LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Landmark reforms will return the FinancialOmbudsman Service to its original role as a fast, impartial complaints body * Changes will improve consistency and alignment with the Financial Conduct Authority, benefiting consumers and firms * Legislation will deliver the most significant reform of the FOS since it was established The FinancialOmbudsman Service (FOS) will undergo the most significant package of ref...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Update 16 March The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 cases notified since 13 March. Sadly, this includes 2 people who are known to have died. Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA's health protection team is working closely with t...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: THE GOVERNMENT Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed the appointment of John Duckworth as its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO). John has extensive experience in strategic and operational leadership across the real estate industry. Mark Bourgeois, the GPA's Chief Executive Officer, said: "I am thrilled to confirm John as the new GPA CIO. These are both challenging and exciting times, and in making this appoint...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Tanaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris held a warm and constructive meeting in London today where they reaffirmed the close and enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland and the importance of sustained positive cooperation between our two countries. They discussed the budgetary and economic outlook in both countries and the wider global environment, includ...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Certainty given to Scotland has boosted confidence to secure international work. * Thales secures export deals worth £1.1 billion, creating and sustaining over 500 jobs in Glasgow. * Minister forDefenceReadiness and Industry and Scottish Secretary launch Scotland's Defence Growth Deal, further boosting growth and skills. Hundreds of Scottish jobs are being created as the UK Government's long-term commitm...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Progress on bolstering national security for the UK and Germany made after Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, meets German counterpart in Berlin to discuss progress on jointly developing Deep Precision Strike missiles. * Missiles to be capable of travelling more than 2,000 kilometres and are expected to enter service in the 2030s. * Discussions build on the Trinity House Agreement signe...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * A new 3-star Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps bringing his focus on modernisation and fighting power to the Army's principal contribution to NATO - the ARRC * A newly titled 3-star Commander Land Forces with a global remit for operations, training, and warfare development * A newly appointed 3-star Deputy Chief of the General Staff will be the personnel lead for the Army, and enhance the relationship betw...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: We are gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge for immediate de-escalation. Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah's decision to join Iran ...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Kinectrics joins UK Atomic Energy Authority and Eni collaboration as design and fabrication partner for world-leading tritium research facility * Canada's Kinectrics brings extensive experience in fusion, nuclear and renewable energy, with capability across design, manufacturing and testing * The collaboration will build on the strong foundation of UK-Canada co-operation in fusion energy, supported by a govern...
LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Shohid Ahmed applied for three Bounce Back Loans worth £150,000 using his wife's name, receiving £100,000 his restaurant was not entitled to * He filed false documents with Companies House to make an innocent woman appear to be the director of his company * Ahmed was jailed for two years last year and subsequent financial investigations by the Insolvency Service have resulted in the 41-year-old being...