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The UN Human Rights Council concluded its 35th Session today with important resolutions on the rights of women, Syria, DRC, Ukraine and Eritrea.

The Home Secretary and Culture Secretary met Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer at Facebook today (23 June).

The role of local and regional authorities and the awareness of territorial concerns in addressing economic challenges are growing. This is the conclusion of a new analysis by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) showing that 75% of the Country-specific Recommendations are related to the territory. 

With a new study by Deloitte finding that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would have a severe impact on the German car industry, Open Europe’s Georgia Bachti argues that the unity of the EU27 position will only really be tested when talks move from details of UK withdrawal to the new trade terms.

A state of the art proton beam therapy machine, the ‘cyclotron’, will be installed at the specialist cancer hospital The Christie in Manchester today, marking a major milestone in a national NHS plan to provide high energy proton beam therapy in the UK from next year.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has begun an independent investigation following the death of a man in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

Boris Johnson calls on Gulf states to discuss ‘measured and realistic’ demands to deescalate tensions

First Minister Carwyn Jones will join with communities across South Wales to help celebrate Armed Forces Day this Saturday (24 June)

The ICO released the following statement to Channel Four News after the news programme carried out an undercover investigation into a call centre used by the Conservative Party during the election campaign.

Anti-money laundering measures are changing on 26 June.

Theresa May spoke about subjects covered at European Council including security, trade, migration and citizens' rights.

Ofqual statement on allegations of malpractice or wrongdoing in Edexcel's C4 maths paper taken on 23 June 2017.

Communities Secretary provides update

Thousands of households are currently living in temporary accommodation away from their local area, according to the Government's statutory homelessness stats for the first quarter of 2017, released on 22 June.

Europe's regions & cities are directly exposed to the challenge of migration management and need strong support to help the EU's efforts and respond to citizens' expectations.

NHS England has announced a new tranche of sites to test new approaches to delivering mental health services – cutting the number of people travelling long distances for care.

NCSC guidance following the renewed press interest in the historic hack of LinkedIn

Across Scotland, two projects set to inspire the next generation of musicians, music producers and sound engineers, are amongst 37 benefiting today (Friday 23 June) from £1,534,172 from the Young Start fund.

Unicef UK and Save the Children warn that unaccompanied refugee children are at risk of losing their legal route to be reunited with their family in the UK, as negotiations to leave the EU begin.

Julian David welcomes commitment to guaranteeing rights, however more detail is necessary before any uncertainty can be addressed.

Investment for homes in the Highlands

Inspectors in 17 European countries have checked compliance with the authorisation obligations under REACH for the use & placing on the market of 13 substances of very high concern with sunset dates in 2015. 

The focus of Brexit negotiations must now be on securing a transitional arrangement with the EU, First Minister Carwyn Jones, has said one year on from the EU referendum.

The Governing Council of the ECB has decided to develop a new service for the settlement of instant payments.  The new service, TARGET instant payment settlement (TIPS), will enable citizens & firms to transfer money between each other in real time and will be available around the clock, 365 days a year.

Statement by Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the General Assembly Meeting to discuss request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.

It’s vital that Wales works with international partners on environmental issues as we leave the European Union, according to a major conservation organisation.

Government has ordered an examination of the fridge freezer involved in the Grenfell Tower fire to establish the cause of the incident.

Dstl is proud to be supporting this year’s International Women in Engineering Day (INWED).

EFSA has published supplementary guidance on allergenicity to further strengthen risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants. 

The charity regulator has concluded that the trustees of an independent school in Luton are responsible for mismanagement and misconduct.

The High Court has ruled the Government's benefit cap is unfair to single parents with young children. We welcome this ruling having raised concerns with the Government on this policy.

Sam Gyimah visits HMP Stoke Heath and Warkwickshire and West Mercia Community Rehabilitation Company to thank staff for their vital work.

As more than 1,000 children continue to flee South Sudan, on average every day in search of safety, the region’s refugee crisis has become a children’s crisis, UNICEF said on World Refugee Day.

Donations made available to help those who have suffered loss in the Grenfell Tower fire.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector talks about a review of the curriculum and the importance of recognising leadership challenges and valuing management.

