WIREDGOV

The UK government is proposing first of its kind legislation on ransomware, but this could cause more harm than good to UK national security.

GLD celebrates ten years of providing outstanding legal service to help the government govern well, within the rule of law.

Good for Me Good for FE (GfMGfFE), the national initiative promoting social action in colleges, is launching a volunteering microcredential programme for students. 

Marking the occasion, participants were joined by Trade Union leaders and politicians at the Senedd on April 1 to acknowledge the achievements of the programme and call for more people to take up the opportunity.

Research investment is making an impact in managing flooding and coastal change.

An increasing number of people are experiencing the trauma of homelessness. It doesn't have to be this way.

Southend council has agreed to apologise to a mother for twice failing to assess her needs as a carer despite agreeing to do so in a previous investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Liz Kendall visits Barnsley to unveil first of nine ‘trailblazers’ which will get people back to health and back to work, supported by £18m of £125m investment.

As President Trump sets out sweeping global tariff barriers and ahead of the May summit between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aimed at resetting UK-EU relations, the BTC is publishing a draft ‘Green Paper’ setting out twenty ways the UK and the EU can reset their relationship for mutual benefit.

The 2025 Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit at the end of April presents a historic opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of US-European Union-Ukraine relations.

Funding outlined to support transformational R&D in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond.

A new report from education charity NCFE has revealed that one in five people in the UK lack the essential digital skills needed to navigate modern life.

We are appealing for witnesses as we investigate the circumstances of the fatal shooting of a man, by Thames Valley Police (TVP), in Milton Keynes on Tuesday (1 April).

Verdict delivered on dental contract as not fit for purpose as patients continue to suffer and PAC calls for transparency on necessary fundamental reform.

Research supported authorities to work with communities when planning to reduce flood and coastal erosion risks.

People are waiting too long for mental health care and not able to access the care they need when they need it, a survey from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed yesterday (Thursday 3 April 2025).

Transitioning to a clean energy future presents investment opportunities for Britain.

A woman from Gloucestershire has been convicted of manslaughter in relation to the death of a baby.

The SFO has published its plan for the year ahead focusing on using new tools, enhancing its intelligence capacity and with domestic and international partners.

A new joint action plan will reduce the risks of human trafficking by discouraging dangerous journeys, disrupting trafficking gangs and supporting victims.

It would likely be unpopular for a government that has cut welfare services and introduced new taxes on UK businesses, but it also risks undermining wider attempts to regulate big tech.

CBI recently (02 April 2025) responded to President Trump's announcement of global tariffs – April 2025.

Vietnam grants market access for British live seafood products, opening new opportunities for growth and trade.

This qualitative study on housing insecurity and hidden homelessness in Scotland was commissioned by Scottish Government and carried out by external research contractors RSM UK.

New legislation to cut UK REACH costs for chemical businesses comes into force as part of Government’s Plan for Change

Evidence base on natural flood management is supporting investment decisions and informing which measures to use.

The CMA has published its Annual Plan for 2025 to 2026, which sets out the programme of action the regulator will take in the upcoming year to continue to promote competition and protect consumers, whilst driving growth and investment. Below, techUK outlines the key points of note.

Richard Tunnicliffe, Regional Director for CBI in the East of England, commented on yesterday's announcement by the Transport Secretary on the expansion of London Luton Airport 

New research to model the risks and impact of using solar radiation modification (SRM) to build understanding of the radical process and address evidence gaps.

Four suspected people smugglers have been arrested in Libya as a result of joint working between the National Crime Agency and Libyan police.

The Greggs Foundation Community Grants Programme offers grants of £20,000, for up to two years, to local organisations helping to tackle the challenges facing local communities. 

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) has validated Transport for London's (TfL) near and long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and net-zero targets, in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius

STFC welcomes three start-ups aiming to transform healthcare using artificial intelligence (AI).

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred the sentences of three men to the Court of Appeal because time they had spent in custody whilst on remand had not been deducted. 

Argyll and Bute Council has a real opportunity to harness a long-standing culture of innovation as it looks to close a funding gap of nearly £29 million, rethink how services are delivered and ensure it has a stable workforce.

Nearly one in seven UK workers experienced some form of workplace abuse over the last year, with women and LGBTQ+ workers at the most risk, finds a report led by a UCL researcher.

