Department for Energy Security and Net Zero · Original source
The UK's new Climate and Nature Security Taskforce, described by the government as the world's first, has held its first meeting, chaired by Minister for Climate Transition Katie White alongside Baroness Fiona Twycross. Members include General Richard Nugee, International Crisis Group President Comfort Ero and National Trust science director Rosie Hails. The taskforce will make independent recommendations on the most significant climate and nature security risks facing the UK, after a year of record heatwaves, drought, wildfires and rising flood risk.
Ministry of Justice · Original source
Crown Court judges will be able to impose prison sanctions on offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing, under rules laid before Parliament on 22 October. Sanctions include up to 21 days of cellular confinement, loss of privileges for 84 days and loss of social visits for 27 days. Prisons Minister Catherine McKinnell said refusing to attend was an insult to victims and their families. The rules build on existing powers to fine offenders or add up to two years' imprisonment for contempt.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Original source
More than £1 billion of new investment is expected from agreements announced as Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosts Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman in Downing Street during a three-day State Visit. A deal to accelerate two-way investment builds on the UK-Oman Sovereign Investment Partnership, and UK Export Finance is raising its financing capacity for UK exports to Oman to up to £7 billion. UK-founded Yamna plans an AI data centre in Salalah, with a first phase expected to exceed £1 billion.
Department for Transport · Original source
Councils will resurface nearly 7,000 miles of road this year, more than 10% up on last year, according to figures published by the Department for Transport on 21 October 2026. Councils are spending £4.9 billion on road maintenance this year, £800 million more than two years ago, backed by £7.3 billion in government funding. The government has also released a further £220 million in incentive-based funding to councils in England that met performance targets.
Department for Transport · Original source
From 21 October 2026, drivers no longer need planning permission to install cross-pavement EV chargers running from their homes to cars parked on the street, saving up to £300 on installation, the Department for Transport says. Changes to permitted development rights will also make larger public charging hubs quicker and cheaper to install. The government has launched two consultations on home charging for renters and leaseholders and chargers in new buildings.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport · Original source
Employers including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Arm, Kainos and QinetiQ are backing 10,000 work experience placements in the UK digital and tech sector over the next three years, the government says. The TechFirst skills programme is now open to all secondary schools, with an ambition to reach 1 million students by 2028, including 400,000 from the most disadvantaged schools. The government is also calling for 20,000 entry-level tech jobs a year.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero · Original source
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has agreed that the North Sea Transition Authority can grant consent for gas production at the licensed Jackdaw field, which could supply British homes and businesses from the end of October. The government says Jackdaw will raise domestic gas production by around 6% at its peak over a lifespan of up to 11 years, adding an estimated £2.9 billion to the economy. Chancellor John Healey is also establishing an Energy Wealth Fund with a £2 billion initial injection.
