closer cooperation between their governments in fighting for a fairer deal from Westminster for their respective nations.

A UK heatwave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold for a particular location. 

A Sudanese national has been charged with endangering another during a journey by sea to the UK following a small boat crossing.

Whisky products will have zero tariffs in the US.

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the news that residents of Nethy Bridge affected by the precautionary evacuations prompted by the Cairngorms wildfire have been advised they can return home.

Dstl worked with the Army, industry and allies to test drone technology and develop AI capabilities for future battlefield operations.

High pressure will bring dry, fine and increasingly warm weather for many this week.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to act as UK Governor to the World Bank.

Confirmation Coalsnaughton ground movement caused by mining.

The Prime Minister has held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain's job creators.

International financial centres have lessons to pass on about the role of professional services in combatting illicit finance and kleptocracy.

Pension fund could be used to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.

First Minister John Swinney has chaired a further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) on the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

The risk is a prolonged crisis, followed by a breakdown in maritime security cooperation and a widening conflict. But Houthi actions could be addressed by strengthening existing multinational efforts.

British soldiers will be better protected and more lethal on the battlefield as a new investment of up to £400 million will see the Army equipped with the latest spy drone technology.

Boost for whisky producers as tariffs removed for shipments bound for US

Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's statement on the Commonwealth Games.

Gambling-related harms can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities across Wales, affecting health, relationships, finances and wellbeing. 

Care experienced and aged 16-18? The Children’s Commissioner wants to give care experienced children and young people a direct say in how children’s social care services are inspected. 

Britain’s weak recovery from the 2008-09 financial crisis was caused by post-crisis banking regulation, not fiscal austerity or an inevitable feature of deep recessions, according to a new chapter from the Institute of Economic Affairs. 

techUK has submitted its response to the Department of Health and Social Care's Call for Evidence to inform the new cross-government Mental Health Strategy for England.

One month after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s north-central coast, children and families continue to face the lasting impacts of displacement, damaged infrastructure and disruption to essential services.

NCA and Border Force seized 54 handguns and 764 rounds of ammunition from smuggler's cars

The book has been recognised by leading reviewers as being rigorous, politically important and comprehensive. 

techUK has responded to the London Assembly Transport Committee's call for evidence on autonomous passenger vehicles in London, drawing directly on the operational experience of members of our Self-Driving Vehicles Working Group. 

Councils should not be used to run a national tax for high-value properties that could be expensive for councils, confusing for residents and damaging to local accountability, the Local Government Association warns. 

The Welsh Government places a strong emphasis on working in partnership with the UK Government to improve outcomes across the justice system in Wales – that was the message from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality Sioned Williams 

New analysis by IPPR finds that life satisfaction among young people in England has been in steady decline since 2010, while instances of bullying and not feeling a sense of belonging are far higher than OECD peers

For the first time, AI will be positioned at the very centre of government, thanks to the launch of the PM’s new AI Taskforce which will be chaired by Lord Vallance.

Secretary of State Douglas Alexander joined His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen and the Prime Minister at the 2026 Opening Ceremony.

Two members of an Albanian organised crime group have been jailed for drugs and firearms offences.

US singer Chris Brown and his vocal coach have pleaded guilty to affray following a violent attack at a London nightclub in the early hours of 19 February 2023.

GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre and international partners issue warning as ‘LAUNDRY BEAR’ cyber threat group exposed for targeted phishing campaign 

With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games kicking off today, we look back to the positive legacy of the last Games and how we’re backing this year’s event

Violence and harassment against rail workers remains a significant and growing concern across Great Britain’s railway. It is a challenge that we must work effectively together as an industry to tackle.

Washington and Beijing spent the week arguing about whose models we should use. But the week’s most important news was about what a model did.

Blog posted by: Ronan Fitzgerald, 22 July 2026 – Content design, Our services, User research.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has published a new policy brief calling for digital inclusion to be placed at the centre of the UK’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and education technology (EdTech) in schools.

The EFRA Committee has published the government’s response to its report, Resetting the relationship with fishing communities.

Prime Minister Takaichi’s equivocal stance on policy towards Russia has encouraged a revival in activity from those in Japan who seek reengagement with Moscow.

