WIREDGOV

UK Government announces major support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following historic commitment to increase spending on defence

Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Cambridge to discuss the region’s urgent water needs.

Number of people on the highest rate of Universal Credit with no support to look for work has almost quadrupled since the pandemic

Changes to NHS England will reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients.

Mental health has worsened since the pandemic. This is consistent with rising disability benefit claims for mental health. 

1 in 7 NHS staff (14.38%) experienced physical violence from patients, their relatives or other members of the public in 2024, according to the latest annual NHS staff survey.

Rochdale Borough Council has admitted to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman that it has a backlog of nearly 1,500 support plans to review for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Leniolisib is the first ever licensed treatment for activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS) for use in the NHS in England.

A new National Theatre film, ‘The Next Morning’ will showcase stories of young people after the Second World War

As threats from hostile states rise, the defences of Western democracies against financial interference remain dangerously weak.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Havant Thicket reservoir, which will help future-proof water supply in the South East.

With 2025 being the 25th Anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, International Women’s Day offers us an important milestone to consider the progress towards and away from the fundamental goals of gender equality in peace and security.

NHS staff have more than halved the average wait for tests and checks since the height of the pandemic as the waiting list continues to fall, new data shows today.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, yesterday set out the government’s vision for the future of the UK tax authority.

The UK Space Agency and the Scouts have launched a brand-new Space Activity Badge for Explorer Scouts.

The Environment Agency is reminding anglers that the close season for coarse fishing comes into effect on Saturday 15 March and runs until 15 June inclusive.

Independent inquiry group finds that mobile browser markets are not working well for UK businesses and millions of mobile device users which is holding back innovation in the UK.

Greater use of AI and technology in legal services will spur economic growth thanks to a new Government investment as part of the Plan for Change.

Employers will be required to prioritise recruiting international care workers already in England before recruiting from overseas.

This Self-directed Support Improvement Plan 2023-27, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Framework explains how the Scottish Government and partners will measure progress of the plan by collecting evidence of the impact of activities and the story towards positive change.

Sarah is a Communications and Public Relations Apprentice in the Government Legal Department.

Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire in principle. But conflicts often intensify when a pause in fighting is being negotiated.

A dramatic increase in the money flowing to the UK from European Space Agency (ESA) programmes was yesterday announced, with an additional £112 million (€134 million) in contracts secured for the UK space sector between June 2022 and December 2024.

Residents across the North East of England are benefiting from investment to reduce sewage spills and clean up the environment.

Further measures to prevent people experiencing the trauma of homelessness will be introduced as part of amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

The UK Space Agency and the Scouts have launched a brand-new Space Activity Badge for Explorer Scouts.

Anxieties over US threats to stop protecting the continent are prompting various proposals to reinforce Europe’s deterrence posture – but many of these have serious flaws.

A statement on the collision between 2 vessels off the east coast of Yorkshire (11 March 2025).

Thousands of NHS patients in England with multiple sclerosis (MS) are set to benefit from a life-changing ‘take at home’ tablet, as the NHS becomes the first healthcare system in Europe to roll it out widely to patients with active disease.

Today we've recommended the first long-term daily pill to treat endometriosis that could transform how this painful condition is managed. 

Road scheme investment will save thousands of hours for commuters, tourists and freight every week.

As part of the Government’s plan to support small businesses and boost global exports a new Board of Trade has been unveiled today.  

Road scheme investment will save thousands of hours for commuters, tourists and freight every week.

Today, [13 March 2025] the Prime Minister will set out how he will "go further and faster in reshaping the state to make it work for working people.”

Anglers reminded that the close season for coarse fishing comes into effect on 15 March and runs until 15 June inclusive.

Government is investing over £2.3 billion to ensure number of chargers will continue to grow, giving people the confidence to switch to EVs.

John Foster, Chief Policy & Campaigns Officer, CBI responds to implementation of US tariffs on UK steel

Scrapping the heat in buildings bill is the wrong decision and puts Scotland’s climate targets even further out of reach. Without legislation there is no credible plan to deliver the massive project of retrofitting clean heat in around 2.5 million homes across Scotland to prepare them for a future without fossil fuels. 

