MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story
Police misconduct processes to be reviewed

Oversight of misconduct procedures is to be reviewed as part of an overhaul of policing standards.

Photo: Getty Images

The Home Office has today launched an end-to-end-review into the police accountability system.


Chaired by Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC, the review will look at how police officers are held to account, identify barriers that can delay outcomes, and consider how the system can be made faster, fairer and more effective.


Lengthy investigations can leave victims and their families waiting years for resolution.

It can also mean police officers who are found to have done nothing wrong are kept away from front line duties for too long.


The review will assess how police misconduct cases are handled across different parts of the misconduct and wider justice system to help create a speedier, simpler and more effective accountability regime.


It follows calls from policing leaders, the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s director general and others to go further in reforming the systems and thresholds used to hold the police to account for their actions.


Recent high-profile cases have also brought to light the significant impact of lengthy investigations on officers, who can wait years for internal resolutions.


Reforming the police accountability system will ensure victims receive swifter justice, while officers who have done nothing wrong avoid unnecessary delays and can get back on the beat faster.


This will help build a policing system that is fairer, faster and more effective for everyone.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Multi-agency crackdown on waste crime across East Lancashire

Led by the Environment Agency – more than 35 officers from five organisations took part in an intelligence-led operation.

Burnley Council, Environment Agency and DVSA carrying out stop checks.

Credit: Environment Agency

Stolen goods, including construction machinery worth £25,000, recovered by Lancashire Police.


Five suspected illegal waste sites visited as investigations into organised waste criminality continue.

 

On Thursday 23 July, more than 35 officers joined forces in a major multi-agency operation targeting organised waste crime across Bacup and Burnley.

The officers were from the Environment Agency, Lancashire Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Burnley Council and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).


Led by the Environment Agency, the coordinated operation aimed to disrupt illegal waste activity, gather intelligence and identify offences linked to organised waste crime.


The operation involved officers from Lancashire Police’s Rossendale Rural Task Force, Ribble Valley Rural Task Force, Burnley Urban Task Force, Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team, Road Policing Unit and Stolen Vehicle Unit.

An Environment Agency drone was also deployed to support activity on the ground.


A Day of Action

Environment Agency Officer checking over waste paperwork of a HGV that was pulled over during the stop checks.

Credit: Environment Agency

Across the day, officers stopped 28 waste vehicles through roadside and roaming enforcement checks and visited five suspected illegal waste sites.

They also identified two previously unknown illegal waste sites, which are now under investigation.


The operation also resulted in the recovery of a stolen telehandler valued at approximately £25,000, along with two stolen vehicles, a stolen skip, a dumper truck and a trailer.

Officers also gathered information and intelligence to support ongoing investigations into waste offences.


John Neville, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Waste crime is far from a victimless offence.

It harms communities, damages the environment, undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to wider organised criminality.


This operation demonstrates the strength of partnership working and our shared determination to tackle those who seek to profit from environmental crime.


By bringing together specialist officers from a number of organisations, we have been able to disrupt illegal activity, recover stolen property, identify new illegal waste sites and gather valuable intelligence to support ongoing investigations.


We will continue working closely with our partners to protect communities, support legitimate businesses and ensure those responsible for waste crime are held to account.

Chief Inspector Philip Brown, Local Policing, Lancashire Constabulary, said:

Waste crime is not a victimless offence.

It can have a significant impact on local communities, the environment and legitimate businesses.


This joint day of action demonstrates our commitment to working closely with the Environment Agency and partner organisations to tackle those who seek to profit from illegal waste activity.


By combining our resources and expertise, we can identify offenders, disrupt organised criminality and help keep our communities safe and clean.

Stephen Williamson, Environment Taxes Compliance at HMRC, said:

We’re committed to working with partners to combat waste crime and we use a range of civil and criminal powers to collect the tax that’s due.


Our officers conducted checks for unlawful waste disposal at a number of sites, gathering crucial information to help crack down on this scourge.


We urge anyone with information about any type of tax fraud to report it to us on GOV.

UK.

Marian Kitson, DVSA Director of Enforcement said:    

Illegally operated vehicles create a dangerous environment for everyone on Britain’s roads.

     
We’re pleased to have worked in partnership on this multi-agency operation with the Environment Agency  and Lancashire Police, taking firm action against drivers and operators who flout the law.

     
DVSA works closely with other enforcement agencies to keep our roads safe and will not hesitate to take the strongest possible action against anyone who does not take their responsibilities seriously.