42  waste sites were inspected, resulting in  17 permits suspended or revoked and over 30 criminal investigations triggered.

Blog posted by: Gavin Redhead, Patient advocate, 23 July 2026.

The UK yesterday welcomed the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek’s work supporting Kyrgyzstan’s stability, resilience and development.

Primary school pupils in Wales will gain access to swimming and water safety lessons under a new national programme launching this autumn.

Persistent financial hardship accelerates age-related cognitive decline, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.

Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he declares the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over.

A senior British officer has today taken command of the multinational force which would deploy to Ukraine after hostilities end.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged more rape-flagged suspects than at any point in the last two decades, with increases in cases referred by police, charged by prosecutors and completed in the courts, new data shows.

Last week as part of Mansion House former Chancellor Rachel Reeves published Government’s Financial Services AI Adoption Plan.

Health Innovation North West Coast is helping the Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE) programme deliver on its ambition – to create a world-leading biologics ecosystem that supports research excellence, economic growth and improved outcomes for patients. 

The new prime minister can achieve significant results in Africa if he sets clear ambitions, strengthens the UK’s partnerships and implements a more joined-up approach.

When we think about weather forecasting, we often focus on the science: temperatures, rainfall totals, wind speeds and weather warnings. But what about the language used to describe the weather?

Alongside government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, more people can travel for less this summer with discounts available across all publicly owned railway services.

First Minister John Swinney yesterday welcomed the lifting of US tariffs on Scotch whisky and the creation of a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime.

Tourism and hospitality businesses across Wales are being encouraged to apply for a new £2 million grant scheme to improve accessibility and create more inclusive visitor experiences, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, has announced.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.

A man who subjected his partner to controlling and abusive behaviour before murdering her in her own home had his sentence increased after the Attorney General intervened.

So far we’ve sweltered through three heatwaves this year, including record-breaking June temperatures. These records haven’t just been broken – they’ve been smashed. We need to get used to this new normal for our weather, which is caused by fossil fuels accelerating climate change.

Alice Jeffries, CBI Head of Tax Policy, responds to cuts to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues

Business rates have gone from being one of the most stable and simple taxes in the system to one of the least.

UKEF announces measures at the Farnborough International Airshow this week to drive growth and decarbonisation across the aerospace sector.

London company shut down in the public interest following an Insolvency Service investigation

ASEAN-UK Joint Ministerial Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific: Advancing Together

The Welsh NHS Confederation responds to the NHS activity and performance statistics for May and June in Wales, which shows sustained pressure on services from prolonged hot weather.

Seven innovative projects designed to provide homeowners and businesses with the insights they need to cut the amount of water they use have been awarded a share of £5.2 million as the winners of the first Water Efficiency Lab

Congestion has dropped significantly, with northbound peak journey times approaching the Blackwall Tunnel up to 58 per cent quicker in the morning and 47 per cent in the evening

Our latest research shows safety concerns and affordability continue to influence how women aged 16–34 take part in fitness and leisure activities

Manufacturing output fell in the three months to July, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey, extending a period of flat or falling volumes that began in mid-2024.  

With services due to begin in 2028, passengers will be able to travel directly between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads in around 25 minutes.

The Floridian Governor joined a trade delegation to explore the links between the Sunshine State and Scotland.

An associate of the Heaton Park Synagogue attacker has been jailed for life today, after planning his own attack on a UK defence target.

Ibec and the CBI have called on both the Irish and UK governments to work together to tackle the growing barriers facing hybrid and cross-border workers across the All-Island economy

A 34-mile section of the King Charles III England Coast Path has opened across the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria.

Announces £7.3 million in funding for 8 projects aiming to fuel the UK's transition to zero-emission flights.

The Critical Supply Group has published their 2026 report examining UK supply chains. 

The UK condemned Russia’s ongoing aerial attacks on Ukraine and cited ODIHR’s latest report which shows evidence of civilian harm, arbitrary detention and efforts to erase Ukrainian identity in the temporarily occupied territories.

Eleven offenders guilty of plot to retrieve 500kg of cocaine from the ocean – as NCA releases bonus episode of podcast series Underworld exploring the chemical concealment of cocaine.

