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The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer this month, found that over a thousand fewer new cases of three common cancers were diagnosed in Wales in 2020 compared to 2019, equivalent to a reduction of 15 percent. The largest reduction in new cases of almost a fifth occurred for breast (19 percent) and bowel (17 percent) cancers, although by the end of 2020, lung cancer cases had reduced by only 8 percent, in contrast.

Meeting to discuss shared areas of interest has taken place at Bute House.

Site in Swansea will pioneer new approach to tackling female offending.

Further acceleration of government ambitions for UK offshore wind sector.

The government needs to tackle incoherent policy making if it is to meet its net zero target, argues a new Institute for Government report.

Public Health Wales is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Northern Ireland HSC Health Protection Agency to respond to UK cases of monkeypox.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalisation of payments, with consumers shifting from physical cash to digital and contactless payment instruments at a rate unprecedented. This development combined with the continued need to support cash and the surge of digital currencies initiatives has raised questions about the need of a renewed regulatory framework in Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Bid to increase numbers.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething has today announced £2.9 million from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics capital fund will be shared among 18 projects that will help deliver small-scale infrastructure improvements in strategically important tourism locations across Wales.

Policies to tackle the cost of childcare need to be honest about the minority of parents with pre-school children who will benefit

The International Trade Secretary today launches negotiations on a new UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (FTA) alongside her Mexican counterpart in London.

Councils administering Disabled Facilities Grants need to ensure their processes are transparent and accountable, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has said.

Revised sentencing guidelines for domestic, non-domestic and aggravated burglary offences in England and Wales, which come into effect on 1 July 2022, were published yesterday by the Sentencing Council following consultation.

Almost £9 million available for tree and seed suppliers of all sizes to expand and modernise

NHS England and NHS Improvement commit to a 5-year partnership agreement today

GAD marks 6 months of ISO 27001 accreditation which recognises that we have successfully demonstrated good security practices in information and communication technology.

Events helping remember and recognise the leading role the Windrush Generation and their descendants have played in making Britain stronger, culturally richer and more inclusive.

Fund will support ideas to reduce emissions and cut waste.

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has visited an award-winning honey producer in Builth Wells to celebrate World Bee Day which takes place today (Friday, 20 May).

Soaring demand to protect vulnerable children at risk of harm has seen spending to provide support increase by almost a quarter in five years, with an upcoming national care review a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to set out long-awaited reform, councils are warning today.

FlexCollect, the UK’s largest collaborative project to support the collection and recycling of flexible plastic packaging, launched yesterday with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) support.

The dates of the world-famous cherry blossom in Kyoto have been shifted forward by climate change and urban development.

Targeted support based on views of patients and clinicians. 

Hundreds of thousands of people suffering from insomnia who would usually be prescribed sleeping pills could be offered an app-based treatment programme instead, NICE has said

Today (Friday) is the 17th annual Work from Home Day, organised by Work Wise UK as part of Work Wise Week – a week of activity to promote employment practices that improve work-life balance.

Eight new cities named as part of 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Latest aid deliveries will double number of medical items donated by the UK.

The Minister for the Private Rented Sector, Eddie Hughes MP, will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural National Landlord Conference on Tuesday 15th November.

The Court of Appeal found in favour or HMRC that Mr Hoey was liable to pay the tax in his income in ‘Stephen Hoey and others v HMRC’ (13 May 2022).

Biggest funding package in a generation to tackle youth offending and cut crime.

The FCA is to use new powers to more swiftly cancel or change what regulated activities firms are permitted to do, these are known as permissions. 

Blog posted by: Annie Mirza, 19 May 2022.

More than 1,500 new trainee probation officers have been hired this year – hitting the government’s target while helping to cut crime, make streets safer and protect the public.

A progress update from the independent inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case.

A dedicated fund to repay mesh removal costs will open for applications on 6 June.

The Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) recently (18 May 2022) approved a €4 billion credit line (or programme loan) to help national authorities, cities, regions and local communities in all EU Member States address urgent investment needs and help welcome and integrate people fleeing the war against Ukraine.