A Senior Environmental Officer at Burnley Borough Council said:

On Thursday 23 July, one of our Enforcement Officers joined colleagues from Lancashire Police and the Environment Agency for a joint day of action targeting vehicles suspected of carrying waste.


Vehicles were stopped and checked to make sure they had the correct documentation and were transporting waste legally.


Working alongside our partners like this is a really effective way of tackling waste crime.

It allows us to identify those who aren’t complying with the law while supporting the many legitimate waste carriers who are.


We’ll continue carrying out this kind of joint enforcement activity to protect our communities and hold offenders to account.

Cracking down on waste criminals

Waste Vehicle containing waste pulled over on roaming stop checks by Lancashire Police.

DVSA checking road worthiness.

Credit: Environment Agency

Waste crime includes operating illegal waste sites, transporting waste without the correct authorisations, burning waste unlawfully and illegally dumping waste.

These offences can cause significant environmental harm, impact local communities and are often linked to wider organised criminality.


The Environment Agency works closely with police forces, local authorities and other partner organisations to disrupt waste crime through intelligence-led enforcement activity and coordinated operations such as this.

Tackling waste crime remains a priority because of the harm it causes to communities, the environment and legitimate businesses.


This action follows the Environment Agency’s Operation Unite an 18‑week nationwide enforcement campaign targeting permitted waste sites as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle waste crime.


Anyone with information about suspected waste crime is encouraged to report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: City of Leicester

A FREE family funday in New Parks next week will showcase the support, activities and services that are available for people in Leicester.

The event, on Tuesday 4^th August, will include free face painting, a family quiz, giant outdoor games and a storytelling visit from the Leicester Libraries Bookbus.

It takes place at New Parks Library from 10am-1pm.

Regular monthly drop-ins are being held in Leicester neighbourhoods to give people the chance to chat with organisations and services from the council, health, and voluntary and community sectors. The drop-in sessions are part of the Leading Better Lives programme, where organisations work together to make it easier for people to access care and support when they need it.

At the New Parks event, a community pharmacy will be giving blood pressure checks, and the NHS will be offering vaccinations. Other agencies at the event will include Age UK, Citizens’ Advice, adult education, Active Leicester and the Live Well service, for advice on stopping smoking, healthy eating and living a healthier lifestyle.

Care navigators will be on hand to offer advice on equipment and minor adaptions to help people live safely at home, and housing officers will be available to help local residents. There will also be information on mental health cafes and other mental health support available locally.

Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health, said: “Strong communities are built when people can easily access the information, advice and support they need. These community drop-ins bring a wide range of services together in one welcoming place, making it easier for residents to find help, discover local opportunities and connect with organisations that can support them.”

Cllr Mohammed Dawood, assistant city mayor for adult social care, said: “It’s really important that we provide the right range of services, at the right time, so that people can live the lives they want to lead. Sometimes, people don’t know what’s available in Leicester, or where to access services. That’s why we’re bringing them all together at neighbourhood events like this one.”

As well as the regular monthly drop-in sessions at New Parks Library, other sessions take place at Hamilton Library, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Wesley Hall, Stocking Farm Community Shop and the Bradbury Centre.

More information about the Leading Better Lives programme can be found at leicester.gov.uk/leadingbetterlives

ends

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

July 30, 2026

Scientists comment on wildfires close to a nuclear power plant in Suffolk.

 

Dr Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), said:
“The latest satellite imagery from NASA shows an active fire burning at Dunwich Heath that looks to have burnt 100-200 hectares (1-2 square kilometres) so far.

Hotspots were first detected by a satellite overpass at around 7:30 pm yesterday (Wednesday), while the latest hotspots were detected by satellites passing over through the early hours of this morning (3 am to 7:30 am).

The visible imagery from around 10:30 am this morning shows a smoke plume blowing out to sea with the westerly wind.


“The fire is currently around 3-4 km north of Sizewell B but is currently travelling east (as indicated by the smoke plume in the satellite imagery).

The forecast is for a change in the winds later today to a northerly wind, which could help spread the fire further south if it is still burning into the evening.

The fire is currently being sustained by very dry shrubby fuels on the heath.

Fortunately, there is a lack of continuity in those fuels as we look further south.

If there is further spread in the southwards direction, there are a number of breaks in the fuel that will help to slow or stop the spread of the fire.


“I don’t expect the fire to threaten the power plant.

Firstly, the fire is located many kilometres away.

Even if it were to spread further south, there is a large expanse of non-vegetated areas providing a buffer zone to the power plant buildings.