CMA has today announced it is launching enforcement action against a number of online gambling operators suspected of breaking consumer law.

Employees’ rights in the event of transfers of undertakings may be maintained where a ‘pre-pack’ is put into effect following insolvency.

Comprehensive package of support across energy, water and telecommunications sectors for victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Update for the 2016-17 financial year.

A Warwickshire man, who had suffered a stroke, was prevented from living independently for too long because two councils failed to follow correct procedures, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.

Local government and police bodies throughout England will pay reduced fees for audit services following the results of a highly successful procurement process undertaken by Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd (PSAA). 

There are no legal or regulatory barriers to pension schemes making social investments, according to a new report by the Law Commission.

Uganda is now facing the world's fastest growing refugee crisis, due to a continuous and unprecedented influx of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring South Sudan among others. The country is now hosting over 1.27 million refugees and asylum seekers.

Three year time bar to seeking justice lifted.

Announcing companies in the running for the new West Coast Partnership and South Eastern rail franchise.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Kirsty Williams attended the fifth National Digital Learning Event and Awards (NDLE) - a national conference aimed at raising the profile of digital learning and celebrating schools’ best practice in using technology in the classroom.

The UK Government has been urged to scrap its approach to deregulation of health and safety legislation in light of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

UK university teaching quality recognised for the first time.

Welsh Secretary visits mid Wales based global success story Nidec Control Techniques.

UK investment, innovation, and support for Scottish jobs and skills were the focus for Minister Harriett Baldwin today, when she visited two leading employers to meet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and apprentices near Edinburgh.

The Maltese presidency has reached a preliminary agreement with European Parliament representatives to strengthen cooperation between EU national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws.

A National Council of Rural Advisers has been announced by Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing.

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, responded to the NSPCC’s “How Safe Are Our Children?” report

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s deal for Hinkley Point C has locked consumers into a risky and expensive project with uncertain strategic and economic benefits, according to today’s report from the National Audit Office.

Customers have given their first chance to travel on the state-of-the-art trains that will serve the Elizabeth line when the new rail tunnels open through central London in December next year.

The CMA has recommended that BAE Systems plc (BAES) should be released from long-standing competition requirements.

The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £260 million contract to supply the UK’s with the next generation of secure Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) technology. The work will sustain around 150 jobs in Luton, the West of England, Edinburgh and across the UK supply chain.

A network launched to promote ethnic minority entrepreneurship has helped hundreds of ethnic minority businesses gain access to finance, new markets, mentoring and business support as well as raising awareness of the £25-£32 billion contribution these firms make to the UK economy every year.

The vast majority of people waiting for NHS treatment continue to be seen within access and treatment targets, despite increasing demand for services across Wales, new statistics published yesterday show.

Over 285,000 homeowners, including 240,000 first time buyers, have been supported by the government's Help to Buy schemes.

New funding round for Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme announced.

At its open meeting yesterday, the Food Standards Agency Board discussed principles for its risk management of chemical contaminants; the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015; and developing the FSA’s approach to identifying risks and issues across the food system.

A PhD student’s early research has provided the European Union (EU) with a new tool for measuring fuel poverty and gathered European-wide momentum behind helping the 54 million European households that currently struggle to heat and power their homes.

Taking place 2 - 8 October, Get Online Week 2017 is fast-approaching - and your learners could be our campaign stars.

Cocaine and heroin weighing just over 10 tonnes has been seized from boats in the Mediterranean and Atlantic ocean over the last few months as a result of NCA activity and intelligence sharing.

As the recent General Election has given the Labour Party a more important role in Brexit, Open Europe’s Dominic Hinde argues that it must end the confusion over its Brexit strategy and provide clarity on its approach to the single market.

The Legatum Institute’s latest Special Trade Commission Paper sets out how the UK should negotiate a strong and effective Free Trade Agreement with the US.

Scotland's colleges have seen improved attainment in the past year but face several financial challenges, and potential difficulties from a declining student population.

High ozone levels have been reported in a number of sites recently.

South of Scotland agency leads wide-ranging business and skills review.

