Man who killed pregnant girlfriend given Whole Life Order
Shaine March, of Surrey Quays, London, had his sentence increased to a Whole Life Order after the Solicitor General referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The court heard that March and Alana Odysseos had been in a short and abusive relationship. March constantly monitored Alana, demanded she answer his calls at all hours, […]
Fungus among us! – GOV.UK
Visitors to England’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) now have even more reason to explore, after a remarkable discovery. A fungus never recorded before in the UK, has been found at the 150-hectare Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve in West Sussex. It comes almost 20 years after a similar discovery in Spain. Blue-Based Earthtongue, also known as Microglossum cyanobasis, was spotted by a member of the public in the […]
UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Mali
Thank you, Mr Vice President, The United Kingdom welcomes Mali’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the Independent Expert. Respect for human rights, justice and accountability is fundamental to achieving lasting security and stability, and we urge the government of Mali to maintain their engagement with the Independent Expert. The […]
Visa brake imposed on 4 countries after widespread visa abuse
An ‘emergency brake’ on visas has been imposed for the first time on nationals from 4 countries following a surge in asylum claims from legal routes. By the year ending September 2025, asylum applications by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan had risen to over 470% of their 2021 level – making them among the most likely nationalities to […]
David Reed appointed Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is pleased to announce that David Reed MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and His Majesty’s Consul General to Istanbul. He will take up this position on 13 April 2026. David joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office […]
“Wainwright way” becomes England’s newest National Trail
Long term future of iconic 190 mile Coast to Coast route first imagined by Alfread Wainwright now secure Path is now of National Trail standard with improved signage, better surfacing and improved accessibility in many sections The 190-mile Coast to Coast Path has officially launched as England’s newest National Trail today (Thursday 26th March). The Path starts at the […]
British shipbuilding, steel, AI and energy infrastructure to be prioritised for government contracts for national security
Government to prioritise money to boost UK resilience, with recent events highlighting the fragility of global supply chains. Value for money delivered as departments will consider whether contracts over £1 million could be done better in-house. Companies encouraged to deliver local jobs, skills and apprenticeships to strengthen bids for public sector contracts, supporting our Modern […]
Reformed Arts Council to better ensure the arts are no longer the preserve of the privileged few
Recommendations to be taken forward and considered to ensure the arts tell stories from every corner of the country New vision to break down barriers to the arts and support a decade of national renewal Communities up and down the country will benefit from increased access to the arts, following the government’s response to the […]
Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia
UK forces given permission to board sanctioned ships transiting UK waters Move is the latest blow to Putin’s shadow fleet operation, fuelling his illegal war in Ukraine Comes as the Prime Minister addresses the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki today, reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters […]
Farming and food leaders unite to drive growth in British agriculture
Senior leaders from farming, food and retail met today (Wednesday 25 March) for the inaugural Farming & Food Partnership Board, marking a major moment and a clear shift in how British agriculture is led and supported. Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as Deputy Chair, the Board brings government and industry together to drive a more productive, profitable, and […]