LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Communities across the country could soon benefit from thirteen new designated bathing spots, giving local people greater confidence to enjoy the rivers and beaches they cherish, Water Minister Emma Hardyannounced today. The proposals include the first ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames in London, which marks a vast transformation in water quality across the river. Fromit being declared "biological...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: At Villa Somalia, the Minister was hosted byPresidentHassan Sheikh Mohamud. Discussions focussed on the rapidly escalating drought risk across Somalia and the significantchallengesit is causingforvulnerable communities.Baroness Chapman underscored the UK's shift from a traditional donor relationship to an investment‑driven development partnership, designed to strengthen Somali resilience, support economic o...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet Secretary have agreed that Sir Chris Wormald will stand down as the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service by mutual agreement from today (12 February). Sir Chris Wormald, said: It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a civil servant for the past 35 years, and a particular distinction to lead the Service as Cabinet Secretary. I want to place on record my sin...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee, Joan Edgington, has stepped down from her role on the Committee for personal reasons. Joan has been an integral part of the Memorial Committee's progress on driving forward the Infected Blood Inquiry's recommendations on memorialisation. The Minister for the Cabinet Office, and the Chair of the Committee, Clive Smith, both expressed their sadness at Joan's...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * New rules, set out in the Representation of the People Bill introduced today, will provide greater transparency and security around political donations, alongside extending voting rights in all UK elections to 16- and 17-year-olds * Sweeping measures will create a fair,secureand inclusive democracy,whiledelivering on government manifesto commitments * Small number of local authorities to test new flexible...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A £28 million project to upgrade the airfield at RAF Coningsby is now under way, supporting the station's vital role in defending UK airspace around the clock. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver improvements to the Station's Air Operating Surfaces, including the airfield's taxiways and apron areas. AECOMwill join the project as Technical Services Provid...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has accepted the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA's) recommendation to maintain an anti-dumping measure on imports of ironing boards from China for five more years, until 2029. In its transition review, the TRA determined that maintaining the current measure for a further five years could help prevent dumping of low-priced ironing boards from China and subsequent injury...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Under the latest agreement, the Indian Air Force will deploy three Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI) to Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in the UK - the training base for British fast jet pilots. This marks the first time that Indian QFIs will impart fast jet training to British pilots at RAF Valley. The deployment will be initially for a period of two years. The development closely follows the first-time deploymen...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Today, we have issued a safety bulletin to those involved in ship assist towage operations following the capsize and sinking of the tug Biter while assisting the passenger vessel Hebridean Princess off Greenock, Scotland on 24 February 2023, with the loss of two lives. The bulletin, available via this link, contains details of what happened, initial findings, safety lessons and a recommendation. Media enquiries...
LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The UK has announced it will urgently provide new air defence missiles and systems worth over £500 million to protect Ukraine from Putin's brutal attacks on energy sites and homes, as the Defence Secretary co-chairs the 33rd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group today (12th February 2026) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. The Defence Secretary will confirm that the UK will for the first time prov...