LONDON, May 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Business Secretary announces new funding packages for chemicals and ceramics sectors, boosting stability and economic resilience. * £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will support strategically important producers and sites, strengthen critical supply chains and help support thousands of skilled jobs. * Ceramics package worth £120 million will back energy efficiency, decarbonisation and lo...
LONDON, May 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * This will help families afford life's little treatsandhelp them tomake memories- from a meal out to avisitto a theme park or the cinema- at a time when rising costs are putting pressure on household budgets. * Free bus travel for children aged 5-15 in EnglandinAugust will further support families to getout and aboutthis summer. * The Government will work with eligible businessesto get thescheme up and running. *...
LONDON, May 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Families across the UK will pay less for children's meals in restaurants, kid's tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions thanks to Government action. * Throughout summer, VAT will be temporarily cut to help reduce the cost of days out and support businesses by increasing footfall as government launches Great British Summer Savings scheme. * Move is latest in government drive to s...
LONDON, May 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: At around 13:47 on 4 May 2026, the 12:09 Leeds to Nottingham service, operated by Northern, was involved in an overspeeding incident at Trowell North and South Junctions in Nottinghamshire. At these junctions, the train was routed over five sets of points for a diverging route which had a permitted speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). The train traversed the first set of points at 70 mph (112 km/h) and was still travelling...
LONDON, May 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The UK has today summoned the Israeli Charge d'Affaires to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office following the inflammatory video posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The summoning reflects the UK's strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people. We are also deeply conce...
LONDON, May 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This follows on from the Grenfell Tower fire, a national tragedy that took the lives of 72 people and could have been prevented. The government is focused on taking robust action to address the problems identified by the Inquiry and to build a regulatory system that people trust to ensure homes are safe. A Call for Evidence has been launched to drive a new Building ProfessionsStrateg...
LONDON, May 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens has held her first call with the new First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth. In the call the Welsh Secretary congratulated the First Minister on his party's results in the recent Senedd election and outlined the importance of the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Wales working constructively on shared issues and priorities. The Secretary of State made clear t...
LONDON, May 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Funding of up to £1m available for existing veterans' hubs across the UK to join VALOUR - the Ministry of Defence's new support system * Later this spring, the network will include 14 organisations - including one in Wales- that have already secured £13m of funding and an online support platform * Delivers on UK Government's Veterans Strategy which recognises veterans as a national asset An estimated ...
LONDON, May 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: This is a deal that: - Delivers growth and prosperity across the UK This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) delivers on the Government's core mission to generate the economic growth that will put money in people's pockets and raise living standards right across the UK, in line with the Government's growth agenda. On its own, this deal is estimated to add £3.7 billion to our economy each year in the long run when co...
LONDON, May 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Deal could boost the UK economy by an estimated £3.7 billion every year and increase wages by £1.9 billion annuallyin the long run. * UK becomes the first G7 country to agree trade deal with the GCC, bolstering our partnership with a strategically vital region and securing economic resilience at home. * Deal removes tariffs on food exports, medicalequipmentand advanced manufacturing, plus first...