LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Environment Agency has secured more than half a million from Northumbrian Water for environmental improvements following two separate pollution incidents. The agency accepted the two Enforcement Undertakings totalling £550,000 after separate pollution incidents at Sedgeletch sewage treatment works (STW) in Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, and Lanchester STW in Lanchester, County Durham. Both incidents in...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited the Museum of Liverpool yesterday to see a digital display of postcards from towns hoping to become the first UK Town of Culture, as judges whittle down hundreds of applications to a final shortlist. Following the launch of the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition last year, the government has confirmed that it received 398 bids representing over 400 hopeful towns from acr...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Today the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) has published its Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2026. The Report includes reference to the amendments that have taken place in the Employment Rights Bill which affects Schedule A1 and the new measures heading the CAC's way. The Report reflects on the increase in the caseload for trade union recognition applications under Part 1 of Schedule A1. This increas...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: An Environment Agency investigation into a Devon waste dumping site has concluded after four convictions for waste dumping. Waste carrier Stephen White, 66, of Broadhempston, Totnes is the latest to be fined for his role in depositing waste on land at the site near Kingsteignton. Between June 2019 and October 2021, White deposited an estimated 450-588 tonnes of wase at the site. White was charged with depositin...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * 150 businessesincluding BAE Systems,Network Rail and Lloyds Banking Group namedas leadingapprenticeshipemployers. * They are recognised forpowering the next generation of skilled workers throughhigh quality, engagingapprenticeships. * Governmentto create50,000 new apprenticeshipsfor young peopleto reverse the 40% decline in apprenticeship starts among16-24-year-olds. Top ranking apprenticeship employers...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * The handaxes are believed to be around 500,000 years old * The bar will allow time for UK museums or institutions to acquire the handaxes for the nation Culture Minister Baroness Twycross has placed export bars on two flint handaxes that offer insights into the lives of Britain's earliest settlers, allowing time for a UK buyer to be found. Both flint handaxes were discovered on the Happisburgh shoreline in Nor...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Sellafield Ltd has been named England's second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer in the HIGHERiN Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 ranking, delivered in partnership with the UK Government. The scheme recognises employers that provide high-quality apprenticeship programmes and support apprentices to succeed. The rankings are based on apprentice reviews and employer performance. They look at things such a...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Reports were received on Wednesday 1 July, 2026, about the illegal waste site on land at Midland Road. Officers attended and estimated several thousand tonnes of mixed household and commercial waste had been dumped. They are following up several lines of enquiry to track down those responsible, and working to trace the landowner to ensure the site is properly secured. They're also working with partners at Bradf...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The statutory instrument (SI) introducing changes to the Advocates' Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS) has been laid today. It will come into effect for cases with a representation order dated on or after 28 July 2026. What will the increases be? The SI introduces the following changes: * an increase to the fixed fee for additional preparation from £62 to £81 * the extension of the additional preparation fee...
LONDON, July 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * £4.6 billion contract secured with Italy and Japan to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft. * Major milestone in trilateral programme to bring a sixth-generation fighter jet into service from 2035. * Comes as Defence Investment Plan confirmed that the UK will invest £8.6 billion in the programme over four years, supporting British jobs, innovation and national security. Over £4 billion is be...