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Open Europe's Stephen Booth and Anthony Egan explore how the UK party electoral alliances are starting to take shape.

techUK comments on Labour plans to nationalise large parts of BT.

This Reform policy paper assesses the progress made by elite universities in their efforts to improve access for disadvantaged students.

The UK welcomes the ceasefire reached between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

A ‘human chain’ to save the NHS and a rally are key features of a two day strike by staff at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust who face being transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) designed to avoid paying tax.

The Environment Agency is urging communities in England to remain vigilant against the threat of flooding with 107 Flood Warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and 149 Flood Alerts – meaning flooding is possible - (as at 14.00) in place across the country.

This week the national authorities in Germany (Federal Police Department) and Romania (Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism and National Police) took part in a simultaneous action against an organised criminal group trafficking migrants from the Middle East.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will lead a Scottish delegation to Dublin for the 33rd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.

The CCRC has referred the conviction of George Griffiths to the Court of Appeal.

Their differences notwithstanding, the UK and Russia could cooperate in Africa.

From 27 November to 4 January, join us at The National Archives for a unique festive offering this season.

The following is the text of a Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

New guidance for people who come into contact with perpetrators of violence, domestic abuse and sexual assault through their everyday work has been published today by the Welsh Government.

Concerns over fundamental rights and action in Syria are leading to a rethink of EU-Turkey relations. What is the status of the cooperation? What are MEPs proposing?

A guide to agricultural holdings and tenant farming.

Further support now available for households and businesses affected by severe flooding.

Consultation on measures to criminalise trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment in England and Wales.

In a resolution put to the vote on Thursday, MEPs express their deep concern over a Polish draft law that could put teachers who provide sex education in prison.

Analysis on the current state of the dairy sector and supply chains within European countries and the application and impact of mandatory written contracts and their suitability and potential application in Scotland.

The second industry day of the Tech Connect programme.

NEPO has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a new solution covering the provision of a travel management service.

MEPs on Thursday voted on measures specifying how large online platforms are to contribute to closing loopholes that hinder the collection of VAT.

The CBI has responded to the data from the Hampton-Alexander review, which looks into increasing the number of women on boards and in senior leadership positions across the FTSE 350.

Blog posted by: Balaji Kandasamy Shanmugam – Fujitsu, 14 November 2019.

Ofgem yesterday confirmed that, following his appointment in October, Jonathan Brearley will start as chief executive on 1 February 2020. 

Flood-hit farmers in northern England will be able to apply for up to £25,000 in government grants to help them get back on their feet.

Research investigating the opportunities and challenges industry faces in retaining and increasing sheep and lamb processing in Scotland.

Inquiry to examine financial and governance matters at the charity.

Transport for London's Brendan Gallagher has been recognised with an Honorary BEM for services to Young People.

Information on the estimated costs at list price of medicines used in hospitals and prescribed in primary care in 2018-19 has been published by NHS Digital.

Blog posted by: Ian Hulme, Director for Regulatory Assurance, 14 November 2019.

Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles has urged people across Wales to help spread the word and ensure the tens of thousands of EU citizens living here are fully aware of their rights post-Brexit.

The number of children in England identified by councils as having been abused for reasons associated with witchcraft have risen by a third in the past three years, the Local Government Association reveals today.

Summary of consultation responses relating to the concerns raised about the impact of modern technology on the licensing regime for taxis and private hire cars as a result of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

Yesterday’s launch of City Tools: London aims to pave the way for collaboration across the Boroughs and help innovators solve some of the biggest challenges the city.

NEPO has commenced the procurement process for a new solution covering the provision of water retail services and associated ancillary services.

Environment Agency teams, assisted by the military and emergency services, continue to work 24/7 to reduce the water levels in flood-hit communities, including Fishlake, and prepare them for further possible flood impacts today.

New figures showing that landlords face a growing amount of time in getting judgement on repossession cases from the courts are boosting calls for the urgent need for dedicated housing courts to be established.

The CIPD responds to the latest findings of the Hampton-Alexander Review

Charity Commission is successful in its first ever application to the High Court for a finding of contempt of court.

The head of an international pharmaceutical firm has been jailed for heading up what is believed to be the world’s biggest ever illegal anabolic steroid distribution network.

A political agreement on a European tyre labelling has been reached between the European Parliament, the Council and the EC. The new rules improve and strengthen EU tyre labels enabling European consumers to make better choices and bringing energy savings equivalent to taking 4m cars off EU roads every year.

First Minister meets Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the Labour Party’s election pledge for NHS funding 

Tim Benton reflects on the relationship between land, food and climate change, and considers the challenges created by competing demands for the services land produces.

According to figures released yesterday by the ONS, consumer price index inflation decreased to 1.5 per cent in the year to October 2019. 

