The most frequent topics in the provided posts were immigration enforcement and online safety, particularly concerning deepfake images. The post with the highest engagement was from Yvette Cooper concerning the repression of protesters in Iran, which received over 159,000 views.
Three Major Themes
- Immigration Enforcement: The Home Office, Shabana Mahmood MP, and the Wales Office highlighted increased enforcement activity against illegal working, stating that the number of raids and arrests has surged to record levels.
- Online Safety: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Jo Stevens MP affirmed that sharing non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, is a criminal offence, with the department supporting an Ofcom investigation into the matter.
- Healthcare Initiatives: The Department of Health and Social Care and Darren Jones MP highlighted several initiatives, including a consultation on a Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care, the expansion of a pharmacy pilot for cholesterol checks, and increased usage of the NHS App.
The Ministry of Defence published its latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine. Lisa Nandy MP offered congratulations to British nominees and winners at the Golden Globes. The Department of Health and Social Care highlighted its consultation on a £500 million Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care. The House of Lords announced that Lord Forsyth of Drumlean has been elected the fifth Lord Speaker. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that an investigation by Ofcom has the full support of government regarding non-consensual AI generated images. The Department of Health and Social Care also posted about the Health Data Research Service, which it stated could help cure cancer, arthritis and dementia faster, and announced the appointment of Dr Melanie Ivarsson as its new CEO. Yvette Cooper stated she spoke to the Foreign Minister of Iran about the “horrific” killing and repression of peaceful protesters. Bridget Phillipson announced the conclusion of in-person events for the national conversation on SEND, noting there is “consensus” that change is needed. Separately, David Lammy discussed his visit to Toronto where he saw judge-only trials in action as a way to deliver swifter justice.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that tackling violence against women and girls is as important online as it is in the real world. In a related post, the Secretary of State was quoted as saying “No woman or child should live in fear of having their image sexually manipulated by technology” in an update on the government’s response to deepfakes.
Darren Jones MP announced that a pilot for getting cholesterol checked in pharmacies has been so successful it is being expanded. Defra UK stated it is “unacceptable” that areas in the South East are experiencing water supply issues and that the government has strengthened compensation rates for those affected. The Cabinet Office announced there will be a national service of remembrance for the infected blood community on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Jo Stevens stated that sharing, or threatening to share, a deepfake intimate image without consent is a criminal offence. Shabana Mahmood MP stated that enforcement activity has surged to the highest level in British history for illegal working. The Wales Office also noted that in 2025, the number of raids and arrests reached record levels in Wales. The Home Office reported that immigration enforcement raids skyrocketed by 77% since July 2024. The Department of Health and Social Care announced that three million more patients are using the NHS App every month compared to a year ago.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
The House of Lords announced that Lord Forsyth of Drumlean will take office as the new Lord Speaker on 2 February. The Cabinet Office stated there will be a national service of remembrance at St. Paul’s Cathedral for the infected blood community on Tuesday 19 May 2026. The Department of Health and Social Care noted its consultation on a Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care closes on 16 January. Defra stated it will continue to hold meetings with water companies to ensure supplies are restored. The Northern Ireland Office is holding roadshows for its Connect Fund from 12 – 19 January.