The EFSA has a robust, well-balanced independence policy, its Management Board said after approving a number of new measures to further strengthen the Authority’s impartiality and protection against improper influence.

Take a look at what the Bills in the Queen's Speech mean for the UK's digital economy.

The Law Commission welcomes plans outlined in yesterday’s Queen Speech to close a legal loophole which means buyers of second-hand vehicles are at risk of having them repossessed due to unfair logbook loans.

Blog posted by: lucycarey, 21 June 2017 – People and skills.

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, responded to a report by Localis on mental health services for children and teenagers

A significant milestone was reached on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) on Wednesday 21 June, when the project’s 1,000th beam was lifted into place at the new Goval Junction.

New report reveals opportunity for UK to be a leading medical innovator after Brexit

Swimming can reduce the risk of death by 28 per cent, says a new study by Swim England.

On 19 June, Romanian prosecutors from the Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), Piteşti Territorial Service, together with judicial police officers from the organised crime fighting structures within Piteşti, Craiova, Ploiesti, Bucharest, Vâlcea and Dâmboviţa, carried out 71 house searches in Romania.

With temperatures hitting over 30oC in parts of the UK this week, the TUC is calling on employers to temporarily relax their workplace dress codes so staff can work through the heatwave as comfortably as possible. 

On Friday, the Prime Minister will announce new UK efforts to tackle the deadly migration crisis in the Central Mediterranean.

A Polish lorry driver responsible for smuggling almost 100 kilos of heroin into the UK has been jailed for 18 years, following a multi-agency operation led by the National Crime Agency.
 


The CBI has given its full response to the Queen’s Speech.

Prime Minister Theresa May made a statement to Parliament following the Queen's Speech.

Work on Qioptiq’s new £3.7m purpose designed manufacturing and warehousing facility in St Asaph - which is supported by Welsh Government investment – is now underway and will ensure Qioptiq, an Excelitas Technology Company, has the additional capacity needed to deliver a major £82m MoD contract within the required timescales.

Lang Banks, Director of Advocacy at WWF commented on the Queen’s Speech

The King’s Fund, Comic Relief, and the Big Lottery Fund have opened the application process for a unique support programme enabling charity leaders to help each other through sharing expertise and developing skills.

Thousands of patients to benefit from roflumilast, also known as Daxas, to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after NICE says it should be more widely available.

The results of the Teaching Excellence Framework provide a new picture of excellence in teaching and learning in UK higher education.

As French President Emmanuel Macron defies expectations in the French legislative elections, Open Europe’s Marta Vokshi argues the pressure is really on him now.

Education Secretary yesterday addressed delegates at the launch of an initiative showcasing the top 50 UK firms for social mobility.

The EC proposes to mobilise €1.2bn under the EU Solidarity Fund, the highest sum ever mobilised in a single instalment, following the earthquakes of 2016 and 2017 in the Italian regions of Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche and Umbria.

Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric site which may have been a place of worship and celebration around solstice for thousands of years

Mental Health Network chief executive Sean Duggan responded to the Queen's Speech

The EC has proposed tough new transparency rules for intermediaries - such as tax advisors, accountants, banks and lawyers - who design and promote tax planning schemes for their clients.

Health advice from Public Health England following last week's fire in Grenfell Tower.

EU withdrawal must not see reduction in devolved competence.

The EC has fined Automotive Lighting and Hella a total of €26,744,000 for participating in an automotive lighting cartel, in breach of EU antitrust rules.  Valeo was not fined as it revealed the cartel to the Commission.  All companies admitted their involvement and agreed to settle.

The Defence Secretary announced that the Ministry of Defence has awarded a £135million contract to support the new fast jets at RAF Marham.

Statement given yesterday by Stephen Hickey, Counsellor at the UK Mission to the United Nations, at the Security Council briefing on Afghanistan.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: “The contents of this Queen’s Speech will go some way toward tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and consumers.”

Two researchers who have helped shift thinking on contentious migration issues by providing the first UK source of independent, high quality evidence and analysis aimed at public audiences have won a prestigious national award.

