-
On 26 November 2025, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, effective April 2026. The policy, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, limited child tax credits to two children per family and contributed to rising child poverty. The repeal is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty, funded by new taxes including a gambling levy and mansion tax.
-
The UK is close to finalising an agreement to rejoin the EU's Erasmus student mobility scheme by January 2026, aiming for participation from 2027. The move signals a shift towards closer EU relations after Brexit setbacks, amid ongoing negotiations on defense and trade agreements.
-
Leaked data reveals Boris Johnson used his private office to profit from contacts made during his time as prime minister. The files show Johnson engaged in lucrative speeches, lobbying, and business deals after leaving office, raising questions about misuse of public funds and ethical breaches. Authorities are investigating.
-
Leaked documents reveal Boris Johnson lobbied Saudi officials on behalf of private firms in 2024, raising questions about potential breaches of lobbying rules and conflicts of interest. The revelations highlight Johnson's post-office activities and contacts with Gulf states, prompting calls for scrutiny.
-
Recent proposals to extend the settlement period from five to ten years in the UK have caused anxiety among Hong Kong migrants and skilled workers. Thinktank analysis suggests the move could generate billions in revenue but risks increased costs, insecurity, and economic harm. The government has yet to clarify the policy's scope.
-
A UK inquiry highlights severe, long-lasting effects of COVID-19 on children, including mental health issues, disrupted education, and increased online harms. Meanwhile, concerns grow globally over digital device use and gambling risks among youth, prompting calls for stricter regulations and guidelines.
-
In September 2025, British prosecutors dropped espionage charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China between 2021 and 2023. The case collapsed after the government failed to provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses, a legal requirement under the 1911 Official Secrets Act. Both men deny wrongdoing.
-
On October 7-8, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Mumbai to promote the UK-India trade deal signed in July. Leading a delegation of over 120 business and cultural leaders, Starmer emphasized that visa liberalization for Indian workers or students is not part of the agreement. The deal aims to boost trade by lowering tariffs and expanding business ties, while the UK maintains strict immigration policies.
-
The Conservative Party faces declining support and low attendance at its conference, amid internal divisions and a loss of relevance. Critics highlight its failure to address recent failures and question its future viability, as new leadership struggles to revive its fortunes in a shifting political landscape. Today’s date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:25:15 +0100.
-
Kemi Badenoch delivered a combative speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, emphasizing her plans to overhaul the economy, borders, and welfare system. She highlighted her party's strengths while criticizing Labour and the previous Tory government, promising significant policy changes if re-elected.
-
In October 2025, the UK government faces intense scrutiny after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed because the government did not provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, a legal requirement under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Parliamentary committees have launched inquiries, and MI5 has expressed frustration over the decision amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagement.
-
Recent UK Covid-19 Inquiry testimonies reveal Boris Johnson's government delayed planning and underestimated the impact of school closures on children. Evidence suggests many children suffered long-term health and developmental issues, including Long Covid, with critics calling the response a failure. The inquiry continues to examine accountability.
-
UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced new powers for military bases to shoot down unidentified drones, citing increased Russian drone activity over Europe and Ukraine. The move aims to extend protections to airports and critical sites, amid rising tensions and recent incursions into European airspace.
-
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has outlined plans for modest tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on becoming a pro-business government. The party aims to remove inheritance tax from family farms, raise tax thresholds, and reassess public sector benefits, amid concerns over economic stability and Brexit's impact. The proposals face criticism from Labour and Conservatives.
-
The UK government faces a complex budget ahead, balancing rearmament costs, economic recovery, and environmental protections. Labour criticizes Brexit's economic impact, while tensions with the EU over environmental standards threaten trade relations. The government aims to boost growth amid inflation and security concerns.
-
New deprivation indices confirm Jaywick in Essex is England’s most deprived neighbourhood for the fourth consecutive time, highlighting persistent inequality. The latest data, updated for 2025, shows high deprivation across multiple measures, especially in coastal towns and inner London, with implications for government funding and policy focus.
-
The Bank of England's upcoming rate decision is highly uncertain, with analysts split on whether to cut or hold at 4.0%. Recent data shows inflation easing, but external factors and political signals complicate the decision. The outcome will influence borrowing costs and economic outlook.
-
Russian authorities claim to have thwarted a plot by Ukraine and Britain to hijack a Russian MiG-31 with a Kinzhal missile, aiming to provoke NATO by flying the jet toward a Romanian base. The operation involved offers of $3 million to a Russian pilot and was reportedly directed by Ukrainian and British intelligence. The story highlights ongoing tensions and information warfare.
-
The UK will keep the 8-foot Portland stone memorial wall on the Thames to honor the 240,000 virus-related deaths and key workers. Established in 2021 without official approval, it features painted hearts representing each life lost. The government supports annual reflection days and new memorial spaces.
-
A new report from the UK Covid-19 inquiry criticizes the government led by Boris Johnson for a "lack of urgency" in 2020, concluding that earlier lockdowns could have saved over 23,000 lives. The inquiry highlights a chaotic culture at Number 10 and delays in decision-making, with all four UK nations acting too late to contain the virus.
-
The UK is set to approve a new Chinese embassy near Tower of London, with final decision due on December 10. MI5 and MI6 have reportedly given the green light, despite ongoing security concerns linked to espionage risks and recent spying allegations. The decision coincides with UK-China diplomatic efforts and upcoming Prime Minister visits.
-
UK authorities have disrupted a billion-dollar money laundering network linked to Russian crime and sanctions evasion. The operation, called 'Operation Destabilise,' has led to 128 arrests and the seizure of over £25 million in cash and crypto, revealing extensive links to organized crime, cybercrime, and Russia's military-industrial complex.
-
Christopher Harborne, a British businessman based in Thailand, donated £9 million to Reform UK in August, setting a record for the largest single donation from a living person in UK political history. His donations span over two decades, supporting multiple parties including the Conservatives and Boris Johnson. The donation boosts Reform UK's financial position ahead of upcoming elections.