LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * More than 250 drone incidents near UK military sites in 2025, double the number in 2024. * Defence personnel will be given new powers through the Armed Forces Bill to defeat drones threatening Defence sites. * New legislation will also allow personnel to take action against land and maritime drones posing a threat. The security of key military sites will be strengthened as Defence personnel will be give...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Regulator of Social Housing has published the Rent Standard 2026 for social landlords. The government published a revised Policy statement on rents for social housing on Wednesday 28 January 2026, which sets out rent policy from 1 April 2026 onwards. The government has directed RSH to set a rent standard that reflects the government's 10-year rent settlement. The revised rent standard will apply to all socia...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The government has accepted advice on eligibility from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for theRSV vaccination programme. On 16 July 2025, JCVI published advice on extending the RSV vaccination programme for older adults. On2 February 2026, the government decided, in line with JCVI advice, that the RSV vaccine should be offered to additional groups in the population most vul...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Foreign Secretary says UK must increase international partnerships with sourceand transit countries to tackle the drivers of migration and accelerate returns * follows changing patterns in small boat arrivals, with an increasing proportion oftotal arrivals across the Channel and across the Mediterranean coming from theHorn of Africa * new co-operation includes job creation partnerships backed by UK investment to...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The ninth round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland took place in London between 12 and 16 January 2026. The new deal aims to support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people's pockets. The enhanced agreement with Switzerland demonstrates the UK government's commitment to economic growth through strengthening trade ties with our 10thbiggest tradin...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Following his appointment by His Majesty The King on 18 December 2025, Sir Christian Turner KCMG has presented his credentials to the US State Department and taken up the role of His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States of America. Curriculum vitae Full name: Christian Philip Hollier Turner Date Role 2023 to 2025 FCDO, Director General Geopolitics and Political Director 2019 to 2023 Islamabad, British H...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Anyone who pays business rates- and thinks their current valuation is wrong-is beingencouraged to sign up for a business rates valuation account. If you donothave an accountalready, or havenotusedyoursfor some time, it can take 15workingdays to register andclaimyour property. You have until 31 March to request changes toyourcurrent valuation by: * checking the details theValuation Office Agency (VOA)holdsabou...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Semiconductors underpin everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Secure and diverse supply chains are essential for economic resilience and technological leadership. Under the UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership, the Science and Technology Network (STN) and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have connected UK expertise with Bulgaria's ambitions under the EU Chips Act 2023 ...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Prime Minister has appointedVictoria Buhler as The Prime Minister'sDeputyAdviseron Business, Investment and Trade and Hannah BronwinasThe Prime Minister's Expert Adviser on Energy and NetZero. Victoria Buhler Victoria brings extensive experience as a finance and strategy professional, with a background spanning investment banking, management consulting and a range of sectors. Victoria will adviseMinisterswh...
LONDON, Feb. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Foreign Secretary announces sanctionsin response tothose who have committed human rights violations in Iran * ten individualsand one organisationdesignated,including Minister of the Interior, Police Chiefs and prolific IRGC membersfor their role in recent brutality against protestors * announcementfollows commitmentsset out by ministers earlier this monthto hold the Iranian authorities to account TheUK has toda...