Blog potsed by: Kerry Twort, 18 May 2022 – Categories: A Modern Civil Service, A Skilled Civil Service, An Innovative Civil Service.

Record numbers of men are getting checked for prostate cancer thanks to a lifesaving awareness raising campaign, the NHS said yesterday.

Peace and conflict need to be considered in the climate change agenda.

Minister of Finance Sigrid Kaag and the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, met in The Hague on Wednesday.

As technology innovation continues to allow the UK to grow its economy, technology trade association techUK recently (17 May 2022) released a new guide outlining the benefits of private networks adoption, ‘Private networks: a user guide by techUK’.

Blog posted by: Harris Vallianatos, 18 May 2022.

Campaign for Learning is celebrating the 24th Learning at Work Week, which is taking place from 16–22 May. This year's theme of 'Learning Uncovered' is focused on raising the profile of lifelong learning at work and encouraging everyone to uncover and share their learning power.

Dstl Fellow Bharatkumar (“Bharat”) Patel has received a NATO award for his significant scientific contribution to modelling and simulation and its impact on military capability.

UK manufacturing output grew at its fastest pace in ten months over the quarter to May. 

Charity warned by regulator to continue to take steps to improve.

Blog posted by: Nikola Goger, 18 May 2022 – Categories: UCD Conference Day.

The High Representative and the European Commission yesterday adopted a Joint Communication on a 'Strategic Partnership with the Gulf' with the aim to broaden and deepen the European Union (EU)'s cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its Member countries.

Millions of people across the UK will benefit from new legislation to protect access to cash, helping to level up opportunity and ensure financial inclusion across the UK, the government announced today (Thursday 19 May).

People who have their homes flooded with sewage are frequently being let down by wastewater companies, whose response can leave customers facing long-term distress.

COP26 President Alok Sharma met with Colombia’s President Iván Duque to discuss the importance of mobilising climate finance at scale in Colombia and to launch three new climate finance initiatives to help Colombia transition to a green future.

Pupils, parents and carers are being asked to give their views on school uniform to help shape new national guidance.

In 2015 Kirklees Council led a Northern tendering process to procure postal services through the collaboration of a group of councils.

The European Commission yesterday presented the REPowerEU Plan, its response to the hardships and global energy market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

While Defence Intelligence’s daily briefings have garnered praise, the emphasis has been on publicity over analytical quality.

New sanctions on major Russian airlines will prevent them from cashing in on their UK landing slots.

A man has been jailed for seven years after a self-loading pistol and ammunition were seized from him on the M1 in Hertfordshire.

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Chief Executive Emily Miles yesterday welcomed the National Audit Office’s latest report ‘Regulating after EU Exit’.

The Welsh Government has issued a statement on the latest NHS Wales performance data published today (Thursday, 19th May).

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has stepped in to protect the remaining members of Rainbow Saver Anglia Credit Union Limited, which has stopped trading and is now in default.

A renewed governance split in Libya is blocking progress on agreeing an electoral framework. Ending the standoff over state spending could break the impasse.

The number of 4-5 years old children with obesity has increased in two different health board areas since 2018-19, according to the Child Measurement Programme.

The fifth Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial on Employment and Labour, held on 17 and 18 May in Marrakech, Morocco, focused on “Employment and employability of the most vulnerable, especially among youth and women”.

Blog posted by: Jonathan Wafford, ITIL 4 Strategic Leader/Managing Professional, May 18, 2022.

Key climate change indicators – including atmospheric concentrations of carbon-dioxide, sea level, and ocean heat – set new records in 2021.

Speech delivered yesterday by the International Trade Secretary at Bloomberg in London on the UK's ambitions to become a global leader on Green Trade.

More than £3.9 billion to benefit 1 million people in 2022-23

In response to the European Council tasking at the Versailles Summit, the Commission and the High Representative yesterday presented an analysis of the defence investment gaps, and propose further measures and actions necessary to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base. 

