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Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative minister and Scottish Tory treasurer, has defected to Reform UK during a Falkirk rally. He plans to resign from the House of Lords and stand for Holyrood in May, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives' lack of vision and the SNP government.
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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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President Trump has renewed his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a 'disaster' and suggesting he was elected due to immigration. Trump also criticized European leaders for being 'weak' and 'politically correct,' warning of future instability without reforms. The UK government defended Khan's record amid the controversy.
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British officials warn of increasing threats from Russia, emphasizing the need for societal and military preparedness. NATO chief urges urgent defense spending, while UK government plans new arms factories and enhances intelligence capabilities to counter potential conflicts.
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West Midlands police issued an apology after allegations that they falsely claimed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans threw members of the public into a canal and targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam to justify banning Israeli supporters from a Birmingham match. Dutch authorities challenged these claims, raising questions about the police assessment and political influence.
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On December 4, 2025, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in India after being sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to a 2024 crackdown on student protests. She also received consecutive seven-year prison terms for corruption involving illegal land grabs. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, but India is unlikely to comply amid political tensions ahead of February 2026 elections.
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On December 3, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a German leader in 27 years. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the visit highlights renewed UK-Germany ties post-Brexit, including the Kensington Treaty, and features commemorations of WWII tragedies and cooperation on Ukraine and migration.
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On December 11, 2025, Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced elections for 300 parliamentary seats and a national referendum on political reforms, scheduled amid ongoing political unrest. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus excludes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League from the ballot. Meanwhile, British MP Tulip Siddiq was sentenced in absentia to two years for corruption linked to illegal land allocation involving Hasina's family.
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Since December 10, 2025, former President Trump has intensified racist comments targeting Somali immigrants and their representatives, including Ilhan Omar, amid ongoing immigration policies and political tensions. His remarks have sparked widespread condemnation and concern over rising xenophobia in the US and globally.
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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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In early December 2025, President Donald Trump launched a harsh verbal attack on Somali immigrants in Minnesota, calling them "garbage" and claiming they contribute nothing to the US. He also criticized Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. These remarks coincided with federal plans for immigration enforcement operations targeting Somali residents, sparking local political backlash and highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration policy.
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Leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, and the US are engaging in high-level discussions to broker a ceasefire and peace agreement in Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts advance, Russia continues missile strikes, complicating negotiations. The US emphasizes security guarantees and European involvement in the process.
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Recent reports reveal Chinese-linked hackers targeted global telecoms and a US military network in a long-running cyberespionage campaign. Meanwhile, a UK case involving alleged spying for Beijing collapsed amid systemic failures and outdated laws, prompting calls for legal reform and scrutiny of diplomatic influence. The story highlights ongoing security concerns and diplomatic tensions.
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The UK government announced delays for mayoral elections in Essex, Hampshire, Sussex, and Norfolk, citing local government reorganization. The move has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Labour of undermining democracy. The elections are now scheduled for 2028, with political tensions rising ahead of upcoming local polls.
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The UK and Norway have signed a new agreement to operate a joint fleet of anti-submarine ships and develop autonomous underwater systems to counter increased Russian submarine activity and protect critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic. The initiative includes a £10 billion warship deal and advanced AI technology, amid rising tensions over Russian threats to undersea cables and pipelines.
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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 led to the death of Dawn Sturgess. The UK government sanctioned Russia's GRU intelligence agency and summoned the Russian ambassador amid ongoing tensions over Russia's hostile activities.
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The UK government and regulators are implementing measures to boost economic growth, including faster listing processes, provisional licensing for fintechs, and easing pension and mortgage rules, as part of a broader deregulation push. These changes aim to support start-ups and attract investment.
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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 reports highlight a growing crisis in early childhood development, with increasing numbers of preschoolers showing delayed speech, social skills, and emotional regulation. Contributing factors include poverty, pandemic effects, excessive screen time, and reduced parental engagement. Policy responses focus on early intervention and increased funding, but challenges remain.
