8479posts
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2025 in MedTech: a year of innovation, global leadership and regulatory milestones
Rob Reid, MHRA deputy director of innovation devices, at AI Airlock Connect, October 2025 As the end of 2025 rapidly approaches, I find myself searching out those articles and lists that reflect on key moments across the year. Whether it …
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Windermere Wrapped: Our Year in Review
Our teams have been busy monitoring 66 sites across Windermere and its tributaries throughout 2025. Our live monitoring equipment is deployed in seven locations and each deployment gives us countless data points about oxygen levels, temperature and other important factors that tell us how healthy the lake is.
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Animal Welfare Strategy for England published
The government has today launched a new Animal Welfare Strategy. It sets out a comprehensive programme of reforms to improve the lives of millions of animals across England, from farm animals and pets to wildlife. In this post, we’ll summarise what this means for livestock keepers and the wider rural community.
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Colorado beetle eradicated in the UK
The Colorado beetle has been eradicated from the UK thanks to APHA and Defra’s tireless work, safeguarding potatoes and other crops through surveillance, biosecurity, and public vigilance.
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Oaks and invaders: why protecting our iconic oak matters
Sam Cooke, Oak Processionary Moth Administration Officer at the Forestry Commission, reflects on the ongoing battle against oak processionary moth (OPM) and explains the integral work that is needed to manage and control it in England.
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MoD Digital Commercial End of Year message to Industry Delivering Digital Advantage Together
As we close out the calendar year, I want to take the opportunity to extend my thanks to all our industry partners for your continued commitment and collaboration in working towards delivering Defence’s outcomes. It remains another year of raising …
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Next steps for English council reorganisation
Yesterday, the government announced that English councils undergoing reorganisation have been invited to give views on postponing their local elections next May. This follows multiple councils approaching the department and requesting delays, noting that upcoming elections could undermine their plans …
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A year of transforming England’s planning system
Read about our year transforming England's planning system through new partnerships, innovations and momentum. Everything we do aims to give communities a planning system that is data-driven, efficient and accessible, supporting the government's mission to deliver 1.5 million homes this Parliament.
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Let’s Talk About the Flu Vaccine — Why It Matters More Than Ever
Winter is here. The days are short, the air is cold, and flu started circulating around 5 weeks earlier than usual this season, with a flu virus called H3N2 causing most of the cases so far. The H3N2 virus that …
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Shaping strategy: communicating CSOC's mission
India Thomson, Strategic Engagement and Outreach Lead, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command Within Cyber & Specialist Operations Command's (CSOC) Headquarters sits a team of strategists, playing critical roles in aligning the Command to Defence’s priorities and empowering personnel to see …
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Unlocking Space in Florida: UK Space Agency Takes Centre Stage at the Space Economy Summit
At the Space Economy Summit 2025 in Florida, the UK Space Agency’s Unlocking Space team, with the support of the Space and Aerospace Department for Business and Trade, brought UK expertise into direct dialogue with some of the USA’s most influential investors, innovators and government partners.
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Food waste recycling: big wins from little bins
‘Recycle, the possibilities are endless’ as the old adverts used to tell us. By sending your used metal cans, glass bottles and cardboard boxes for recycling, these materials can be turned into valuable new items and kept out of landfill, helping to protect our environment. For many households in the United Kingdom, recycling these kinds of …
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Royal Assent: Natural England and the Planning and Infrastructure Act
By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England The Planning and Infrastructure Bill received Royal Assent today. The new Act is central to the government's Plan for Change, representing one of the most significant planning reforms in a generation. The Act also represents a milestone for Natural England, giving more opportunities to to …
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The power of early intervention
Catherine Bark talks about supporting parents through trauma-informed therapy and Video Interaction Guidance to break intergenerational abuse cycles.
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British Forces Atlantic Islands Demonstrate Joint Strength in Operation SOUTHERN SOVEREIGNTY
South Atlantic Islands December 2025. In a powerful display of joint capability and commitment to safeguarding sovereignty across the South Atlantic Islands, the UK Armed Forces have successfully executed Operation SOUTHERN SOVEREIGNTY, a coordinated mission spanning South Georgia and the …
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Nature Restoration Fund: early information for nature markets and the wider sector
Today we’ve published the Nature Restoration Fund Implementation Plan. This post provides an overview of how the Nature Restoration Fund will work for nature markets and the wider sector.
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Putting Further Education teachers at the heart of the design process
Policymakers and designers collaborate on improving education services.
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Law changes strengthen protection for livestock
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent today, strengthening legal protections for farmers against livestock worrying.
