The Latest Breaking News from Whitehall

AI and system reform could help boost Whitehall productivity, watchdog to say

Gareth Davies, comptroller and auditor general of the National Audit Office, will put forward ways to boost Government productivity.

Evening Standard · Feb 4, 2025

Thousands gather in support of Tommy Robinson and for counter-demonstration

A counter-protest, organised by Stand Up to Racism, has also set off on a march through central London.

Evening Standard · Feb 1, 2025

Senior diplomat who left secret UK military files at bus stop 'set to become NATO ambassador'

Angus Lapsley is reportedly set to take on the prestigious role despite lingering security concerns

Evening Standard · Jan 30, 2025

Starmer wants the economy to grow, baby, grow. Woe betide the ‘blockers’ who get in his way

By sweeping aside everyone from local planners to defenders of the green belt, Labour is handing a gift to Reform UK, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins

The Guardian - UK · Jan 24, 2025

Reeves to instruct national wealth fund to work with mayors to boost growth

Chancellor says new scheme aims to bridge gap between Whitehall and local leaders to avoid previous top-down approach

The Guardian - UK · Jan 23, 2025

Whitehall ‘group think’ and inter-departmental rows slammed by vaccine tsar

Dame Kate Bingham was commissioned by the previous government to help the UK secure vaccines during the pandemic.

Evening Standard · Jan 21, 2025

Government AI assistant named after ‘machiavellian’ sitcom legend

Chillingly, in the BBC sitcom, Humphrey emerges as cabinet secretary, the most powerful position in the civil service

The Independent UK · Jan 21, 2025

Civil Service ‘Humphrey’ AI tools aim to cut back spending and speed up work

Some of the tools, named after the fictional Whitehall official Sir Humphrey Appleby from the BBC’s Yes, Minister, are ready for use straight away.

The Independent UK · Jan 21, 2025

Market turmoil has calmed but Rachel Reeves faces more challenges ahead

Chancellor survives chaos in markets but faces more questions on growth, cuts, public sector pay and fraud

The Guardian - UK · Jan 19, 2025

Marcus Rashford’s holiday scheme for kids wins reprieve from spending cuts

Concerns had been mounting over future of £200m a year scheme providing food and activities for vulnerable children

The Guardian - UK · Jan 19, 2025