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In November 2025, UK battery electric vehicle (EV) registrations rose 3.6% year-on-year to 39,965, marking the weakest growth in nearly two years amid a 1.6% overall new car market decline. The government announced a £1.3bn extension of EV purchase grants and £200m for charging infrastructure, while planning a 3p-per-mile EV tax from 2028 to offset lost fuel duty revenue, sparking industry concerns about demand sustainability.
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On December 4, 2025, a UK public inquiry concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack targeting former spy Sergei Skripal, which indirectly caused the death of Dawn Sturgess. The inquiry found the GRU operatives acted on Putin's instructions, leading to sanctions against the GRU and diplomatic actions against Russia amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine.
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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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Several major retailers released financial updates, revealing resilience in some sectors and challenges in others. Walmart benefits from strong holiday sales, while Kingfisher and AO World raise profit forecasts amid cautious outlooks. Advertising firms face profit downgrades due to economic headwinds. The stories reflect ongoing shifts in consumer behavior and economic pressures.
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Recent developments include US asset managers returning to private markets amid AI-driven valuations, UK regulators proposing a second operator for private company trading platforms, and ongoing reforms to improve liquidity transparency in UK equity markets. These shifts reflect a broader move towards private investments and market transparency.
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British authorities have postponed a decision on China's proposed embassy near Tower of London until January 20, citing security concerns. The plan involves consolidating China's diplomatic sites into Europe's largest embassy, amid opposition over espionage fears and proximity to critical infrastructure. The delay aligns with Prime Minister Starmer’s upcoming visit to China.
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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.
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Britain's government has unveiled a strategic plan for GB Energy to develop 15 GW of clean energy by 2030, aiming to power nearly 10 million homes, create 10,000 jobs, and mobilize £15 billion in private investment. The initiative emphasizes public ownership and regional development.
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Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced a new show claiming to expose the 'deep state' and promote Western values. Polls show minimal public interest and support for her political return, amid ongoing debates about her influence and the show's impact on political discourse.
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Prime Minister Starmer emphasizes a balanced, realistic approach to China, acknowledging its global significance and security threats. He criticizes past inconsistent policies and signals a shift towards engagement in non-security areas, while maintaining a firm stance on security. The government considers a controversial Chinese embassy plan and prepares for a possible visit to China next year.
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In late November 2025, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College freshman brought to the US as a child, was detained at Boston Logan Airport and deported to Honduras despite a federal court order prohibiting her removal. The case exposes opaque immigration enforcement and alleged legal violations. Concurrently, other deportation cases and tightened UK immigration rules highlight global shifts in migration policies.
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Net migration to the UK dropped 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest since 2021, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals for work and study and increased emigration. Despite this, public concern over immigration remains high, especially regarding illegal Channel crossings and asylum seekers. The government has introduced stricter immigration policies and plans further reforms to reduce migration pressures.
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A recent report from the UK’s National Energy System Operator warns of a potential gas supply shortfall by 2030-31 if key infrastructure fails, highlighting vulnerabilities in undersea pipelines and the need for mitigation measures amid ongoing energy transition challenges.
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Fifty children from Gaza, affected by ongoing Israeli strikes, have been evacuated to the UK for treatment. Prince William visited children receiving care, expressing admiration for their courage amid the conflict. UK officials emphasize scaling aid into Gaza post-ceasefire.
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The UK and Norway have signed a historic agreement to operate a joint fleet of Type-26 frigates, aimed at protecting critical undersea cables and countering increased Russian naval activity in the North Atlantic. The deal includes a £10bn warship contract and enhanced military cooperation, amid rising tensions over Russian vessels near UK waters.
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Recent cases reveal ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement, detention conditions, and deportation policies in the UK and Australia. A man with a terrorism conviction re-entered the UK illegally, while detainees in Australia face prolonged detention and mistreatment. These stories underscore systemic issues in immigration management.