Weaknesses in how the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) supports UK industries must be addressed if government is to maximise the impact of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy and achieve its priority mission of growing the economy, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has published its annual Crime Report which estimates the total cost of crime to convenience stores at £316 million, equivalent to more than £6,000 per store.

Four drug smugglers have been convicted of trying to smuggle £100m of cocaine on a fishing boat off the coast of Cornwall, after a National Crime Agency investigation.

Department for Transport (DfT) slow to ensure available rapid charge points on motorways.

Changes to improve how ambulances respond to 999 emergency calls will help to save more lives and improve people’s outcomes.

North-East project boosts capacity.

We continue to have the utmost sympathy for the people who have lost money because of Safe Hands.  

Some of the most worrying trends are the rise in mental health conditions in children, young people and young adults.

The Environment Agency-led day of action caught multiple waste criminals in the act

Three high street banks have achieved special recognition as part of a Welsh Government scheme to protect payments to SMEs on large scale public sector construction projects.

Reforms to modernise bathing waters could see swimmers enjoying cleaner water and flexible seasons, as government states plans to bolster bathing water rules.

Our sustainability rules do not prevent investment in or finance for defence companies.

The CMA launches review of approach to merger remedies and publishes new Mergers Charter as next steps in its plan to enhance the UK’s merger control regime.

Growth-generating projects will receive significant new investment - up to £1.5 billion over the next 15 years - as a result of new powers granted to the Crown Estate, on Tuesday 11 March.

Real improvements have been made to child and adolescent mental health services provided to people living in the heart of the South Wales Valleys.

Funding to develop one of Scotland’s signature events.

Food redistribution charities can submit applications for grants starting at £20,000

Government publishes new Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2025 report. 

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill could impact our statutory consultee role on planning applications involving playing fields.

Improvements in waiting times and the leadership of Hywel Dda University Health Board have been recognised by the Welsh Government.

More than £2 million will fund wrap-around support to households.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, yesterday made a Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons regarding steps being taken by the NHS to ensure all eligible people are invited for screening.

Tax admin changes to mean up to 300,000 taxpayers will no longer be required to file a tax return.

On Tuesday 11 March, UK Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, chaired a roundtable with Nordic and Baltic counterparts to discuss support for Ukraine, security in Northern Europe, and tackling hybrid threats.

The Welsh and UK Government recently announced a new £1 million joint research initiative to tackle water quality issues in the River Wye.

Regulation will be cut back as the Prime Minister sets out his latest steps to drive economic growth that puts more money in working people’s pockets.

This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, to whom quoted text may be attributed – at yesterday press briefing at the Palais Des Nations in Geneva 

Crossing the assault course: Seeing the pitfalls before you fall into them webinar.

CBI yesterday responded to publication of Planning and Infrastructure Bill – March 2025.

Dozens of clean energy projects will jump to the front of the queue for grid connections, through new measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will travel to Washington D.C. this week to participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day events.

Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) are places you can get tests, checks and scans, faster and closer to home.

A new Public Health Wales commissioned report has used Realist Ripple Effects Mapping to explore recent behavioural science support across the public health system.

Recent data shows boys in years 5 and 9 in England have scored significantly higher than girls in maths and science compared with 2019, report UCL researchers who analysed the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

The Welsh and UK Government recently announced a new £1 million joint research initiative to tackle water quality issues in the River Wye.

AI is a top priority for the UK, with its success depending on strong national capabilities, widespread adoption, and a globally competitive AI sector.

On 6 April 2025, parts of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) will come into force. 

The family of a man who died in hospital only discovered after his death that a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) order had been put in place.

Water Minister Emma Hardy visits the £35 million expansion of the Saltford Water Recycling Plant which will support economic and residential growth in Bath

CBI Scotland and other members of Scotland’s business community have joined forces in a joint letter to urge the UK Government to back the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS) project in Aberdeenshire.

