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Speculation grows that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is eyeing a Westminster return, with reports of a 'nailed-on' seat. Burnham dismisses the stories, while Labour insiders debate the hurdles he faces amid internal party tensions and poll setbacks. The story highlights ongoing leadership tensions within Labour as the party faces electoral challenges.
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Recent UK housing legislation introduces rent controls in Scotland and social housing reforms in England. While these measures aim to address housing shortages and tenant protections, concerns remain over enforcement, funding, and exemptions for certain property types amid declining new builds and rising social issues.
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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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On Yom Kippur, a terrorist drove a car into worshippers outside a Manchester synagogue before stabbing bystanders. The attacker was shot dead by police within seven minutes, with two victims confirmed dead and four others seriously injured. The incident is being treated as terrorism.
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Storm Amy caused widespread disruption across Scotland, with winds reaching nearly 100mph, power outages affecting over 80,000 homes, and travel chaos. The storm highlights climate change impacts, prompting calls for infrastructure investment and climate action.
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Ming Yang, a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, announced plans to invest up to £1.5 billion in a new offshore wind factory in Scotland, with the first phase starting by late 2028. UK approval is pending amid security concerns, but the project aims to boost Scotland's floating wind industry and create 1,500 jobs.
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The UK government is advancing its digital ID plans, aiming for mandatory IDs for work and public services by 2029. Critics raise concerns over privacy, civil liberties, and security, amid ongoing political debates and public protests. A pilot for veteran IDs begins, highlighting both potential benefits and risks.
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As of November 2025, the UK faces a worsening housing crisis with social housing waits extending up to 200 years in some areas. The government has cut affordable housing quotas in London from 35% to 20% to accelerate construction, while plans to move asylum seekers from costly hotels to disused military barracks have sparked local opposition and cost concerns. Despite increased construction starts, current rates fall far short of Labour's 1.5 million homes target, with social housing delivery particularly lagging.
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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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The Scottish Government plans to issue its first bonds, nicknamed 'kilts,' in 2026-27, supported by credit ratings equal to the UK. The move aims to fund infrastructure and demonstrates Scotland's fiscal maturity, though independence could threaten its credit status.
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Nigel Farage's Reform UK gains support in Scotland amid rising anti-immigration protests and controversial claims about Glasgow's schoolchildren. Key figures, including First Minister Swinney and Sir Keir Starmer, condemn Farage's comments as racist. The political landscape in Scotland is shifting ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, with Reform UK poised to make significant gains.
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Recent articles highlight Glasgow's rising number of pupils with English as an additional language, with figures showing nearly one in three students. While some political figures, like Nigel Farage, claim this signals cultural 'smashing,' local educators emphasize the benefits of multilingualism and the city's success in supporting diverse learners.