STRONGER PARENTAL LEAVE RIGHTS TO GIVE MILLIONS OF WORKING FAMILIES THE "SECURITY THEY DESERVE"

LONDON, Jan. 11 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Over 18 million workers across the UK tobenefitfrom stronger protections at work, with most insecure workers set to gain the most. * New day one rights from April confirmed for parental leave, whilstbereavedpartnersset togainfurtherrights topaternity leave. * Changes create more secure jobs and raise living standards, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of theUK. Millions o...


UK TO DEVELOP NEW DEEP STRIKE BALLISTIC MISSILE FOR UKRAINE

LONDON, Jan. 11 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * New ballistic missile could carry a 200kg warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometres. * Missile will provide Ukraine a long range-punch to counter Russian aggression * Project aims to boost UK defence industry, supporting innovation and growth while stepping up support for Ukraine into 2026. The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine's firepower to defend itself from Putin's w...


HOW WELL IS YOUR COUNCIL FIXING YOUR ROADS?

LONDON, Jan. 11 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * new red, amber, green ratings let public see which local highway authorities are fixing potholes effectively * government's record £7.3 billion funding announced at budget is helping councils get on with fixing nation's roads * record investment will drive real improvement, saving drivers money by preventing costly repairs and restoring pride in communities Drivers across England can now see how well thei...


UK ACCELERATES £200 MILLION OF FUNDING FOR DEPLOYMENT TO UKRAINE AS AIR DEFENCE SUPPORT STEPPED UP

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Government has allocated £200 million of fundingto prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNFU), the Defence Secretary has announced during a visit to Ukraine. The funding will equip UK forces to secure Ukraine's future and reinforce long term security guarantees, following the declaration of intent signed by the leaders of the UK, France and Ukraine this we...


PM CALL WITH CHANCELLOR MERZ OF GERMANY AND PRESIDENT MACRON OF FRANCE: 9 JANUARY 2026

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Prime Minister spoke to the German Chancellor Friedrich Merzand French President Emmanuel Macron this morning, following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing inParis. The leaders began by reflecting on the strong unity in support of Ukraine at Tuesday's meeting, and the good progress made on next steps. They welcomed the ongoing close coordination with the US to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukra...


LEADERS' DECLARATION OF FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY ON THE SITUATION IN IRAN: 9 JANUARY 2026

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: We are deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iraniansecurity forces,and strongly condemn the killing of protestors.The Iranian authoritieshave the responsibility to protect theirown population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.We urge the Iranianauthorities to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the fundamental rights of Iran...


HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT 18TH CENTURY SCULPTURE AT RISK OF LEAVING THE UK

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * The bust has been valued at £3.1 million (plus VAT of £620,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution) * Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the bust An export bar has been placed on an 18th century bust of John Gordon of Invergordon by Edme Bouchardon in an effort to protect a key piece of the nation's history. The 18th century marble sculpture, signed a...


DIPLOMAT FOR A DAY 2026 IN BRUSSELS: ENTER OUR COMPETITION

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Diplomat for a Day The Diplomat for a Day competition is a joint initiative by the British, Canadian, Australian, Dutch and New Zealand embassies in Belgium. It encourages young women and girls to become leaders and advocates for change, including through mentorship opportunities. Winners will be invited to spend a day at the embassies in Brussels on 3 March 2026, shadowing senior leaders and learning about the ...


INTEREST RATE DECREASED ON THE COURT FUNDS OFFICE SPECIAL AND BASIC ACCOUNTS

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: In response to the decrease in the Bank of England base rate on 18th December 2025, the Court Funds Office (CFO) rates of interest payable to clients have been reviewed and from 9th January 2026 these will change to the following: * Special Account - decreased from 4.00% to 3.75% * Basic Account - decreased from 3.00% to 2.81% The decision was made to ensure that the running costs of the CFO service can con...


ANNIVERSARY STATEMENT: ATR-72-212, G-ISLM

LONDON, Jan. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This statement provides an update on the AAIB investigation into the serious incident involving an ATR-72-212, registration G-ISLM, which suffered multiple electrical system failures on departure from Guernsey Airport on the 10 January 2025. The aircraft returned to Guernsey safely. Examination of the electrical system components has identified the Starter/Generator fitted to the right engine as the source of the...