Unique website showing services for homeless people across London is updated for 2025 by London Housing Foundation (LHF) in partnership with Homeless Link.

Work-related ill-health is costing the UK economy over £415 million a week – according to new TUC analysis published yesterday (Monday).

Homes and key infrastructure will be built faster under Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Families could get quicker access to free school meals under proposed new regulations laid in Parliament.

As the Prime Minister considers sending UK troops to Ukraine, assessing his options with the Chilcot checklist suggests the mission must not go ahead.

Hundreds of thousands of homes in England to benefit from energy efficiency upgrades, helping families stay warm and cut bills.

Leading high street flooring retailer Tapi Carpets & Floors has partnered with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) to provide a comprehensive flooring service for the NRLA’s membership.

The FDA has criticised the government’s rhetoric surrounding the announcement of a series of civil service reforms – on performance-based pay, fast track exits for underperformers, and performance management – by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden.

Over 48,500 young people across Wales have been helped through employability and skills programmes since the launch of a key Welsh Government commitment.

We’ve partnered with leading electronics retailer Currys Business to make electronics equipment more readily available to schools and public sector organisations.

Ofcom has today imposed a £150,000 financial penalty on religious channel, The Word Network, for breaking broadcasting rules.

British space sector secures European Space Agency contracts worth £80 million more than government contributions in last quarter of 2024 – a record for any member state. 

The Government recently (09 March 2025) announced plans for the removal of our role as statutory consultee on planning applications.

Ethnic minority graduates from a low socio-economic background are 45% less likely to be offered entry-level professional roles compared to more advantaged White applicants, finds a new report led by UCL researchers.

A speech given yesterday by Sarah Cardell, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Chief Executive, delivered at the techUK Tech Policy Conference 2025.

CBI yesterday responded to Secretary of State for Scotland's speech at University of Edinburgh.

Government delivers commitment to ensure households near new or upgraded pylons will save up to £250 a year for 10 years, as part of the Plan for Change.

Social Security Scotland has started the transfer of 169,000 benefit awards.

The UK tech sector remains optimistic for the future and ready to grow, the latest edition of techUK’s annual survey has found.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed yesterday (Monday 10 March) set out government ambition to end sewage discharged into Windermere.

A man who tried to smuggle 72 firearms parts in a car shipped from Pakistan to the United Kingdom was recently (07 March 2025) jailed for eight years.

The UK Chemicals Contact Centre was established to support businesses and stakeholders with general enquiries relating to the EU Exit Transition Period.

The Education Committee has endorsed the Government's preferred candidate, Professor Edward Peck, as the new Chair of the Office for Students (OfS).

The sandbox programme, funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund, will make sure Cell-Cultivated Products (CCPs) are safe for consumers before they’re sold, whilst supporting innovation in the sector.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has joined a new maths tutoring programme for schools aimed at helping a more diverse community of young people to learn about, access and prepare for computer science at university.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised the new Newsham railway station ahead of its expected public opening on 17 March. The new station will provide improved connectivity as part of the Northumberland Line project.

Government overhauls funding for AI and Digital Projects to save taxpayer money and boost public services

Winter winds blew through AI Safety at the Paris Summit, yet new Springs may be around the corner.

Young people and children want to learn more about elections and politics in school, according to new research by the Electoral Commission.

US involvement is essential to a credible peace. Israel-Saudi normalization may be key to unlocking President Trump’s support for the Arab plan.

The number of people being referred for specialist NHS support following rape or sexual assault has increased by nearly 18% in the last 2 years, NHS data suggests.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer is facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Women across Wales are stepping into leadership roles and changing the face of public life, thanks to a groundbreaking mentoring programme that's just secured another 3 years of funding.

As part of their ongoing implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom have published their draft guidance for providers setting out how they can take action against harmful content and activity that disproportionately affects women and girls.  

Four men were recently (Friday 7 March 2025) sentenced in relation to a £266 million money laundering operation.

Blog posted by: Laura Hogg, 07 March 2025 – Categories: Mission delivery, Science, Waste management.