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UBS's latest report shows a record increase in billionaires worldwide, reaching 2,919 with collective wealth of $15.8 trillion. Women are outpacing men in wealth growth for four consecutive years, and inheritance continues to drive the rise, especially in the US and Europe. The billionaire class is diversifying and expanding rapidly.
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The Oakland Athletics have reached key construction milestones for their new Las Vegas stadium, with cranes in place and foundational work underway. The team’s move is scheduled before the 2028 season, and fan experiences are already opening. Meanwhile, the city hosts the upcoming Copa América draw amid ongoing tourism challenges.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature variable ticket pricing, with prices ranging from $60 to over $6,700. Fans face high costs, especially for the final, amid concerns over affordability. Ticket sales begin December 11, with resale prices expected to soar, driven by global demand.
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Ofgem has approved £24 billion for energy infrastructure upgrades in the UK, increasing household bills by around £108 by 2031. The investment aims to modernise gas and electricity networks, support renewable energy, and enhance energy security, with expected future savings offsetting initial costs.
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Two months after a US-backed ceasefire, Israel has violated it over 500 times, killing over 356 Palestinians and causing Gaza's death toll to exceed 70,000. Despite claims of peace, Israel continues military operations, destruction, and restrictions, with international protests demanding an end to the ongoing violence.
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Spain's outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona has led to export bans and containment efforts. Authorities suspect contaminated food as the source, with no farms affected so far. The outbreak threatens Spain's significant pork industry and international trade, prompting coordinated EU responses.
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Mitchells & Butlers said rising steak prices had impacted its eateries and Miller & Carter restaurants
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On December 1-2, 2025, WHO issued its first guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The US government finalized deals lowering prices for these drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, expanding coverage to more patients. Despite benefits, studies show weight and health gains reverse if treatment stops, highlighting need for ongoing care.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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Target's Black Friday gift bags faced criticism for low-value items, with customers expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial swag. Meanwhile, other retailers like Lowe's offered more generous freebies, highlighting a competitive gap in holiday marketing strategies.
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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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Recent reports highlight concerns over the UK’s military preparedness amid rising threats from Russia and China. Despite government promises to boost defence spending and build new factories, MPs warn that the UK lacks a comprehensive plan to defend itself and its territories, with funding and strategic gaps remaining unaddressed.
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On Nov 28-29, 2025, Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian-sanctioned oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Both vessels, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions, were damaged; Kairos caught fire while Virat sustained minor damage. Turkey condemned the attacks and is engaging with parties to prevent escalation. Separately, UK officials reported increased Russian naval activity near British waters, including laser targeting of RAF pilots by the Russian spy ship Yantar.
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A Taiwanese airline, Apex Aviation, is seeking to operate civilian surveillance flights using modified aircraft equipped with U.S.-made radar to monitor Chinese activity. The government remains cautious but open to public-private collaboration amid rising Chinese incursions. The initiative aims to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and regional security.
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On November 21, 2025, Nathan Gill, former Reform UK Wales leader and ex-MEP, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting at least £40,000 in bribes from pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between 2018 and 2019. Gill made scripted pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament and media, compromising legislative integrity and implicating other MEPs. The case raises concerns about Kremlin influence in UK politics and scrutiny of Nigel Farage's party.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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On Nov 26, 2025, UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced over £26 billion in new tax increases, adding to £40 billion raised last year. The budget includes freezing income tax thresholds, a mansion tax, and levies on electric cars amid warnings of slowed economic growth and political challenges for the Labour government elected in 2024.
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Recent articles reveal a leak of the UK budget details before the official announcement, causing market fluctuations and political controversy. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally published its economic forecast early, contradicting government claims about improved forecasts influencing tax decisions. The incident intensifies scrutiny of government-OBR relations amid ongoing budget debates.
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The Biden administration is moving to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their support for violence and destabilization. The move follows regional crackdowns and regional tensions, with the process including reports from US agencies and potential legal challenges.