Since 2014, the story of Western military assistance to Ukraine has been one of halting progress and self-imposed thresholds, transcended by acts of resolve. This is a story about courage.

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Paul Arnold, ICO Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer shares his story.

The CMA has provisionally found that the merger of Veolia and Suez would lead to a loss of competition in the supply of several waste and water management services in the UK.

Today is ‘gender pensions gap day’ – when women pensioners start getting paid.

A £600 million plan to fight fraud in the welfare system will introduce a range of new powers and boost the counter-fraud frontline, saving the taxpayer £2 billion over three years.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate, Ofwat and the Environment Agency yesterday launched ‘StreamLine’ – a new joint service to improve advice and slash response times for water innovators.

The Commission yesterday set out plans in a Communication for the EU's immediate response to address Ukraine's financing gap, as well as the longer-term reconstruction framework.

Tackling speed is a vital part of TfL's Vision Zero commitment to eliminating death and serious injury on the transport network.

HySupply 2 competition winners to receive government funding for innovation in hydrogen supply.

Local authorities across England need to ensure disabled people are at the heart of how their services operate, so nobody in their community is placed at a disadvantage, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has said.

Priti Patel and Rwandan Minister Dr Vincent Biruta met in London to update each other on progress on the new partnership agreed between the UK and Rwanda.

New services are being developed to improve access to urgent and emergency care across Wales so people get the right care, in the right place, the first time.

The European Commission has approved a €30 million Maltese scheme to support companies active in the importation, manufacturing and wholesale of grains and other similar products in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The new Club and challenge will be available for Strava users later this month and encourages women to get back to moving again after a break from physical activity.

Ploughshare, the company that finds new and inspiring uses for government inventions, is pleased to announce the appointment of defence innovation leader Clare Cameron to its board.

In a speech to the CBI’s Annual Dinner yesterday (Wednesday) its President, Lord Bilimoria, said that with negative growth in March and forecasts of a weak outlook for the rest of 2022, the Government must act on the cost-of-living crisis and help firms to invest in uncertain times.

Customers are experiencing hit-and-miss levels of customer service from major telecoms providers, Ofcom has found, as the regulator shines a light on how providers perform and compare.

The Environment Agency and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have worked together on the 'Wild Wiske Revival: Clean and Green' project over the last three years.

Preliminary works for the Salisbury River Park project are now complete.

techUK is proud to once again be a strategic partner of London Tech Week.

Fall prevention has been identified as the number one priority by the leading health and safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). And RoSPA is now calling on businesses, business leaders and the health and safety community to use the skills they have developed in fall prevention in workplaces, to educate their employees to help prevent falls in the home.

We’ve published our latest research into the customer service offered by the major home phone, mobile and broadband providers – and it’s a mixed picture depending on which provider you use.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has visited Museum of Cardiff on International Museum Day to announce just over £750,000 of Welsh Government funding to help local libraries, museums to develop their facilities and services.

A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer was dismissed without notice for failing in her duties to investigate allegations of harassment and voyeurism, and for failing to safeguard a woman before she was murdered by her estranged husband in April 2020.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady comments on today’s (Wednesday) inflation figures, which show CPI inflation rising to 9.0%.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs commented on the latest ONS inflation data.

An independent review of flooding events across Wales during the winter of 2020-21 has been launched, the Welsh Government has announced.

A new hub designed to spark innovation and push the boundaries of technology used by UK Armed Forces has been officially opened in Dorset today.

APCC Criminal Justice Lead, David Lloyd and Deputy Lead, Emily Spurrell commented on Criminal Justice Think Piece.

On Wednesday 18th May 2022, Minister for Disabled People Chloe Smith gave a speech to open a Disability Confident Jobs Fair at Hillman Street Jobcentre Plus.

Victoria Hewson, Head of Regulatory Affairs at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs commented on plans for legislation that would allow the UK government to override parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Education must be at heart of prison system, say MPs, as new report highlights freefall in quality of and engagement with existing provision.