On 21 June 2017, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a proposal for a revised directive concerning the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical & electronic equipment. The agreement will have to be confirmed by the EU ambassadors (Coreper) during their meeting scheduled this Friday, 23 June.

A new report argues the digitisation of government and public services is happening too slowly in the UK.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in May 2017.

NHS Health Scotland yesterday published the latest data on Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.

Theresa May made a statement to the House of Commons on the Grenfell Tower fire and provided an update on support for those affected.

Fishermen can support the monitoring and surveying of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable marine habitats as part of a new strategy.

Where there is a lack of scientific consensus, the proof of the defect of the vaccine and of a causal link between the defect and the damage suffered may be made out by serious, specific and consistent evidence.

The Patients Association has criticised the Queen’s Speech for not recognising the seriousness of the funding crisis facing health and social care, and the risks posed by Brexit.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), responded to yesterday’s Queen Speech, 

Ofwat, the water regulator recently published a paper on “Unlocking the value in customer data: a report for water companies”.

Blog posted by: Ana Bertacchini – project manager, eFront, 21 June 2017.

Three men were recently (20 June) arrested in connection with the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood, the independent investigation into non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham between 1997-2013.

A £16.5m investment in Michelin’s Dundee facility will support additional premises and radical new manufacturing equipment, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday published new proposals on advice relating to pension transfers where consumers have safeguarded benefits, primarily for transfers from defined benefit to defined contribution pension schemes.

Communities and Children’s Secretary, Carl Sargeant, yesterday said a whole government approach to tackling inequality is essential to alleviating child poverty.

Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responded to the Queen’s Speech announced yesterday

The Adam Smith Institute (ASI) reacts to the Queen's Speech delivered yesterday.
 

UK companies spearheading the cutting-edge in manufacturing and materials are to receive a boost from Innovate UK.

New arrangements to attract and retain the best men and women for our Armed Forces by adapting service life to meet their modern needs and aspirations was yesterday announced in the Queen’s Speech.

CCS are supporting the Public Sector Show once again in 2017.

Applications for a degree course offering exisiting graduates a new route into medicine will open in September, Health Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed.

Queen's Speech recognised the challenges facing business but failed to deliver concrete proposals to solve fundamental issues

IEA reacts to Queen's Speech

Being in care is not the only reason why 'looked after' children are more likely to have mental health difficulties than others in the wider population, according to new research from the University of York. 

The King’s Fund, Comic Relief, and the Big Lottery Fund have opened the application process for a unique support programme enabling charity leaders to help each other through sharing expertise and developing skills.

The site of the former Bradwell nuclear power station has now successfully dealt with all of its Fuel Element Debris (FED) waste - a major source of intermediate level radioactive waste at the Essex site.

West Midlands Police had made some progress in improving conditions in their custody cells, but further work was necessary, said Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons, and Dru Sharpling, HM Inspector of Constabulary.

Deepak Nayar, one of Hollywood’s most prolific and respected producers, had such a good experience filming Show Dogs - a big budget US family comedy - in Wales that he’s keen to bring other projects here.

The government has acquired the first tranche of permanent new homes to rehouse local residents affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower.

Historic legislation to establish Scotland’s first social security system has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

A rededication service to honour Flight Sergeant Frank Edward Reed was held on 20 June 2017.

STFC’s Central Laser Facility is celebrating forty years of spectacular science and achievement as one of the world’s most advanced laser research, development, exploitation and training facilities.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Peter Wilson, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council briefing on the Middle East Peace Process.

This regulation establishes a new common design for the visa sticker to update its security features in order to prevent forgery. The current visa sticker, which has been in circulation for 20 years, has been compromised by serious incidents of counterfeiting and fraud.

On Friday 16 June the sad and untimely death of Alf Hitchcock, the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), was announced.

Brexit is the main focus but cannot be the sole priority for new Government, says Julian David.

International Trade Minister attends International Paris Air Show and UKEF announces multi-million dollar support for GE Aviation.

Rory Stewart looking forward to learning from and building relationships with Africa.

Additional £250k will strengthen screen sector growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant has announced he is setting up an expert group to examine all of the lessons coming out of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and their application to Wales.

