LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Tourism is forecast to contribute £161 billion to the UK economy annually by 2030, supporting jobs and growth across the country * Bank holiday weekend will be the last chance for people across the UK to take advantage of the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme. Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock has visited Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens and Pleasure Beach to see how the town's visitor ec...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Prime Minister met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. He also met the leaders of Sinn Fein, the Democratic Unionist Party, the Alliance Party, the Ulster Unionist Party and the Social Democratic and Labour Party. The Prime Minister said it was good to be in Belfast where he earlier met young people and spoke about the issues affecting their lives. The Prime Minister agre...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: In May, nearly 100 homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire were evacuated because of ground movement linked to historic coal mining. On Thursday 27 August the Mining Remediation Authority hosted meetings with affected residents to provide an update on ongoing investigations and proposed upcoming operational activities. Carl Banton, Chief Operations Director for the Mining Remediation Authority, said: We have ...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Border Force has seized a record amount of ketamine at the UK border, preventing almost 1.3 tonnes of the dangerous drug from reaching communities across the country. Officers seized 1,298kg of ketamine during the first quarter of 2026, a 42% increase on the final three months of 2025, when almost 915kg was intercepted before entering the UK illegally. The figure is the highest quarterly total for 15 years and e...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The changes to inspection under the renewed framework include: * higher expectations for prison education and skills training, which reflect standards of further education and skills provision in the community. * a new inclusion evaluation area, focused on how providers overcome the diverse range of barriers prisoners can face to engaging in education, skills training and work. * a strengthened focus on ...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * UK's first foot-launched military paraglider systems could give British troops the freedom to take to the skies independently, with no runway, helicopter or drop aircraft required. * The gliders can be assembled in under eight minutes, in darkness, and are capable of travelling up to 200 miles on their own power. * British start-up Blakcro expands workforce with MOD support, showing defence is an engine for gro...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: At around 14:08 on 14 August 2026, a passenger train derailed around 2.1miles (3.4 kilometres) south-east of Wickford station, while travelling between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street. The train, operated by Greater Anglia, was formed of two class 720 electric multiple units coupled together, each consisting of five vehicles. The rearmost vehicle derailed and its wheels subsequently ran on the slee...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Thousands of pounds in compensation expected after customers were forced to buy replacement heating oil following price spikes * Customers who did not buy replacement heating oil will have their original orders honoured * Suppliers under review have now agreed to pay compensation under the CMA's scheme * Affected customers will be contacted directly and do not need to take any action at this stage The Competit...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is seeking views on a range of proposed changes to the licence-linked qualifications, and the pre-requisites required to obtain a licence. The proposals are the result of industry engagement and a strategic review carried out this year. The regulator has today (28 August 2026) launched a public consultation on its proposals including: * updated specifications with new propo...
LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * First cohort of young peoplein Walesstartwork through theUKGovernment's Jobs Guarantee, delivering on the Prime Minister's priority to tackle youth unemployment * Scheme aims to create opportunity for those furthest from the jobs market and is backed by major businessesin construction,retailand hospitality industries. * Over 90,000 fully funded jobs to be createdacross the UKby 2029 through the Jobs Guarantee, ...