The government’s approach to launching independent policy reviews is too ad hoc, inefficient and inconsistent, warns a new IfG report

UKRI’s Smart Sustainable Packaging (SSPP) Challenge, has revealed new data on its sizeable impact on UK plastic packaging sustainability and circularity.

Revised Heat in Buildings Bill to be brought forward

The government will introduce new fees for emergency travel documents and emergency passports from 9 April 2025.

Providers of online pornography are implementing highly effective age assurance across thousands of sites, in response to Ofcom’s enforcement programme in this area.

Martyn’s Law will deliver increased protection by ensuring public premises and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack.

The prioritisation of the highest quality core economic and population statistics and increased work to improve survey response rates will be the focus for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2025/26, as it publishes its new strategic business plan.

Government begins process seeking business views on response to US tariffs

The regulator for charities in England and Wales has opened a regulatory compliance case to examine concerns raised about the charity Sentebale.

Funding is now available to help organisations work together to address child poverty across Wales.

Deputy First Minister urges UK Government to restore Scottish Parliament's full powers.

The Business and Trade Secretary's statement to Parliament on the imposition of US tariffs.

Devon and Cornwall is leading the way in innovative water sources as the West Country’s industrial legacy is turned into gigantic water holes.

The number of hospital beds taken up by seasonal viruses this winter was more than the equivalent of the population of Malta, according to new NHS data.

Ending doctor strikes saved 500,000 appointments and operations, and cut waiting lists by 193,000

Highlighting Scotland’s leading role at home and abroad.

Government reforms will streamline and modernise regulation to unlock growth, deliver 1.5 million homes and do more for nature under the Plan for Change

It’s 1984 and nestled away on Charles Street, Manchester, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been founded - responsible for overseeing a new law to uphold people’s privacy rights when sharing their personal information.    

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Australia have announced a ground-breaking partnership.

UK to highlight ironclad support for Alliance and push Allies to increase defence spending.

An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

The Welsh Government is supporting the construction workers of the future through its work with Persimmon Construction Academy.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator offer advice on giving safely when looking to support the international aid effort.

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning.

In a new report published today, the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has said the delays and overspends on major capital projects here are ‘unacceptable’.

A crisis in temporary accommodation in England is leaving record high numbers of children without a permanent home. Many of these children are living in appalling conditions, with significant impacts to their health and education, says the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee in a report published today.

A first of its kind partnership between the government and private sector could see over £100 million invested into the UK’s growing fusion energy industry.

US investors invited to Edinburgh for a Global Investment Summit to help boost jobs and investment, putting more money back in people’s pockets.

More can be done by the financial services sector when dealing with children’s data.  

Energy plans for every part of Great Britain will be put in place by the end of 2027, mapping out what’s needed to upgrade the energy networks in every city, town and village in Britain. 

Report finds DCMS overly optimistic in expectation that all funds will be recouped amid high uncertainty over repayments.

How do people draw on their private pension wealth in retirement, how might this change in future, and what risks do they face?

The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited a dementia research laboratory in Edinburgh which was founded by charity Race Against Dementia.

New combination therapy offers hope to 800 people annually with late-stage blood cancer.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred to the Crown Court the convictions of a man for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs because there is credible evidence he was a victim of modern slavery at the time of those offences. 

Sixty-three UK-based users of a Dark Web site hosting child sexual abuse material have been identified following work by the National Crime Agency.

Prime Minister's remarks delivered to UK business leaders in 10 Downing Street this morning.

Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Humberside Police to charge Robert Bush, 47, of East Yorkshire, with 64 offences including fraud, fraudulent trading, theft, and preventing a lawful and decent burial, following an investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.

The Queen, Patron of SafeLives, was presented with The Starfish Award in recognition of her support for survivors and her work to break the silence around domestic abuse.

Eight Techscaler companies heading to Japan.

A new community-led cultural centre has opened in the heart of Ryde, marking a significant moment for the Isle of Wight’s cultural landscape.

UK fishers demonstrating environmental, social, and economic benefits from quota use to be awarded additional quota.

A third former South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officer has been arrested this week as part of an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into complaints from survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham relating to SYP officers.