“Temperatures are forecast to drop substantially into this evening and tomorrow, with correspondingly higher relative humidity.

This will further help to slow the spread of the fire and make the flames more manageable to suppress.

”
 
Dr Zakary Campbell-Lochrie, Lecturer in Fire Science, University of Edinburgh, said:
“This is a challenging wildfire situation reflected in the Fire & Rescue Service’s declaration of a major incident.

This wildfire is occurring at the same time as drought conditions have officially been declared in large parts of England including Suffolk.

The hot, dry weather conditions, including the multiple heatwave events across much of the UK in recent weeks which lead to strong drying conditions for vegetation which can subsequently be highly susceptible to ignition and can present a much greater danger when fires do occur.

As we’ve been seeing already the current weather conditions (e.

g.

wind direction and speed) will have a significant impact on the progression and impact of the fire and effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

The likelihood and impact of wildfires in the UK varies not just with the weather but also varies greatly across different landscapes and vegetation types.

The Suffolk wildfires are occurring in a heathland area, which represents a very important ecosystem type in the UK, and wildfires can have a serious impact on biodiversity and carbon storage in these areas, as well as potentially representing a significant risk to neighbouring communities and infrastructure.

”

Comments on Nuclear Safety
Prof Joel Turner, Rolls-Royce Chair in Nuclear Fuel Technology, Dalton Nuclear Institute, University of Manchester, said:
“I have seen that the plant has reported it’s now at high alert.

That would seem to be a very sensible precaution to protect the workers at the plant, and to be prepared to shut down the reactor if needs be.

Stopping the nuclear reaction in the core is a case of dropping the control rods in (a SCRAM), which can be done very quickly (less than a second).

Although that stops the plant producing meaningful power, the fuel will still be hot and would still require cooling for a long time.

 
“In practice a SCRAM would likely only be done because it was unsafe to keep the plant fully staffed, rather than because of physical danger to the reactor itself.

The primary issues physically will likely be around maintaining the plants connection to the power grid, which could cause problems in maintaining cooling if it were to be disrupted.

 However, nuclear plants are built with many layers of safety redundancy, and are required to have detailed emergency plans in place for events such as this.

There are multiple separate sets of pumps and cooling systems to cover that eventuality on-site, which will operate from diesel supplies if connection to the grid is disrupted.

“
 
Prof Mike Bluck, Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Imperial College London, said:
“This is a fast-moving situation, currently the fire front is 3-4 miles from the site.

The reactor site is on high alert, but as far as I can tell, it is otherwise unaffected.


“The fires are in the same area as Sizewell B, is there any risk the fires will get close to or damage the nuclear power station? If the fire does get closer to Sizewell B what contingency plans are in place? Sizewell B is sited on the coast and surrounded by rural land, so in principle the fire could approach the site.

That said, the site itself is industrial, with large surrounding and penetrating roads which would act as a fire breaks.

As with any nuclear site, it is designed to withstand a range of internal and external hazards, including fire.

Its most recent fire inspection by the Office for Nuclear Regulation was in March 2024.

Should the fire approach closer and there are specific concerns, the reactor can be shutdown.

There will be a need to maintain reactor cooling for some time after this, but there are numerous defence-in-depth systems to ensure this.

The reactor core sits within a 20 cm thick steel vessel, which is surrounded by a reinforced concrete containment.

Breaching of the containment & pressure vessel is unimaginable.

There maybe other critical facilities (eg used fuel storage facilities) which will need to be protected, but the site has a fully equipped fire-service and trained personnel.


“We are not alone in having these concerns.

France have a number of nuclear power plants in proximity to wildfires (much more severe than ours) and there have been no incidents recorded.

“

Comments on the wildfire
David Symons, Future Ready Leader at WSP, said:
“The Suffolk wildfires are a reminder that climate resilience is no longer just about flooding.

As the UK experiences hotter, drier summers, the conditions that allow wildfires to spread are becoming more common, particularly in areas of heathland, woodland and grassland.


“What’s important is recognising that these events are part of a broader pattern of weather extremes.

The same changing climate that can leave landscapes vulnerable to drought and wildfire can also bring periods of intense rainfall and flooding.


“The challenge now is ensuring our communities, infrastructure and emergency response systems are prepared for a wider range of risks.

That means thinking about resilience in a more joined-up way, from land management and nature recovery through to the design and operation of critical infrastructure.

