LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Tens of thousands of care leavers set to receive free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services up to age 25 * Government changes comealongside improved safeguarding and a pilot to improve mental health support for children in care and families * NHS guaranteed interview scheme and paid internships to break down barriers to opportunity are all part of government's work to give children the Best Start in Life t...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Dangerous imitations made up 90% of the more than 260,000 counterfeit toys stopped by Border Force in 2025, following a surge in the dolls' popularity. With three-quarters of counterfeit toys failing safety tests, officers have stepped up shipment searches in the run-up to Christmas to protect children from harm. As well as fake Labubus, Border Force seized a range of counterfeit toys and electrical products - ...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Homes England, the government's housing and regeneration agency,canconfirm thatSteve ReedOBE, theSecretary of State forHousing, Communities and Local Government,has reappointedLesley-Ann Nash, MBA, FCMA and Mark Hendersonto Homes England's Board. Both Lesley-Ann and Markfirst joined the Agency's Board inFebruary 2022, and will now continue to serve untilNovember2027,providing continuity amongst the agency's seni...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The crime contract specification and guidance has been amended, in consultation with the Law Society, Legal Aid Practitioners Group and Association of Prison Lawyers. The draft versions of the contract documents have been published and can be found on GOV.UK at Standard Crime Contract 2025 - GOV.UK The guidance is available on GOV.UK at Legal aid guidance - GOV.UK These will take effect on 31 December and we w...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Almost 40,000 former mineworkers across the UKreceivefirst pension increase,withan average uplift of £100 a weekand one-off £5,500 lump sum * Followsthe government's decision totransfer £2.3billion to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme * Governmenthasnow deliveredjusticefor all members of the former British Coal pension schemes Britain's formermineworkers aretoday (Tuesday 2...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed Paul Brannen as a Non-Executive Commissioner to the Forestry Commission. Paul will play a pivotal role in establishing a strong, sustainable future for the Forestry Commission, which is responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands, including the production and supply of timber. He has been appointed for a ...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of Ms Fiona Ross as Non-Executive Board Member for the Northern Ireland Office. The appointment is for a further term of three years ending on 28 February 2029. Biography In addition to her role at the NIO Fiona Ross is a member of the Network Rail Board and was until February an Non-Executive Dire...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This statement provides an update on the ongoing AAIB investigation into a Rockwell Commander 112 TCA, which suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground approximately 1,300 m beyond the end of the runway. The investigation has been completed, and the draft report produced. The final report will be published in the near future, after completion of the consultati...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: We know parents want to do the best for their children and at Christmas, that might mean the latest gadget or toy they so desperately want. But it's also important to remember that one of the longest-lasting and potentially life-saving gifts you can give is free - protection against diseases they will most likely never have to experience. The UK is fortunate to have one of the best free childhood & teenage vacci...
LONDON, Dec. 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Someeveryday medicines - not just antibiotics - couldinfluencegut bacteria in ways that affect how other treatments work, according to a new review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)and University of Glasgow.The findingsopen upopportunities to better tailor treatments to individuals and improve how medicines are used together in real life. The review, published today (23December) i...