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Peter Mandelson was dismissed as UK ambassador to the US after leaked emails revealed his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, including messages urging Epstein to fight for early release. The scandal raises questions about vetting and judgment ahead of a US state visit, with ongoing political fallout in the UK.
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UK government is considering welfare cuts and reforms to special educational needs (SEND) policies. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reviewing benefits like PIP amid criticism, while plans to overhaul SEND support face opposition from parents and MPs. The reforms aim to address rising costs and system failures.
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The Liberal Democrats have launched a fierce campaign against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, accusing him of promoting policies inspired by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. At their Bournemouth conference, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey warned that Farage's vision would dismantle the NHS, relax gun laws, and foster social chaos. The party aims to position itself as the main obstacle to Reform's rise, emphasizing their opposition to populist and far-right policies.
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The Liberal Democrats propose a 'doomscrolling cap' to limit social media use among under-18s, citing mental health risks. The plan includes mandatory health warnings and restrictions on addictive apps, amid ongoing debates over online safety and free speech, with party leader Sir Ed Davey criticizing tech giants and government efforts.
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Long-serving Liberal Democrat MP and leader Menzies Campbell, known as Ming, has died aged 84. He was a former Olympic sprinter, MP for North East Fife from 1987 to 2015, and led the party from 2006 to 2007. His family confirmed he died peacefully in London after a period of respite care, with many praising his contributions to politics, sport, and law.
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On October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, attacked worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. He rammed a car into pedestrians and stabbed several people, killing two and seriously injuring four. Police shot the attacker dead at the scene. The attack is being investigated as terrorism linked to Islamist extremism amid rising antisemitism in the UK.
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Kemi Badenoch announced plans to abolish stamp duty on primary residences if the Tories win the next election, aiming to boost homeownership. Critics warn the move could inflate house prices and question the funding of proposed spending cuts. The policy is part of a broader Tory conference agenda.
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On October 17, 2025, Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, supported by West Midlands Police, banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa due to security concerns linked to violent clashes at a 2024 Amsterdam match. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders condemned the ban as wrong and antisemitic, while officials seek ways to overturn it.
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Uganda's rights advocates call for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill amid concerns over increased harassment and digital attacks. UNODC emphasizes strengthening justice systems, while debates in the UK focus on withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights, with political and civil society voices weighing in.
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, was seen dining near Westminster while visiting gun shops in London. The outing coincided with debates on UK border and immigration policies. Farage's activities raise questions about his stance on gun laws and immigration, amid ongoing political discussions.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a budget with £26 billion in tax increases, reversing previous promises not to raise taxes on working people. The budget aims to boost fiscal stability but faces criticism for breaking election pledges and amid economic challenges linked to Brexit and global factors.