Homeless Link back coalition speaking out on welfare reforms

The new Combatting Hatred Against Muslims Fund will provide funding to monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hate and for support for victims.

Parliament endorses Motion of Condolence.

Around 5,000 blood cancer patients could benefit from 13 treatments recommended by NICE in 2024.

techUK provides an overview of the CMA's call for evidence document for the Merger Remedies Review

Poultry meat marketing regulations amended

A new agreement with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will see them support Brand Scotland in the US and around the world.

UK jets will protect the skies of NATO’s eastern flank once again, working for the first time with Sweden to protect Polish airspace.

The Minister for Investment has signed a new partnership with Singaporean bank OCBC, which will help unlock £10 billion of investment into key priority sectors in the UK.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) is lending its support to Operation Spotlight, a nationally coordinated road safety campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Running from 1st to 28th April, this initiative brings together police forces to protect communities by disrupting criminal activity on the UK road network and reducing the number of people who are killed and seriously injured.

Careers guidance for post-16 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can vary in quality, a new report from Ofsted has found.

UK Export Finance has guaranteed £184 million in financing for one of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind projects.

Businesses across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire find out more about fusion energy at an event at Gainsborough Golf Club.

12,000 plugs of cotton grass have been planted at Humberhead National Nature Reserve (NNR) marking a key step in restoring the peatlands.

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care is at an all time low.

The four new escalators will replace the existing ones which are out of use

More unpaid carers set to benefit from Carer Support Payment.

FE college groups across England will receive a share of £302m to fix, maintain and improve their buildings under government’s Plan for Change

Around a quarter of the WorldSkills UK’s training squad from Welsh colleges.

Both patients and staff can clearly see the impact that more than a decade of being starved of capital funding has had on the NHS.

Support to boost people’s access to local heritage, delivering government’s Plan for Change to increase opportunities for all

Greater clarity and accountability will be brought to fire and building safety from the transfer of Ministerial responsibility from the Home Office to MHCLG

300 new school-based nurseries approved in first round of funding, delivering on manifesto pledge with massive boost to early education.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy travels to Kosovo and Serbia to strengthen cooperation on tackling irregular migration and serious organised crime

Matthew Taylor responds as new NHS England Chief Executive sets out his ambitions

As of 1 April 2025, the Commission was combined with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) to form a new organisation, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), a unit within HM Treasury.

Child Benefit payments set to increase from 7 April.

This report outlines the findings of a survey we carried out as part of a review of The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, which made a number of amendments to animal welfare, animal health and wildlife legislation.

Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, yesterday spoke to educational leaders from the City of London and further afield. He talked about the importance of education and how Ofsted's inspection improvement proposals will drive ever higher standards for children.

The Prime Minister yesterday met with Adolescence creators, charities and young people to discuss the issues raised in the series during a meeting focused on rethinking adolescent safety.

The Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting Merlin helicopters will receive world-class maintenance under a £165 million contract extension, supporting 1,000 skilled UK jobs.

Over 3 million eligible workers set for a pay rise of up to £1,400 a year as new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates take effect.

A scheme to help people in priority groups buy a home on the open market has reopened for applications.

The Committee has approved a revised text of the Companion to reflect changes agreed by the House since the last edition was published in 2022.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred the assault convictions of a former police officer because evidence that was not available at trial raises a real possibility the Court of Appeal will now quash those convictions.  

Dental public health experts highlight small increases in childhood dental extractions under general anaesthesia from 2022/23 to 2023/24.

Statement given yesterday from the ICO on data protection complaint response times.

Guidance that outlines ways in which the planning system can support communities and people to avoid being affected by flooding, and to develop more resilience where it cannot be avoided, has been published.

The Government's ambitious plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public services face substantial obstacles, as highlighted in the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report. 

HMICFRS yesterday published a new national report following an inspection into how effectively the police investigate crime.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, established by the UK Government to decommission the UK’s earliest nuclear sites.

The government sets out the scope and ambition of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill for the first time today.

Up to 160,000 workers in Wales will receive a pay rise as the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect. 

Israel is pursuing the illusion of total victory and likely plans to reoccupy Gaza. Arab countries must persuade President Trump that an alternative is better.

