LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A Devon farmer has been ordered to pay £4,778 after an investigation into two separate slurry pollution incidents from his farm near Bideford which caused the death of hundreds of fish. In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, Michael Wade ofHigher Melbury Farm,South Yeo, Yeo Vale, Bideford, Devon, pleaded guilty at Barnstaple Magistrates Court to two counts of illegal water discharg...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Dr Madeleine Sumption has been appointed without competition, by the Home Secretary, as Interim Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).Dr Sumption's appointment has been made following the departure of Professor Brian Bell from the MAC and will be for a period of up to 6 months. Dr Sumption has served as a committee member of the MAC since 2016 and assumed the role of deputy chair on 1 January 2025. Dr...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today (12 March 2026) issued a notice of its intent to make a final negative determination in its anti-subsidy investigation of US Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biodiesel. Having considered comments submitted by interested parties in response to its Statement of Essential Facts (SEF), as well as additional information now publicly available, the TRA has concluded that t...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Research revealshowinconsistencies across local authority practicesare creating barriers to academic and personal progressforsomechildren in care. * Leaders and staff in mostschools and collegesdemonstratedflexible and inclusive approaches to meeting children's individual needs, despite lottery of resources. * Clearer national expectations,bettervirtual school provision,and enhanced training for staff ...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Mandatory investment screening rules will be refined to provide greater clarity for British businesses and ensure the UK remains open for safe investment and protected against national security threats. * Tech firms to benefit following "off-the-shelf" AI being removed from mandatory screening to focus oversight where it's needed. * National security to be bolstered as investments in the water sector will be b...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Kate Sayer Appointed from 9 March 2026 until 8 March 2029. Kate is a qualified Chartered Accountant, and was part of the founding team of Sayer Vincent, a professional audit and advisory firm specialising in social purpose organisations. Kate has audited and advised a wide range of charities and social enterprises for over 30 years. Kate contributed to the development of charity accounting through membership ...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Defence funding for new engineering and innovation facilities in the East and West of Scotland will create good, well-paid jobs in a boost for the future workforce. * The UK Government commits to two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, one to be established in East Scotland and one in West Scotland, if match funding is provided by the Scottish Government. * Scotland alreadyR...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: MHRA foreword Empowering people to take control of their own health is an essential pillar of a sustainable healthcare system. As pressure on primary care grows, we must seize every opportunity that enables individuals to manage minor conditions safely and confidently, reducing unnecessary GP appointments and ensuring time is focused on those who need it most. Reclassification of medicines is a practical and im...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: On 1 April 2026, thefunctions oftheValuation Office Agency (VOA) will beintegrated intoHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Valuation Office Agency will no longer exist as anexecutiveagency. This change will notimpactthedelivery ofourcore or statutory services. Thisincludesbusiness rates valuationchecks and challenges,Council Tax bandchallenges,andthe work carried out byrent officers. Working with our custom...
LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Flooding on the B1127 Wrentham to Southwold Road could be significantly reduced following the installation of an overflow system in the Easton Valley by Natural England. The innovative drainage system, completed at the beginning of March, addresses a long-standing flooding challenge whilst protecting one of Britain's most important wildlife habitats. Natural England has installed pipes beneath the beach to cre...