£20 million investment for hypersonic target to test air defence systems and boost British small businesses

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today.

• £20 million contract will directly benefit British small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.
• A new SME Action Plan will remove barriers and open up defence supply chains for British SMEs. 
• Hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target will help new defence systems to counter advanced missiles and is part of a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States.

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle

The West Country is now in prolonged dry weather

Change of status because of the environmental impact created by a lack of rainfall and high temperatures.

Environment Agency officers catch and move fish in the River Tarrant, near Tarrant Monkton, Dorset, which had become trapped in pools of water.

The change applies to Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Neighbouring parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire, which also fall within the Environment Agency’s Wessex operational area, are also in prolonged dry weather.  

Environment Agency officers are expecting more environmental incidents this summer caused by low river flows, high water temperatures and fish struggling for oxygen as weeds and algal blooms thrive in these conditions. 

Water levels at groundwater sites are now starting to become below normal or notably low

PM call with the Taoiseach of Ireland: 21 July 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and

Supercar hire firm shut down: customers left out of pocket while money spent from company account at Harrods and Gucci

Company wound up following Insolvency Service investigations

• Classic Parade Ltd took upfront payments from customers for hiring supercars before cancelling bookings at short notice and not paying refunds
• Customers included people booking vehicles for significant personal occasions, while more than £1.4 million passed through company bank accounts without explanation
• The director failed to engage with investigators, meet any Companies House filing obligations, and the company had no genuine presence at its address in Knightsbridge

A luxury car hire company which took thousands of pounds from customers and repeatedly

Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first Observer Nation

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.  

• Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK, Italy  and Japan. 
• GCAP  is designing, developing  and building  the next generation of fighter  jet  to  support  national  security. 
• Ambitious  programme  supports  thousands of jobs in  the UK, with  over 600  companies up and down the country involved. 

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is  even  stronger  as

The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

21 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people. 

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted. 

Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and

Construction begins on new Army facilities at Tidworth and Warminster

Construction has begun at Tidworth and Warminster to deliver new and improved facilities or military personnel while enhancing operational efficiency.

Left to right: Allan Thomson (Chief Executive, Aspire Defence Limited), Brigadier Grant Kerr (Head of Army Infrastructure Plans), Lieutenant Colonel Ru Whitelegge (Tidworth Garrison Commander) and Warren Webster (DIO Major Programmes and Projects Programme Director - Army), mark the start of construction at Assaye Barracks, Tidworth (Crown Copyright)

The two major infrastructure projects represent an investment of approximately £13 million at Assaye Barracks, Tidworth and approximately £37 million at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio. DEO is delivering more modern and sustainable infrastructure across the Defence estate and reducing the built estate by releasing surplus land for alternative redevelopment.

The DEO Army Programme investment on Salisbury Plain will benefit three units: 1

Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK

Environment Agency takes action to maintain River Severn levels

The Environment Agency is taking action to protect water supplies and wildlife in the Midlands as dry weather continues to place pressure on river levels.

The River Severn is one of the UK’s most important rivers, supplying drinking water to around 6 million people while supporting internationally important wildlife and habitats.

The Environment Agency continuously monitors river flows and takes measures to ensure water needs are met while protecting the environment.

If levels drop too low, the river can be topped up by releases of water from 2 reservoirs in

Defence Minister Lord Coaker, keynote speech at Enterprise Gateway, Farnborough International Airshow.

The Enterprise Gateway: Opening Address

Delivered on:

21 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you very much everyone, and good morning. Just the day after our new Prime Minister entered Downing Street and spoke of our commitments to honour, our commitments to strengthen in defence. It’s a great pleasure to join all of you here today to

Stephen Kinnock MP begins work as Secretary of State for Wales

Stephen Kinnock has taken up his role as Secretary of State for Wales following his appointment by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Stephen Kinnock has taken up his role as Secretary of State for Wales following his appointment by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. 

Mr Kinnock is the MP for Aberafan Maesteg. 

Following his appointment on Monday (20 July), Mr Kinnock pledged to provide a strong voice for Wales in the new UK Government and to take an open, collaborative approach to governing, working in partnership with the Welsh Government, Local Government and

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, keynote speech at AGF Defence Summit, Farnborough International Air show.

