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Keir Starmer has made significant changes to his No 10 team, including appointing Dan York-Smith as principal private secretary and restructuring economic roles, aiming to strengthen control over government policy amid ongoing political and economic challenges. The move follows a turbulent first year in office.
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UK political and industry leaders are debating whether to expand North Sea oil and gas production amid economic, energy security, and climate concerns. Labour faces internal divisions over balancing energy needs with climate commitments, while government officials highlight reliance on imports and job preservation. The debate reflects broader tensions over energy policy and climate goals.
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Labour's Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered a speech at the party conference emphasizing fiscal responsibility amid global economic pressures. She acknowledged the need for tough choices, including potential tax increases or spending cuts, to address a projected £50 billion budget shortfall. Reeves reaffirmed her commitment to economic stability and outlined key policy initiatives, amid internal party debates on borrowing and fiscal strategy.
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On October 8-9, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Mumbai to study India’s Aadhaar digital ID system, aiming to inform the UK’s planned “Brit Card” digital ID rollout by 2029. Starmer praised India’s system as a “massive success” despite privacy concerns and data leaks. The UK’s system will be narrower, focusing on employment verification to combat illegal work, with biometric data excluded.
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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.
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The UK government’s Chinese espionage trial against two men collapsed after prosecutors cited outdated legislation and the absence of clear government labels on China as a threat. Evidence was insufficient because officials avoided describing China as an active security threat, raising questions about national security policy and political interference. The case's failure highlights ongoing tensions over UK-China relations.
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On December 1, 2025, a Dhaka court sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison for corruption linked to illegal land allocation in Bangladesh. Her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, received a five-year sentence, and Siddiq's mother was sentenced to seven years. The trial was held in absentia amid claims of political motivation and flawed legal processes.