8866posts
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UK NSC authors write journal article on the ethics of multi-cancer detection tests
UK NSC authors write journal article that explores the ethical challenge of testing for many cancers using a single test.
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Feedback invited on UK NSC’s work on screening for coeliac disease
The UK NSC is requesting feedback on screening for coeliac disease, including highlighting issues that would be useful to explore.
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New Year, New IP: why your business needs a workout plan
Starting something new can feel intimidating – whether it's walking into a gym for the first time or protecting your business's IP. Discover why IP protection matters for businesses of all sizes, and how to take your first steps.
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Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule from January 2026
The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated to help give children even better protection against diseases. Changes include protecting children against some diseases earlier and adding vaccines that protect against more diseases.
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The King’s New Year Honours list 2026: honours for contributions to education, skills and children’s social care
More than 100 people across the UK have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for outstanding contributions to education, skills, children’s services and social care.
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Walking the Mersey Valley Way: the first step towards nine new National River Walks
On Boxing Day, the Government announced the first National River Walk: the Mersey Valley Way. Read this post to find out reflections from Defra policy advisor's Anna Glayzer on this project.
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Inside APHA: The science blogs that shaped 2025
From hidden wildlife threats to crop-saving innovations, explore APHA’s most-read blogs from 2025, and uncover the science shaping a healthier, safer future.
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The Small Services Space One Year On: Learnings and Ambitions
The Shared Infrastructure team in Justice Digital launched an innovative new product (The Small Services Space) just over 12 months ago. It aims to support smaller teams who have a need, and desire, to modernise or mature using digital solutions …
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FiPL at four: making a difference across protected landscapes
Now in its fourth year, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is helping farmers and land managers in England’s protected landscapes farm more sustainably while restoring nature, heritage and access to the countryside. This post highlights what collaborative working has achieved.
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Two years of fisheries management plans: progress and what’s next
From collaboration to action, FMPs are transforming fisheries management—see what’s been achieved and what’s coming up.
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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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The JNCC and Blue Belt: Strengthening UK marine conservation through scientific partnership
After years of collaboration, the Blue Belt Programme is delighted to welcome the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as an Associate Partner. The partnership brings together world-leading expertise in marine conservation and natural resource management.
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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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How the MMRV protects against 4 potentially serious illnesses, including measles and chickenpox
This blog post was last checked and updated February 2026. Due to the introduction of a varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme, the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine replaced the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood programme from the 1 …
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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.