-
In October 2025, the UK government faces intense scrutiny after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed because the government did not provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, a legal requirement under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Parliamentary committees have launched inquiries, and MI5 has expressed frustration over the decision amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagement.
-
On December 23, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly defended former President Bill Clinton following the Department of Justice's release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, which included photos of Clinton with Epstein and other celebrities. Clinton's spokesperson accused the DOJ of selective transparency protecting unknown parties. The DOJ plans further releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein victims and lawmakers criticized the partial disclosures and handling by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
-
On December 18, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed career diplomat Christian Turner as the new ambassador to the United States, replacing Peter Mandelson who was dismissed over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Turner, previously UK envoy to the UN and high commissioner to Pakistan, will manage relations with the Trump administration amid tensions over Ukraine, trade, and Middle East peace efforts.