LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today  (19 December2025) approved lenacapavir (Yeytuo) for the prevention of sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. Lenacapavirworks by reducing the risk of the HIV-1 virus multiplying and spreading throughout the body if a person is exposed to the virus. Lenacapavir binds to the HIV-1 virus...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Criminal gangs will face up to 10 years in jail after Germany passed landmark new legislation on Friday 19 December to crack down on the criminal gangs involved in smuggling illegal migrants to the UK. Due to come into force before the end of the year, this law means activities in Germany that facilitate migrant smuggling towards the UK are now a criminal offence resulting in up to 10 years in jail. The new leg...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: We have launched a campaign seekinganew member to join the Council for Science and Technology (CST).In this campaign, we are specifically seeking a member with social and behavioural scienceexpertise. CST is the government'shighest-level advisory body on science and technology issues. The Councilprovidesindependent advice directly to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on strategic science and technology issues that ...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: On 2December 2025, Adam Kelly pleaded guilty to 2 offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. He was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 80 hours' unpaid work and 20 hours of rehabilitation.He was also given a £50 fine and must pay a £114 victim surcharge at £500 ofcourtcosts, totalling £664. One of the offences, under Section 22 ...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 18 December 2025 to reduce the Bank of England base rate to 3.75% from 4.00%. HMRCinterest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate. As a consequence of the change in the base rate,HMRCinterest rates for late payment and repayment will reduce. These changes will come into effect on: * 29 December 2025 for quarterly instalment payments * 9 Jan...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Foreign Secretary announces sanctions against organisations and individuals involved in violence against civilians. * UK Government targets individuals involved in the coastal violence earlier this year and Assad-era atrocities,to hold to account perpetrators of human rights abuses. * The UK reaffirms commitment to working with the Syrian Government to support the country's economic recovery andtransition to a ...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: As independent advisor, Dame Carol will work alongside the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, and champion a whole system, cross-government approach to tackling drugs. Dame Carol will also advise on the local delivery of these approaches through multi-sector local drugs partnerships. Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: I am delighted that Dame Carol Black has agreed to continue in her role. Her landmark revi...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The British High Commission in Maseru invites proposals from qualified organisations, institutions, and consortia to implement innovative projects that strengthen cultural heritage preservation and accessibility. This initiative aims to support creative solutions that safeguard historical and cultural resources while promoting inclusive access for future generations of Basotho.The projects are to be carried out i...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)will no longer deal with an individual and 5 companiesofferingservices to business rates customers. Murtada Abady andthecompaniesconnected to himcan no longer use our Check and Challenge service to manage business rates on behalf of customers. Murtada Abadyisalso known as Jack Abady and Rico Banks. Thecompanies the VOA will no longer deal withare: * Metro World Limited(tradi...
LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Once again, this year has been marked by countless examples of security operatives going the extra mile to help others: saving lives, helping those in vulnerable situations, and using their skills and good judgement to protect the public. We both meet security professionals across the country during our visits to venues, businesses, and industry events, and hear from you first-hand how deeply you care about your ...