Year: 2026

English Whisky Achieves Geographical Indication Status English Whisky has officially attained protected Geographical Indication (GI) status, marking a significant achievement for a sector that has evolved from a small number of innovative producers into one of England’s most compelling food and drink narratives. This new designation recognises English Whisky as a unique whisky category, honouring years of dedication from distillers across the country who have harnessed craftsmanship, creativity, and aspiration to develop a spirit worthy of such protection. The industry is experiencing a renaissance, with distilleries stretching from Cornwall to Northumberland. This growth not only safeguards skilled jobs but also attracts visitors nationwide, contributing to economic development in various...

Regulatory Framework for New Vocational Qualifications Ofqual has officially announced its regulatory framework concerning the new V Levels, as well as the Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates. V Levels represent a fresh category of vocational qualifications designed to complement existing A Levels and T Levels, providing post-16 students with a broader spectrum of choices as they contemplate their future educational and career paths. These qualifications aim to deliver substantial options for students, encompassing high-quality vocational, academic, and technical routes that can lead to university admission, higher technical studies, apprenticeships, and direct employment. Ofqual’s regulatory structure is set to establish a uniform national framework for V Levels while re...

Final Determination on HVO Biodiesel Imports from the USA On 10th September, the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) released its final determination regarding the subsidy investigation into hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel imports from the United States. The TRA concluded that these imports were indeed subsidised, resulting in significant harm to the UK biodiesel industry. The TRA has proposed implementing a fixed duty ranging from £258.10 to £266.68 per tonne on these HVO imports. Following this recommendation, the TRA is mandated to evaluate whether the application of a countervailing measure would align with the economic interests of the UK. This assessment is crucial as it ultimately influences the Secretary of State's decision on whether to accept the TRA's proposed measures. In...

Urgent Appeal for De-escalation in Yemen The United Kingdom has joined Bahrain in calling for an urgent meeting in response to the alarming escalation of hostilities by the Houthis in Yemen, particularly their indiscriminate attacks on Saudi Arabia. This situation has escalated significantly, prompting a strong condemnation from the UK regarding the Houthis' decision to resume conflict and their ongoing strikes, which have notably targeted civilian and energy infrastructure. We urge the Houthis to halt their aggressive actions immediately. Our thoughts are with the victims of this violence, and we express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives or been injured. The United Kingdom stands firmly alongside Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen as they confront these seri...