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From Christmas trees to construction materials: ORNA and circular innovation
Every year, millions of Christmas trees end up as waste – but ORNA® is changing that. Founded by Hugo Knox, the start-up transforms festive tree waste into sustainable construction materials, backed by patent-pending technology and trade mark protection. It’s a circular model where innovation and IP drive impact.
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Building trust in data and AI: the new Data and AI Ethics Framework and self-assessment tool
The Responsible Data and AI team has launched an updated Data and AI Ethics Framework and self-assessment tool to help public sector teams innovate responsibly.
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Farming Profitability Review: recommendations published
The Farming Profitability Review 2025, an independent review led by Baroness Minette Batters, has been published.
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UK Space Agency Christmas Card Design Competition winners revealed 🎅
We are delighted to announce the winners of the UK Space Agency’s 2025 Christmas Card Design Competition. This year, we were overwhelmed by the creativity and passion shown by people inspired by the theme of space sustainability.
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Building clean energy while our seas flourish: introducing the Marine Recovery Fund
Today, we’ve launched the new Marine Recovery Fund, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between clean energy development and environmental protection. Offshore wind development does not have to come at the expense of nature. Read this post to find out more.
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Coverage of our major consultation to the National Planning Policy Framework
Yesterday, we launched a major consultation on a revamped National Planning Policy Framework – the most significant rewrite of planning rules in over a decade – to accelerate the delivery of 1.5 million homes this Parliament. The reforms will unlock new jobs, infrastructure, and clean energy, while …
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What is the MMRV vaccine and is my child eligible?
From 1 January 2026, the MMRV vaccine will be introduced into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. When your child will be offered this vaccine depends on their date of birth. The MMRV vaccine helps protect children against …
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Completing your MOT training and assessment
The 31 March deadline for MOT Training and Assessment is approaching. Here's what you need to know to get it done.
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Introducing the Ministry of Justice Engineering AI Governance Framework
AI is transforming how we build digital services. Tools like GitHub Copilot help our teams write code faster and solve problems more efficiently. However, using AI well means using it responsibly. We have recently published the Ministry of Justice’s Engineering …
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Coverage of independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics
There has been widespread media coverage of the launch of an independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics. The review was launched in the House of Commons yesterday by the Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and will be led …
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Stakeholders provide valuable feedback on breast density and screening evidence
Stakeholders have provided valuable feedback to the UK NSC on breast density and screening evidence.
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Increased payments for vet visits
From 22 January 2026, payments for the animal health and welfare review and the endemic disease follow-up will increase. This post sets out the new rates and explains how to access the funding.
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Planning reforms: delivering homes, supporting farmers, and protecting nature
Yesterday the government launched a major consultation on planning reform – building on our amends last year this will be the most fundamental rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) since its introduction over a decade ago. These reforms will create a clearer, more rules-based planning system, where developments that meet requirements can move forward with greater certainty. …
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Celebrating excellent science advice at the heart of decision making
Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession, recognises the invaluable contribution of science advice in shaping policies that tackle everything from disease outbreaks to climate change.
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5 simple ways that we can help stop superbugs
Antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. Data published in autumn 2025 shows there are nearly 400 new cases reported every week in England. When bacteria adapt to survive antibiotics, vital medicines stop working when we need them most. But the fight against …
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Imperial’s magnetometer on NASA’s IMAP Mission records successful ‘first light’
Imperial researchers celebrate a landmark achievement as NASA’s IMAP mission sends back its first data from space.
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GOV.UK has entered the Chat: our vision for GOV.UK Chat
Learn about our plans for GOV.UK Chat, the AI-powered chat system we’ve built as an easier, quicker way to interact with government.
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Five new FMPs published today
Find out about the newly published plans: cockle, queen scallop, North Sea and Channel sprat, Southern North Sea and Channel skates and rays and Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species.
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Understanding the apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for you, by Gemma Marsh
Reforms to apprenticeship assessments were announced by the Department for Education (DfE) and Minister for Skills in February 2025. Since joining Skills England in May 2025 as Deputy Chief Executive, I’ve spent much of my time listening, learning and building …
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The future of the Funding Service: solving a whole problem for users
MHCLG's Funding Service is transforming how grants are delivered, saving time and money for the department and the communities we serve. As 2025 draws to a close, learn about the team's progress and ambitious plans for the new year, including creating a more joined up and integrated service that solves a whole problem for users.
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What does good breach reporting look like?
Why does reporting matter? The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) is responsible for enforcing UK trade sanctions relating to sanctioned services and the movement of sanctioned goods overseas. These sanctions are restrictive measures set by government to comply with UN obligations, promote international peace, support national security, and prevent terrorism. Sometimes, …
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Why human behaviour is the real cyber battleground
How cyber awareness is about transforming DBT's culture, not just ticking boxes.