The provisional in-year Council Tax collection rate for Scotland 2016-17 was 95.8 per cent, continuing a steady improvement since 1998-99. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 491,760 low income households in March 2017, with a total of £321.6 million awarded over the 2016-17 year.

Justice Secretary David Lidington sets out the essential reforms under way to make prisons places of safety and reform.

Her Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

Ms Angelina Jolie, the Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), yesterday visited training for United Nations and African Union Peacekeepers at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

On the occasion of the United Nations' World Refugee Day, the EC has released the 'EU Skills Profile Tool for Third-Country Nationals'.

Multi-million pound boost to food processors.

The new funding will help deliver clean growth and affordable energy as part of the Industrial Strategy.

On the occasion of Word Refugee Day, Eurofound Research Manager Kára Fóti looks at the difficulties that refugees and asylum-seekers face in finding work and opportunities in Europe.

A mission searching for habitable planets orbiting alien stars has been given the green light to move into the construction phase.

A fugitive wanted in connection with a drug trafficking investigation handed himself in to Gibraltar police dripping wet after learning of a National Crime Agency (NCA) Crimewatch appeal for help to find him.



The UK Government must act immediately to confirm the status of Scotland’s 181,000 EU nationals now Brexit negotiations are underway, Europe Minister Alasdair Allan has said.

HEFCE, Jisc, the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK (RCUK) are to launch a survey to enhance their understanding of how the higher education sector is delivering funders’ open access policies.

Ofcom yesterday submitted a public interest report to the Government on the proposed acquisition of Sky by 21st Century Fox.

Applications are now being taken for a scholarship fund set up in memory of motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner, Gordon Aikman.

The Queen's Speech and support for Grenfell Tower victims were discussed at yesterday's Cabinet meeting.

Two nominees of the Turner Prize 2017 have been selected from exhibitions at Arts Council England supported galleries in the Midlands.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has published a strengthened TB Eradication Programme, which commits to taking a more regionalised approach to eliminating the disease in Wales.

The agreed regulation will modernise the regime of authorisations for fishing vessels and will apply to all EU vessels fishing outside EU waters, and to third-country vessels fishing in EU waters.

The EU has played a leading role in the process that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.  It is now determined to take the lead in its implementation.

The IPCC has resumed its investigation following the murder of a man in South Yorkshire.

Patients with a learning disability, autism or both are set to benefit from over £10 million investment by NHS England to help them lead more independent lives, closer to their friends and family.

Households in Wales are more likely to be satisfied with the service they get from their water company than customers in England, a new survey by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has found.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician yesterday published ‘Summary statistics for attainment, leaver destinations and healthy living No.7: 2017 Edition’ and ‘Educational Outcomes for Scotland’s Looked After Children 2015-16’[1].

Speaking at GeoPlace’s annual conference on Thursday 11th May 2017. Eddie Copeland, Director of Government Innovation at NESTA hailed the potential of connected data to provide more targeted and effective services.

The Council agreed to develop a framework for a joint EU diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities, the cyber diplomacy toolbox.

Britain’s public services could be seriously undermined unless the Treasury takes urgent action to address morale, recruitment and retention problems caused by the current civil service pay system, the FDA union has warned Chancellor Philip Hammond and the new Minister for the Cabinet Office, Damian Green.

Better use of customer data is key to enabling Britain’s water sector deliver for its customers in the years ahead, a new report from Ofwat reveals.

Men who have sex with men - especially those attending World Pride in Madrid - are advised to take precautions against hepatitis A.

Local communities affected by landfill will benefit from a new grant-funded scheme, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said.

The proposals in the Post-16 Skills Plan (July 2016) sought to revitalise higher technical education by creating a new binary system, perhaps responding to the popular sentiment that laments the loss of the polytechnics. 

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recently published a consultation paper regarding its draft technical standards specifying the trading obligation for derivatives under the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR).

A new 24 hour service will help veterans access the support they need quickly and easily as they transition from military to civilian life.

The National Lottery is helping to change thousands of lives across Scotland as 50 groups across the country receive a cash boost totalling £9,603,294.

95.3% seen, admitted or discharged within four hours.

