MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: City of Wolverhampton

The development off Oakley Road, named Waveney Gardens, offers a mix of property types to meet a range of housing needs, including 2, 1 bedroom bungalows, 2, 2 bedroom bungalows, 4, 2 bedroom houses and 9, 3 bedroom houses.

The council’s housing development team led on the project, with the first residents moving into their new homes.

They have been constructed by developer Morro Partnerships Limited using modern timber frame techniques and sustainable building methods.

Each of the new homes has a high energy efficiency rating and come equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels with battery storage, helping residents to reduce energy costs.

The scheme has been supported by a contribution of just over £1 million from Homes England, enabling the delivery of more high quality council housing in the city.

Lucy Whetton, new Waveney Gardens resident, said: “I’ve got 2 children, a son, who is 19, and a daughter, and I desperately needed a 3 bedroom home as I was in a 2 bedroom flat.

“The children love it and I now have my own space and my daughter’s not in with me anymore. It’s very safe around here and the kids like playing outside.”

Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, said: “It is fantastic to see these new homes completed and being handed over to local residents.

“This development provides a range of high quality, energy efficient homes for affordable rent, helping to meet local demand and ensure people have access to safe and sustainable housing.

“By working with partners and utilising modern construction methods, we are continuing to deliver new council homes that support our communities and improve the lives of residents across Wolverhampton.”

Gavin Ward, Morro Partnerships West Midlands Operations Director, said: “Delivering sustainable homes and helping communities thrive is our core focus at Morro.

“Choosing timber frame construction for this scheme not only accelerated delivery but also ensured the homes are more energy efficient and cost effective for future residents.

“Building with the future in mind is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are excited to be working with the council to deliver much needed homes in the area.”

The Penn development forms part of the council’s ongoing housebuilding programme, which is increasing the number of modern, affordable homes available across Wolverhampton.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
VMD inspectors to deliver introductory veterinary Wholesale Qualified Person training course 

The online course will run on 14 to 15 October 2026 introducing the role and responsibilities of the Wholesale Qualified Person (WQP).

 

The VMD is pleased to be running its popular Wholesale Qualified Person (WQP) training course for the fifth time.


Taking place on 14 and 15 October 2026, the course will include introducing the role and responsibilities of the WQP and the legislative requirements for wholesale distribution.


Course content
Delivered by the VMD’s highly experienced inspectors, the event will feature a blend of lectures, discussion, and practical activities.


Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, gain practical support and guidance, engage with practical exercises featuring real-life challenges and scenarios, and network with other delegates and share best practice.


This course is delivered by the VMD’s own inspectors, giving attendees a rare opportunity to hear first-hand what inspectors look for, how they assess compliance, and what “good” looks like in practice.


Topics covered include:

the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and Good Distribution Practice requirements
establishing and maintaining a quality management system
preparing for a VMD inspection and understanding documentation requirements
temperature monitoring and control, including during transport
management of Wholesale Dealer Import Certificates (WDICs) and Special Import Certificates (SICs)
record-keeping and product traceability requirements
supplier and customer validation
conducting self-inspections and managing non-conformances *planning and carrying out product recalls

Who is the course for
The course is suitable for:

people seeking to become a WQP
existing WQPs who want to refresh their knowledge
business applying to become wholesale dealers of veterinary medicines

By the end of the course, attendees will have a greater understanding of the role of the WQP and the requirements for wholesale distribution.


Feedback from attendees

I enjoyed the real-world insights, because knowing the rules is one thing, but understanding how they play out in inspections and day-to-day operations is what really matters.

The clarity and depth of the presentations was great; everything was explained in a way that made even the VMR and GDP guidelines feel relevant and actionable.

Course Dates
This a two-part online introductory course:
Part 1: Wednesday 14 October 2026 from 9am to 1pm
Part 2: Thursday 15 October 2026 from 9am to 1pm
How to register
If you are interested in attending the event, please visit Eventbrite for further information and to book your place.


Course costs £495 per person with certificate of attendance.


The VMD is committed to providing accessible and supportive training to industry.


If you have any accessibility requirements, need course materials in an alternative format please contact training@vmd.

gov.

uk before the course.


