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Lord Chancellor's speech at his Swearing-in Ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice on 23 September 2021.

The Commission yesterday took an important step against e-waste and consumer inconvenience, caused by the prevalence of different, incompatible chargers for electronic devices.

Over the summer, techUK’s Defence and Security SME Forum asked the SME community within techUK's membership to take part in a survey examining engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

Blog posted by: Alicia Hungerford, 22 Sep 2021.

Sellafield Ltd’s supply chain team received national recognition in three categories at a prestigious Excellence in Procurement awards in London.

"Smart cities" describes places that incorporate a range of technologies (especially those that collect and use data) to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Projects usually take place in urban areas, but are also deployed in rural settings. This POSTnote looks at smart city innovation in the UK and the technologies involved. It considers the factors driving the adoption of smart city technologies, and the potential benefits, barriers and risks associated with their implementation.

Right to request flexible work as a day one request in Great Britain.

The early autumn sunshine will continue for many over the next few days, but a change is on the way.

The FSA has published its responses to recommendations by the National Audit Office from a report into the effectiveness of current regulatory arrangements.

The Justice Committee has called on the Government to learn lessons from its use of the criminal law in the covid-19 pandemic.

A new Eurobarometer survey on ‘European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology' released yesterday shows that 9 in 10 EU citizens (86%) think that the overall influence of science and technology is positive.

The UK and Welsh Governments approve £58.7 million to help establish the Swansea Bay City Region as a leader in low carbon growth and the green economy.

The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's speech given yesterday at the steel cut ceremony for HMS Venturer, the first vessel of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.

Blog posted by: Sarah Healey, DCMS Permanent Secretary and CS Disability Champion, 23 September 2021 – Categories: A great place to work, A Modern Civil Service, A Skilled Civil Service, An Ambitious Civil Service.

Testing for inbound international travel is to be eased and will align with the UK following consideration of the logistical, health and economic implications, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson has said.

A karate teacher found selling fake DVDs and Scholl foot care products, running a fraudulent business, money laundering and more, was recently (22 September 2021) sentenced to four years in prison.

The Commission yesterday decided to refer Luxembourg to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to notify the national measures necessary to transpose EU rules on the acquisition and possession of firearms.

The recent near-simultaneous missile tests conducted by the governments of South and North Korea are illustrative of an emergent dynamic in which a growing South Korean counterforce capability is incentivising North Korean efforts to achieve a more diversified missile arsenal that can be rapidly dispersed.

NEPO has launched a new solution for the UK public sector’s furniture requirements.

CBI recently (22 September 2021) responded to the UK Government's AI strategy.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) responded to the UK Government's plans to reintroduce imperial units and, noting that this is a headline proposal, sought assurances that CTSI will be able to provide its evidence and views via a robust consultation and impact assessment that looks at the costs and benefits to businesses, consumers and regulators. 

The Treasury Committee today publishes the responses from the Government, FCA and Bank of England to its report on Lessons from Greensill Capital.

The Commission recently (22 September 2021) announced an additional €119 million in humanitarian and development aid to alleviate vulnerable Yemenis' suffering from over 6 years of conflict. 

Blog posted by: Ana O’Sullivan – project management expert and mother, 22 September 2021.

The recent increase in wholesale global gas prices is impacting many countries as we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The US president appears determined to remove sentiment from foreign policy, instead combining minilateralism and multilateralism to achieve his objectives.

Professor Sir Peter Knight led the formal breaking-ground ceremony at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).

Applications open on 21 September for the 2021 cohort of the Government Communication Service’s (GCS) talent programme, Power of Choice, for senior high potential under-represented talent. Nominations close at 11.55pm on 12 October.

The CMA has today announced that Dr Jenny Haydock has been promoted to Deputy Chief Economic Adviser (DCEA).

Unions have written to chief executives across the public sector in Wales calling for greater engagement with workers on net zero plans.

A new exhibition by Joshua Sofaer exploring plastic waste and the work of the Environment Agency.

Scotland has become the first country in the world to embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across the school curriculum.

In its new Report, Levelling Up and equality: a new framework for change, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee continues to argue that the Government must create a new Cabinet level Secretary of State for Equalities and Levelling Up.

CBI recently (22 September 2021) responded to announcement securing UK CO2 supplies.

The Commission recently (22 September 2021) adopted the legislative proposal for the new EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for the period 2024-2034.