Visitors to this year’s Safety and Health Expo can join in with RoSPA’s centenary celebrations and enjoy a host of expert advice, discounted training and services, and giveaways from the safety charity.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is seeking views and evidence of the challenges firms face in providing travel insurance for consumers who have, or have had, cancer, and the challenges for these consumers in accessing insurance.

The water industry must do more to prove it is offering value for money after a report by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) showed customers are now more satisfied with some other utilities, including energy.

Ofgem has decided to reduce a specific payment that some small electricity generators receive for producing electricity at peak times. This payment cost customers around £370 million last year.

The Council adopted conclusions on EU external action on counter-terrorism. The Council reiterates its strong and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and for whatever purpose.

Following negotiations with manufacturer Roche, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced that breast cancer drug Kadcyla®, will be routinely available on the Welsh NHS.

The International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, met the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer yesterday (Monday 19 June) to discuss the 2 countries' strong bilateral trade relationship.

New legislation to clarify information sharing provisions.

A new report launched by WWF on World Sea Turtle Day (16 June) revealed that the UK’s appetite for prawns could be responsible for the death of thousands of threatened marine turtles each year. 

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has confirmed receipt of Ofcom and Competition and Markets Authority reports on the proposed merger between Sky and 21st Century Fox.

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday held a press conference with the Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after talks at 10 Downing Street.

Speech given yesterday by Michel Barnier, the EC's Chief Negotiator, following the first round of Article 50 negotiations with the UK.

Continued rise in school leavers attaining a Higher-level qualification.

Statement follows first day of negotiations for a new partnership with the EU.

UNICEF-supported programmes for over 9 million children inside Syria and neighbouring countries are on the verge of being cut off due to a critical £173 million funding gap.

Yesterday, EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans hosted a high-level meeting with 14 representatives from philosophical and non-confessional organisations from across Europe, in the presence of European Parliament Vice-President Mairead McGuinness.

techUK CEO Julian David comments on the marginal increase in students taking Computing at schools.

Annual Mansion House speech by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond MP.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Youth Development Summer Camp Project, registered charity number 1086721.

Proposals to create a new commission to oversee the higher and further education sector in Wales have been published by the Education Secretary Kirsty Williams today (Tues 20th June).

Joint Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Statement from the Minister for Faith and Integration following the terror attack in Finsbury Park.

Professor David Hughes, NHS Digital's Executive Director of Information and Analytics, is leaving the organisation to focus his expertise on mental health analytics.

We have successfully delivered our programme of work laid out in our Annual Plan for 2016-17. Our broad remit of work saw us provide opinions on the accounts of nearly 800 public bodies in Wales and publishing 15 national reports.

A lighting supplier has been fined for requiring retailers to use a minimum price when selling their products online.

HMIC has published the first of four quarterly updates on the Metropolitan Police Service’s preparedness to deal with child protection issues, following the publication of our initial report in December 2016.

Council conclusions on Progress report on the implementation of the common set of proposals endorsed by EU and NATO Ministers on 6 December 2016.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown today revealed the date the Queensferry Crossing will open to traffic

Theresa May chaired meeting of the Grenfell Tower Recovery Taskforce and received updates on the support for those affected by the fire.

Two in three people (69%) who shop online have had parcels lost, damaged or turn up late in the last year, according to new research by Citizens Advice.

Prince Harry visited Chatham House on 15 June to open the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Floor.

The EC has approved under EU state aid rules €377 million of French and German support to develop the innovative Airbus X6 heavy helicopter. The project will significantly contribute to research & innovation in the EU without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market.

NICE is to start assessing new digital therapies that will help treat more people with anxiety and depression.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has given the following statement regarding safety checks following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Four groups across Northern Ireland are providing more support to young people, thanks to over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

Annual awareness week returns for a third year to boost profile of women’s sport.

On 16 June 2017, the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs took place in Malta. The meeting reaffirmed the strong & historical bonds of partnership between the USA and the EU, and the commitment to continue working closely together in the areas of Justice and Home Affairs.