If you have any other questions, training enquiries or would like to contact the VMD Training Team, please email training@vmd.

gov.

uk.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Apprenticeship success for Gov Facilities Services Ltd

Gov Facilities Services Ltd (GFSL) has been recognised for apprenticeship commitment and has ranked 12th among the public sector entrants in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship benchmarking process for 2026.

The rankings are independently compiled by High Fliers Research on behalf of the Sunday Times and are entirely data driven.

Employers from more than 20 industries and business sectors entered this year’s rankings, with entries scored and weighted according to workforce size before being ranked within their own sector.


As of December 2025, GFSL employed 76 apprentices, with 36 new apprenticeship starts and 10 completions across 2025.

This is a significant achievement given the unique and demanding environment in which GFSL delivers its services.

All thanks to the dedication of our Learning and Development team and the wider team who support day to day, making GFSL’s apprenticeship programme hat it is.


Gene Axson, Head of Learning and Development at GFSL, said:

This benchmarking is an outstanding achievement and is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our organisation towards the professional growth and development of our employees, as well as the exceptional hard work and commitment demonstrated by our apprentices.

Notes for editors

GFSL currently provides Facilities Management services in 47 prisons in the South of England.

It is an Arms-Length Body wholly owned by the MOJ.

See our web page Gov Facility Services Limited on GOV.

UK.


The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 is compiled by High Fliers Research on behalf of The Sunday Times.

Entrants receive feedback benchmarking their apprenticeship programme against other organisations in their industry or business sector; GFSL has ranked 12th within the public sector category.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Can you spot the sniper? MOD challenges public to see hidden danger in military training area

New MOD campaign demonstrates how military personnel can remain hidden during training.

Highly trained snipers can be hiding in plain sight on MOD training areas.

MOD Crown Copyright.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has challenged the public to test their observation skills through a new, interactive “Spot the Sniper” campaign.

 
The Spot the Sniper campaign features a series of realistic photos taken in genuine military training environments across Salisbury Plain Training Area, including woodland, scrubland and open terrain settings.

 Each image contains a highly trained sniper concealed using military camouflage techniques, challenging audiences to locate them before their location is eventually revealed.

  
Safety remains MOD’s top priority and this initiative forms part of the MOD’s wider Respect the Range campaign, which aims to reduce the risks associated with members of the public entering military training areas and disrupting essential Armed Forces activity.

  
The creative concept is designed to demonstrate how effectively military personnel can remain hidden during training and to help the public better understand why it is vital not to assume an area is inactive simply because they cannot see or hear a military presence.

  

The campaign challenges people to spot the sniper hidden in a seemingly empty training area.

MOD Crown Copyright.

Brigadier Gavin Hatcher, Head of Overseas and Training Estate, said:  

Our Armed Forces train year-round to maintain their readiness and operational capability.

Although some training may be clearly visible, much of it can take place without being seen or heard.

It is important not to assume an area is inactive simply because there is no obvious military presence.

We urge the public to support our Armed Forces by accessing MOD land only when and where it is permitted and by adhering to all access information.

An Army spokesperson said:  

When we’re on an exercise, we’re training exactly to replicate real-world scenarios.

 A key part of our job is to remain undetected.

 This requires total focus and concentration.

 It’s vital that we can carry out training without interruption to maintain the skills and readiness we may need to rely on at a moment’s notice.

Members of the public can access permitted areas of MOD land, but are asked to follow these guidelines:    

Observe all signs and information and always conform to instructions from MOD personnel.

 If a red flag is raised, or red light flashing, do not enter.


Stick to permitted routes including public footpaths, bridleways and Public Rights of Way.


Keep dogs under close control, always in sight and pick up after them.

   
Never touch any military debris and report it for safe removal.

   
Do not light fires or use BBQs and dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly.

   

You can take part in the Spot the Sniper challenge by following us on Instagram or on YouTube where a new challenge will be released each week throughout the summer holidays.

 

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Sharp rise in cyclospora infections linked to Mexico travel

Travellers urged to follow food and water hygiene advice to reduce risk of infection

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published new data showing a sharp rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico.


