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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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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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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 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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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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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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Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended recent government measures, including a £26 billion tax hike and welfare reforms, amid criticism over economic forecasts and policy decisions. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of misleading the public and emphasized the importance of welfare and economic stability. The story highlights ongoing political and economic tensions in the UK.
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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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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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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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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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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.