Nearly £1 million in government funding will support Iraq in its fight to take down the kingpins of organised immigration crime.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Eurostar’s London depot would be able if required to accommodate additional trains, following its receipt of an independent report it commissioned to investigate the matter.

We want the UK to have an advanced aviation ecosystem where everyone can benefit from new technology while tackling emissions.

Encouraging small businesses to thrive and foster collaboration amongst producers and food groups to promote local produce.

The proliferation of commercial cyber-intrusion has elevated concerns among states and non-governmental entities alike, and a second meeting of stakeholders is due to discuss the issue in early April in Paris, as a part of the Pall Mall Process.

Shops encouraged to sell all remaining stock before 1 June 2025 deadline

Our chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Benger, explains the crucial role the HST programme plays in encouraging innovation in the treatment of ultra-rare diseases. He also highlights why effective routing is essential to getting the best care to patients across the NHS.

Health Innovation North West Coast’s Patient Safety Collaborative has supported the testing and implementation of a major patient safety initiative in our region.

The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) has today (01 April) published its Corporate Plan 2025 to 2028, having raised more than £2 billion to support public services in Wales since it became fully operational in 2018.   

Schemes supported as part of record £2.65 billion two-year investment to protect communities from flooding.

The Prime Minister yesterday (Monday 31 March) announced the government has returned more than 24,000 individuals with no right to be in the UK since the General Election – the highest returns rate for eight years.

The UK’s commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart.

Government delivers on manifesto commitment to reduce red tape – merging existing bodies to get a grip on delays to infrastructure delivery.

Health Secretary Neil Gray has set out how the Scottish Government plans to improve access to treatment, reduce waiting times and shift the balance of care from hospitals to primary care through the publication of the Operational Improvement Plan.

Blog posted by: Deborah Clark, 31 March 2025.

Yesterday’s interim monitoring report sets out the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) observations on developments in the road fuel retail market since the previous update in November 2024.

The first spring Covid-19 vaccines are being delivered by NHS staff from today (Tuesday 1 April) with more than half a million appointments booked in the last week.

The new rates come into effect from today (Tuesday, 1 April).

This interim report explores the use of a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) for Scotland and builds upon earlier UK-wide and Welsh MDLS studies, which delved into what households with children require to fully participate in today’s digital world.

On the second session of the Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety we were joined by David Boyle, National JESIP lead for Strategy and Transformation, and Scot Dunn, Chief Information Officer at Humberside Police.

Additional funding for internal drainage boards (IDBs) to boost farm and rural flood resilience, bringing total IDB Fund to £91 million.

The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has reduced the level of support it offers to Universal Credit (UC) claimants due to a shortage of available work coaches at jobcentres, amid government plans to get more people into work and progressing in their careers, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

The government is launching adverts for the first time on Zalo, as it expands its campaign warning people about the dangers of trusting people smuggling gangs.

An ambitious new drive to create a more compassionate approach to understanding the causes of and responding to suicide and self-harm will help to save lives.

UK Government announces a package of up to £10 million support to help the people of Myanmar following recent earthquake

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery has launched its inaugural inquiry, aiming to enhance the delivery of major national infrastructure projects in the UK.

Geovation, an Ordnance Survey (OS) initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Digital Planning Programme is excited to announce the launch of a new £1.2 million PropTech Innovation Challenge.

A UK aerospace company is set to land the first European rover on the red planet, as it wins £150 million to complete the touchdown system delivering the rover safely to Mars.

Work underway to move the benefits of over 66,000 people by end of year.

Managing expectations will be just as crucial as making physical investments for Europe’s Middle Corridor, the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route.

The Charity Commission has given its formal permission for the most valuable object donation in British museum history to go ahead.

Talking recently to a group of students studying for a childcare qualification, I was disappointed in my own reaction when one student recalled how she had been questioned about her choice of career.  

Blog posted by: Clement Yeung, Applied Data and Insight Team, 27 March 2025.

The Welsh Government yesterday published the independently chaired review of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, led by Dr Susannah Bolton, alongside its response committing to implement all recommendations in full.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Haiti with the participation of the Independent Expert. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders (28 March 2025).

The UK has mobilised over 40 countries and organisations to launch an unprecedented global fight against ruthless people smuggling gangs.