Summary of major announcements from the UK Government's National AI Strategy.

DCMS Minister celebrates tech success, particularly in AI, throughout the UK and champions the sector during London Tech Week (22 September 2021).

A new report published recently (22 September 2021) by Public Health Wales highlights Wales’ vulnerability to any negative impacts of Brexit on the nation’s health and wellbeing following the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Between 2011 and 2021, UK aid has supported 88 million people to cope with climate change, as well as improving 41 million people’s access to clean energy, according to new results published yesterday.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has today announced two appointments to the Qualifications Wales Board.

Reacting to the latest GDP figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack says we must build back better, stronger and greener.

How you as a consumer are protected, what to do if your energy supplier changes, and what other support is available.

Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), commented on the Bank of England’s decision to continue its policy of quantitative easing Julian 

The 2 leaders heard how specialist employment support can be truly life-changing, significantly improving veterans’ confidence, financial security and health and wellbeing.

Two taxi drivers suspected of working with a Vietnamese organised crime gang involved in people smuggling have been arrested by the National Crime Agency.

Responding to the publication of the Independent Expert Panel report into the conduct of former MP Keith Vaz, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman paid tribute to the courage of Jenny McCullough, who brought the complaint and agreed to waive her right to confidentiality. Penman described how, by doing so, she had “not only shone a light on reprehensible conduct and behaviour of a senior member of Parliament, but also the inability of both Parliament and political parties to address these issues in the past".

Dr Veena Raleigh, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, commented on the 2020 life expectancy data released by the ONS yesterday 

More than one in two Brits that visit the countryside are left frustrated by the behaviour of others who disrespect the environment.

A bio-medical scientist from Sheffield has been jailed for three years for attempting to sexually abuse children online by engaging them in explicit conversations

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, comments on the latest NHS activity and performance statistics.

Unknown British soldiers from the Great War have finally been laid to rest in France

Car parts uncovered in joint operation with Lincolnshire police.

Yesterday we published our latest research into people’s attitudes towards offensive language on TV and radio.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will now be introduced in April 2024.

Community Network chair Andrew Ridley responds to the King’s Fund report 'A Year Like No Other'.

Steel was today cut for HMS Venturer, the first vessel of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates that will be at the centre of its surface fleet.

techUK is a part of a group of industry, government, and civil society leaders to tackle digital exclusion in the UK.

A survey released by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) revealed that 5% (over 2.6 million) of UK adults online were scammed since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020.

Education Secretary ‘breaks ground’ at one of first schools to benefit from new 10-year School Rebuilding Programme

The CIPD launched its #FlexFrom1st campaign in February, calling for all employees to have the right to request flexible working from day one in their role

Statement on UK gas prices and energy suppliers by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng.

Grŵp Resilience in Pembrokeshire has received a grant of £7,880 from The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales to fund the Greener Healing project. This project will support people with mental health needs to take part in green social activity and evaluate how this affects them.

Two brothers have been sentenced to a total of 43 years in prison for smuggling illegal firearms into the UK

Trial providing free glasses to improve literacy expanded to thousands more pupils

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which found that a record number of children and young people in England are seeking mental health support 

Higher funding and more support will help towns develop more effective local infrastructure strategies.

The UK should introduce a British innovation principe, says new IEA research

Roll-out of LGBT inclusive education.

The Welsh Government will invest almost £25m in up to four new PET-CT scanners across Wales to improve access to this cutting edge diagnostic technology.

Cost of living crisis as rising energy bills compounded by loss of £20 a week 

NHS Digital has today published the Statistics on Sexual and Reproductive Health Services, England 2020-21 annual report.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has signed an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to improve its equality practices.

New analysis on the planned £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit and the rising cost of living.

Extra money for more than 19,400 disabled children and young people.

Welsh Government statement on the latest NHS Wales performance and activity data published today.

Use of ‘fire and rehire’ remains low despite upheaval of Covid, but CIPD says more can still be done to stamp out practice

NHS Digital has today published annual outpatient figures, covering outpatient activity in the NHS and NHS-commissioned activity in the independent sector.

The first UK-manufactured lateral flow devices or LFDs are being rolled out to universities across England.

Government announces plans to make the right to request flexible working a day one right, as well as new entitlements for unpaid carers.

Universal Credit claimants that are set to see their payments cut next month are being urged to make sure they don’t miss out on untapped support to keep their water bills affordable.

