WIREDGOV

A driver caught with £4m-worth of cocaine in the back of his van has been jailed for nine years today [16 January], following a joint National Crime Agency (NCA) and police investigation.

The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine as both countries mark the first anniversary of the landmark 100 Year Partnership.

The UK and Ukraine mark the first anniversary of  the historic  100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. 

Parliament to scrutinise spending plans.

The reset of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) has put it on a more realistic timetable but with replacement schemes for hospitals built with Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC) now expected in 2032–33, and a tight construction schedule overall with little contingency in the next five years, there are significant delivery risks

New AI notetaking tools being backed by the NHS could help doctors spend up to a quarter more time with their patients.

Construction of a Government Hub in Darlington got underway with a breaking ground ceremony today, January 16, led by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, spoke at the Livery Education Conference at Drapers' Hall.

North West England will receive a new rail line connecting Liverpool and Manchester, as the UK Government announces plans to unlock billions of pounds of economic potential in the region.

The Armed Forces Bill will grow the pool of former Service personnel who Defence could draw on in times of crisis, in a move welcomed by senior military leaders

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

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will launch a new customer feedback survey in January 2026.

The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on a draft permit variation to Saputo Dairy UK for their creamery site near Davidstow, Cornwall.

In the 1980s, computer literacy was a differentiator between those who could participate in the modern workplace and those who could not.

New Defence Housing Service to be put into law, turbocharging biggest renewal of military housing in a generation.

New requirement that every teacher receives training to support pupils, as government makes good on promise to deliver reforms families are crying out for.

Supporting family finances and employment opportunities.

The US operation to remove Maduro succeeded despite fundamental ambiguity about what cyber delivered but that opacity has strategic consequences.

Government seeking to restore trust and common sense to the benefits system. 

In this blog, we reflect on the 2025 ‘Talking records: Pollution in the Archive’ symposium held at The National Archives. 

Ambassador Holland yesterday thanked Federal Councillor Cassis for presenting Switzerland's priorities as OSCE Chair-in-Office, and gives full UK support.

Yesterday saw the announcement of the outline route and start and finish locations of the 2027 Tour de France, when Wales will host the world’s most prestigious cycling race for the first time.

The Environment Agency will refurbish the mitigation pipe at Widewater Lagoon near Lancing in early 2026.

Moscow has prioritized the war in Ukraine over its commitments in Venezuela, Syria and Iran as Trump reshapes the world order.

New polling reveals that a majority of parents back unions’ urgent call to make education staff central at every stage of AI adoption in education – to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people, the TUC says. 

Robotics and defence tech announced as the RIO's 2 new priority areas.

The Scottish Parliament has approved government legislation which will help ensure EURO 2028 in Scotland is fair and affordable for supporters and businesses.

Children are being put at risk as a result of being placed in inappropriate homes through a residential care system in England that is not working.

Statement given yesterday by Simon Thomas, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN General Assembly.

Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.

The recommendations of the Irish Sea Resilience Taskforce were published recently (14 January 2026).

A national review into the provision of  Additional Support for Learning (ASL) will be led by former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland Janie McManus.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, responded to the latest NHS waiting list figures

Reproductive health education needs a radical overhaul, with appropriately trained teachers providing the education the pupils say they need, UCL researchers say.  

ETSI has published a new European standard aimed at strengthening cyber security for artificial intelligence systems, setting out requirements to improve resilience and trust. The standard provides a common framework to help organisations address cyber risks associated with AI technologies.

A more streamlined tidal barrier structure will cut costs and construction complexity and provide the same level of protection for 12,800 homes and businesses.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is marking a planned change in Board leadership, as two long serving trustees complete their terms and new leadership takes on responsibility.

But the data also shows that the NHS continues to be incredibly busy – with services seeing significant numbers of patients in December.

Aramark’s purchase of Entier found to harm competition in the UK for offshore catering services.

Ofcom has opened an investigation into Novi Ltd, which provides an AI character companion chatbot service, in relation to its compliance with age check requirements under the UK’s Online Safety Act.

We are investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic incident in Southwark on 7 January, where a pedestrian sadly died in a collision with a Met Police vehicle.