Two radically different archives, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The Tank Museum at Bovington, have won accredited status for the first time for their archive services.

Extension to ban of burning on deep peat proposed by Government, so that an extra 146,000 hectares are protected.

A transformational technology that uses microwaves to defrost and ultrasound to break down contaminants in melted lunar ice to provide clean, drinkable water for astronauts has won the UK Space Agency-funded Aqualunar Challenge.

Vehicle Rental (Self-Drive) (271) provides a simple, flexible and EU compliant solution for the rental of a comprehensive range of generic vehicles on a short-to-medium-term basis.

The joint SORP-making body recently launched a public consultation on the next version of the charities accounting and reporting framework.

In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government will introduce tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working.

he first week of April will see clear skies and warm sunshine for many, though a breeze and cold seas will make coastal areas slightly cooler.m

Patients to benefit from new services thanks to funding deal agreed between the government and Community Pharmacy England (CPE).

New measures have come into force to give Scotland’s tied pub tenants more rights and greater protection.

Against a background of increased military spending that could see Japan attain the third largest military in the world within a few years, the nation’s relationships with Europe and the US are being defined by mutual threats.

The heirs and great-grandchildren of Jewish Belgian art collector Samuel Hartveld are set to receive a painting by Henry Gibbs currently in the collection of the Tate.

Two brothers who raped vulnerable girls 18 years ago have been jailed for 31 years, following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

Extra detail on the UK’s international development budget up to March 2030 was recently set out in the Spring Statement.

Proposals to transform the way local bus services are planned and delivered across Wales have been published today. (Monday 31 March). They will benefit passengers, communities and encourage more bus travel.

The Environment Agency’s Fisheries Enforcement Officers have started patrols along the coast to help protect the endangered European eel from illegal poaching.

Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have taken first prize for both the individual and team categories at the Prosecuting Team and Prosecutor of the Year Awards.

The new information will enhance an already comprehensive buildings dataset.

New regulations requiring businesses to separate recycling from waste come into effect.

The Scottish Government's procurement strategy describes how we plan to carry out our regulated procurements for the next three years.

Blog posted by: Abby Wade, Kiran Chahal and Marcus Melton, Applied Data and Insight team, Government Communication Service, 26 February 2025.

The more the US dithers in its response, the more the strategic balance shifts in China’s favour.

Hundreds of business leaders, politicians and policymakers gathered for CBI Northern Ireland’s Annual Lunch at Titanic Belfast on 28 March.

The government will publish a third cycling and walking investment strategy setting out its long-term vision for active travel.

Business links, trade, and investment is “at the heart” of Scotland’s long-standing relationship with the USA, First Minister John Swinney said ahead of his first stateside visit.

On Monday 17 March, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) held an oral evidence review session, inquiring the Government's efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

PAC report warns of worryingly high consumer energy debt as nation’s electricity prices highest of countries providing comparable data.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its 2025 Annual Science Review, showcasing the work it has delivered in support of the five strategic objectives outlined in the HSE’s 10-year strategy Protecting People and Places.

The Committee on Standards and Privileges has published its report on two complaints made in October 2024 against First Minister Michelle O’Neill alleging that she has breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct by failing to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life, including openness and honesty.

Third cohort of semiconductor start-ups backed by government to drive economic growth.

Ofsted has published a letter with findings from a joint targeted area inspection of the multi-agency response to unborn children and those aged 0 to 7 who are victims of domestic abuse in North Yorkshire.

Innovate UK has announced £30 million of extension funding to a highly successful pilot programme that is shaping the future of UK industrial strategy.

New evidence from the Children’s Commissioner has revealed for the first time the stark relationship between frequent home moves and children’s GCSE results.  

The Welsh Government’s Help to Buy Wales scheme is helping people who might otherwise not be able to afford a home to become homeowners.

£3.27 million to boost mental health provision in the local community and help steelworkers into work.

The government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

The proposed SL12 route would run between Rainham, Ferry Lane and Gants Hill extending the Superloop network even further into outer London

IPPR North has responded to the prime minister’s announcement of transport funding for the north of England.

A new inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

The LGA has launched a new Empty Homes Officers Toolkit, designed to provide practical, on-the-ground support for councils tackling long-term empty homes.