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A TEENAGER who attacked children at a Taylor Swift themed dance class, killing three and seriously injuring 10 other people yesterday pleaded guilty.

Whether you’re a large, medium, or small charity, workforce training can be extremely challenging.

Ministers will be banging the drum for Britain at Davos this week, with the most visible UK Government presence in recent years pitching the UK’s investment offer to top business chiefs.

Read a summary of our 2024 accomplishments from techUK CEO, Julian David.

Statement from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Southport (20 January 2025).

The role of computer evidence in the criminal justice system will be examined through a call for evidence to prevent future miscarriages of justice.

PackUK launched to deliver the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR).

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to be revised and updated to give consumers a clearer picture of their home’s energy performance and to link better with the drive to cut emissions from homes and buildings.

As President Trump is sworn in, Dr Burcu Ozcelik, our Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security, reflects on what this means for the Middle East.

The government has announced a new plan to leverage technology and AI tools like "Humphrey" to streamline public services, eliminate delays through improved data sharing, and reduce costs, including consultant spending.

Almost 70,000 people with mental health issues were given employment support last year as part of the NHS Talking Therapies Programme – up nearly two-thirds on the year before, latest NHS figures show.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visits Indonesia with a focus on green growth, later traveling on to Timor-Leste.

Latest update of free app allows customers to check their contactless and Oyster accounts while on the move.

The Electoral Commission has concluded an investigation into the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform. The investigation found that the members association failed to report donations on time.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement on the Southport public inquiry today.

The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, Opening Speech at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference, Farnborough.

The government has confirmed that all projects in the New Hospital Programme will be built.

The SFO secured its first UWO as it seeks to recover a Lake District property believed to have been purchased with the proceeds of a £100m fraud. 

Calorie labelling of food on menus and products leads people to choose slightly fewer calories finds a new Cochrane review co-led by UCL researchers.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred the sentence of a woman convicted for trafficking offences to the Court of Appeal because credit was not given for time she spent in custody whilst awaiting extradition to the UK.

Ofcom has today launched a digital toolkit to help businesses comply with new online safety rules.

The Grain Verification Scheme will help track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.

The Chief Statistician has released part 2 of the 2023-24 justice social work statistics. This includes information on justice social work services, as well as characteristics of the people involved.

Public sector workers are being held back by archaic technology according to a new report set to be published on Tuesday.

The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has outlined his determination to deal with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

Financial services sector set for key role in designing first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

techUK and our sister organisation JEITA have released a joint statement detailing how both Governments can work with industry to take the next steps in the UK-Japan Tech and Trade relationship.

Security professionals are urged to remain vigilant and question who their clients are to ensure they are not carrying out damaging activity against the UK.

Trump seems to have pushed Biden’s deal over the line. But the international community must maintain pressure on the parties to engage on a political settlement.

A new report shows how drug-fuelled crime is being tackled through tough community sentences to get offenders with addiction issues back on straight and narrow.

UK-qualified professionals to find it easier to work in Switzerland, as new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised.

Draft regulations to be laid in Parliament in autumn.

The Consumer Council for Water’s Chief Executive Mike Keil will answer questions on the impact of Ofwat’s 2024 Price Review decisions on water customers, when he appears before the EFRA Committee at Westminster on Tuesday (10am).

This joint statement was released following the meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on 17 January 2025.

A trio of people smugglers who made several failed attempts to transport migrants across the Channel have been jailed.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer will today (Monday 20 January) visit the UN to call for last week’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in full.

South Africa’s apartheid-era ‘Bantustans’ exemplified state-sponsored pseudo-independence. Today, history risks repeating itself in Russia’s occupied Ukrainian territories, though this irony seems lost on some African politicians.

A man who held far-right beliefs and wanted to ‘exterminate’ asylum seekers has been jailed for life for attempted murder after stabbing an Eritrean man twice in the chest.

Statement on North Wales Water Shortages.

Apply now for pupillage at the Government Legal Department.