Measures such as restoring peatlands, managing vegetation and creating strategic firebreaks can all help reduce wildfire risk, alongside wider efforts to adapt our landscapes and infrastructure to a changing climate.

”
 
 
 
Declared interests
Dr Thomas Smith: “I have no competing interests.

”
Dr Zakary Campbell-Lochrie: “no interests to declare for this.

”
Prof Mike Bluck: “my role as Director of the Rolls-Royce Nuclear University Technology Centre.

”
Prof Joel Turner: “I’m a Prof at Manchester University and receive funding from Rolls-Royce towards my position to run a research programme for them.

I also have students funded by Westinghouse and Framatome.

I run something called the SATURN CDT which is part supported from across the nuclear industry, including Sizewell C and EDF.

”
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
NHS AND INDUSTRY JOIN FORCES ON NEXT GENERATION OF HOSPITALS

NHS trusts and construction partners have signed agreements to deliver next phase of New Hospital Programme

NHS trusts and construction partners sign agreements to deliver next generation of hospitals
Long-term partnerships mark a major milestone for New Hospital Programme
Patients, taxpayers and industry to benefit from collaborative, more efficient approach

Eleven significant long-term partnerships have today been signed to deliver New Hospitals across England from Manchester to Cornwall and the east of England.

The confirmed partnerships will transform how NHS hospitals are delivered across England, marking a major milestone for the New Hospital Programme as it moves into its delivery phase.


The agreements bring together NHS trusts and leading construction organisations to deliver 11 hospital schemes through a new collaborative approach designed to build modern hospitals more efficiently while ensuring every scheme continues to meet the needs of its local patients, staff and communities.


The partnerships will support the delivery of Hospital 2.

0 – the New Hospital Programme’s modern, standardised approach to designing, building, and operating hospitals.

Combining national standards, digital innovation and modern methods of construction, Hospital 2.

0 will improve quality and productivity while creating healthcare environments that are safer, more sustainable and fit for the future.


The agreements mark the start of delivery for the first wave of partnerships, enabling NHS trusts and their construction partners to move forward with delivering hospitals that will serve communities for generations to come.

The contracts will also deliver a pipeline to support the growth of the construction industry and development of skills.


Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said:

For too long, the construction of new hospitals has been bogged down by bureaucratic procurement processes, even after full approval and funding was in place, and we’re determined to change that.


The changes announced today are a major step forward in streamlining the procurement process.

Patients can look forward to new hospitals being delivered quicker, industry can plan with certainty, and taxpayers can be assured that we are getting maximum value for their money.


With stronger collaboration, shared learning and a boost for jobs, this further demonstrates this government’s commitment to the New Hospital Programme, providing world-class facilities for the NHS, and helping the economy in the process.

Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer for the New Hospital Programme, said:

The Hospital 2.

0 Alliance marks an important milestone for the New Hospital Programme and a new way of delivering major public infrastructure.

By bringing together NHS organisations and industry as genuine partners, we’re creating a model that combines national consistency with local leadership.

Together, we’ll deliver hospitals that are safer, more sustainable and designed to meet the needs of patients and staff for generations to come.

Under the new delivery model:

NHS trusts remain responsible for delivering hospitals that reflect the needs of their local communities.


National standards will improve quality, consistency, and value for money across the programme.


Long-term partnerships will encourage collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout delivery.

The Hospital 2.

0 Alliance brings together the New Hospital Programme, NHS trusts and construction partners in long-term partnerships designed to transform how hospitals are delivered.

Rather than treating each hospital as a standalone project, the approach enables organisations to share expertise, apply consistent standards and continuously improve delivery across multiple schemes.


Charlotte Taylor and Paul Mustow, Senior Responsible Owners for the New Hospital Programme at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: > The Hospital 2.

0 Alliance demonstrates what can be achieved when government, the NHS and industry work together with a shared ambition.

By combining national leadership with local expertise, we’re creating a more collaborative approach to delivering the next generation of NHS hospitals – one that supports innovation, delivers better value for taxpayers and leaves a lasting legacy for patients and staff.


The first wave of Hospital 2.

0 partnerships includes:

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – GRAHAM
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust – Willmott Dixon Construction
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – Sacyr UK
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Hinchingbrooke Hospital) – Kier Construction
Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Laing O’Rourke
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Leighton Hospital) – Integrated Health Projects (VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine Joint Venture)
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Morgan Sindall Construction
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – Bovis Construction
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust – DRAGADOS Sociedad Anónima

The contract signing marks a significant step in delivering the government’s commitment to modernise NHS infrastructure, helping create hospitals that improve patient experience, support staff wellbeing and provide high-quality healthcare environments for future generations.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
PM call with the Crown Prince of Bahrain: 30 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince And Prime Minister of Bahrain, this morning.