UKHSA is advising all travellers to take precautions when travelling abroad including maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.


Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea.

Contaminated food specifically herbs, salad and soft fruit are common sources of outbreaks and infections.

Infection is acquired via consumption of contaminated food.

Cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person.


Symptoms of infection can include frequent watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and most people improve typically in a few days without any treatment, infections can be more serious or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised and antibiotics may be prescribed.


The latest data, published today, shows that 67 cases have been reported in returning travellers in England (30 cases) Wales and (10 cases) Scotland (27 cases) between 30 April and 15 July 2026; a sharp rise this year when compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025.


Travel information is available for 52 out of the 67 cases; of these, 48 reported travel to Mexico, with one also reporting travel to the USA.

One further case reported travel to the USA only, and one to Kenya.


Among those who travelled to Mexico, cases reported staying at a range of different hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a variety of food and drink as part of all-inclusive holiday packages.

Further investigations around the cases are ongoing.


UKHSA anticipates a continued rise in travel-associated cases linked to increased summer travel to Mexico and a potential increase in cases linked to travel to the USA, where a widespread outbreak has been reported.


Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA, said:

We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico.

These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines.


Travellers to Mexico and other areas where the infection is more common can reduce their risk by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts.

We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.


If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history.


The TravelHealthPro website has more information on the steps you can take to keep yourself and your family well.

UKHSA is liaising with ABTA and Mexican public health authorities to inform investigations into the rise in cases.

We continue to work with the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) to ensure appropriate advice is in place for UK travellers.


Further advice is available on NaTHNaC’s TravelHealthPro website, including specific information on cyclospora and summer travel.

Source: Scottish Government

Scotland and India’s trading partnership could be worth more than £3 billion a year by 2030 – up by more than a half on current levels – according to a new report.

It highlights four high-growth sectors where Scotland’s specialist strengths can capitalise on the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement which came into force earlier this month:

• technology and digital services (worth up to £2 billion)
• energy transition (worth £520 million)
• food and drink (worth £500 million)
• life sciences (worth £400 million).

The Scotland-India Strategic Market Insight report, commissioned by the Scottish Government and produced by the UK India Business Council, sets out India’s distinct state market system.

Maharashtra suits financial services and corporate partnerships, Telangana offers the strongest base for life sciences and AI while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu serve technology and advanced manufacturing. Gujarat, which will host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, leads on energy and manufacturing.

As part of a day of activity marking the handover of the Commonwealth Games 2030 to India and celebrating the connections between Scotland and India, Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn launched the report at Team Scotland House, Glasgow. He was joined by representatives of the UK India Business Council, along with the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh and businesses from India and Scotland.

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said:

“India is not one market but many, with huge opportunities across a range of sectors.

“As Scotland hands over the Commonwealth Games baton to India, and with the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in place, there is no better time to look at ways we can further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

“This report gives Scottish businesses the precision they need to find new opportunities, particularly in growth areas such as technology, food and drink and the environment. The conditions have never been better for Scottish companies to convert their world-class expertise into lasting commercial partnerships across India.”

Group CEO of the UK-India Business Council Dr. Kishore Jayaraman said:

“The Scotland-India Strategic Market Insight report demonstrates the scale of opportunity available to Scottish businesses across India’s dynamic state markets.

“As India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, it marks an important moment to build on the strong and growing trade, investment and innovation partnership between our countries.”

Background

https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807753948

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech
Russia’s history of disregarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours: UK statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a long-standing pattern of challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia demonstrate a disregard for OSCE commitments and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

Thank you, Mr Chair.


Last week, a group of my colleagues and I visited Ukraine.

We saw the reality of Russia’s war first hand.

We visited communities where Russian strikes have destroyed homes.

We met former prisoners of war and the families of civilians arbitrarily detained by Russia, including the families of OSCE staff members whom Russia has unlawfully detained for more than four years.

We again call for their immediate and unconditional release.


The visit was an opportunity to see the consequences of Russia’s actions at first hand.

Understanding those consequences also requires an honest assessment of their causes, something which I will offer today.


Russia has argued that we should look beyond 2022 to understand its war against Ukraine.