On 15 December 2024, the UK officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), marking a significant achievement as the first non-founding and first European country to join. 

Ukraine's evolving search for security guarantees reflects hard-learned lessons from the Budapest Memorandum, with bilateral agreements offering hope yet raising critical uncertainties.

Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right.

Expertise, innovation and collaboration within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group supply chain has been showcased at its 10th industry event.

New measures were recently (16 January 2024) announced to reduce the reliance of the migration and borders system on taxpayer funding. 

The Welsh Government has announced a £700,000 investment to help Cwtch Mawr, a multibank in Swansea, expand its reach and offer free essential items to even more people in need.

The Environment Agency’s National Coarse Fish Rearing Unit in Calverton, Nottinghamshire produced and stocked 510,488 fish in 2024.

Project success hinges on how we handle ‘the people stuff’. Yet most of us can’t really explain ‘why people behave as they do’. This webinar was held on 14 January 2025.

A new campaign has been launched today (Monday 20 January) by a taskforce that includes energy regulator Ofgem and trade association Energy UK, and is supported by consumer groups National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland.   

New tap in tap out system will guarantee passengers get the best fare available at the time on the day.

A lack of resources, a very short lifespan and high risk of duplication has left MPs on the Treasury Committee sceptical about the newly established Office for Value for Money (OVfM) according to a new report.

Our investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of 23-year-old Liam Allan, who drowned in the River Thames after escaping from Met Police officers who had arrested him, has made recommendations to the force.

Three convicted money launderers, responsible for illegally obtaining Australian dollars and laundering them through cryptocurrency, were recently ordered to pay a total of £23,629,031 through a Confiscation Order made by the court.

Young adults who fall victim to crime will be better supported through a new Government campaign.

The government is tripling the Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding from £10 million to £30 million.

Finance Secretary calls for clarity as local authorities set their budgets.

Recommendations will help organisations that evaluate new drugs establish whether their use will result in longer-term benefits for patients.

A Norfolk farmer with a history of environmental offending has been fined for taking and using more water than permitted.

Border Force seized 119 tonnes of illegal drugs, a 52% increase from last year, in the highest number of seizures on record.

Ofcom has announced the implementation of several spectrum licence products. 

The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a report on HMRC’s administration of Scottish income tax, including the final calculation of Scottish revenues for the 2022/23 tax year.

Shingle recycling on the beach between Shoreham and Lancing to help reduce the risk of coastal flooding. Essential maintenance needed following winter storms.

Three members of an organised crime group (OCG) who conspired to smuggle immigrants in a boat from France to the UK were jailed on Friday 17th January.

Gross misconduct proven against a group of Dorset Police officers over offensive WhatsApp messages 

The increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is now incompatible with IPCC pathways which remain below 1.5°C, a Met Office study finds.

More capacity must be created if the NHS is going to drive down waiting lists.

A statement from the UK alongside other G7 RRM member states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States) as well as G7 RRM Observer states (Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden).

A sexual predator who raped lone women at knifepoint in Manchester City Centre has been jailed.

In a new report for the Institute of Economic Affairs, Economist Vera Kichanova argues that the UK could and should create new self-governing cities like Hong Kong within its borders, to drive growth and prosperity.  

Now in place at Hackney Downs London Overground station, the roundel, signifies the history and traditions of the local community

The LGA responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on the condition and maintenance of local roads in England.

IOPC response to claims made about our series of investigations into how South Yorkshire Police responded to allegations of child sexual abuse in Rotherham

Alongside ambassador Barry Keoghan, the Foreign Secretary will lead a campaign to advocate for family-based care for all children across the globe.

The Prime Minister visited Auschwitz this morning, accompanied by his wife Victoria Starmer.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has met key figures from the life sciences sector in the latest in series of round table meetings to drive economic growth.

Govt accepts that roads’ condition has deteriorated – while admitting it does not know enough to understand what state roads are in due to poor data.

Five non-executive directors have been appointed to Great British Energy’s start-up board.

The Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport have launched the UK Soft Power Council to drive UK growth and security.

Statement from G7 Leaders on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Telecoms providers must now set out upfront, in pounds and pence, any price rises that will apply to customer contracts, under new Ofcom rules that come into force today.

Today the International Development Committee has published a report on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Labour’s ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan sets a strong vision to leverage AI technologies for UK economic growth.

It will be harder for China to balance the needs of its faltering economy with its international relations priorities. But there may be opportunities with Trump the dealmaker.

The Attorney General spoke about the foundational role of the rule of law in delivering economic security at the City of London’s Guildhall.

Statement given yesterday by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

An additional £1.5m is set to be provided for warm hubs across Wales which provide a welcoming and safe space for people of all ages.

Chief Regulator calls for Environment Agency to have “more teeth” against those falling short of high standards

APCC statement given recently (15 January 2025) on government action to tackle synthetic drug.

This report was issued in January 2025 and covers the time period 1 December 2024 to 31 December 2024 inclusive.

Frontline emergency services will benefit from a new communications network that will modernise how they work together.

A collection of reports on the programme.

Gross misconduct has been proven against a former West Midlands Police constable who sent inappropriate messages to a woman he had arrested.

The incoming US administration must reduce uncertainty over its stance on China or risk accidental escalation over flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has commented on figures published today (Friday) which show retail sales falling by 0.3 per cent in December 2024

Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive government funding to help them grow as part of a major boost to the economy – marking the first step of the Government's Sector Plan for the creative industries.

Justice Secretary responds to written determination of Fatal Accident Inquiry.

A YPO staff member is taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by running this year’s London Marathon, aiming to raising over £2,000 for the NSPCC, after witnessing the charity’s life-changing impact for children in the local area.  

Preliminary market engagement: How knowing more about potential markets can help suppliers make informed decisions about which opportunities to bid for

The Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council have invested in the delivery of a £12 million sustainable commercial development as part of a commitment to green economic growth.

The RUSI State Threats Taskforce (STT) and SOC ACE research programme have launched a new report which explores the growing and increasingly complex threat to the West from hostile state actors.

A politician has admitted punching a man several times at a taxi rank in Cheshire.

Evidence from countries including Mexico and Hungary, have shown that when governments have taken action to introduce taxes on unhealthy foods and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), it does result in a reduction in their purchase and consumption. 

An Essex woman was not able to spend as much time as she wanted with her husband in his final weeks because the county council moved him to a care placement further away from the family home, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.

The UK’s leading progressive think tank has released a comprehensive blueprint to guide the government’s upcoming trade strategy.

We have published the fire and rescue services inspection programme and framework commencing June 2025.

It is too early to say if winter virus levels have peaked, and pressures on the NHS are likely to continue for some weeks.

Children will be prevented from encountering online pornography and protected from other types of harmful content under Ofcom’s new industry guidance which sets out how we expect sites and apps to introduce highly effective age assurance

The UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UK SPF) is pleased to announce that Coleago has been selected to conduct the study on the future of the UHF band after 2034.

Pranesh Narayanan, economist at IPPR, reacted to the GDP data release for November 2024

From saving lives to saving the planet, STFC’s latest £2 million drive will help start-ups bring new innovations to market quicker and succeed in global markets.

People in debt have lost £48.8 million on fees for failed Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA), with many steered into an inappropriate debt solution by unscrupulous firms offering bad advice

Scottish Government responds to UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s first set of recommendations.  

Wales will take part in the largest ever UK-wide pandemic response exercise this autumn.

UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine delivers on this Government’s Plan for Change, supporting UK security and growth.

The government's pandemic planning has been stepped up in response to recommendations from the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report.

UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme launched to boost education standards and break down barriers to opportunity.

David Malone of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two teenagers with murder following the tragic death of Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich on January 7, 2025.

Fresh guidance will give businesses the green light to sell certain pioneering hearing aids

The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.