This month’s Insight report looks at how NHS trusts are planning for people’s care while tackling a backlog of treatment caused by COVID-19.

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responded to the final report from the Kerslake Commission, 'A new way of working: ending rough sleeping together' 

Figures show Scotland's digital sector is booming, with tech roles increasing by over 25% in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan has set out a long-term plan for how stroke services will improve in Wales.

Felling licence application process to be simplified when swift action is required to prevent the spread of pests or diseases and protect public safety.

Ordnance Survey (OS) has been awarded certification by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for the quality of its International Standards Organisation (ISO) 14001 Environmental Management System.

Spending plans will be published on 9 December.

An independent report into the regulation of BetIndex, the providers of the novel product Football Index which collapsed earlier this year, has been published.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s Regional Director for London, Sal Naseem, said:  “We have now started an independent investigation into the contact Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers had with a 70-year-old man who was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in Bromley, south-east London around 12 noon on 13 September.

Developers, data scientists, GIS experts, engineers, land surveyors, entrepreneurs and business leaders will collaborate and share ideas for sustainable innovation

To mark Landscapes for Life Week, the partners behind the UK’s first super National Nature Reserve (NNR) have agreed a 20-year vision for one of Britain’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Welsh Government support is helping a Caerphilly county borough-based business to future proof its operations by relocating and safeguarding jobs, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.

An Experimental Statistics Publication for Scotland.

New research and development facility for more efficient manufacturing.

Five suspects have been arrested in early morning raids in an operation linked to the recovery of 2.3 tonnes of cocaine worth £190m

Avro Energy and Green Supplier Limited have today announced they are ceasing to trade. Avro Energy supplies gas and electricity to around 580,000 domestic customers. Green Supplier Limited supplies gas and electricity to around 255,000 domestic customers and a small number of non-domestic customers.

A trail which takes in the stunning coast of the Lake District National Park and connects the shoreline with some of the UK’s most famous mountains and lakes will celebrate its official launch by Natural England today.

Interim injunction won by National Highways to deter demonstrations on the M25.

Chairman of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson responded to the new Swim England report, A Decade of Decline: The Future of Swimming Pools in England 

Ofgem is issuing suppliers Colorado Energy, Igloo Energy Supply Limited, Neon Reef Limited, Whoop Energy Limited and Symbio Energy with provisional orders, compelling them to pay around £765,000 in total for a government environmental scheme.

Over £100 million from the government’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund will be invested in some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth.

A new method for recording veteran suicides in England and Wales has been announced today by the government.

In a major publication ahead of the party conferences of the two main parties, the IPPR think tank has set out a vision for the economic recovery that rebalances power and spreads prosperity across the country.

16 youth led projects share £1.1 million of Young Start funding

With pandemic restrictions lifting, many homelessness organisations are already reporting a rising number of people sleeping rough. Fiona Colley, Director of StreetLink talks about how members of the public can play a role in supporting people sleeping rough this winter.

Scottish NHS hubs help bolster capacity.

Investment will support green projects that help businesses clean up their industrial processes, improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon emissions.

Chancellor and Culture Secretary today launch scheme worth over £800 million to cover Covid-related cancellation costs for live events

Warning that new government reforms will hand ministers largely unchecked new powers over local health services

Five UK statutory nature agencies call on all parts of society for greater action and investment in nature now.

The Windrush Compensation Scheme has now paid out over £30.6 million and offered a further £5.6 million.

Six men have been charged as part of a major National Crime Agency investigation into an organised criminal network alleged to have smuggled hundreds of Iraqi-Kurdish migrants into the UK

In a major speech in New York, PM Boris Johnson will tell fellow world leaders there is a compelling case for transforming our economies to make them cleaner and greener.

Businesses in some of the UK’s most polluting industries will be able to bid for a share of £220 million to help cut their carbon emissions.

National AI Strategy to boost business use of AI, attract international investment and develop next generation of tech talent

UK and the Republic of Korea will share over 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses with each other to enhance rollout of life-saving jabs

Ofsted has been asked by the government to carry out an independent review of two key catch-up reforms: tutoring and teachers’ professional development.

225 Armed Forces personnel will be deployed to support the Scottish Ambulance Service in the fight against COVID-19 from Saturday.

