SIA LAUNCHES MAJOR REVIEW OF SECURITY LICENCE QUALIFICATIONS

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The purpose of the review is to update the SIA's licence-linked qualifications requirement, so it keeps pace with the demands on SIA-licensed operatives and ensures they have the safety-critical skills to keep the public safe. This review is wide in scope; it will examine the content of qualifications and will consider: * what new core content is required * what changes are required to safety-critical skills lik...


EMPLOYERS JOIN FORCES WITH GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE ILL-HEALTH AND KEEP BRITAIN WORKING

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Employersjoin forces with government to tackle ill-health and keep Britain working * Employers and mayoral authorities back plans tosupport employees to keep people healthy and in work. * A three-year partnership, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, will drive forward the landmark Keep Britain Working Review. * Working in partnership with the government, the initiative will focus on prevention, early support, and better...


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE FEES TO INCREASE FROM APRIL 2026

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Why fees are increasing The IPO's fees have not increased since 2018 for patents, 2016 for designs and 1998 for trade marks. During this time, the IPO has avoided fee increases by improving efficiency and investing in digital services using existing reserves. The proposed 25% increase allows us to address the 32% rise in inflation since 2016 and future cost pressures that cannot be fully offset through further ef...


UK GOVERNMENT DEPLOYS ROYAL NAVY TO SUPPORT DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE-HIT JAMAICA

LONDON, Nov. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Communities in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa will receive targeted support from HMS Trent, which sailed to storm-damaged Falmouth today with specialist personnel and equipment. HMS Trent, a British-built Offshore Patrol Vessel, carries a 75 strong crew, including specialist engineers who will deploy ashore to provide technical expertise in support of recovery efforts. Their work will focus on infrastructu...


UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW 50: UK STATEMENT ON MONGOLIA

LONDON, Nov. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. The United Kingdom commends Mongolia's commitment to democratic principles and the protection of human rights. We are proud of our partnership with Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, a deepening economic relationship and commitment to upholding international law. We welcome anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBT+ individuals and encourage Mongol...


UK MIDDLE EAST MINISTER FALCONER UPHOLDS UK SUPPORT TO LEBANON

LONDON, Nov. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Hamish Falconer, MP, UK Minister for the Middle East, has ended a two-day visit to Lebanon (3-4 Nov). On his first official visit to the country, he met with Lebanese leaders, inaugurated a new base for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in south Lebanon constructed through UK funding, and saw how UK aid funded programmes are helping those impacted by the recent conflict. He was accompanied by British Ambassador Hami...


'CHILD PROSTITUTION' CONVICTIONS TO BE EXPUNGED

LONDON, Nov. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Victims of child exploitation and abuse will finally get long-overdue justice, as the government today (4 November) tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to disregard and pardon 'child prostitution' convictions. The new amendments acknowledge the appalling injustice faced by victims of child sexual exploitation, who instead of being supported as victims, were criminalised for actions that occurred unde...


TRADE BARRIER BUSTERS DELIVER NEARLY £100M BOOST FOR BRITISH FOOD AND DRINK

LONDON, Nov. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: British food producers can now benefit from export opportunities estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million, following intensive work by its network of agri-food attaches this year. Since January, the 16 attaches have unlocked these opportunities by removing 41 trade barriers and opening new global markets for British producers. This includes securing access to Vietnam's thriving live seafood mark...


SOLAR PANEL FIRM SHUT DOWN AFTER PREYING ON PENSIONERS WITH FALSE PROMISES OF GOVERNMENT REFUNDS

LONDON, Nov. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Customers of Trident West Industries Ltd and Star Solar Ltd were promised government grant refunds to cover the cost of solar equipment and maintenance * More than £3.1 million was paid into the bank accounts of the two companies between May 2023 and January 2025, but only £7,010 was returned to nine complainants despite total complaints and County Court Judgments of more than £400,000 * T...


KYIV REGION BRIDGE REOPENS FOLLOWING UK-FUNDED RECONSTRUCTION

LONDON, Nov. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Bridge near Vyshhorod, north of Kyiv, reopens to traffic following its destruction during the invasion in 2022 * UK Export Finance (UKEF) provides £26.3m loan guarantee for the Ukrainian Government, directly involving British companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. * Underlines UK's commitment to rebuilding Ukraine under the 100-Year Partnership. A vital bridge in the Kyiv region that was destr...