Minister Pollard highlighting record spending on air power, drones, and innovation, and publishing a new SME Action Plan to grow Britain's defence industry.

Delivered on:

21 July 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

It’s always nice when there’s a reshuffle on — that Kevin still hasn’t got my job title quite right after a year in the job, but thank you.

Colleagues, allies, partners, friends, good morning. It is good to see you all here today and thank you to everyone at AGF for the chance to address you, and apologies for giving you the fright, as you have a minister who has not yet been confirmed in his place speaking on a

National Drought Group steps up response after third heatwave

Parts of southern, central, and eastern England move closer to drought status

The recent extreme weather is having a severe impact on our environment and affecting water supplies and food production, the National Drought Group heard yesterday.  

Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including dozens of delicate protected sites, and prime agricultural land.  

The third heatwave of the year has seen ponds and wetlands dry out, which will impact bird

Raynes Baby World Offers MIDI Bouncy Castles for Fun-Filled Family Events

Raynes Baby World - Logo

kids safe white bouncy castle for sale

Raynes Baby World highlights MIDI bouncy castles for safe, stylish family events and flexible themed party setups across the UK.

COLNE, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Raynes Baby World is offering their range of MIDI bouncy castles as families, party planners and small event

XeleratedFifty and CPI Announce Strategic Partnership to Scale UK Deep-Tech Innovation to Global Markets

XeleratedFifty and the UK's CPI join forces

Two organisations join forces to connect UK R&D excellence with international capital, and to build the innovations that will strengthen national resilience.

FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- XeleratedFifty, the global innovation partner accelerating breakthrough technologies in complex industries, and CPI, a technology

OpenDialog expands into aggregator channel with new AI partnerships

Firemelon and Aequotech deploy conversational AI to remove friction across the customer quote journey

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- OpenDialog, the AI Agent platform built for regulated industries, has announced two new partnerships that extend its technology into aggregator user journeys for the first time.

The initial deployment targets the point in the process where insurance customers are most

Innovative and Inspiring Wave of ‘Hands-On’ Experiences To Wow Visitors Across The UK's West Midlands

The Signature Experiences get under way. Photo by Carol Bailey

Food as art is on display

A stained glass masterclass is offered

A current VisitEngland project is promoting uniquely crafted visitor experiences with artisans, restaurants and attractions across the historic region.

The West Midlands is known for culinary, creative, and cultural experiences, so we are excited to support this project to encourage visitors to come now, stay longer and explore more of the region.”

— Patricia Yates, CEO Visit England

BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- From unforgettable graffiti workshops to captivating food tours and artisan glassmaking, a VisitEngland backed project is bringing new ways for visitors to experience the region.

Visitors to Birmingham and the West Midlands

Unison Brings Mission-Critical Innovation to Next-Generation Flight at Farnborough

From hydrogen ignition and Open Fan systems to hybrid electric thermal management, Unison is helping move next-gen propulsion from concept toward validation

FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Unison, a provider of mission-critical and intelligent aerospace systems, is highlighting its role as a key enabler of the future of flight at the

MPs question culture secretary over future of the BBC

On 13 July, Lisa Nandy, culture secretary, faced questions from MPs on the future of the BBC ahead of the charter renewal process.

Appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee’s BBC Royal Charter Review inquiry, Nandy said that the government is “almost certainly” going to pursue worker representation on the BBC board while removing political appointments as part of Charter Renewal.  

Responding to Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, Nandy said:  

“One of the things I'm very keen to do throughout this Charter Renewal process is remove

MHRA approves world's first lower-carbon beclometasone inhalers for patients with asthma

The new inhalers use a next-generation propellant designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the same established treatment.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (21 July 2026) approved new versions of Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms inhaler and Clenil Modulite 200 micrograms inhaler, containing beclometasone dipropionate for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. 

The approval marks the world’s first authorisation of pressurised metered-dose inhalers

London’s Daily Newspaper Era Has Changed—LondonGazette.com Is Ready to Help Define What Comes Next

As London faces rapid change, LondonGazette.com is being offered to a visionary publisher, investor or media entrepreneur ready to shape its future.