Manufacturing is thriving while household spending is suffering. This seems to reflect a deliberate strategy by Beijing to maximize its geopolitical leverage. Growth suffers as a result.

CBI yesterday responded to latest inflation data for June 2026.

A man from West Sussex who committed multiple child abuse offences, including paying for children in the Philippines to be sexually abused to order, has been jailed for 12 years.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax customers have 2 weeks to submit their first quarterly update.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday commented on the government's move to cap bus fares at £2.

The Office of Rail and Road has today published guidance designed to help heritage railway and tramway operators give young volunteers, aged from 14 to minimum school leaving age, the chance to learn new skills while making sure the right safeguards are in place.

The convictions of a woman who was groomed and sexually exploited as a child have today been quashed by the Crown Court, following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). ​ 

The West Coast of Scotland and Clyde herring Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) is one of 43 FMPs set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). This FMP sets out the policies and actions to manage West Coast of Scotland (WoS) and Clyde herring stocks at sustainable levels.

The contrast between Russia’s tactical flexibility and operational rigidity is revealing of the insecurity in its executive function.

From 1 October 2026, all new vaping stock must carry a duty stamp. This follows the introduction of Vaping Products Duty (£2.20 per 10 ml), which applies to all vaping liquids, including nicotine-free products, bottles, cartridges and pods.

Thousands of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England are to be offered a new ‘signal booster’ therapy on the NHS to help them walk more easily and live more independently.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Natural Resources Governance.

The Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, has issued the following statement in response to the ongoing wildfire incidents across Wales.

Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, responds to the latest NHS Wales activity and performance data.

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

China wants to become more self-sufficient in food. This could make it easier to fight climate change and improve nutrition worldwide, but there are also risks to global food markets.

With rent controls continuing to dominate the news agenda since the formation of the new Government, the NRLA has argued that the introduction of such measures would only worsen the private rented sector's supply crisis.

The FCA has decided to ban a father and son from UK financial services after the High Court found that they had engaged in fraud and misused client money. 

Action urged on global debt and sustainable development.

UK Senior Military Adviser, Colonel Joby Rimmer, warns that Russia’s missile and drone attacks endanger civilians, violate neighbouring states’ airspace and increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation across Europe.

Four Bradford men have been found guilty of their role in the sexual exploitation of a vulnerable girl in Bradford more than 20 years ago.

CBI recently (21 July 2026) responded to Sir Chris Bryant's appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), formally the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), entered into force on 15 July 2026. 

Statement calling on Commonwealth countries to work together to tackle the global debt crisis.

£1.5 million to support prestigious sporting event.

People's Panel for Neurotechnologies: exploring public views on neurotechnology and data

Read our update on how inspections and assessments of local services will continue during major local government, social care and NHS reforms.

The Children’s Commissioner is warning that disabled children from low-income families are missing the opportunity to enjoy the school holidays because activities are too far away, inaccessible or lack the specialist support they need.  

Fire-risk among Environment Agency’s many concerns

As Team Wales take to the international sporting stage at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Heledd Fychan, are wishing them ‘Pob Lwc!’

Art on the Underground collaborates with artist Michael Crowe and London schoolchildren to launch an art map to help kids get creative during the summer holidays

FM: The stage is set and eyes of the world are on Glasgow.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office.

River restoration project at Northcliffe Dike in Shipley to improve water quality, increase biodiversity and help reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

Communities across Wales will benefit from stronger, more resilient local planning services after the Welsh Government announced £447,400 to train the next generation of planners.

Details on changes to the machinery of government

Mothers and babies in focus as £4.5million funding rolled out to improve Berkshire maternity and neonatal services

Continuing his drive to build an economy that works for every postcode, the Prime Minister has taken action to cut business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England from April next year.

A man has been jailed for trying to smuggle around £430,000 worth of cannabis on a flight from Thailand, following an investigation by Scotland’s Organised Crime Partnership team.

UKRI has published a new strategy that seeks to boost research and innovation in every nation and region across the UK. The strategy details how this new mission will invest £9 billion of public money to deliver outcomes for the UK public through research and innovation that advances knowledge, improves lives and drives growth. 