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On December 1-3, 2025, Canada became the first non-EU country to join the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense initiative, granting Canadian defense firms access to EU-backed loans and reducing reliance on U.S. military procurement. Concurrently, Canada struck an energy and trade deal with Alberta to expand oil exports to Asia via a new pipeline, relaxing federal emissions caps in exchange for stronger carbon pricing and carbon capture projects, despite opposition from British Columbia and Indigenous groups. Canada also restarted stalled trade talks with India aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.
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On December 2, 2025, UK Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans to drastically reduce jury trials in England and Wales to address a Crown Court backlog nearing 80,000 cases. Jury trials will be reserved for serious crimes like murder, rape, and manslaughter, while lesser offences will be tried by judges alone or magistrates. The reforms follow Sir Brian Leveson's review but go further, sparking opposition from legal professionals and MPs.
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The UK government announced a three-year stamp duty exemption on shares in newly listed companies to boost London's competitiveness. The move aims to attract more domestic listings and counteract recent losses to US markets, amid mixed reactions on its potential impact on investment and capital markets.
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A French ticket holder has claimed a €179 million (£157 million) EuroMillions jackpot, one of the year's largest. The winning numbers were 5, 29, 33, 39, 42, with Lucky Stars 3 and 9. The winner has not yet come forward. The next jackpot is €105 million, with other UK winners also announced.
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The UK High Court is examining whether the government’s ban on Palestine Action, proscribed in July for protests linked to Gaza, infringes on free speech. Over 2,300 arrests have occurred since the ban, which criminalizes support for the group with sentences up to 14 years. The case continues today.
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Labour's chancellor announced a series of tax increases and spending cuts, including ending the two-child benefit cap and introducing a mansion tax. The measures aim to fill a £30bn fiscal gap, raising the tax burden to a record 38% of GDP by 2030, with over 1.7 million earners affected.
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The UK government announced a reduction in the annual cash ISA limit from £20,000 to £12,000 starting April 2027, excluding over-65s. The move aims to promote investment but faces criticism over its potential to discourage savings and increase complexity, with additional reforms to pension schemes and higher taxes on savings income.
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Rachel Reeves faced scrutiny after the early leak of the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) forecast, which predicted slower economic growth and higher inflation. Reeves defended her fiscal approach, emphasizing investment and debt reduction, amid concerns over the leak's impact on market confidence and political stability.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government's record on public finances amid criticism of a £26 billion tax hike. He emphasized fairness and the need for revenue to fund public services, while Labour's policies on child poverty and welfare reform remain central to the debate. The story is current as of Tue, 02 Dec 2025.
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The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service has launched a new operational attribution science unit to help governments and insurers assess the physical risks of extreme weather events linked to climate change. The service will publish assessments within a week of events, aiming to inform policy and legal actions.
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The UK National Screening Committee recommends against mass prostate screening due to risks outweighing benefits, but proposes targeted screening for high-risk groups, including men with BRCA mutations. The decision follows ongoing debates and new research into screening methods and risks.
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The UK has submitted a bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup, proposing 22 stadiums across 16 cities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The tournament would feature 48 teams, 104 matches, and aim to be the most accessible ever, with a projected global audience of 3.5 billion. The bid includes plans for new and redeveloped stadiums, with Wembley Stadium set to host the final if successful.
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Rachel Reeves announced a £26bn tax increase to fund public services, despite conflicting forecasts from the OBR suggesting a smaller fiscal gap. She emphasized protecting investment in infrastructure and denied that working-age people bear the main burden. Political tensions and market concerns surround the budget's impact.
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UK manufacturing PMI rose to 50.2 in November, the first expansion since September 2024, driven by domestic demand and larger firms. Business optimism hit a nine-month high, though employment and smaller firms still face contraction. The data suggests a cautious recovery amid mixed economic signals.
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Recent surveys show UK business confidence remains low following the government's November budget, which included £26bn in tax hikes. Firms expect reduced investment and hiring, citing increased costs and economic uncertainty. Analysts warn growth prospects are weakening amid cautious consumer spending.