Business Secretary confirms deal which will maintain vital supplies of CO2 to UK businesses

The Department for Work & Pensions (the Department) estimates that it underpaid 134,000 pensioners over £1 billion in State Pension. This was due to repeated human errors over many years, some level of which was almost inevitable given the complex rules and high degree of manual review necessary when assessing claims, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

Ministers are announcing action to prevent medicines being prescribed unnecessarily, following a new review led by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England.

Schools and colleges to benefit from a trained senior mental health lead for those who need support

More than 250 homes and businesses in Ponteland are better protected from flooding now Environment Agency work on a £2.7million flood scheme has been completed.

Our national buying power can help you achieve great savings on technology. In this case study we explain how aggregation helped the University of Manchester save 50% on mobile voice and data services

It won’t be news to our network members that older people are often the worst hit by digital exclusion, but here are some stats to put the issue into context

Mick Antoniw, the Welsh Government’s Counsel General, has launched a new programme to improve the accessibility of Welsh law.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in August 2021.

Isabel Stockton, Research Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies responded to the latest ONS public sector finances data 

Industry works with defence to create amphibious vehicles, robots and drones in Map the Gap competition.

Leading clinicians from across the health service have been appointed to new national clinical roles to help lead action on post-COVID challenges facing patients and staff.

New CIPD/Omni report calls on organisations to adopt a long-term view of resourcing and make better use of workforce planning to survive and thrive

The roundtable meeting to discuss the updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS will be held on October 18th in London. It is being convened after publication of the guideline was paused when issues were raised by some professional groups during the pre-publication period

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, responded to ONS public sector finance figures for August 2021

Additional £20 million to address system pressures.

Home Secretary Priti Patel’s statement to Parliament about a further charge relating to the Salisbury poisonings.

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has outlined the next steps to introduce a new system of farm support which will reward farmers who take action to respond to the climate emergency and reverse the decline of biodiversity.

Green projects across the country are set to benefit from funding from the UK’s first ever Green Gilt, launched today, which will help drive progress to net zero and create jobs across the UK.

Guidance published to support functioning of UK Internal Market.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board responded to the publication of the Children’s Commissioner’s report ‘Big Ask’ about the impact of the pandemic on children and young people 

Efforts to deliver speedier justice across London have been stepped up this week after a fifth Nightingale court opened its doors in the capital.

The OIM has officially launched today and is calling on businesses to report any issues relating to trading across different areas of the UK.

The DWP is supporting those arriving from Afghanistan as part of Operation Warm Welcome, including earlier access to benefit and employment support.

New international COP26 project showcases desirable and achievable visions for a net zero future across six diverse regions of the world.

The Local Government Association is launching the fifth year of the Housing Advisers Programme, an innovative scheme to help councils overcome housing challenges in their local areas, with a focus this year on strategic housing projects that will support housing delivery.

Companies have until the New Year to address potentially misleading claims

More than £66 million is being made available by the Welsh Government to continue delivering positive environmental outcomes for Wales, a key part of maximising the protective power of nature through farming.

Doubling climate fund to help world’s most vulnerable nations

Officers acted appropriately, following policies and procedures during a pursuit prior to a fatal road traffic collision in Essex, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation concluded.

Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, responded to a report by Greenpeace which has found that a green homes “revolution” could create 138,000 new jobs and inject £9.8 billion into the economy 

Consultation launched to inform new Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain.

The COVID vaccination programme, the biggest and most successful in health service history, has today started taking online and phone bookings from people invited for a booster jab.

A new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlights continued concern about the variation in the quality and safety of England’s maternity services - prompting the regulator to call for improvements to be prioritised to ensure safer care for all mothers and babies.

Three Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers are to face a gross misconduct hearing after an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation upheld a driver’s complaint that he was racially profiled during a stop and search in Lewisham, south east London. 

Despite overall job vacancies climbing above pre-pandemic levels

The Department for International Trade has announced a new package of measures to support the UK's creative industries.

British businesses buoyed by the UK’s economic recovery have returned £1.3 billion in furlough cash, according to new statistics.

Insights from the GMCA Digital team

Cambrian Mountains Lamb is the second new Welsh product to be awarded the highly sought after UK Geographical Indication (UK GI) status, hot on the heels of Gower Salt Marsh Lamb which won the accolade last month.

The Health and Social Care Secretary held a summit for sector leaders and experts to help shape reforms.

More than half (50.2%) of UK homes and businesses can now access the fastest commercial broadband speeds available, according to new figures from ThinkBroadband.