Women’s Health Minister Maria Caulfield and Chief Midwifery Officer Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent co-chaired the second meeting of the maternity taskforce

General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday commented on the government announcement on plans to scrap part of the Northern Ireland protocol.

Some UK regulators have taken on significant new roles following EU Exit. However, the work they are doing now to build their capability and manage operational challenges may not align with long-term ambitions or responsibilities, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

This morning the ONS announced that CPI inflation rose to 9% in the year to April, a level not seen since 1982, and significantly higher than the 7% rate in March.

A world-first method for catching scallops has been developed using funding from the Government’s Seafood Innovation Fund.

The Ministry of Defence's statement on the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill.

Robust reforms to fire safety introduced to strengthen fire and rescue services, putting the majority of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations into law

Soccer Aid for UNICEF, taking place on Sunday 12 June at London Stadium, today announced a new partnership with charitable foundation The Power of Nutrition, who will match public donations and fundraising up to a total of £4 million.

Rebecca McDonald, Senior Economist at JRF responds to new inflation figures

New online quiz launched to help adults improve numeracy skills.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, is assuming presidency of the International Transport Forum and will lay out 5 priorities for the UK’s tenure.

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

The CMA has provisionally found that the merger of 2 firms offering property search services could lead to a worse deal for homebuyers.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist responds to latest inflation data

Yesterday, I wrote about my work on promoting maths and STEM subjects for girls and how important this is.

Help shape the future of reporting crime by completing the Police Contact Survey

Show your support for the 4 shortlisted places before the winner is revealed

Soaring food prices driven by the war in Ukraine and pandemic-fuelled budget cuts set to drive up both need for, and cost of, life-saving therapeutic food treatment, the latter by up to 16 per cent 

Green trade is crucial to growing the UK economy, achieving net zero and driving our future prosperity, the International Trade Secretary will say in a speech.

Six islands to become carbon neutral by 2040.

Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation responded to the Labour market overview May 2022 released by the Office for National Statistics.

UK manufacturers are to have their productivity and competitiveness boosted thanks to a new data innovation hub and testbed led by Ulster University.

The statistics look backwards but most are braced for what’s coming next, says the CIPD in response to the latest labour market statistics from the ONS

“A decent and affordable home is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of everybody.”

Payments made to over 3,000 children and young people across Scotland.

Andy Mayer, Energy Analyst at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs commented on the news Ofgem has proposed to update the energy price cap quarterly rather than every six months.

Ofwat yesterday confirmed it will continue to provide ring-fenced funding for further investigations into four strategic regional water resource solutions in England. These proposed solutions could provide long-term, resilient water supplies to drier parts of the country.

Mark Bellis, Director of Policy and International Health, WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health & Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, explains why studying wider population health is always essential to minimising health inequalities and improving people’s health and wellbeing, and even more so when faced with a global pandemic. 

Officers from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood have charged a man from Sheffield with 17 offences relating to the abuse of four teenage girls in the 1990s.

Throughout my career and in my years teaching and running schools I have always been clear about the importance of maths and STEM subjects.

Responding to the paper, The Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG said: “If the EU will not negotiate, then the Government will be right to intervene unilaterally to restore stability”

Health and Social Care Secretary announces a new 10-year Plan to tackle dementia and boost funding into research to better understand neurodegenerative diseases

Xiaowei Xu, a Senior Research Economist at IFS responded to the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) statistics released today.

Response to Scottish Information Commissioner report.

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director responded to UK Government Northern Ireland Protocol statement

The UK Government will introduce legislation today (Tuesday 17 May) that seeks to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Professor Len Shackleton, labour market expert and editorial and research fellow at free market think the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on today’s ONS labour market data.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, gave a speech at the conference on Tuesday 17 May 2022.

£100 million to cut carbon footprint further.

