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The UK government has announced plans to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail in three phases, focusing on improving connections across northern England. Funding details and timelines remain uncertain, but the scheme aims to address regional inequality and boost economic growth, with further funding expected at the upcoming spending review.
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Recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges for Reform UK, including allegations of Russian influence, internal conflicts, and political violence. Key figures like Nigel Farage and allies are under scrutiny amid accusations of links to Kremlin funding and inflammatory rhetoric, raising questions about the party's future and influence.
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Recent data shows nearly 950,000 UK youths aged 16-24 are NEET, the highest since 2014, with rising unemployment and inactivity. The government plans a youth guarantee scheme amid calls for reforms to support young people's employment and education prospects.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce her second budget amid economic challenges, including rising unemployment and a shrinking jobs market. She signals potential tax hikes, breaking previous manifesto promises, to address a significant fiscal deficit and fund public services, with a focus on fairness and economic stability.
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As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
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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.
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The UK government announced a series of measures in the upcoming budget, including a freeze on rail fares to help households, alongside planned tax increases to address a £20bn fiscal gap. The budget aims to support living standards while managing economic stability amid political pressures.
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Rachel Reeves announced a £26 billion budget aimed at fiscal stability, including tax increases and measures to support growth. The budget faces criticism for its reliance on austerity and conservative macro strategies, despite progressive policies like scrapping benefit caps and investing in public services.
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Nigel Farage's Reform UK considers a merger or deal with the Conservatives before the 2026 elections, despite denials from both sides. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch emphasizes fighting for every vote amid declining poll support, as Labour faces internal challenges ahead of local elections.
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The UK government announced delays for mayoral elections in Essex, Hampshire, Sussex, and Norfolk, citing local government reorganization. The move has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Labour of undermining democracy. The elections are now scheduled for 2028, with political tensions rising ahead of upcoming local polls.
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Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based investor, donated £9m to Reform UK in August, marking the largest ever single donation from a living person to a UK political party. His wealth stems from cryptocurrency, aviation, and defense sectors, raising questions about influence and transparency in UK politics.
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Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative minister and Scottish Tory treasurer, has defected to Reform UK during a Falkirk rally. He plans to resign from the House of Lords and stand for Holyrood in May, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives' lack of vision and the SNP government.
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Edinburgh's tram extension is condemned as a vanity project amid funding doubts, while Leeds' long-delayed tram system is pushed back by at least two years. Both regions face setbacks in their efforts to modernise public transit, reflecting broader challenges in UK infrastructure development.
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In late 2025, the US under President Trump declared Europe an adversary in its National Security Strategy, citing immigration policies and demographic shifts as threats to Western civilization. The US supports far-right European parties, opposes EU digital regulations, and urges Europe to reduce reliance on adversarial powers. Germany and Europe are called to assume greater self-defense amid waning US commitment, straining transatlantic relations.
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A British-Egyptian activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, returned to the UK after years in Egyptian detention. Despite resurfaced social media posts calling for violence, UK authorities decided not to revoke his citizenship, citing legal thresholds. The case highlights tensions over national identity, free speech, and diplomatic relations.
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UK politicians are debating a potential ban on social media for under-16s, inspired by Australia's recent restrictions. The move aims to protect children from online harms, with support growing among parties and unions. The government is reviewing options, including age verification and restrictions in schools, amid concerns over mental health and online safety.