We agree that context and history matter, so let us examine them.


Russia’s behaviour prior to 2022 is part of a broader pattern, extending beyond Ukraine.


In Moldova, Russian military forces became involved in the conflict on the left bank of the Nistru more than three decades ago.

Russia later committed at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its forces, yet military personnel remain on Moldovan territory without the consent of the Moldovan Government.


In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008.

Russia subsequently recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and entrenched its military presence there occupying 20% of Georgian sovereign territory.


Ukraine is part of the same story.


In 1994, Russia committed to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and existing borders.

Twenty years later, following political upheaval in Kyiv, Russia seized Crimea and attempted to annex it.

It then supported and sustained armed conflict in eastern Ukraine for the following eight years.


Russia has sought to justify those actions by claiming that the events of 2014 amounted to an “unconstitutional coup”.

This is false.

Despite the unprecedented situation, Ukraine’s institutions continued to function.

Presidential and parliamentary elections were held, and Ukrainians freely chose successive governments after 2014 through democratic processes recognised by the international community.

There was no line in the sand moment.

Just a democratic process.

Whatever interpretation Russia offers of Ukraine’s domestic politics, it cannot justify violating Ukraine’s sovereignty or redrawing its borders by force using the pretext of a coup.


When we take the longer and broader view of Russia’s behaviour, it becomes clear that the roots of the war relate to a fundamental question: whether countries that Russia regards as falling within its “sphere of influence” have the right to determine their own future.

The full-scale invasion was the latest and most devastating manifestation of Russia’s answer to that question.


This war was not caused by a single political crisis, nor by a breakdown in diplomacy.

It reflects a deeper disagreement about the rules that govern relations between states in the OSCE area.


Russia helped to shape those principles and freely subscribed to them.

From Helsinki to Paris, from Budapest to Istanbul, the record is clear.

States are sovereign.

Borders cannot be changed by force.

Those principles are not new.

Nor is there any ambiguity to them.


The question is whether Russia is prepared to abide by those commitments it has repeatedly undertaken.

Until it does, discussions about the roots of this war will continue to lead to the same conclusion: the problem was never the rules themselves, but Russia’s decision to disregard them.


Finally, Mr Chair, I condemn Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the mass attack overnight that killed multiple civilians, and a recent strike that damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk.

Russia’s reckless actions continue to have consequences beyond Ukraine.

On three consecutive days beginning on 24 July, drones entered Romanian airspace and were subsequently shot down by Romanian F-16s.

The first was identified as a Shahed-type drone used by Russia; investigations into the other two incidents are ongoing.

We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Latvia and Ukraine.

Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine, and the repeated violation of NATO airspace, are unacceptable.


Thank you.

Updates to this page
Published 30 July 2026

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
Find out about the UK’s response

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Thousands of patients to benefit from new daily pill for serious heart condition following co-ordinated MHRA and NICE decisions

Aficamten is recommended by NICE at the same time it was approved by the MHRA, thanks to improvements driven by closer working between the two organisations.

Around 6,600 people in England with a serious heart condition will be able to access a new treatment following simultaneous MHRA authorisation and NICE approval.


Aficamten, also known as MYQORZO, is a once-daily pill for people with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened and stiff, making it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body.

It can cause exhaustion, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain and a racing or irregular heartbeat.

Around 1 in 500 people in the UK has HCM, and in roughly half of cases it is inherited.

  
Clinical trials show aficamten helps people exercise more easily and reduces their symptoms.

It is likely to be as effective as mavacamten, the other NICE-approved treatment for HCM, and patients may need fewer monitoring scans to find the right dose.

  
Earlier access to new medicines 
NICE used a cost comparison approach for this drug, where to get a positive recommendation, the company needed to demonstrate the costs for aficamten are similar to or lower than those for mavacamten for treating symptomatic HCM, which is recommended by NICE for this population and is already in use in the NHS.

   
NICE has published final guidance two weeks faster than its standard processes due to efficiencies gained through a closer working relationship with the MHRA.


NICE is publishing guidance 30% faster for medicines and 9% faster for healthtech than before April 2024, following changes made through our transformation programme.