In the run-up to the UK General Election, the Commission – like most other public sector bodies – is required to communicate in accordance with the 2019 General Election guidance.

Heavy rain expected on Thursday, Friday and into the weekend.

Supporting the delivery of social services in Flintshire and increasing local markets for shellfish in Anglesey are two of the 11 projects in North Wales that will share almost £1 million from the Welsh Government to test new ways of growing the everyday parts of the economy.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to a report by Sustain on the need for new planning policies to restrict new hot food takeaways near schools 

IEA publishes "Nanny State on Tour"

Partial statistics on waiting times for people in contact with autism services have been published today by NHS Digital.

Keynote speech given yesterday by President Donald Tusk

On 21 October, Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe gave evidence to the German Parliament's EU Affairs Committee on the long-term EU budget 2021-2027.

The Natural History Museum, METCloud, Travis Perkins, Virgin Trains (West Coast Trains) and Mastek are among the winners of the 2019 UK IT Industry Awards run by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and Computing. 

While responsibility for delivery standards and for improving public services lies with the organisations that provide the services, public bodies are generally subject to external scrutiny as a check, challenge, and reassurance on how they are performing. 

In the last year, Citizens Advice consumer service has dealt with almost half a million consumer-related issues like faulty washing machines, undelivered parcels and fake designer goods. Over 50,000 of these were during November 2018, by far the busiest month for the consumer service.

Richard Murray, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, commented on Labour’s pledge to boost health care funding 

Organisations can put forward innovative ideas for design and propulsion technologies that could drive growth in the UK aerospace industry.

On Remembrance Sunday 2019, HM Ambassador to Madagascar Phil Boyle attended a wreath-laying ceremony and spoke about the importance of remembering together the sacrifice of those who died for the freedoms we enjoy today.

A reminder that the FRC’s Future of Corporate Reporting Survey closes on 15 November.

EP President David Sassoli and President of the German Bundestag Wolfgang Schäuble commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989.

UK employers continue to shrug off Brexit uncertainty with new hires

Mark Littlewood responds to Labour general election announcement

Charity Commission reports on inquiry into Christian charity.

Wales’ national parks and other cherished landscapes are to receive a £4m funding boost from the Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn announced yesterday.

EFSA has proposed measures to address the animal welfare hazards most commonly observed during the slaughter of poultry for food production and disease control.

Proposals by the Mayor of London to introduce rent controls have been dealt a critical blow as figures show rents across the capital falling in real terms. 

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responds to the report by Citizens Advice on council tax collection practices.

Think tank sets out comprehensive plan including free personal care, ethical commissioning, enforced standards and good pay for care staff

Two hundred UK Armed Forces personnel were yesterday deployed to South Yorkshire to support flood relief efforts.

Update on current flooding situation and how the government is responding.

Pesticide use on arable crops grown in Scotland in 2018 has declined according to a new report. 

Households struggling to pay their council tax are being pushed into further debt as outdated regulations see councils resort to bailiffs to collect arrears, says Citizens Advice in new research published yesterday. 

64% are worried about the effect that losing their home and other assets would have on their family If they required care in later life

The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP told the Housing, Communities and Local Government select committee last week that he is ‘not in favour’ of rent controls.

A statement from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office following Jeanine Áñez becoming interim President of Bolivia.

The environmental performance of the Welsh Government’s administrative estate is exceeding expectations according to the 11th annual State of the Estate report out yesterday.

Cabinet Secretary For Justice – Parliamentary Statement on Sheku Bayoh – Next Steps – Tuesday 12 November 2019.

A fantastic list of influential leaders and roles models changing the landscape of the industry and enacting positive change #IB100.

An Electoral Commission spokesperson yesterday gave a statement on the outcome of Vote Leave's judicial review.

Rent controls, lifelong tenancies, a public landlord database and an end to Section 21 are among the calls in a report by the New Economics Foundation.

12-month trial of Slide Ealing service now operating.

Although the UK government will face a full agenda in the immediate aftermath of the general election, a high priority must be confirmation of its intent to undertake a strategic defence and security review in 2020.

This article was first published in Data Economy Magazine’s November 2019 edition.

An NCSC statement following the cyber incidents affecting political parties (12/11/19).

Update on the progress that has been made since the publication of the national action plan to prevent and eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in February 2016.

The Welsh Government will introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol of 50p from 2 March 2020, with regulations yesterday being approved by the National Assembly for Wales.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has dismissed Royal Mail’s appeal against Ofcom’s 2018 decision to fine Royal Mail £50 million for breaching competition law.

The Brexit Steering Group met on Tuesday 12 November with several committees to look at the part of the Withdrawal Agreement on citizens' rights.

People in Scotland are increasingly buying puppies online despite the risk of purchasing from illegal breeders, according to new research.