Matthew Percival, CBI Director for People and Skills responded to latest labour market statistics

1 in 6 critical NHS supplies depend on China – costing £6.2 billion a year

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss updated the House of Commons on the government's intention to introduce legislation to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Every child will have the opportunity to benefit from music education as part of the Welsh Government’s plans for a national music service, which will help ensure no child misses out due to a lack of means.

Record number of students from deprived areas at university.

The Education Committee publishes its report on Prison education on Wednesday 18th May. The embargo on the report will be lifted for media publication on Tuesday 17th May at 10pm. 

Details of the investigations concluded in the last month have been published today by the Electoral Commission. This is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

The Crown Prosecution Service is updating its legal guidance on immigration offences ahead of the commencement of the Nationality and Borders Act.

The Family Review is exploring all aspects of modern family life and how families understand themselves. The Review will allow us to look at how families can best be supported, with a particular focus on children’s perspectives on family life. It will bring together the best available evidence on the effectiveness of current Government support and community-led support networks.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has set out her vision for the future of UK international development which will help address increasing global challenges.

The Government’s goal to see one million more disabled people in work has been reached, the latest official figures show.

Biocontrol released to protect British waterways against invasive non-native plant

New ‘Think Before you Link’ App will help businesses and the public protect themselves from potential espionage .

Railway infrastructure company, VolkerRail Ltd. has been fined £550,000 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Ofsted has published the latest in a series of reviews into different subjects across the curriculum. This review looks at computing.

A magnetic marker liquid injected into people with invasive breast cancer will help surgeons discover if the cancer has spread, after the technology was recommended in draft NICE guidance

Revised sentencing guidelines that clarify how courts in England and Wales should sentence offenders convicted of arranging or facilitating sexual offences against a child were published today by the Sentencing Council following consultation.

techUK's Advanced Communications Services Working Group has created a new guide for organisations considering building out services using 5G networking technology entitled 'Private network ecosystem: Management model'. 

The Prime Minister and his Cabinet will meet today to drive forward their mission to cut crime and make our streets safer.

UK Global Screen Fund to continue following successful pilot which supported more than 65 productions

Durvalumab recommended as an option for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The Government has reinforced its commitment to improving water quality including through plans for water companies to eliminate harm from sewage discharges.

A key Welsh Government-funded programme to help people most disadvantaged in the labour market into work will be expanded in 2023, following the winding-up of two existing EU-funded programmes, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, yesterday announced.

The EU yesterday announced €25 million in humanitarian aid to meet the basic needs of vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.

The son of a victim of courier fraud is urging carers, family and friends of vulnerable people to be on their guard to help prevent their loved ones being exploited by fraudsters.

£30 million contract for dry-dock maintenance for the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers has been awarded to Babcock International Group, in Scotland.

Cost of prescriptions will be frozen for the first time in over a decade.

A new round of funding to support fishing businesses and wider marine organisations in coastal communities is open for applications.

The outlook for the EU economy before the outbreak of the war was for a prolonged and robust expansion.

Alok Sharma speech given yesterday to mark six months since COP26.

The National Archives and Arts Council England are pleased to announce that they have signed a collaboration agreement until 2024, building on a long history of mutual support.

A Metropolitan Police Service officer who attempted to form an inappropriate relationship with a woman he met while on duty would have been dismissed without notice if he had not already resigned, a police disciplinary panel has ruled.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan has urged all those eligible for the Spring Covid-19 booster to take up their offer of the vaccine before 30 June.

Despite almost a decade of increased attention, delivering sustainable energy solutions for those forced to flee their homes is now further away than ever.

Today (Monday 16 May) Ofgem will publish a ‘minded-to’ consultation to look at whether the energy price cap should be updated quarterly rather than every six months. 

Member states recently (13 May 2022) agreed their position on the proposed amendment to the European standardisation regulation.

Restrictions on multibuy deals and advertising foods high in fat, salt or sugar to be delayed for a year

Welcome to techUK's Future Private Networks campaign week 2022, in which we celebrate the technology, innovation and expertise in the UK’s private networks sector, as we look to accelerate adoption, increase demand and help the UK realise the benefits of advanced connectivity for enterprise and the public sector.