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, responded to a new report published last week by NHS Digital, the Office for National Statistics and Public Health England on smoking prevalence in adults in England

Age UK has commented on the Channel 4 Dispatches programme from Monday 19 June 2017, 'Bupa Care Homes Undercover'.

The CBI's latest economic forecast demonstrates exactly why the new government needs to focus on the economic fundamentals.

The EC has responded swiftly to Portugal's request for assistance in order to tackle the deadly forest fires.

On a day that Canadian Armed Forces personnel took over the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has welcomed the new Canadian Defence Policy.

UK businesses can benefit from a mix of government grants and private equity. See examples and an opportunity to access both simultaneously.

Scotland’s food and drink exports increased by over 11% in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2016.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents health organisations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, responded to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s main stage session at Confed17
 

The Lyons Housing Commission and IPPR publish a collection of essays, arguing that amidst political uncertainty, there is a need for a comprehensive plan to fix the broken housing market that can’t be ignored

The signing of the Istanbul Convention by Commissioner Věra Jourová on 13 June 2017 was an extremely important step in establishing the first legally binding instrument dedicated to combating violence against women.

Blog posted by: Sumit K. Jha and Rakesh Kumar, 19 June 2017.

Convicted money launderer, Raj Koli, has been sentenced to 6 years and 9 months for failure to pay his £1.6 million confiscation order.

International Development Secretary visits Ethiopia and Somalia and calls for new global push to prevent millions of people losing their lives.

A drive to connect Welsh pupils with coding, backed with £1.3 million of new funding, was announced by the Education Secretary Kirsty Williams yesterday (Mon 19th June).

The Single European Sky Air traffic management Research Joint Undertaking recently reveiled its blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly.

Ahead of the Queen’s Speech on 21st June where the new UK Government will set out its priorities for the coming two years, WWF warns that, at a time of political uncertainty, we cannot allow action for the environment to be put on hold.

Last week saw the Prime Minister appoint David Lidington as the new Secretary of State for Justice – following a general election campaign in which all three major parties championed the need for more rehabilitation within our prisons.

We have organised a series of regional visits to provide clear messages to a broad range of research organisations about ESRC strategy, changes in the research landscape and opportunities for funding, as well as offering the opportunity to discuss plans and policies with ESRC. 

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Anatolia People’s Cultural Centre, registered charity number 1107957.

The head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, has announced 13 new areas are now live and ready to offer a leading NHS prevention programme to patients identified at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Surfing, chatting, online shopping are among our everyday activities that use information and communication technologies (ICT), such as computers, laptops or smartphones. Nowadays, we spend a considerable part of our time online for various reasons, whether at work, at school or university, at home or on the move.

The IPCC is appealing for witnesses after a man was allegedly assaulted by a police officer in east London.

Issued on behalf of the Student Awards Agency Scotland.

New CIPD/NIESR research highlights need for flexible, affordable and straightforward immigration system

Phasing out of dirty diesel, an industrial strategy for new clean vehicles and new smart digital technology all have critical role to play say IPPR

Speaking at the Living Wage Foundation’s breakfast during London Tech Week, techUK Deputy CEO stressed the importance of paying a fair wage.

Supported by the National Lottery the University of Leicester will highlight the work of 1960s local playwright Joe Orton.

The questionnaires are for parents and carers, as well as children and young people.

Over 20 million people in the UK (40%) plan to get out into the great outdoors for a picnic this summer but al fresco dining doesn’t come without worry for some.

One of Wales' leading indigenous waste management companies, GD Environmental has announced new investment of circa £1.6m and expansion across its three South Wales sites aimed at growing its business and creating 39 new jobs with Welsh Government support.

Further details of how the £5 million emergency Grenfell Tower Residents’ Discretionary Fund will be distributed, has been confirmed by the Prime Minister.

Raising the grade of literacy, numeracy and leadership.

CQC would like your views on how we can strengthen the way we look at whether NHS trusts learn from deaths to improve the care they provide.

A specialist centre to develop new manufacturing processes for lightweight materials for the aerospace and automotive industries is to be set up as a first step towards creating a National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland.

On arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson spoke to the media.

