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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 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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The UK government announced it will ban Israeli students from attending the Royal College of Defence Studies from next year amid escalating tensions over Gaza. The move marks the first time since 1927 that Israelis are barred, following Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza and diplomatic strains with the UK.
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The UK and US are set to sign agreements during Trump’s visit to fast-track nuclear project approvals, including plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. The deal aims to reduce licensing times, boost energy security, and create thousands of jobs, marking a new phase in transatlantic nuclear cooperation.
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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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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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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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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.