Own LondonGazette.com and begin with what most media startups spend years and millions trying to build: instant credibility, historic resonance and global name recognition.”

— Fred Mercaldo, CEO

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- London is one of the most influential, closely watched and frequently discussed cities in the world. Yet its citywide media landscape has undergone a profound transformation.

In September 2024, London lost its last

High5VR Launches OowOah VR Meeting Rooms, Quantum Leap and OowOah Live VR

VR meeting room

High5VR launches OowOah VR Meeting Rooms, introduces Quantum Leap and opens applications for OowOah Live VR Founding Test Partners.

CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, July 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- High5VR Launches OowOah VR Meeting Rooms, Introduces Quantum Leap and Opens OowOah Live VR Founding Test Partner Programme

High5VR has officially launched OowOah VR Meeting Rooms, introduced Quantum Leap,

saVRee Expands Maintenance Technician Training Programme with New Learning Pathways

Explore Engineering courses at saVree.com

saVRee enhances its maintenance technician training programs by introducing structured learning pathways and expanding the use of 3D models.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- saVRee has strengthened its Maintenance Technician Training program by expanding learning pathways to support skill development across

UK and Florida forge new space partnership to back joint innovation

The UK and Florida have joined forces to help space companies and researchers turn innovative ideas into commercial reality, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and Space Florida at the Farnborough International Airshow.

From left: Space Minister Liz Lloyd, Rebecca Evernden, Director of the UK Space Agency, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

• UK-Florida space agreement establishes a £300,000 joint fund to help turn innovative ideas into commercial reality.
• Agreement supports collaboration between UK and Florida organisations and strengthens links with one of the world’s leading space ecosystems.
• A formal call for projects will open in Autumn 2026, with selections anticipated in 2027.

A £300,000 fund - established between the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund

Debut Author Benjamin Thomas Releases Almost., a Heartfelt Novel About Love, Friendship, and Life's Defining Choices

Almost. by Benjamin Thomas

Author Benjamin Thomas

RHYL, NORTH WALES, UNITED KINGDOM, July 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Debut author Benjamin Thomas announces the release of Almost., a contemporary fiction novel that explores love, friendship, personal growth, and the life-changing impact of

Skins & Needles Enters New Era as Gibson House Becomes Home to One of the UK's Most Recognised Independent Tattoo Brands

Skins & Needles

Matthew Salvin

Landmark acquisition marks the next chapter for the North East tattoo brand as long-term digital marketing partnership continues to support its growth.

Gibson House represents everything we've been working towards. It's much more than a new building. It's the beginning of our biggest chapter yet, giving us the space to continue growing.”

— Matthew Salwin

MIDDLESBROUGH, NORTH YORKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- One of the UK's most recognised independent tattoo brands, Skins & Needles, has entered an exciting new era following its acquisition of the iconic Gibson

New PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living

New Prime Minister takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter.

• New Prime Minister takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter
• Tax cut this year funded from cancelled Digital ID programme will see VAT on electricity bills removed from October 1
• In one of his first acts as Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to “put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope”

Millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter, the Prime Minister has announced as one of his first decisions in office.

This follows his commitment to the nation on the steps of Downing Street yesterday to give

PM call with First Ministers: 21 July 2026

The Prime Minister had calls with the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today.

The Prime Minister had calls with the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today. 

The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics - rooted in finding

UK Export Finance signs £750 million agreement with GE Aerospace to support airline engine maintenance at regional UK sites

UKEF have signed a first-of-its-kind financing framework with GE Aerospace worth £750 million, over five years.

L to R: Mark Terribilini, Sohinder Singh, Iain Phillips, Anay Shah, Sam Routledge, Megan Hughes, Farah Borges. Front row: Rahul Ghai, GE Aerospace Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Tim Reid, UKEF Chief Executive Officer.