For young carers, education and social life are often shaped by responsibilities that sit outside the classroom and beyond the school day. Caring does not pause for homework, deadlines, or friendships.

Citizens Advice is issuing a stark warning as a staggering 13,300 people turned to the charity for help with debt in the first working week of 2026 alone.

Call for evidence launched as CMA merger efficiencies review gets underway.

Applications for businesses to apply for space at Lockton Street Arches in North Kensington now open

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on yesterday’s GDP figures

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has backed regulator Ofwat’s decision to launch an investigation into whether South East Water has complied with its licence.

North Lanarkshire Council is focused on improving its residents’ lives and has strong foundations to make the major changes it needs to tackle tightening finances.

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses.

Yesterday, the UK Government announced the offshore wind results for Allocation Round 7 (AR7), with 8.4GW across 8 projects secured after the initial budget was doubled from £900m to £1.8bn. This equates to around 50% of installed capacity for offshore wind.  

Workers across Britain will benefit from billions of pounds of private sector investment in ports and supply chains.

We have updated and enhanced our guidance on international transfers of personal information, making it quicker for businesses to understand and comply with the transfer rules under UK GDPR. 

The number of new and expectant parents losing their job or facing unfair treatment at work is “alarmingly high” - the TUC warns.  

A former Merseyside Police staff member has been charged with 11 criminal offences following a directed Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Investment will improve same-day access to urgent care

Thousands of people affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal will see greater compensation and claims processed quicker, under reforms taking effect today. 

November saw the second biggest drop in the waiting list for 15 years outside of the early days of the pandemic, as new data today shows staff faced record demand in 2025.

Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, responds to latest quarterly GDP data

Thomas Hodkinson struck an officer with a broken fishing rod. Prosecution is a warning that threatening and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Home Secretaries will be given new powers to sack chief constables who fail their communities.

CBI yesterday responded to Contracts for Difference (AR7) awards.

Transport Secretary yesterday outlined a multi-billion-pound drive to transform rail and growth in the North of England.

Scottish Government pledges to improve system following deaths in custody.

Circumstances in Iran do not map easily onto the conditions in Venezuela that abetted Maduro’s kidnapping.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, recently (13 January 2026) delivered a keynote speech on NHS reform at the Institute for Government's annual conference.

An investigation by England’s Health Ombudsman following the death of a 67-year-old woman has triggered a systemic review of cancer treatment and diagnosis wait times at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

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

St Fagans Castle will be closed for three months to begin essential roof repairs and conservation work, as part of a major investment by the Welsh Government into Amgueddfa Cymru's historic buildings.

Prosecutors are working on the highest ever number of hate crime cases as referrals from police hit record levels.

APM employees had the opportunity to see the major improvements underway at Surrey Quays station in south east London, as part of a number of significant upgrades being led by APM corporate partner TfL.

After a wintry and disruptive start to the year, Storm Goretti delivered some of the most impactful weather the UK has seen for some time and persistent snow has caused significant disruption in parts of Scotland.

Towns across the country can now apply to become the first UK Town of Culture.

The independent Sentencing Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a package of guidelines covering housing offences.  

Martha’s Rule is a National Patient Safety Initiative that gives patients, families and staff the right to ask for a rapid review if they are worried someone’s condition is getting worse.

Non-superpower countries know that adherence to international law is not idealism, but the foundation of stable relations – and that it will only become more important in a rapidly changing world.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has commented on ONS figures showing 0.1% GDP growth in the three months to November 2025, and 0.3% GDP growth in  November 2025.

The Business Secretary yesterday appointed three new business leaders to the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.

Consultation open for views on proposals on the future of secure care.

Supporting parents and improving kids’ health and wellbeing.

A former actor who was found guilty of sexual offences against two teenage girls has been jailed for eight and a half years.

Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships at The King’s Fund responds to the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care that the government has cut NHS waiting lists three times faster in areas of highest joblessness

Rainbo Supplies & Services continues to grow its portfolio of African clients with backing by UK Export Finance and London Forfaiting Company.

Joint Statement from the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA and the High Representative of the EU.

Draft budget includes £17.6 billion for NHS Boards.

