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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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The new UK home secretary, Suella Mahmood, has inherited a record-breaking migrant crossing crisis, with over 30,000 crossings this year. She has pledged to strengthen border security through international cooperation, including a new returns deal with France, and plans to move asylum seekers into military barracks amid mounting political pressure.
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The UK government announced a £182 million plan to establish five new defence technical colleges and expand STEM schemes. The initiative aims to train thousands of students, upskill existing workers, and support veterans, addressing national security concerns amid international tensions. Applications open in late 2025, with colleges launching in 2026.
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UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood hosted a Five Eyes summit in London, emphasizing border security amid record migrant crossings via the English Channel. Leaders discussed measures against people smuggling, child abuse, and opioids, with plans to tighten visa policies and consider military sites for migrant housing. The meeting highlights ongoing migration challenges and diplomatic efforts.
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As of September 2025, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to potentially suspend visas for countries that refuse to cooperate on returning rejected asylum seekers. This move follows record Channel crossings, with over 30,000 migrants arriving by small boats in 2025. Mahmood discussed coordinated action with Five Eyes allies and is exploring housing asylum seekers in military sites to manage the crisis.
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On September 11, 2025, UK Prime Minister ordered the withdrawal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US following revelations of emails showing a deeper relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously known. The emails included Mandelson urging Epstein to "fight for early release" before Epstein's 2008 prison sentence. Mandelson had earlier described Epstein as "my best pal" in a 2003 birthday book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell.
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Amid ongoing Gaza conflict, Britain hosts a major arms exhibition with Israeli companies present despite government exclusion of Israeli officials. Protests and international criticism highlight tensions over arms sales and diplomatic stance, as UK considers recognizing a Palestinian state and faces pressure over its defense industry’s role in the conflict.
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The UK and US have announced a major tech partnership during President Trump’s visit, with $31 billion in US investments into UK AI, quantum computing, and nuclear sectors. The deal aims to foster growth, security, and innovation, with companies like Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, and OpenAI committing billions. The agreement also includes cooperation on nuclear power and AI infrastructure, but UK steel tariffs remain unresolved.
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Kenyan courts have issued an arrest warrant for a UK citizen linked to Agnes Wanjiru's 2012 murder. Extradition proceedings are underway, potentially marking the first time a British soldier faces trial in Kenya for a civilian's death. The case has strained UK-Kenya relations.
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On Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, prompting NATO to scramble jets and summon Russian diplomats. This follows recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. NATO plans consultations under Article 4, emphasizing readiness to defend member airspace.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for a joint European air defense system to counter Russian drone threats, citing recent incursions in Poland, Denmark, and Romania. NATO countries are increasing security measures amid ongoing regional tensions and Russian drone activity, with Ukraine claiming its military can neutralize most threats.
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UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced new powers for military bases to shoot down unidentified drones, citing increased Russian drone activity over Europe and Ukraine. The move aims to extend protections to airports and critical sites, amid rising tensions and recent incursions into European airspace.
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Australia will send a liaison officer to Israel as part of a US-led international stabilization force supporting the Gaza ceasefire. The force aims to facilitate humanitarian aid, monitor compliance, and support the peace process, amid ongoing violence and diplomatic negotiations involving multiple nations.
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The UK and Germany are increasing joint military efforts against Russian naval activity. The Royal Navy monitored a Russian destroyer under NATO command for the first time, while Germany plans to deploy submarines alongside the RAF from Lossiemouth. These moves strengthen NATO's northern defenses amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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Leaders from the UK, US, and Europe meet in London to coordinate efforts supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Discussions focus on increasing military aid, sanctions on Russia, and measures to protect Ukraine’s infrastructure as winter approaches. Zelensky visits the UK for the first ceremonial welcome, emphasizing the need for stronger pressure on Russia.
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On October 27, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal for Turkey to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This deal strengthens NATO's southeastern flank and supports Turkey's interim air defense needs until its indigenous KAAN fighter jet becomes operational around 2028. Turkey also seeks to acquire additional jets from Qatar and Oman and aims to rejoin the U.S. F-35 program.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an £8bn agreement with Turkey for 20 Typhoon fighter jets, marking the largest UK fighter jet order in nearly two decades. The deal supports thousands of British jobs, boosts NATO cooperation, and concludes long-running negotiations, with deliveries expected from 2030. Critics highlight human rights concerns in Turkey.
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Robert Purkiss, a British ex-soldier, faces extradition to Kenya over the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru. The case, which involves allegations of misconduct by UK soldiers, has strained UK-Kenya relations. Purkiss denies the charges, and proceedings are ongoing as Kenyan authorities seek justice after years of delays.
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Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy fighting across multiple regions amid ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes. Kyiv reports advances and setbacks, while international efforts focus on sanctions and diplomacy. The conflict remains highly active as Ukraine seeks military and economic support today, Nov 20, 2025.
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A crew member last seen late Friday night on the RFA Tidesurge is missing. An extensive search involving UK and Irish authorities has been unsuccessful. The incident occurred off the northwest coast between Tory Island and Eagle Island. The family has been notified, and the search continues.
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Russian forces claim to have liberated Zvanivka and advanced near Huliaipole, while Ukraine reports fierce fighting in Donetsk and Pokrovsk. Russia continues air and drone attacks, and Ukraine prepares for potential peace negotiations amid ongoing territorial disputes and strategic shifts.
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British officials have publicly reaffirmed ongoing intelligence sharing with the US amid reports of halted cooperation over US military actions in Venezuela. UK ministers avoid endorsing US military strikes, emphasizing adherence to international law. British personnel remain onboard US warships in the Caribbean, with no plans to participate in attacks.
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HMRC faces scrutiny after wrongly suspending child benefits for nearly 4,000 parents due to flawed Home Office travel data. Officials will be questioned over the costly mistake, which affected families including Ukrainian refugees and hospital patients. HMRC has promised to improve processes and safeguard against future errors.
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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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Russian missile strikes in Ternopil killed at least 25 people, including children, and injured dozens. The attack targeted residential buildings, causing fires and hazardous chlorine levels. Ukraine plans to raise the incident at the UN, amid ongoing conflict and missile exchanges across Ukraine.
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A US-backed proposal for Ukraine involves ceding the Donbas region, downsizing its military, and recognizing Russian control over Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk. Kyiv's leadership is open to negotiations, while European allies push back against significant concessions to Russia. The plan remains a draft and is under discussion.