Government can save significant sums of time and money by improving how it engages with technology suppliers; but only if it learns from its past procurement approaches to large-scale digital transformation projects which have experienced decades of poor progress and billions of pounds in cost increases

Minister Stephen Doughty will travel to Madrid and Lisbon to meet with counterparts and senior representatives from top European businesses.

Last week was the busiest yet for the NHS this winter, amid sky-high virus rates which have left hospitals ‘jampacked’ with patients.

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

CBI has responded to latest GDP data for November 2024.

As Turkey asserts its ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, Cyprus faces mounting challenges over maritime rights and energy security in an increasingly volatile Eastern Mediterranean.

How universal free breakfast clubs have helped give children a supportive start to the school day.

One of the UK’s foremost awarding organisations has entered a partnership to establish an esports curriculum that will provide a starting point in the industry. 

UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Jenny Chapman, visits Santiago and Punta Arenas for the first time since the July election, to meet with Chilean leaders and strengthen bilateral and trade ties

With the port of Holyhead due to partially reopen today (16 January) the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates has emphasised the Welsh Government will continue to work with all partners.

The National Wealth Fund has fuelled 8,600 jobs in the last six months, unlocking almost £1.6 billion of private investment, driving growth across the UK.

The Attorney General issues a reminder about commenting on the trial of Axel Rudakubana and risks of being in contempt of court.

Hundreds of people with Jewish ancestry in England have been identified as being at increased risk of cancer and offered risk-reducing options, as part of a new NHS genetic testing programme.

Funding will boost growth and create jobs throughout the UK, as well as move towards an era of zero-emission shipping.

Russia's Mediterranean foothold faces uncertainty, with Tartus’s future hanging in the balance and alternative bases in Libya and Algeria offering limited, politically fraught substitutes.

GAD’s annual report on the National Insurance Fund projects contribution income and benefit expenditure up to the end of the 2029 to 2030 financial year.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is highlighting to the legal profession a point of law in a referral made in June 2024 to the County Court in Northern Ireland, where there was a conviction for driving without a licence.

One in six (17%) of full or part time workers have skipped a meal every day (2%), most days (8%) or every week (7%) to reduce their spending in the last 3 months, according to new YouGov polling published recently (Monday) by the TUC.

The Health and Social Care Secretary yesterday made a statement to the House of Commons on winter pressures.

Risk level increased following discovery in Germany.

If Trump’s activity is meant to bend existing alliances to US advantage, Europe should deal. If he genuinely intends to undermine national sovereignty, a tough line will be necessary.

2024 was another jam packed year for techUK’s cyber programme. We’ve continued to advocate for our members on a wide range of policy issues, host events on critical issues and support the growth and development of the UK’s vibrant cyber security sector.

Minister Zeichner's opening statement on Food and Mouth Disease (15 January 2024).

The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on 15 January.

The public will have the opportunity to see and discuss the options for a replacement for the A494 River Dee Bridge crossing at an event to be held on Tuesday, 21 January at St Andrew’s Church, Garden City.

Government announces £410 million investment to accelerate development of fusion energy and kickstart economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.

Corridor care is a last resort but NHS staff have been left with little choice in the face of immense demand.

£5.5 million to go towards vital research projects to tackle ongoing mpox outbreaks in DRC and neighbouring countries.

£50 million investment deal between JATCO, Nissan and the UK government secured to build a new manufacturing site in Sunderland.

Bill passed to strengthen public confidence in the service.

DEA Aviation Limited, a specialised aerial data-acquisition company based in Nottinghamshire, has secured Santander UK funding supported by UK Export Finance.

Statement by UNICEF regional director for the middle east and north Africa Edouard Beigbeder 

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Quba Charity following concerns around potential misuse of funds.

Leading experts in the field of sentencing gathered to explore important and current sentencing-related issues at a seminar jointly hosted by the Sentencing Council, Sentencing Academy and The City Law School on Friday 10 January.

UK Government investment in the City Region and Growth Deal programme in Scotland is now £1.5 billion - meaning more than £3 billion in total.

Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.