Source: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published on this website Wednesday 18 February 2026 by Jill Powell

Business owners are being urged to “lock the door” on criminals as the UK government launches a new campaign to provide practical ways for organisations to protect themselves from common online threats. 

Appearing across social media, podcasts, radio and business networks, the campaign aims to reach busy small and medium sized businesses where they are. It will encourage them to engage with the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme which sets out clear practical steps they can take to protect themselves from the most common cyber attacks. This includes keeping software up to date and controlling who has access to accounts and data to immediately boost their cyber resilience. Many cyber incidents exploit these basic weaknesses, which Cyber Essentials is designed to protect against.    

It comes as new figures show the scale of threat facing businesses. Significant cyber incidents cost an average of £195,000 and half of all small businesses have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months.   

Last year, 92% fewer insurance claims were made by organisations with Cyber Essentials in place – proving it works. Certification can also help businesses win government contracts, and eligible firms can access free cyber insurance, including a 24/7 emergency helpline, provided by the Cyber Essentials delivery partner.  

With cyber threats estimated to cost UK businesses £14.71 billion every year the campaign will help to protect the growth that’s fundamental to job creation, improving living standards and the funding of public services.

Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd said:   

“No business is out of reach from cyber criminals. SMEs play a vital role in our economy, and business owners work incredibly hard to build something valuable, but too many still assume cyber criminals only go after big brands. The reality is criminals look for easy opportunities, and without basic protections in place, any business of any size can become a target.  

“I know smaller firms don’t have large IT teams, and that is exactly why Cyber Essentials matters. It provides a straightforward checklist to lock the door on cyber criminals, without needing specialist expertise. Cyber risk is business risk, just like fire or theft, and the protections are just as essential. I urge businesses to take action and adopt Cyber Essentials now.”

Developed by experts at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Cyber Essentials focuses on 5 key protections:

• firewalls
• secure configuration
• software updates
• user access control
• malware protection

It gives businesses clear, practical steps to follow helping them show customers and suppliers they take cyber security seriously.  

For many firms, a single significant attack could be the difference between staying in business and closing their doors. To help businesses get started, the campaign highlights several free tools and resources:     

• Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool – an online self‑assessment to identify gaps  
• Free 30‑minute consultations with an NCSC‑assured cyber advisor for SMEs that are preparing for Cyber Essentials certification.  
• The chance to preview the Cyber Essentials ‘Question Set’ for free. The ‘Requirements for IT Infrastructure’ can be used alongside to help businesses identify if they’re ready for certification.   

New research published also reveals the scale of the cyber threat facing UK businesses more broadly. The Cyber Security Longitudinal Survey shows 82% of medium and large businesses suffered a cyber incident in the past year – meaning no business, regardless of size, is out of reach from cyber criminals.  

More organisations are recognising the benefits of taking action. Adoption of Cyber Essentials among larger companies has risen from 23% to 30%, reflecting a growing understanding of the need for basic cyber protections.  

With uptake improving among larger firms, there is clear momentum but more still needs to be done. This campaign is targeted at smaller businesses, encouraging them to adopt baseline protections like Cyber Essentials, strengthening supply‑chain security while supporting SME resilience, continuity, and long‑term growth.      

NCSC CEO Dr Richard Horne said: 

“Many small business owners assume their business is too small to be on cyber criminals’ radar, but in reality, we know most attackers don’t care about size, reputation or logos – they are looking for opportunity and weaknesses.  

“Small businesses do not need to go to the ends of the earth to put baseline cyber security measures in place as the Cyber Essentials scheme can help them take practical steps today. 

“I urge all businesses to implement the five key security controls to help protect themselves against the most common, damaging online threats.”

Alongside this campaign, the government is strengthening cyber resilience across the economy through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will update and strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience framework for essential and digital services and key suppliers, helping protect the services people rely on every day, from energy and water to healthcare and data centres. Stronger defences throughout supply chains will reduce the risk of disruption from cyber attacks and help keep vital services running.  

More information is available at the Cyber Essentials website. 

Source: Department of Health and Social Care published on this website Monday 16 February 2026 by Jill Powell

The government has launched a public consultation to seek views on stopping people smoking, vaping or using heated tobacco in public playgrounds and education settings in England. 