  
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: 
“We’re pleased to be able to recommend a treatment that has the potential to alter the course of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and offers new hope to people with this serious condition.

 
“This treatment being approved demonstrates the value of closer working between NICE and the MHRA, ensuring that safe, effective medicines get to people earlier by aligning licencing and value assessment decisions.

”  
Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:
“Today’s authorisation of aficamten, alongside NICE’s publication of final guidance, marks an important milestone for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and for the UK’s medicines regulatory system.


“This demonstrates how closer working can help patients access innovative treatments sooner, while maintaining the robust standards of safety, quality and effectiveness that patients rightly expect.


“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met and, as with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review.

”
Katharine McIntosh, CEO of Cardiomyopathy UK, said: 
“We’re delighted that aficamten is going to be made available to people living with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

As part of the NICE appraisal, we submitted insights from our patient community, including the impact of symptoms, experiences of NHS treatment and care, and what another treatment option could mean.

 
“Obstructive HCM can have a considerable impact, with symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and a reduced ability to exercise making day-to-day life significantly more challenging.

 Mavacamten is currently the only treatment of this kind available, so having an additional option is very welcome.

And because aficamten may need fewer echocardiograms in the early stages of treatment, it could represent a more accessible treatment route.

 
“This outcome means greater choice for patients and the opportunity for more people living with obstructive HCM to benefit from treatment, feel better and live well.

”
About aficamten
The active substance, aficamten, is a reversible cardiac myosin inhibitor which binds to the protein myosin in heart muscle cells, reducing the excessive contraction of the heart muscle.

This helps the heart pump more smoothly, reduces obstruction to blood flow and may improve symptoms of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.


Aficamten is available as film-coated tablets in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg.

Patients receiving treatment will undergo regular monitoring of heart function, including echocardiograms, to assess how well their heart is working and to support safe use of the medicine.


As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of aficamten under close review.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.

mhra.

gov.

uk) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.


NHS England will make the treatment available within 30 days of NICE publishing its final guidance.

A confidential discount has been agreed with the company, to make aficamten available to the NHS at a reduced cost.

  
Read the final guidance for aficamten for treating symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on the NICE website.

  
Notes to Editors

Aficamten, also known as MYQORZO, is made by Cytokinetics, Inc.

It received marketing authorisation on Wednesday, 29 July.


It is approved for adults with symptomatic obstructive HCM who have a New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification of 2 or 3.

NYHA classification is a system used by doctors to describe how much a heart condition limits a person’s daily activities.


It is recommended as an add-on to standard care - including beta-blockers, certain calcium-channel blockers, or disopyramide - or on its own if those treatments cannot be used.


The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.

  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.


The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.


For

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Aircraft manufacturer breached Strategic Export Controls 

Airbus Operations Limited has paid a record £6.

4 million compound settlement

Airbus Operations Limited (AOL) has paid more than £6.

4 million to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after admitting multiple breaches of Strategic Export Controls.

   
The payment represents the highest compound settlement ever reached by HMRC for strategic export offences.

  
AOL announced the breach in its quarterly earnings notes and details have been published on GOV.

UK.


The company failed to keep records of any tangible or intangible export or transfer of controlled technology over a sustained period.

 
AOL self-reported the breaches to HMRC and fully cooperated with the investigation.

 
Edwige Hill, Deputy Director in HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said:   

The UK operates a strict licensing regime to uphold the UK’s Export Control regime to ensure military equipment does not fall into the wrong hands.

 
We use a range of powers to ensure effective controls and enforcement on military goods, which contributes to the UK’s national security.

This settlement shows we will not hesitate to take action.

 The breaches made by AOL included: 

Article 29(2)(a-g) on multiple occasions for failing to keep accurate records of transfers of controlled technology as per the conditions of three of their Open General Export Licences (OGELs) 

Article 29(3) on multiple occasions for failing to keep registers in relation to their OGELs 

Article 29(2)(i) on multiple occasions for failing to keep accurate records contrary to the conditions of one of their OGELs 

Standard Individual Export Licence – on one occasion relating to a failure of licence conditions  

Further information  
The United Kingdom operates an export control licensing regime for certain strategic goods such as military items, dual use items and goods that can be used in Weapons of Mass Destruction programmes.