• UKEF will support financing for airlines seeking engine repairs at GE Aerospace’s sites in Wales and Scotland, backing regional supply chains and jobs 

At the Farnborough International Airshow (Monday 20 July), UK Export Finance (UKEF) and GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining a brand-new

#BetterTogether campaign highlights importance of high standards for assistance dogs

Assistance Dog team Nico and India feature in this year's International Assistance Dogs Week #BetterTogether campaign

Assistance Dog team Célia and Naida feature in this year's International Assistance Dogs Week #BetterTogether campaign

Assistance Dog team Aaron and Hattie feature in this year's International Assistance Dogs Week #BetterTogether campaign

Our #BetterTogether campaign highlights the importance of high standards, developed over 40 years, which set the benchmark for ethical training, welfare, breeding and inclusion.”

— David Locklin, Executive Director of ADI

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A new campaign to promote high training and welfare standards for assistance dogs aims to highlight their benefits for disabled people, businesses, the public — and the dogs themselves.

The #BetterTogether campaign — which

The Billboard That Advertised Its Own Price: What Happened Next

Two billboards. One message.

Leeds agency Loud! OOH put its £325 price next to a £650 quote on two billboards. Result: 188% traffic uplift, national press, and client campaigns booked.

The campaign got people through the door. The transparency did the persuading. Attention is only worth something if it converts, and it has.”

— Jamie Roberts, Founder, Loud! OOH

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Three weeks ago, two billboards appeared side by side on York Street in Leeds. The first showed a real quote a business had received for that exact space:

M.R Gontu Releases 'Close Your Eyes to See: What If the Past Was Never Silent?' Inspired by India's Ancient Heritage

Close Your Eyes to See Book Cover

Close Your Eyes to See Book Cover

M.R. Gontu

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Technology professional and innovator M.R Gontu releases his book, Close Your Eyes to See: What If the Past Was Never Silent?. Inspired by lifelong questions about ancient temples, symbols, and

Darlington agency selected to support OneGym's next phase of growth.

Onegym

Myk Baxter, Founder of Myk Baxter Marketing.

A Darlington digital marketing agency has been selected to support the continued growth of one of the North East's fastest-growing fitness brands.

It is always rewarding when local businesses choose to work together, especially when both organisations have strong roots in Darlington and a genuine passion for growth”

— Myk Baxter

DARLINGTON, COUNTY DURHAM, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A Darlington digital marketing agency has been selected to support the continued growth of one of the North East's fastest-growing fitness brands.

Myk Baxter Marketing, founded by Darlington

FISCAL Technologies passes £2 trillion in protected spend - after nearly two decades of AI in finance

FISCAL protect £2 trillion in organisational spend

FISCAL's purpose-built AI for finance teams has now protected over £2 trillion of customer spend, and prevented more than £300 million in potential losses.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- FISCAL Technologies today announced it has protected over £2 trillion of customer spend across its

Festive Lights Details Off-Grid Illumination Trends for Summer Weddings and DIY Garden Events

Ladybird solar wall light glowing on brick wall at night

Friends relaxing under warm outdoor string lights in a cozy backyard at night.

Wall-mounted outdoor lantern glowing on a brick house exterior at dusk.

Festive Lights details key trends in off-grid solar and battery lighting for DIY summer weddings, focusing on safe daisy-chaining and weatherproofing.

CHORLEY, UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Festive Lights, a United Kingdom-based supplier of domestic and commercial decorative lighting, today released an overview of current consumer trends and technical advancements in off-grid illumination for summer outdoor events. The

Launch of International Patient Summary Registry provides snapshot of IPS implementations worldwide

A standardized, globally recognized set of essential health data designed to be easily shared across different healthcare systems and borders

A global inventory maintained by the IPS Coordination Committee that tracks how countries, regions, and healthcare vendors are putting the IPS into practice.

IPSCC launches the IPS Implementation Registry, a searchable resource of global IPS implementations.

The registry is the result of many years of developing the IPS, working with standards bodies, vendors, clinicians and other stakeholders, promoting the promise of summary level cross-border care,”

— John Donnelly

UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The International Patient Summary Coordinating Committee (IPSCC), a standing committee of the Joint Initiative Council for Global Health Informatics Standardization, is pleased to