GAD is reappointed to LGPS framework for specialist consultancy services following competitive tender, offering independent actuarial expertise.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has provided peers with advice ahead of the committee stage reading of the Crime and Policing Bill.

Six Trusts across England, Scotland and Wales are awarding funds to support hundreds of good causes thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery. All Trusts support the same causes; preventing or reducing the impact of poverty, supporting marginalised groups and/or tackling inequality and improving mental health by actively supporting specific mental health issues.

Ofwat has today opened an investigation into South East Water following a series of supply interruptions which have seen thousands of households and businesses in Kent and Sussex lose their water supply.

Colleges and universities to widen compliance.

Sick and disabled people will have more opportunities to move into work following the overhaul of a scheme that will boost living standards and workplace inclusion.

Waiting lists in 20 areas in England fall three times faster than the national average thanks to experts deployed by government to help supercharge NHS care.

The SFO has arrested six people and searched seven sites in connection with a fraud and bribery investigation into the past management of Home REIT.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds visits Tunbridge Wells following weeks of water supply disruption

Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland responds to draft Scottish Budget 2026/27

Local authorities to receive £15.7 billion.

 Zoë Billingham, director of IPPR North reacts to the government’s announcement on the Northern Growth Strategy

Two Welsh offshore wind projects have secured contracts in the latest UK Government auction, marking a significant step forward for Wales' renewable energy ambitions and deliver thousands of jobs.

Extra specialist staff, improved training for frontline officers and bolstered anti-drone measures will be deployed at HMP Swaleside as part of Government action to urgently turn the prison around.

Members will welcome the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill, which aims to introduce a fairer system for allocating postgraduate medical training.

Funding for national rollout by August 2027

Progress on introducing high-speed mobile coverage across the Tube network continues at pace, with the first sections of the Circle and District line now live

Government announces the biggest transformation to travel in the North in a generation as the Chancellor sets out new Northern Growth Strategy and promises the renewal of Britain to make all parts of the country better off.

2025 is the third warmest year on record in a series from 1850, following 2024 and 2023.

Majority of taxpayers will pay less income tax than in rest of the UK.

A new gaming programme designed to accelerate the growth of games companies in Wales has launched, fully funded by Creative Wales and delivered by award-winning tech hub Tramshed Tech.

Northern Powerhouse Rail plans announced to grow productivity, with faster rail commutes across Yorkshire, better journeys to the North East and route upgrades.

NICE is recommending that quick spine checks are added to routine bone scans to help spot hidden fractures earlier and prevent serious complications.

Last week, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its Tech Futures report on agentic AI, setting out its thoughts on how the technology may develop and be used in the coming years. 

Travelling to Finland and Norway, the Foreign Secretary will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region.  

Digital medication devices, trialled over a 12-month period in Bridgend, have helped over 70 participants manage their medication independently.

Major rail plans will unlock North West's economic potential, including a new rail route between Liverpool and Manchester and improved connections across the region.

In a speech to top business leaders the Business Secretary will lay out how the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy will double down on the UK’s world-leading strengths in 2026 and not only scale up businesses, but keep them anchored in the UK.

Yesterday the Scottish Government has delivered their Budget, including plans to tackle child poverty. 

A record 8.4GW of offshore wind secured in Europe’s biggest ever offshore wind auction.

The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

Enforcement raids skyrocket by 77% since the government came to power leading to an 83% increase in arrests.

The Education Secretary and the National Literacy Trust launch the National Year of Reading, urging all ages to rediscover reading for pleasure.

More than 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire of early October. That is roughly one girl or boy killed every day. During a ceasefire.

GAD’s annual report on the National Insurance Fund projects contribution income and benefit expenditure up to the end of the 2030 to 2031 financial year.

Hinkley Point B has been declared fuel free, on time and on budget, marking the second AGR defuelling milestone achieved by the NDA group and EDF.

Illegal working arrests and raids have reached their highest level after relentless activity by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams.

The Chief Statistician has released part 2 of the 2024-25 justice social work statistics. 

FSCS yesterday published its Budget Update, outlining management expenses for 2026/27 of £108m. 

The APM Enabling Change Interest Network and Change Management Institute will collaborate again today, Tuesday 13 January, for an interactive webinar exploring how Change Managers and Project Managers can work together to deliver projects that not only meet deadlines but also achieve lasting adoption and business impact.