The licensing regime is part of an international framework and is based upon various international agreements.

  
A compound settlement is the means where, through payment of a sum of money, HMRC may offer to settle alleged Strategic Export offences committed under the Customs and Excise Management Act and the Export Control Order, out of court.

This saves time and money – both for the offender and HMRC – by avoiding the need for legal proceedings.

HMRC will only offer a compound settlement where it is believed there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

 
Last month Petrofac Facilities Management Limited (PFML) became the first company to be publicly named by HMRC for accepting such a penalty.

  PFML self-reported the breaches to HMRC and fully cooperated with the investigation.

  Naming the company marks a shift in how HMRC handles compound settlements in relation to strategic exports.

  The new approach will improve transparency and ensure greater consistency with other UK law enforcement bodies.

 
When deciding if a compound settlement is appropriate and the level of the offer; HMRC’s considerations will include:   

the seriousness of the alleged offence   
whether fraudulent intent can be proven   
the extent of the efforts to perpetrate the alleged offence   
the type and value of any goods involved   
the offender’s previous history   
the extent to which the offender has co-operated with any investigation   
the level of financial penalties known to have been imposed by courts for similar offences  

Effective controls and enforcement on military goods are vital to the UK’s national security, and HMRC supports this by operating a voluntary disclosure process for unlicensed exports of strategic or sanctioned goods or transfers of controlled technology; all disclosures are assessed and may result in educational visits, written warnings, compound settlements, or, in the most serious cases, referral to UK prosecution authorities.

 
Information on payments of compound settlements is published by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) via Notices to Exporters (NTEs).


Further guidance on the voluntary disclosure regime is available at GOV.

UK.


You can find out more about HMRC’s approach to strategic export violations at GOV.

UK.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
UKHSA report shows 2,877 excess deaths caused by May and June heatwaves

The 2,877 excess deaths represents a significant increase on the 1,504 excess deaths observed in summer 2025.

Rapid early assessment by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during 2 notable periods of hot weather in May and June 2026, almost double the figure reported annually for 2025.


An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heat episode between 24 and 27 May and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between 21 and 28 June.

While these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022.


The June heatwave lasted for 8 days and triggered a red heat-health alert.

This was only the second time the highest level of alert has been issued in England, reflecting the exceptional temperatures recorded.

Both May and June also broke Met Office monthly temperature records for England with 31.

5C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 37.

7C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June.


These findings demonstrate the importance of the heat-health alerting system, delivered in partnership with the Met Office, which provides early warning when temperatures are likely to have significant impacts on health and wellbeing.

Heatwaves occurring earlier in the season can have a greater impact due to people, communities and services having less time to adapt to the warmer conditions.


To support partners in preparing and responding to these events, UKHSA recently published the updated Adverse Weather and Health Plan for England for 2026 to 2027.


Based on the interim data, it is likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 recorded in 2022.

 While the figures are indicative of the public health impact of the heatwaves, these numbers should be regarded as interim.

UKHSA will publish finalised figures in the annual report in early 2027.


Dr Ross Thompson, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at UKHSA and author of the report, said:

These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health.

This is particularly true for those who are more vulnerable including older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.


While the figures are interim, they suggest that, if we experience more periods of hot weather this summer, we could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.


As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme.

That’s why it’s vital that individuals, communities and systems are prepared to deal with higher temperatures, and to ensure those most vulnerable to the heat are protected.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people’s health and on our NHS.


For many years, we have been used to winter pressures in our NHS and the need to support those who are vulnerable in the coldest weather.

But now we are seeing the summer heat have an increasingly serious impact on the health of thousands of people, and on the pressures facing our NHS too.


My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves in recent months.

And my heartfelt thanks go to the NHS staff, care workers and emergency responders who have worked tirelessly through these exceptionally busy and challenging months to protect and care for people affected by the heat.


As we move through the summer, it is so important for people to be able to look out for their health and help those who are more vulnerable to the hot conditions.

Please don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re worried about your own wellbeing, or anyone else’s.

A little care could make a lifesaving difference.