The Prime Minister spoke to Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince And Prime Minister of Bahrain, this morning.


The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Prime Minister condemned the unacceptable Iranian attacks on Bahrain and offered His Royal Highness the UK’s ongoing support.

  
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the UK-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.


Turning to trade, the Prime Minister welcomed the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, and underlined his desire to continue to work with Bahrain on trade to help drive growth in every postcode in the UK and drive prosperity in both countries.


The two leaders look forward to speaking soon.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
PM call with the Sultan of Oman: 30 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman this morning.

The Prime Minister spoke to Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman this morning.


The Prime Minister began by discussing Oman’s Al Batinah North Growth Hub, which was inspired by the Manchester Growth Hub that the Prime Minister set up in his former role as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

  
Turning to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the two leaders discussed the continued threats posed by Iran and the Prime Minister praised His Majesty for his ongoing efforts to bring peace to the region.

  
The Prime Minister reiterated the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and underlined that alongside France, the UK would continue to prepare the Multinational Military Mission to deploy following a ceasefire.


The two leaders looking forward to meeting soon.

Source: City of Leeds

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

30 July 2026

More people living with type 1 diabetes will gain access to life-changing technology thanks to a new partnership between Health and Care Jersey, HCJ, and Diabetes Jersey.

HCJ and Diabetes Jersey have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to accelerate access to closed loop insulin pumps to Islanders. Closed loop Insulin pumps are wearable devices that automatically deliver insulin throughout the day in response to changes in blood glucose, providing excellent blood glucose control and reducing the burden of living with diabetes.

Under the MoU, Diabetes Jersey will provide £112,000 to fund 7 devices for two years after which, HCJ will assume full responsibility for the pumps’ continued provision.

The funding comes after the Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Tom Binet signed a Ministerial Decision last year to transfer £120,000 from the E.J. Bailhache Charitable Trust to pay for additional insulin pumps.

Bill O’Brien, Diabetes Jersey chairman, said: “Diabetes Jersey is delighted that having collaborated with the Minister for Health and the executive team at Health and Care Jersey, this Memorandum of Understanding has now been signed by both parties.”

Dr David Hopkins, Health and Care Jersey’s Chief of Service for Medicine, said: “We are pleased to be working with Diabetes Jersey to help more Islanders living with type 1 diabetes access closed-loop insulin pump technology. 

“This partnership will enable more people to benefit from a treatment that can improve blood glucose control and reduce the daily challenge of managing diabetes, bringing us closer to our ambition of delivering the highest standards of diabetes care in Jersey.”

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Tom Binet, said: “Managing type 1 diabetes is a constant part of everyday life for many Islanders. By working in partnership with Diabetes Jersey, we are helping more people access technology that can make managing their condition easier, improve their wellbeing, and support better long-term health outcomes. I would like to thank Diabetes Jersey for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care in Jersey.”

​

​

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Invitation to an IIAC meeting on 22 October 2026

An opportunity for members of the public to learn about the work of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC).

The aim of the meeting is to give members of the public, their representatives, and people with a professional interest in occupational diseases, the opportunity to learn about and ask questions regarding the council’s work.

  
The meeting will take place on Thursday 22 October 2026 from 2pm to 5pm at: 

The Midland Hotel
 16 Peter Street 
Manchester 
M60 2DS 

The meeting will include: 

an explanation of the council’s role in making recommendations to ministers about the Industrial Injuries Scheme 

presentations and discussions on the council’s work over the past year 

updates on current research and investigations being undertaken by the council 

an opportunity for attendees to contribute views and ideas on the council’s future work 

a question and answer session with council members and officials 

The council welcomes questions in advance of the meeting and will endeavour to address as many as possible during the event.

  

To reserve a place or submit a question, please email iiac@dwp.

gov.

uk by Thursday 15 October 2026.

 

About IIAC 
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) is an independent statutory body that provides advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland on matters relating to the Industrial Injuries Scheme.

In particular, the council advises on which diseases and occupations should be prescribed for compensation under the scheme.

  
The council is made up of medical, scientific and legal experts, together with representatives of employers and employees.

  
IIAC is independent of the Department for Work and Pensions.

The council does not deal with individual benefit claims or decisions.