Sir Michael has met his Dutch counterpart in London to sign an agreement that will strengthen defence relations between the two countries.

techUK congratulates tech leaders, partners and members recognised in this year's Honours List.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has published summary reports of the three independent investigations it carried out into Greater Manchester Police (GMP), following serious allegations made by a whistleblower.

One in four men who became fathers in 2016 didn’t qualify for paternity leave or pay, according to new TUC analysis published on Fathers’ Day yesterday (Sunday).

Negotiations start today to form a new partnership with the EU.

Emphasis on encouraging diversity amongst Scotland’s volunteers.

163 Defence personnel have been granted state honours by Her Majesty the Queen in the annual Birthday Honours List.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has given the following statement in reaction to the incident at Finsbury Park.

Parliament will sit for two years instead of the usual one to give MPs enough time to fully consider the laws required to make Britain ready for Brexit.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates will join key industry figures at the Paris Airshow today and help to promote  Wales’ aerospace sector to the world.

CBI President Paul Drechsler has responded to a show of support from BusinessEurope, the umbrella organisation for European employers' federations.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognises over 130 people for their contribution to education, children’s services and equality.

A forfeiture hearing has seen €380,000 and £55,000 taken from two men who were sentenced to eight years imprisonment for money laundering.

Blog posted by: Steve Wood, 16 June 2017.

A statement from the UK's leading business groups.

Natasha Kaplinsky has been awarded an OBE for her extraordinary contribution to the recording of Holocaust survivor testimony.

Legislation to increase the number of women on public boards has been published.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has instituted criminal proceedings against Fabiana Abdel-Malek (date of birth 17/09/1982), a former compliance officer employed by UBS AG’s London Branch and Walid Anis Choucair (date of birth 04/03/1979) following a joint investigation with the National Crime Agency. 

Prime Minister Theresa May recently promised a comprehensive package of support for victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

New NIESR research with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) highlights need for flexible, affordable and straightforward immigration system to prevent skill and labour shortages damaging UK economy.

The CMA has confirmed changes to reduce the number of mergers it investigates in smaller markets.

GPs and health organisations will be able to improve cervical screening rates thanks to an innovative new online data tool.

Nine GSK apprentices have been named England's apprentice team of the year after winning the 2017 Brathay Apprentice Challenge.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething recently announced £850,000 to build a Maggie’s Centre on the site of the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

Tesco Stores Ltd has been ordered to pay over £8million in fines and costs after pleading guilty to a pollution incident.

Blog posted by: Patrick Von Schlag – President, Deep Creek Center, 16 June 2017.

Following NICE recommendations, patients with Crohn’s disease will have routine NHS access to drug ustekinumab, which offers a new way of treating the condition.

New rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in April 2017 require firms to clearly show the insurance premium a customer paid last year alongside their proposed renewal premium.

Six sites on Orkney recorded an eight per cent rise in visitors in the last year according to new figures from Historic Environment Scotland.

A new survey reveals that children are becoming less active outdoors and urges parents to help kids get outside with Wild Night Out.

The Big Lottery Fund recently announced that it’s awarding over £7.1 million of National Lottery Good Causes money to projects in Wales.

A new study by climate scientists – published in the journal Environmental Research Letters – has advanced the understanding of the potential for wind power to provide energy during the coldest spells of winter weather.

EFSA has launched a public consultation on its draft guidance document on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms.

Greater direct control of funding by schools will help improve education, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said as he called for parents, teachers and young people to have their say in revamping the way schools are funded.

New nutritional standards have been developed to make the food on offer for staff and visitors in hospital restaurants and cafes healthier.

Information on land and buildings which have been sold, as well as land which has been retained but developed and used for housing, has been published by NHS Digital in a new format.

A national supermarket chain has been fined for breaking the law on how people’s personal information should be treated when sending marketing emails.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced the appointment of new Chairs for Cwm Taf University Health Board, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Public Health Wales NHS Trust.

Existing safe levels for nitrites and nitrates intentionally added to meat and other foods are sufficiently protective for consumers, EFSA has concluded after re-evaluating their safety. 

Companies looking for significant investment will now be able to access an additional £200 million through the Scottish-European Growth Co-investment Programme.