In November 2013 Nominet, the body responsible for UK domain names, announced the introduction of shorter .uk domain names.
This would bring the UK in line with other European countries like .fr for France and .de for Germany
These shortened UK domain names will come into effect on 10th June 2014. Here are some FAQs regarding these new extension
I own a .co.uk domain name, can someone else register my name?
If you owned a unique .co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, .net.uk, .plc.uk or .ltd.uk domain name before 23:59:59 on 28th October 2013 you will have automatic right to the .uk domain name and the shorter and snappier name will be reserved especially for you, for free, up until 10 June 2019 as long as your domain remains registered.
To see if you're eligible, enter your .UK domain into theĀ Rights lookup tool.