ILIOS APPOINTMENT SPEEDS DELIVERY OF STEP FUSION AT WEST BURTON

LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions,soon to be known as UK Fusion Energy will appointILIOSas the construction partnerfor the STEP Fusion programme. The contract, valued at £200 million, is a major milestone in transforming the West Burton site into the UK'sworld-leadingprototype fusion energy plant. The announcement follows the publication of the government's new fusion strategy from DESNZ, setting the directio...


5 TRUSTEES APPOINTED TO THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY BOARD

LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Christina McAnea Appointed from 26 January 2026 to 25 January 2030. Christina has worked in the trade union movement for more than 35 years, leading national pay negotiations across key public services, including local government and the NHS. In 2021, she became the first woman to head up UNISON, the UK's largest union, where she helped support public service workers through the pandemic. She also had an impor...


BRITAIN TO LEAD FUSION ENERGY RACE TO DELIVER ENERGY SECURITY

LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Britain becomes first country in the world with a clear path to commercial fusion that could ensure lasting energy security * Construction partner announced for STEP prototype fusion power plant at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, with plant construction expected to start from 2030 * Government backs innovation including developing the world's most powerful fusion-dedicated AI supercomputer Britain isanotherstep...


COMMONWEALTH FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTERS' MEETING 2026

LONDON, March 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: At the 26thCommonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting (CFAMM) in London last week, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced the UK's commitment to working multilaterally with the Commonwealth, a diverse network of 56 nations representing 2.7 billion people. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa MulipolaAnarosaAleMolioo, the Commonwealth's current Chair-in-Office, and attended by 36...


FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN SERVICE REFORM TO DELIVER FAST AND IMPARTIAL COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

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...


CASES OF INVASIVE MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE NOTIFIED IN KENT

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...


GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY APPOINTS NEW CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

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...


CHANCELLOR RACHEL REEVES MEETING WITH TANAISTE SIMON HARRIS

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...


LONG-TERM DEFENCE COMMITMENT IN SCOTLAND HELPS SECURE JOBS AND BILLIONS IN EXPORT DEALS

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...


UK AND GERMANY MEET TO ADVANCE DEEP PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE PROGRAMME TO BOOST NATIONAL SECURITY

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...