In December 2025, the House of Lords provided a fitting backdrop for the Good for Me, Good for FE Awards, bringing together learners, college staff, and sector partners to celebrate the powerful social impact being driven by further education. 

My Youth Ambassadors advocate to make children’s lives better across the country. Here, Ambassador Emma reflects on her role working with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Young Carers and its inquiry into the barriers to higher education, employment and training for young adult carers.

Staff praised by Health Secretary after sustained improvement.

In response to the Office for Environmental Protection’s latest progress report, the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee says the Government needs to match ambition with concrete results.

The effects of a US strike in Iran could range from disaster to deliverance.

Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers across the UK including 187 raids in Northern Ireland leading to 234 arrests.

A former West Midlands Police officer will appear in court today (Wednesday 14 January) charged with multiple counts of misconduct in public office (MIPO) and drug-related offences, following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The Health Secretary yesterday responded to revised and updated data following the resolution of Betsi Cadwaladr University health board data issues.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Titchfield Festival Theatre Limited.

Two-year-olds in England watch television, videos or other digital content for an average of two hours each day, double the daily recommended screen time, new UCL-led research finds.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has launched a new online assistant to help people get the information they need, faster.

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

An additional £20 million of funding has been allocated this year to support essential capital repairs and maintenance across schools and colleges in Wales.

Chance for public to have a say at local drop-ins later this month. Scheme will reduce flood risk and unlock potential for town centre regeneration

Victims to be given more privacy with new rules blocking police from requesting counselling notes during investigations unless in exceptional circumstances.

UK Statement at the World Trade Organization's General Council. Delivered yesterday by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and the UN, Kumar Iyer.

People have been urged to stay vigilant by Ministers as milder conditions and melting snow continue to pose a flooding risk in parts of the country.

If the US no longer abides by rules, how does it expect revisionist states to do so?

New rules mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases come into force, bringing sector in line with beef and pork.

The Nuclear Authority Decommissioning (NDA) investment will support economic regeneration in Anglesey, North Wales.

The British High Commission in Kampala hosted a the King's Birthday reception honouring his majesty the King's enduring legacy of environmental stewardship.

Schemes across Wales which encourage children and young people to adopt healthy walking habits are going from strength to strength.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) can confirm that former Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Scott Chilton will face a gross misconduct hearing, following an investigation relating to alleged sexual relationships in the workplace.

Changes to improve, simplify and clarify the legislative framework for the children’s care system to benefit children in care, their families and the workforce that support them will be considered by an independent, expert-led review.

Green AI is a challenge that touches all of us at the Met Office.

A man has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for raping a woman in a Tamworth park. 

Major radio astronomy breakthrough as two SKA-Mid dishes work together for the first time.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched new online guidance to help people buy and use food supplements with confidence, as many look to boost their health in the new year.

More than half of children housed illegally by councils have Education, Health and Care Plans, new data from the Children’s Commissioner confirms – as the number of illegal placements costing more than £1 million per child has risen since last year.

DSIT Secretary of State statement after concerns over Grok AI (12 January 2026).

Investment creating jobs and providing for communities.

Ofcom has issued a statement outlining decisions for authorising Wi-Fi and mobile services in the Upper 6 GHz band. 

Bids must be able to demonstrate they have the capacity, experience, and knowledge to deliver a new national forest.

Giorgia Tolfo continues her trip along the South West Coast Path, exploring the rewards of combining archival research and walking.

Victims of the Home Office Windrush scandal will continue to receive dedicated advocacy support.

Welsh Government funding of £2.1 million will see dedicated support made available to help SMEs across Wales adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and maximise the benefits of its potential.

Ugandans experienced world-class wildlife photography exhibition, showcasing the country's extraordinary natural heritage and conservation achievements.

The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

Richard George and Sir Andrew Haines bring extensive experience to help improve passenger experience and operational performance we will see under Great British Railways.

Hospital violence charity among 19 to share in £1 million fund.

The Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been reinstated following a review of its publication.

How have changes to legal aid affected access to justice in England and Wales? What are the key trends, impacts and regional disparities in legal support and service provision?