Professor Graham Winch, Professor of Project Management, and  Dr Eunice Maytorena-Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Project Management at Alliance Manchester Business School, will be hosting an interactive workshop ‘Strategic Project Organising’ at APM’s Power of Projects Conference on Thursday 9 June. 

Hundreds of people with a form of the most common form of lung cancer could survive twice as long with the disease, thanks to a drug now available on the NHS.

Fast-track benefit access to be extended to those nearing the end of their life on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today (Monday 16 May) re-opened the Bank branch of the Northern line following a 17-week planned closure.

A man who tried to smuggle heroin worth almost £1 million into the UK through Birmingham Airport has been jailed for nine years.

During his visit to the War Memorial Village, Mr Barclay also met with seven-year-old Finley Skinner, who has raised over £2,000 for veterans through a series of charity events.

The Government and the water industry regulator Ofwat accept that the next water industry price review process has needed to prioritise long term investment in the sewerage network, to take better account for natural capital and to increase the use of nature-based solutions.

Secretary of State for Transport announces plans for a net zero transatlantic flight while in US.

Commissioner Sinkevicius' recently (13 May 2022) gave a speech at the high-level conference on PFAS.

Police will have greater powers to prevent knife crime and tackle serious violence.

Over the last year, the proportion of ex-offenders in work 6 weeks after release increased by more than half.

Big screens in capital cities for public to watch Jubilee events

The UK Government must not introduce legislation which breaks international law, but instead find sustainable solutions to help ease trade between the UK and EU countries, according to Economy Secretary Kate Forbes.

In October 2021, we announced that we’d been selected by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to develop the technical qualification for a new T Level in media, broadcast and production, which will be available for first delivery in September 2023.

Find out how we helped Bristol City Council to meet legal limits for pollution within the shortest possible time through a clean air zone procurement.

A regular service will be restored on Friday and Saturday nights from the evening of Saturday 21 May.

The European Commission and the vaccine developers, BioNTech and Pfizer, recently (13 May 2022) reached an agreement to better address Member States needs for COVID-19 vaccines for the months ahead.

As the war continues to dominate headlines around the world, what are the major narratives being fashioned by both Russia and Ukraine?

DASA and the Materials for Strategic Advantage programme recently held a joint showcase for the suppliers who gained funding via the second phase of the first parallel UK / AUS bilateral “A Joint Effort” call for innovation.

Around 4,500 women with uterine fibroids will be eligible for a new oral treatment after NICE recommended relugolix with estradiol and norethisterone acetate (also called Ryeqo and made by Gedeon Ritcher UK) in final draft guidance.

Higher and Further Education Minister takes action in response to a series of antisemitism allegations against the National Union of Students (NUS).

The Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, has appointed two new members to the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

Tougher airport-style security rolled out across the prison estate in England and Wales has intercepted almost 20,000 attempts to smuggle illegal contraband behind bars.

A project that aims to support the mental health of young people in South Wales, has been given the green light, thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund.

The GCS Innovation Lab is launching Spark!, a Dragon’s Den-style opportunity for GCS members from across ALBs and central government departments to share their innovative ideas, sell them to a senior panel of ‘dragons’ and see them implemented across government.

“Tourism and hospitality is a great sector to work in” – that’s the message from Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, to mark the start of Wales Tourism Week 2022 (15 to 22 May).

More than 2,000 members of the British Army’s Global Response Force have demonstrated their ability to react to global crises during an exercise with NATO allies.

The Council and the European Parliament recently (13 May 2022) agreed on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, to further improve the resilience and incident response capacities of both the public and private sector and the EU as a whole.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urges parties to restore power-sharing institutions on visit to Northern Ireland.

Listeners from Warrington to Wrexham will soon be able to tune into a wider choice of ultra-local digital radio stations, with Ofcom awarding 17 small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences in North West England and North East Wales.