Areas outside healthcare locations - such as hospitals - would also become smoke-free and heated tobacco-free under the proposals.

Indoor spaces, where smoking is already banned, would also become vape-free and heated tobacco-free, subject to consultation. 

Outdoor hospitality settings, including pub gardens and open public spaces, are not included in the proposals. Private homes and private outdoor spaces are also out of scope. 

These proposals form part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the focus of the NHS from sickness to prevention, tackling the root causes of ill health and reducing long-term pressure on services. 

Second-hand smoke is harmful even outdoors, with children and medically vulnerable people at greatest risk. By acting in places where young people gather and patients receive care, the government aims to prevent avoidable harm before it happens and support a healthier generation.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: 

“No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke. 

“Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm. 

“Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.”

This consultation marks an important step towards implementing the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smoke-free generation and protect young people from a lifetime of addiction. The bill is currently progressing through Parliament. 

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, and children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Short-term exposure can cause immediate symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing and headaches, while long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of chronic disease. 

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: 

“People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease. The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. 

“No smoker wants to harm people, but with second-hand smoke they do - and these measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society.”

It will also seek views on setting outdoor boundaries, exemptions and designated smoking areas, and how to inform people of restrictions to ensure the rules are proportionate and workable.” 

There will be a minimum of 6 months between any regulations being made and them coming into force, with guidance available on how to make sure people are aware of and follow the rules. 

Enforcement would mirror existing smoke-free laws, where compliance has historically been extremely high. 

The Consultation closes 8 May 2026

Source: Northumbria Police published on this website Tuesday 17 February 2026 by Jill Powell

A paedophile has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison – as his victims are praised for their bravery in reporting the harrowing sexual abuse they suffered at his hands.

In 2020, one victim disclosed that Ross Jackson had been sexually abusing her in the Newcastle area.

This then led to the discovery of similar offending against another victim in the Durham area.

Northumbria Police immediately began an investigation into Jackson and after collating evidence he was interviewed.

Jackson was then charged with a string of offences which he denied. He stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in December 2025 and was found guilty of 24 separate offences including several rapes, seven counts of sexual assault by touching and possession of extreme pornography. Following the trial Jackson was remanded in custody.

Jackson, now 39, of Lowther Avenue in Chester-le-Street, was put before the Moot Hall in Newcastle on Tuesday, February 3, where he was sentenced to a 23-year jail term. He will also spend five years on extended licence once he is released from prison.

Jackson will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and handed a restraining order which prevents him from contacting his victims.

Detective Constable Rachel Fletcher, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department, led the complex investigation against Jackson.

Following his sentencing, she said:

“Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the victims in this case. They have shown huge courage by initially reporting the horrific abuse they were subjected to by Jackson to us.

“Thanks to their bravery, a dangerous offender has been rightly put behind bars for a significant period of time. I sincerely hope that Jackson’s sentencing will allow them and their families to begin to rebuild their lives after what must have been a traumatising period of time for them both.”

Det Con Fletcher added: “Jackson is a predatory paedophile who has caused untold damage to the lives of his victims.

“When we were first made aware of allegations of sexual offences by him, we swiftly began a thorough investigation in order to build a comprehensive file of evidence which allowed us to obtain a raft of charges.

“Despite pleading not guilty and going to trial, I am glad that the jury saw through his lies to convict him of these incredibly serious crimes.

“I also hope this case acts as a reminder to anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse that if you choose to come forward we will listen to you and you will be heard.”

Information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape is available on Northumbria Police’s website at Support after rape and sexual assault | Northumbria Police

Source: Department for Education published on this website Friday 13 February 2026 by Jill Powell

The Department for Education is seeking your views on proposed changes to the statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE).

They are seeking views on a range of updates to ensure the guidance remains current and relevant.

The aim is to help schools and colleges better understand what they are legally required to do, as well as what the Department for Education strongly advise to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The Department for Education is proposing changes to Draft Keeping children safe in education 2026

The statutory guidance sets out:

• what schools and colleges should do
• the legal duties that they must comply with to keep children safe

They have listed the main proposed changes in annex D of the draft statutory guidance document.

Keeping children safe in education: Part one – staff quick reference

To undertake the consultation and Share your views. Closes 22 April 2026