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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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France's government, led by Prime Minister Se9bastien Lecornu, struggles to pass a social security bill amid political fragmentation. Concessions to the Socialists, including suspending Macron's pension reform, have alienated allies. Failure to pass the budget risks a funding shortfall and further instability, with key votes upcoming.
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UK government officials and Labour figures are increasingly discussing the possibility of rejoining the EU's customs union to boost economic growth. While official policies remain unchanged, informal talks suggest a shift towards closer relations, driven by economic pressures and the desire for better trade terms. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over Brexit's impact.
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Emirjon Gjuta, 34, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after re-entering the UK in breach of a deportation order. He was previously deported twice following convictions for drug offences and identity document offences. Gjuta claimed he did not understand the deportation orders due to lack of interpreter support.
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On December 6-7, 2025, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages, including at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukrainian forces intercepted most attacks. Concurrently, US-mediated peace talks continue, with progress dependent on Russia's commitment to peace.
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On December 6-8, 2025, the US released a National Security Strategy under President Trump, sharply criticizing Europe’s self-confidence and immigration policies, warning of 'civilizational erasure,' and signaling a pivot to the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. The strategy calls for ending the Ukraine war and restoring strategic stability with Russia, which Moscow welcomed. European leaders strongly rebuked the document, emphasizing alliance shifts and defending European sovereignty.
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As of December 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with UK, French, and German leaders in London to discuss a US-backed peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. The plan’s key sticking point remains Ukraine’s refusal to cede control of the eastern Donbas region. Meanwhile, Russia continues missile and drone attacks, and the US signals a desire to improve relations with Russia while urging a ceasefire.
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The UK government is advancing its anti-corruption efforts, focusing on legislation to combat strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps) and illicit finance. New measures include expanding police units, international summits, and reforms to financial transparency, aiming to curb money laundering, political corruption, and foreign influence. Progress is slow, with full implementation expected by 2029.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government plans to implement the Fingleton review, which could significantly weaken environmental protections, including habitat laws and judicial review costs. The move aims to accelerate nuclear projects but risks diverging from EU standards and harming wildlife, amid ongoing debates on economic growth and environmental preservation.
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The UK government faces ongoing scrutiny after leaks and the resignation of the OBR chair Richard Hughes. The Budget process was marred by unauthorized disclosures, with the Treasury launching an investigation. The OECD warns that fiscal tightening will slow growth, while political tensions escalate over the handling of public finances.
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On December 9-11, 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.
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As of December 11, 2025, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and European leaders are urgently negotiating a US-backed peace plan amid pressure from US President Trump to accept terms ceding territory to Russia. Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow airports, signaling military capability. Talks remain tense with unresolved security guarantees and territorial disputes.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky used group chat to answer reporters' questions mid-flight, emphasizing Ukraine's refusal to surrender land amid ongoing negotiations. He met European leaders to discuss security guarantees and territorial concessions, amid uncertainties over US support.
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A UK military serviceman died in Ukraine on Tuesday during a non-combat incident while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. The MoD confirmed the death, which is the first known fatality of a UK service member in Ukraine, highlighting the risks faced by UK personnel assisting Ukrainian defense efforts.
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Recent UK-US trade and pharmaceutical agreements aim to boost UK life sciences but face criticism over increased NHS drug costs and potential impacts on patient access. UK officials highlight investment gains, while critics warn of higher mortality and budget pressures.
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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.
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Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily and critic of Beijing, has faced a high-profile trial under Hong Kong's national security law. Charged with collusion and sedition, Lai's health has worsened in detention. The verdict's outcome could impact Hong Kong's political landscape and international relations.
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Ukraine has agreed to seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and others instead of NATO membership, as diplomatic talks in Berlin aim to end the conflict with Russia. Zelensky emphasizes this as a major compromise to prevent further invasion.