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As the UK Labour Party prepares for a crucial vote on assisted dying legislation scheduled for November 29, internal divisions have surfaced. Key figures, including Harriet Harman and Wes Streeting, express conflicting views on the bill's implications for NHS resources and moral considerations, complicating the party's stance.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget has sparked significant criticism and market reactions, with rising gilt yields and concerns over Labour's fiscal policies. The budget's tax increases and spending reforms have raised fears of economic stagnation, impacting the housing market and investor confidence as job losses loom in various sectors.
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Following the tragic case of Sara Sharif, England's children's commissioner Rachel de Souza has urged for an immediate ban on smacking children. This comes as Scotland and Wales have already implemented similar bans, highlighting the need for stronger child protection laws in England.
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Recent reports highlight a crisis in special educational needs (SEN) funding in the UK, with spending reaching £10 billion annually. Despite increased funding, outcomes for children with SEN have not improved, leading to calls for urgent reform to address systemic issues and support families effectively.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £6.7 billion funding boost for UK schools, including support for special educational needs. However, experts warn that rising costs may quickly absorb these funds, leaving many systemic issues unresolved. The government aims to address long-standing deficits in education funding amid a £40 billion gap in public finances.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that England's bus fare cap will increase from £2 to £3 starting January 2025. This decision comes as part of the upcoming budget aimed at addressing a £22 billion funding shortfall, despite concerns from local leaders about the impact on rural communities reliant on affordable transport.
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The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has announced plans to initiate legal action against the UK government over its decision to impose VAT on private school fees starting January 2025. The ISC argues this policy violates human rights and could significantly impact families and students, particularly those with special educational needs.
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Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary condemned the UK government's planned increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD), set to take effect in April 2026. He argues this will hinder UK tourism and make air travel more expensive, potentially reducing passenger numbers by five million. The Chancellor defends the increase as necessary to address inflation.
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The UK government has announced an increase in tuition fees for English universities, raising the cap from £9,250 to £9,535 starting in September 2025. This marks the first fee increase in eight years, aimed at addressing financial pressures in the higher education sector amid rising costs and declining international student numbers.
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Following the murder of Holly Newton by her ex-boyfriend, calls are growing to lower the legal age for recognizing domestic abuse victims in the UK. Advocates argue that younger individuals need better education on recognizing abusive behaviors in relationships. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has agreed to review current laws.
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizes the need for English schools to prioritize student wellbeing over solely academic success. This shift comes amid rising attendance issues and increasing numbers of students with special educational needs. Schools are urged to create inclusive environments to combat these challenges.
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The number of Indian students at US colleges increased by 23% in the 2023-2024 academic year, surpassing Chinese students for the first time since 2009. This shift reflects broader trends in international education, with overall foreign student enrollment in the US reaching over 1.1 million, according to the Institute of International Education.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first meeting between a British leader and Xi since 2018. Starmer aimed to mend UK-China relations while addressing human rights concerns, including the case of detained activist Jimmy Lai.
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The UK government is set to announce reforms aimed at curbing excessive profits in children's social care. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's measures include financial transparency for providers and new powers for Ofsted to regulate the sector, addressing a crisis exacerbated by rising costs and inadequate placements for vulnerable children.