Don't miss your chance to have a say in who will steer the JES Programme for 2020 and 2021!

Ben Beadle, the new Chief Executive of the merged RLA and NLA, will address the RLA’s Future Renting Wales conference this month.

UK condemns firing of rockets at civilians and calls on all sides to de-escalate the situation.

Living with flooding recommends actions for a range of stakeholders to take to help promote property flood resilience in Scotland.

According to new ONS statistics published yesterday, UK average weekly earnings (AWE) expanded by 3.6 per cent (excluding and including bonuses) in the three months to September compared to the year before.

Five of the new projects focus on training, covering areas such as cyber, diving, tactical, medical as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRND) training. Other projects focus on enhancing EU collaborative actions as well as on capability development on sea, air and space.

As a public body, NICE is required to follow civil service principles on communicating during the lead up to the general election.

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

As part of our committment to improve, we are reaching out to all our subscribers to ask you to let us know YOUR thoughts on the FRC website!

Blog posted by: Zoe Rose – Ethical Hacker, Rose Security, 12 November 2019.

The government announces further support for those affected by flooding.

A statutory public inquiry will be held to examine the circumstances leading up to and following the death of Sheku Bayoh, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf announced yesterday.

The panel discusses how the notion, and rhetoric, of ‘Global Britain’ fares against different readings of Britain’s international history.

The National Crime Agency have charged a truck driver with attempting to import class A drugs after cocaine likely to be worth more than £20 million was seized at Harwich.

Backing the Best is part of our plan to build the best talent progression pathway in the world.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced an extra £16.4m for a 14.5% increase in training places for nursing and midwifery and a 17.7% increase for other health professions.

In our licensing update this month, we not only take a look at some of the proposed licensing schemes that are up for consultation across the country, but we also take a closer look at one of our six key manifesto asks when it comes to improving enforcement for all.

Work continues around the clock in incident rooms and on the ground to reduce flood risk and keep communities safe.

Ten indigenous leaders from across Brazil will take part in a major protest outside the Brazilian Embassy in London on November 14 to demand an end to the destruction of their lands and people.

Next in our series of films promoting the winners of this year's Excellence Awards, we have a film showcasing the amazing work at P3 Charity – ACTion Lincs, the winner of the 'Excellence in collaboration and partnership working' category at this year's awards.

Remarks by Yves Mersch, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, Roundtable Discussion on Central Bank Independence.

Recommendations to improve support for care leavers at risk of homelessness have been welcomed by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart.

A landlord in London has been ordered to pay nearly £5000 for failing to apply for a HMO licence and breaching health and safety laws.

Speech by Benoît Cœuré, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the ECB workshop on money markets, monetary policy implementation and central bank balance sheets.

Mayor of London launches 2019 Civic Innovation Challenge which calls on innovators to develop solutions to London’s biggest challenges.

Environment Agency teams continue to be deployed around the clock in incident rooms and on the ground to reduce flood risk and keep communities safe.

A man has been jailed for nine years after admitting smuggling 60 guns into the country in his car, as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.

On 20 September FCO Chief Scientific Adviser Carole Mundell launched the second Polish-British Science Forum in London.

We're delighted to have launched a new micro site for our new Reform Public Spending programme. 

Vote for your new Health and Social Care Council members.

Georges Fahmi examines how protesters across the region have adapted their tactics after the experiences of the Arab Spring.

The first ever strategic plan for marine management in Wales will have sustainability at its heart and help ensure developments in our seas don’t compromise our natural resources, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has said.

The Council has adopted a framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey's unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.  The framework will make it possible to sanction individuals or entities responsible for or involved in unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The EC has adopted the decision granting marketing authorisation to the company Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. for a vaccine against Ebola.  This vaccine, called Ervebo, had been in development since the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014.  It is already used, as part of a specific protocol, to protect people at risk of infection, such as healthcare workers or people who have been exposed to infected persons.

Women in NHS Digital have been shortlisted for four different Women in IT awards from the Women in IT Global Initiative.

“Manchester’s Etihad Stadium is set to host BCS’s first live cyber security eSport - the Cyber Crime Cup™ – which takes place at Cyber Crime 2019 on Monday 25 November 2019. With less than a month to go – tickets are going fast.”

The UK economy grew by 0.3 per cent in the third quarter of 2019 and is on course to grow by 0.2 per cent in the fourth quarter (figure 1).  This would be consistent with GDP growth of 1.2 per cent in 2019, down slightly from 1.4 per cent in 2018.

A joint statement given yesterday by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, United Kingdom and the EU High Representative on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).

Public Health England is seeking views on the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations S 7, which apply to gastroenteritis.

An action plan to help homeowners and businesses prevent damage caused by flooding has been launched.

