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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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Recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges for Reform UK, including allegations of Russian influence, internal conflicts, and political violence. Key figures like Nigel Farage and allies are under scrutiny amid accusations of links to Kremlin funding and inflammatory rhetoric, raising questions about the party's future and influence.
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On October 24, 2025, the UK Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China between 2021 and 2023. The Director of Public Prosecutions cited the government's refusal to confirm China as a national security threat at the time. MI5 Director Ken McCallum affirmed ongoing Chinese espionage threats and recent operational interventions.
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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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The UK has resumed deportations of asylum seekers to France under a new treaty, with reports revealing distress among those returned, some claiming victimization and suffering from mental health issues. A returned migrant who re-entered the UK highlights dangers faced in France, raising questions about the policy's effectiveness and humanitarian impact. Today’s date: Thu, 23 Oct 2025.
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The UK government’s Chinese espionage trial against two men collapsed after prosecutors cited outdated legislation and the absence of clear government labels on China as a threat. Evidence was insufficient because officials avoided describing China as an active security threat, raising questions about national security policy and political interference. The case's failure highlights ongoing tensions over UK-China relations.
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Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian sex offender, was mistakenly released from UK prison instead of being deported. After a two-day manhunt, he was re-arrested in London. The incident has prompted calls for urgent reforms in prison release procedures amid political criticism and public concern.
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Two prisoners, including a sex offender, were mistakenly released from UK prisons and later deported to Ethiopia after a two-day manhunt. The incidents highlight systemic issues in prison management and deportation processes, prompting government investigations and criticism over resource shortages and policy decisions.
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Chancellor Reeves admitted to an oversight in rental licensing requirements for her Southwark home after it was disclosed by the Daily Mail. Prime Minister Starmer confirmed no further investigation is needed, but opposition calls for a full probe persist amid upcoming budget pressures.
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The Bank of England's upcoming rate decision is highly uncertain, with analysts split on whether to cut or hold at 4.0%. Recent data shows inflation easing, but external factors and political signals complicate the decision. The outcome will influence borrowing costs and economic outlook.
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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, caused widespread devastation with winds up to 185 mph on October 28. Scientists confirm climate change intensified the storm’s wind speeds by 7% and rainfall by 16%, making such events more frequent and severe. The hurricane caused at least 61 deaths and damages estimated at one-third of Jamaica’s GDP, highlighting urgent climate adaptation and finance needs.
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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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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends his government's clean energy policies at the climate summit in Belem, amid global and domestic divisions. He emphasizes economic opportunities and international cooperation, despite opposition from some political factions and global leaders like Trump and Xi Jinping. The UK aims to lead on climate action and secure green investments.
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UK politicians emphasize the urgency of climate action at COP 30, warning that inaction risks energy security, rising costs, and environmental catastrophe. Leaders highlight economic opportunities in green industries and criticize opposition efforts to undermine climate policies, amid public concern about future impacts.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed plans to raise income tax ahead of the November 26 budget, citing improved economic forecasts. The move unsettled markets, causing bond yields to rise and the pound to fall, amid fears over fiscal credibility and political stability.
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Keir Starmer has urged government ministers to focus on delivering policies rather than infighting, following a week of leaks and leadership speculation. The PM emphasized the importance of unity ahead of the upcoming budget, amid reports of internal challenges and shifting economic plans.
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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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The UK government announced sweeping changes to immigration and asylum policies, including longer settlement wait times, stricter eligibility criteria, and temporary refugee status. High earners and NHS workers are fast-tracked, while others face waits up to 30 years. The reforms aim to control migration and reform public services.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her budget amid economic uncertainty, with expected tax hikes, spending cuts, and reforms to property taxes. The government faces pressure to balance public finances while avoiding market instability and political backlash, as debates over tax policy and growth strategies intensify.
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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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New UK government forecasts show the tax burden will peak at 38.3% of GDP by 2030/31, driven by increased welfare spending and frozen tax thresholds. The forecasts also predict higher government debt and inflation, with measures including extended threshold freezes and welfare reforms announced in the recent Budget.
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Rachel Reeves announced a £26 billion budget aimed at fiscal stability, including tax increases and measures to support growth. The budget faces criticism for its reliance on austerity and conservative macro strategies, despite progressive policies like scrapping benefit caps and investing in public services.
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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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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.