Four former employees from Southern Water, including the former Chief Executive Officer Matthew Wright, face a charge of conspiracy to defraud.

The Procedure and Privileges Committee has published its First Report. This report proposes changes with a view to upholding high standards of courtesy and behaviour in the Chamber. This includes changes to the guidance in the Companion relating to attendance at debates, reading of speeches, length of supplementary questions during oral questions, referring to other members, and dress code.

Welsh companies and organisations will be able to access R&D funding as Wales becomes a regional partner with a major EU scheme, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, has announced.

A British man who fled to Spain has been sentenced for masterminding the supply of drugs and illegal firearms worth £3.75m.

Anthropic will support the second group of firms in the FCA's Supercharged Sandbox.

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a contract to develop a hypersonic target, strengthening UK and allied missile defence capabilities.

The roll out of the life saving Meningitis B vaccine began in Wales yesterday.  For the first time the vaccination is being offered to young people preparing to start university or residential further education for the first time – a group known to be at significantly increased risk of meningococcal disease.  

Consultation opens today – 22 July – on plans for landmark new law to guarantee that the needs of rural communities in Wales are considered and accounted for in decisions taken by government and public authorities in Wales.

Mayor's new Weekend Hopper offer runs from 25 July to the end of August and means anyone travelling on buses and trams on a Saturday or a Sunday during the summer holidays can make unlimited journeys for the price of a single fare that day

How HM Land Registry is increasing security and simplicity with documents becoming available via a secure link rather than as an attachment to emails.

At least 25 inflatable boats and 25 outboard engines which would have been delivered to people smuggling gangs have been seized at Felixstowe, as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.

Thousands of British workers will accelerate development of advanced technologies for use by the Royal Air Force, following a £708 million investment announced today. 

The Welcome for Newcomers Fund will support organisations and partnerships whose charitable purpose is to support newcomers to the UK. Those applying should have ongoing, long-term access to safe physical spaces and have a proven track record of providing comprehensive help through three core elements of ‘Welcome’ work.

Teenagers and young adults on the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s Youth Panel are helping drive improvements in the way police deal with young people in custody.

Four people have been arrested and search warrants executed in Hackney, Beckenham and Slough as part of a FCA and police investigation into fraud and money laundering.

Single bus fares in England to be capped at £2 for 2027.

HMRC is reminding people earning money from side hustles to check if they need to register for Self Assessment and declare their income

New Business Secretary at Farnborough International Airshow to set out stall to go further and faster for growth by commercialising science and innovation to deliver for every postcode.

Change of status because of the environmental impact created by a lack of rainfall and high temperatures.

Millions of people will save a third on bus travel as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces a cap on single bus tickets at £2 during his first week in office. 

The UK government has worked with the NHS, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and international health partners to medically evacuate a humanitarian worker who has been treating patients with Ebola in the DRC.

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced yesterday.

Company wound up following Insolvency Service investigations

The Environment Agency has moved Sussex into a state of prolonged dry weather, joining Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.  

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in June 2026.

Stephen Kinnock has taken up his role as Secretary of State for Wales following his appointment by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

As the UK’s online safety watchdog, Ofcom regulates more than 100,000 companies, many of which are based entirely outside the UK. 

Minister Pollard highlighting record spending on air power, drones, and innovation, and publishing a new SME Action Plan to grow Britain's defence industry (21 July 2026).

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak yesterday responded to the latest labour market statistics and the government’s announcement on energy bills.

Charity Commission offers interim update on provisions of EHRC’s code that clarify the law on matters of sex and gender.

Leading companies across the construction industry and national supply chain – including Heathrow, Lower Thames Crossing and Gallagher Group – will work together with TfL property arm Places for London to develop opportunities for people who have experience of the care system.

The Environment Agency is taking action to protect water supplies and wildlife in the Midlands as dry weather continues to place pressure on river levels.

Libyan anti-corruption investigations reveal the limitations of a US push to reunify the country without improving governance.

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is independently investigating the involvement of West Yorkshire Police (WYP) following a fatal road traffic collision.

It was announced over the weekend that a national scheme for digital ID will not continue under the incoming government.