Three defendants have been fined for their involvement in illegal waste activity in Northamptonshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

The Welsh and Irish Governments are working together on safeguarding and building on the links between the two countries across the Irish Sea, the two governments said recently (07 March 2025).

Research published today (Monday 10 March) by the Electoral Commission reveals children and young people in Northern Ireland are less likely to be interested in UK politics compared to their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

On 20 February, the Government launched the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, open until Thursday 15 May.

Blog posted by: Hettie Street, 06 March 2025 – Categories: a great place to work, International Women's Day, Software Developer, Women in Tech.

The government has confirmed further reforms to overhaul the planning system and put growth at the heart of the statutory consultee system.

Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices.

The Future Soldier warfighting structure stands as an impediment to the British Army attaining mass, with reservist unit training withering.

Eni and UKAEA launch a research and technological development collaboration for innovative solutions in the field of fusion energy.

Two men who attempted to import multi-tonne quantities of cocaine from South America, and laundered the profits through a Hatton Garden gold merchant, have been jailed.

Workers scrambled up the rungs of an unsafe scaffold to work at a block of flats in Merseyside.

Wales and Ireland are continuing to work together on strengthening the resilience of the Irish Sea crossing between the two countries.

A new initiative in Littleborough is encouraging girls and women into the construction industry.

Blog posted by: Helena Trippe, Head of UCD GOV.UK One Login and Tim Paul – Head of Interaction Design, Government Digital Service, 07 March 2025 – Categories: Digital Centre, Digital strategy.

Government response to previous Committee’s report on the Sustainability and finances of the Social Housing sector (published 7 March).

Tracked machines, drones and robot dogs are among the suite of tools defence scientists are working on with pioneers from industry and academia.

Strengthening the role of GPs in Wales will be vital in improving patient healthcare and tackling NHS waiting lists.

A former detective constable has been found not guilty of sexual assault following a trial at Chester Crown Court.

Without third party mediation between Turkey and Kurdish groups, it may be difficult to overcome the many barriers that have stymied past attempts to bring about peace.

 The TUC recently (Thursday) warned that women are bearing the brunt of exploitative zero-hours contracts which are “hindering progress towards gender equality”.

Import ban introduced to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in conflict resolution, as Scotland marked International Women’s Day.

Just 4 in 10 vulnerable customers say they have disclosed their needs to their financial services provider, new research commissioned by the FCA shows.

Hundreds of thousands of children in the UK from migrant families are affected by poverty and are being held back in life, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made improvements and has therefore been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the fire inspectorate. 

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board commented on the launch of a national programme of supervised toothbrushing for 3 to 5-year-olds in early years settings – including nurseries and primary schools - in most deprived areas of England 

The FCA has set out steps it will take to improve access to mortgages.

Funding for charity web service and training programme.

More work and education and increasing access to open prisons could turn around over a decade of strikingly poor prison performance in England and Wales, says a new Institute for Government report, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

From cancer detection to new scientific discoveries, AI is already catalysing opportunities for growth and productivity across the UK economy and public services. We are witnessing firsthand how AI is rapidly becoming the world’s next great General-Purpose Technology – like electricity and personal computers – with widespread applications and the power to reshape entire economies and societies.

Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, responded to the announcement that Royal Mail will increase the price of 1st class stamps to £1.70, and 2nd class stamps to 87p, from April, 

A new community hub with post office and shop in Dryslwyn, significant improvements to Fairwater RFC in Cardiff, and a former primary school in Cribyn, Ceredigion, are among an additional 57 community projects sharing a new £4.8m Welsh Government funding.

More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest.

Tens of thousands of children, with parents subject to ‘no recourse to public funds (NRPF), including some children with British citizenship, are being denied childcare, which is stunting their development, holding back their parents from working, and pushing families into poverty, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Praxis

UKHSA is tracing contacts of a person who travelled to England with Lassa fever and has since returned to Nigeria, with overall public risk remaining very low.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to analysis by the CSA Centre which found the number of formal protection plans for child sexual abuse is at the lowest level in 30 years