Stoptober is back and calling on smokers to join the 2.3 million people who have made quit attempts since the campaign’s launch 10 years ago.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) staff in Kenya have been working to increase the plant life on the MOD’s Kenyan training areas.

Read how a contact centre supplier improves Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT) score from 52% to 85%.

FDA Cymru|Wales is calling for a truly independent process to deal with complaints about the conduct of Members of the Senedd.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “This is a hugely unsettling time for millions of energy customers. It’s particularly worrying for many on the lowest incomes who’ll be facing the double whammy of rising fuel bills and a benefits cut.

The Taskforce on Pension Scheme Voting Implementation (TPSVI) has set out its recommendations on how to strengthen the role of those who manage people’s savings in a move which will see significant strides towards safer, better and greener pension schemes.

The MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed construction on a new, safer entrance at DM Kineton.

Statement, yesterday, on the UK gas market by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng.

The FSA is urging reptile owners who purchase certain feeder rodents for their pets to take extra precautions to avoid becoming ill with salmonellosis.

Portsmouth has been selected to host a unique military training event to test the latest technology for military personnel.

Get involved with Fraud Awareness Week (18-22 October) and help protect your charity from fraud and cybercrime.

Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords have been welcomed to the Defence Academy this week to gain valuable insight into armed forces life.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is inviting members of the public to provide their views on possible changes to the regulatory framework for medical devices in the UK, aiming to develop a new regime for medical devices.

A blog by Elizabeth Denham, UK Information Commissioner

Jobs market rebounds as hiring and pay rises accelerate

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the UN Secretary-General will host a meeting of world leaders on climate change in New York today.

TechSkills announces FDM as first to achieve Tech Industry Gold accreditation for training programmes.

Action Fraud is warning the public to protect their loved ones as criminals cheat older and vulnerable victims out of cash and high value items through courier fraud.

The NHS has started to roll out the COVID-19 jab to school children aged 12 to 15, as part of the biggest vaccination drive in health service history.

UK troops deployed in Mali under the UN peacekeeping mission have assisted with a human rights investigation into a massacre of civilians by violent extremists.

The Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) has today released its latest report on progress made in tackling money laundering by professional body supervisors over the past year.

The first major Tube extension this century brings key parts of south London within 15 minutes of the West End and the City

Folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour across the UK to help prevent life-threatening spinal conditions in babies

Residents in Cornwall are being urged not to be fooled by fly-tippers and use legitimate companies to get rid of their rubbish.

The Memorandum seeks to enable greater collaboration on a range of shared priorities, including the development of our life sciences, space and hydrogen sectors.

Over a third of tech firms join Race to Zero campaign

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, responded to reports that taxpayers face a multibillion pound bill to bail out energy companies 

Sajid Javid gives blood sample at Great Ormond Street for genomic sequencing programme.

Sixteen schools and colleges achieve recognition from the NCSC for excellence in cyber security education.

Six months since opt out system introduced.

With six months to go before a new law ending the physical punishment of children in Wales comes into force, more than £2.9m is being invested in parenting support.

The CMA has warned businesses they have until the New Year to make sure their environmental claims comply with the law.

Trade Secretary unveils five-point plan for digital trade in keynote speech at London Tech Week.

Injections to be given alongside flu jab where appropriate.

The busy summer for Wales’ visitor economy has shown the crucial importance of tourism infrastructure in delivering a quality experience for visitors.

Invitations to book a COVID booster jab will be sent to one and a half million people this week as the NHS vaccination programme enters a new phase ahead of winter.

This explainer sets out the background to the issue of wholesale gas prices and the action the government is taking to protect the UK’s energy supply, industry, and consumers.

Ground-breaking new treatment to be rolled out to vulnerable hospital patients this week

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the source of the incident.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton is appealing to pregnant women to accept their COVID-19 vaccine when offered.

England’s top doctor is urging students who are not yet vaccinated to get their COVID jab in freshers’ week with dozens of universities setting up pop-up clinics and walk-in centres as the new academic year begins.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will become the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as the Government delivers on its central mission to level up every part of the UK.

A Parliamentary committee concerned with national security strategy says there are serious weaknesses in the workings of UK Government structures that deal with national security, as exemplified by both the covid-19 pandemic and recent events in Afghanistan.

Eight countries will move from the red list on 22 September and the rules for international travel to England will change on 4 October 2021.

With the furlough scheme due to end on 30 September, Citizens Advice has set out your essential checklist if you’re facing redundancy.