LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) is introducing a revised application process for advisers and organisations to simplify the registration journey, reduce delays and enable applications to be processed more efficiently. It follows an announcement on a series of changes to the competence assessment process, including revised syllabuses, a new assessment platform and more frequent assessment opportunities. A...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Anthony Reeves appointed as the first Director General Innovation, bringing extensive military, government and industry experience.  * Role oversees 4,800 innovation experts and scientists and a £3.7 billion science, technology and innovation budget over the next four years to ensure the UK remains at the cutting edge of warfighting.  * National Armaments Innovation harnesses UK ingenui...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Government has today announced increases to minimum wage rates from April 2027. The National Living Wage (NLW), the minimum wage rate for all workers aged 21 and over, will rise by 3.9 per cent to £13.21. The minimum wage for 18-20 year olds will increase to £11.27 and the rates for 16-17 year olds and apprentices will increase to £8.31, all of which are 3.9 per cent increases in line with that...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The UK will give a further £10 billion of economic and military support in the largest ever package of financial backing for Ukraine. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healy informed President Zelenskyy this morning of their decision and announcement in the Budget, telling the President the move was vital for our collective security. The fresh funding is the latest demonstration of the UK's u...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Government agreement with Rolls-Royce will keep UK at forefront of aerospace innovation and could see jet engines built in the UK for decades to come. * Multi-decade co-operation includes joint 10-year £2.5bn programme for next-generation jet engines for passenger and military planes. * Agreement expected to support 3,300 jobs by end of 2029 with tens of thousands more in the decades ahead. Tens of thousa...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This Budget sets out a comprehensive package of local and regional growth measures, putting local leaders in the driving seat of good growth in every postcode. This Budget does this by: i) empowering places through devolution; ii) backing local strengths in cities and towns across the country to drive reindustrialisation; and iii) unlocking the potential of cities and growth corridors to spread opportunity to sur...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Supporting Ukraine * Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine poses a serious threat to UK prosperity and security. We are proud to be a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine * Today the Chancellor announced that we are making available over £10 billion of additional financial support to Ukraine, underlining the UK's position as a leading partner amidst illegal Russian attacks. As part of this p...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Energy costs lowered as home heating oil tariffs removed and 0% VAT on household electricity extended. * Growth backed with investments in Glasgow and Edinburgh. * The Scottish Government will have an additional £600 million for public services. Families and businesses in Scotland will get breathing space from action announced in Budget 2026. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, rising energy costs ...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Heating oil costs lowered for almost half a million households and 5p cut to fuel duty extended. * Growth and jobs backed with Northern Ireland Investment Summit and £7.5 million investment in cybersecurity jobs and skills. * The Northern Ireland Executive will have an extra £270 million for public services until 2030. Families and businesses in Northern Ireland will get breathing space from Budget 2...
LONDON, Oct. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * budget confirms a further £200 million investment to transform Leeds station by 2030, taking total investment in one of the North's busiest stations to over £300 million * more space, better infrastructure and improved passenger facilities will cut congestion and boost capacity for the almost 12 million extra passengers expected at the station annually by 2043 * upgrade paves the way for the Transpenn...