NEPO is an official supported of the Local Government Procurement Expo (LGPE) 2019, taking place 28 November at Novotel London, Hammersmith.

UK businesses can apply for a share of £1.5 million to work with partners in Israel on innovative products and services that target global markets.

Strategy Participation Groups that will inform and help deliver our new strategic approach are being formed and there is the opportunity for your involvement.

The Official Receiver has today, Monday 11 November, confirmed that it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Chinese steelmakers Jingye for British Steel Limited.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has issued new guidance for councils providing services for current and former armed forces personnel.

The Council has reached a general approach on a set of rules to facilitate detection of tax fraud in cross-border e-commerce transactions.

Tourist sites in Scotland’s rural areas can now apply for a share of £3 million funding aimed at helping them meet the demand of growing visitor numbers.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it intends to bring forward regulations to provide clarity on what landlords will be able to charge in respect of default payments, as part of the Wales fees ban, in the New Year.

The EU is modernising its rules on taxation of the sale or use of products such as tobacco, energy or alcohol.

An American fighter plane which crashed during the Second World War has recently been scheduled by Cadw, making it the first legally designated military aircraft crash site protected for its historic and archaeological interest in the UK.

Blog posted by: Imogen Farhan, 8 November 2019.

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy are seeking views on proposals to amend the regulations to ensure consistency with Energy Efficiency Directive requirements, and to extend their provisions to all heat meters for consumers on heat networks.

woman has admitted four child sexual abuse charges including live-streaming footage of herself sexually abusing a young girl over almost three years.

The purpose of the new rules is to reduce administrative burden and compliance costs for small enterprises and to help create a fiscal environment which will help small enterprises grow and trade cross-border more efficiently.

The CBI's Chief Economist Rain Newton-Smith talks us through the business view of the current re-nationalisation debate.

As the country prepares for the next prime minister, a new report finds that for the first time in years, the government may have pledged enough money to maintain standards in most public services. But more money will be needed to raise standards over the next five years.

As of mid-2022, all new cars put on the EU market will have to be equipped with advanced safety systems.

Robin Niblett recently (08 November 2019) talked to Gitika Bhardwaj about the physical and psychological significance of border walls and their role in politics.

Ahead of political parties launching their election manifestos over the next week, we look at some of the statements politicians from each of the three major parties have made when it comes to housing – and in particular the private rented sector.

Between 11 – 15 November, techUK will be highlighting quantum technologies emerging across the UK, delving deeper into the transformative potential!

Contributions from the EU and its member states to help developing countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the impacts of climate change have more than doubled since 2013.

Kate Andrews responds to Labour's latest election annoucement

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £1.5 million to work with US partners on the $40 million US offshore wind development programme.

Over 800 members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force paraded alongside the Royal Family for the National Service of Remembrance.

Open Europe's Dominic Walsh takes a closer look at some of the key Brexit issues that lie beyond the UK's General Election.

Following an agreement with the European Parliament last March, the Council has now adopted a directive that modernises EU law on consumer protection and facilitates the enforcement of consumers' rights.

Independent Review into school closure commissioned.

Sharp increase in R&D investment by government needed to meet Labour and Conservative targets, think tank warns

The Department of Health and Social Care has released its progress report on improving cyber resilience in the wake of the 2017 WannaCry attack. Here techUK summarises...

National Crime Agency officers have charged a 64-year-old man with facilitating illegal entry to the UK after discovering eight illegal migrants on a yacht.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) is being strengthened in terms of staff and technical equipment. It is also being given a broader mandate to support member states' activities, especially on border control, return and cooperation with third countries.

The Welsh Government recently announced plans to introduce a pilot ‘lease’ scheme for private landlords, designed to increase housing stock in the country.

Nesta Lloyd-Jones, Assistant Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the National Assembly for Wales External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee report on Changes to freedom of movement after Brexit – the implications for Wales 

The Council has adopted a set of legislative reforms which are part of progress towards the capital markets union.

Kate Andrews responds to Labour's policy on childcare

Victims of pensions scams could lose 22 years’ worth of savings within 24 hours, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR).

Blog posted by: Akshay Anand – AXELOS Product Ambassador, ITSM, 08 November 2019.

Local authorities in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to receive emergency funds to help with the costs in responding to flooding.

Hospital patients and staff will benefit from the creation of 70 new posts for trainee doctors in several medical specialities.

Leadership concerns and a collapse of traditional party loyalties make the December vote uncommonly volatile.

In our quest to provide the best advice and to assist our members continually improve services, we would like your support in helping us build a better picture of what councils are doing in adult social care practice development. 

The Information Commissioner invites views on her office being granted access to investigation and other associated powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

The Counsel General and Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles, yesterday announced £2.5 million in EU funding to create a new research hub at Swansea University, aimed at growing the global market for age-related products and services.