How can England’s high streets be revitalised? MPs publish written evidence from McDonald’s, Boots, and Primark

U.K., Oct. 15 -- UK Parliament issued the following news: The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee has published an initial selection of written evidence submissions for its inquiry looking at the action needed to revitalise the nation’s high streets . The written evidence includes submissions from McDonald’s, Boots, Primark, Haypp Group, Gambling Business Group, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), Association of Convenience Stores, Post Office Ltd, Healthy Urban Places r...


What should MPs put under the microscope? Public responses published

U.K., Oct. 15 -- UK Parliament issued the following news: The Science and Technology Committee has published the results of its call for ideas on what it should explore during this Parliament. Read the report [HTML] The committee launched it's Under the Microscope initiative in December 2024, inviting people from across the UK, including schools, businesses, under-represented communities and expert groups, to suggest topics for future scrutiny. The survey sought to identify science and techno...


Committee on Standards Third Report of Session 2026-27: Interim Report: Kevin Hollinrake

U.K., Oct. 15 -- UK Parliament issued the following news: The Committee on Standards has today released a report on the conduct of Kevin Hollinrake MP. Interim Report: Kevin Hollinrake MP. Third Report of Session 2026-27 Committee on Standards Further information About Parliament: Select committees Visiting Parliament: Watch committees Image: House of Commons Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication....


New Joint Committee on the Draft Conversion Practices Bill appoints Alex Barros-Curtis MP as Chair

U.K., Oct. 15 -- UK Parliament issued the following news: The Joint Committee on the Draft Conversion Practices Bill has appointed Alex Barros-Curtis MP as its Chair. The Committee will be meeting regularly between now and Christmas as it scrutinises the draft Bill. The Committee will in due course publish its call for evidence and set out a programme of oral evidence sessions to aid its consideration of the draft Bill. It will report by 22 January 2027. The full list of Committee members is ...


£1.6M FINE FOR ANGLIAN WATER'S POLLUTION OF ESSEX RIVER

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: District judge Timothy King heard that Anglian Water's local mismanagement led to a general decline in water quality between April and June 2022. In addition, the company ignored alarms telling them that poorly-treated sewage was being discharged into the river due to the faulty valve. Staff didn't talk to each other about the incidents. The resulting pollution stretched for nearly 14km along the Brain between ...


DOUGLAS ALEXANDER WELCOMES DEFENCE SKILLS INVESTMENT BOOST

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * The Colleges in the East and West of Scotland will upskill young people, enabling them to benefit from good, well-paid jobs in Scotland's growing defence sector. * Scotland already benefits from over £2 billion a year in MoD spending, which supports more than 12,000 jobs. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander today welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to match fund the ...


SIX CHEVENING SCHOLARS RETURN TO SOLOMON ISLANDS WITH UK MASTER'S DEGREES

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Six Solomon Islands Chevening Scholars have returned home after completing master's degrees at leading UK universities. The scholars bring back a wealth of expertise in tropical medicine, environmental law, international human rights, commerce and telecommunications having completed a one-year master's degree sponsored by the UK Government's flagship international scholarship programme. Speaking at a welcome ho...


SIR JOHN KINGMAN APPOINTED AS GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS CHAIR

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Sir John Kingman has today (16 October 2026) been confirmed as the first Chair of Great British Railways * Sir John will chair the organisation, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service * appointment marks next stage in journey to bring railways back under public control The government has appointed Sir John Kingman as the first Chair of Great British Railways (GBR), marking an...


OCTOPUS EXPLOSION OFF SOUTH WEST PROMPTS TALKS BETWEEN FISHERMEN AND SCIENTISTS

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Fishermen, fisheries managers and scientists came together yesterday (15 October) for a conference hosted by Defra to discuss the recent increase in octopus numbers off the south-west coast of England, and how regulators and the industry can respond to the challenges and opportunities it presents. In the last year, fishermen in the region have reported a sharp rise in octopus catches. Since 2021, total UK vessel...


CMA TAKES FIRST STEPS TO ENSURE CHOICE IN BUSINESS SOFTWARE

LONDON, Oct. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Investigation is assessing Microsoft's position in business software and how this impacts businesses and public sector organisations * CMA invites views on areas where it will gather further evidence and consider possible action to promote customer choice * Update on cloud services engagement shows Microsoft and Amazon are taking material steps to promote choice, with more to come The Competition and Markets A...