Enhanced package of cutting-edge technology to combat waste crime
Waste criminals will be detected and stopped before they even get started, thanks to a new package of surveillance and investigative measures announced by the Environment Agency (EA) today (Friday 20 February 2026). As part of a major crackdown on waste crime, an enhanced 33-strong drone squad will now track down illegal dumps from the air. The drones, some of which are being upgraded to carry laser mapping technology, will capture evidence to help secure successful prosecutions. The Environment Agency has also developed a new screening tool that enables EA officers to scan and cross-check lorry licence applications against waste permit records – with suspect […]
Creative businesses to benefit from government finance package
Government addressing challenges faced by creative businesses in accessing finance British Business Bank is encouraging lending and investment to businesses across these sectors Government update comes as industry gathers at The Big Creative UK Investment Summit in London Ambitious businesses within the creative industries that are seeking financial support to scale up will benefit from […]
Government announces bumper £1.5 billion package to restore national pride
Investment will tackle the need for capital investment to help save 1,000 local cultural venues across the country, restoring pride in place and national renewal Funding is a recognition of culture’s power to unite communities in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that £1.5 billion […]
Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review
British Business Bank makes largest ever direct investment into a private company – Octopus Energy spinoff Kraken Technologies – alongside £100m in fund investments for Life Sciences and Deep Tech Major – key Industrial Strategy sectors. New reviews will simplify health and safety and farming rules, reducing paperwork, cutting duplication and supporting innovation while keeping essential protections. Corporate reporting and competition rules will be modernised through […]
UK sends automated turrets and missiles to shoot down Russian drones, as part of £600 million air defence package for Ukraine
Over 1,000 UK-built air-defence missiles delivered since June, as Russia targets power stations and energy networks. New British systems including RAVEN and GRAVEHAWK and counter-Shahed turrets set to bolster Ukraine’s defences this winter. Defence Secretary co-chairs meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) as UK further steps up support for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. The […]
New package of support set to benefit thousands of children across Northern Ireland
Around 17,000 children in Northern Ireland are expected to benefit from the government’s removal of the two-child limit New strategy aims to lift 550,000 children across the UK out of poverty by 2030 Ministers visit Trussell in North Belfast to discuss support for families struggling with cost of living Around 17,000 children in Northern Ireland […]
This resolution mandates a strong package of measures to degrade Al-Shabaab: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council
The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution. We thank all Council members for their constructive approach to negotiations, which enabled us to arrive at this consensus outcome. The resolution we have adopted today mandates a strong package of measures to degrade Al-Shabaab, including constraining its access to arms, disrupting its finances, and […]
Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building
New measures to slash delays and get Britain building faster through landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill New powers for Secretary of State could stop councils rejecting planning permissions, tackle blockers in the courts, alongside plans to accelerate reservoirs, windfarms and large housing schemes Turbocharging the Plan for Change to create high-paying jobs, put money back […]