UK lays the foundation for rockets, high-altitude balloons and spaceplanes to lift off from spaceports across the UK, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

The First Minister will urge countries to ensure current strains placed on the international order, including by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, do not result in the promises made at COP26 being broken on a visit to the USA this week.

Personnel awarded for Operation Pitting, the Defence response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and acts of heroism when off duty.

Statement recently (12 May 2022)by President von der Leyen and President Biden on occasion of the second Global COVID-19 Summit.

China sees Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine through the lens of great power competition between itself and the US.

Galop has been selected to deliver a first of its kind, Government-funded support service for victims of conversion therapy.

New research highlighting households’ struggles with the cost of living underlines the urgent need for a new universal scheme to help customers who struggle to afford their water bill.

As newly elected councillors take their posts, the TUC and a group of MPs recently (Friday) warned that thousands of local authority buildings in England still contain asbestos.

Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, has made a special visit to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Communities, groups and individuals are being invited to share their views in a consultation on the creation of Scotland’s first new National Parks in almost 20 years.

Committee Chair Jeremy Hunt has criticised the Government’s rejection of a recommendation for a broad national health and care recovery plan to tackle the backlog caused by the pandemic. 

The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached recently (13 May 2022) between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS 2 Directive) proposed by the Commission in December 2020.

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has begun to establish itself as a leader in digital trade. 

The Future Nuclear Enabling Fund is set to develop new nuclear energy projects across the UK, as committed to in the British Energy Security Strategy.

A Portsmouth dock worker has been arrested and charged with attempted drug importation offences.

Tax fraud is a perennial and persistent threat to all our nations, minister tells tax chiefs.

Fisheries Improvement Fund (FIP) invests £3.5 million to benefit fisheries and anglers across England.

Getting people out of cars and on to bikes is the aim of a £50 million investment announced recently (13 May 2022) by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters.

Blog posted by: Jude Hanan – Principal Digital Advisor, Government Digital Service, Max Fitzhugh - Senior Delivery Manager, Government Digital Service and Raya Barghouti – Senior Analyst, Government Digital Service, 13 May 2022 – Categories: People and skills, Service design, Transformation, Ways of working.

Remarks given recently (12 May 2022) by Vice President Šefčovič at the first meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.

Customers will also spot Royal station announcements and digital signs during the bank holiday weekend.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady, and TUC President Sue Ferns, will meet with the President and senior representatives of TSSA to discuss and advise on the establishment of an independent investigation into claims of sexual harassment and misconduct.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has refused to authorise Alexander Jon Compliance Consulting Limited (AJCC) to provide regulatory hosting services.

Blog posted by: Tunde Ajia, 12 May 2022.

The latest Operational Honours and Awards List recognises the bravery, commitment and commendable service of Armed Forces personnel.

Applications for funding have opened for VCSE organisations who support women experiencing reproductive issues to remain in or return to the workplace

Legislation proposing the permanent adoption or temporary extension of some measures enacted during the pandemic to support Scotland’s recovery from Covid has passed its first stage.

Government introduces plans to transform struggling towns and cities, supporting local leaders to take back control of regeneration.

New research published recently shows that just over half of water bill payers believe they will struggle to pay a utility bill over the coming year, rising to 7 in 10 if there are children in the household.

Statement given recently (12 May 2022) by Vice President Šefčovič on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.

Minister Nigel Adams explored family links to pottery in Stoke-on-Trent and promoted the Cultural Development Fund.

Two new reports from Public Health Wales have looked at the impact of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) transmission of Coronavirus during the pandemic.

On Wednesday, GCS Chief Executive, Simon Baugh along with the GCS Executive Director Team: Lisa Hunter, Conrad Bird and Gem Welsh launched the GCS Strategy, broadcasted live from No.9 Downing Street to over 1,500 communicators.

The Welsh Government has reached agreement with the UK Government on the establishment of freeports in Wales, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has confirmed.