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British military leaders warn of increasing Russian threats, emphasizing the need for societal and military preparedness. UK plans include new arms factories, enhanced intelligence, and a national resilience strategy amid rising tensions and NATO concerns.
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer are discussing closer ties with the EU amid economic pressures. Sunak emphasizes maintaining red lines, while Starmer signals openness to rejoining the customs union, reflecting ongoing debates over Brexit's economic impact and future relationship with Europe.
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UK unemployment rose to 5.1% in the three months to October, the highest since early 2016 outside the pandemic era. Wage growth slowed slightly, and job losses increased, especially among young workers. Experts link these trends to economic uncertainty ahead of the upcoming budget and potential interest rate cuts.
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Official figures show the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in October, marking the second consecutive monthly decline. The slowdown is linked to pre-Budget uncertainty, a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, and subdued consumer spending. Economists expect a Bank of England rate cut next week amid ongoing economic fragility.
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Nigel Farage's Reform UK considers a merger or deal with the Conservatives before the 2026 elections, despite denials from both sides. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch emphasizes fighting for every vote amid declining poll support, as Labour faces internal challenges ahead of local elections.
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Recent data shows UK consumer spending slowed in December amid economic uncertainty and upcoming tax increases. Retail sales growth remains subdued, with online sales rising but overall confidence low. Black Friday saw strong online activity, but shoppers remain wary of the economic outlook.
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Recent data shows UK government borrowing costs are decreasing relative to the US and eurozone, driven by market confidence in Labour's fiscal plans. The fall follows the Chancellor's budget announcements and signals a potential end to the UK's historically high bond yields, which have been influenced by market doubts over fiscal credibility. Today's date is Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:35:05 +0000.
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As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
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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 developments include US asset managers returning to private markets amid AI-driven valuations, UK regulators proposing a second operator for private company trading platforms, and ongoing reforms to improve liquidity transparency in UK equity markets. These shifts reflect a broader move towards private investments and market transparency.
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A recent report from the UK’s National Energy System Operator warns of a potential gas supply shortfall by 2030-31 if key infrastructure fails, highlighting vulnerabilities in undersea pipelines and the need for mitigation measures amid ongoing energy transition challenges.
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Recent articles reveal a leak of the UK budget details before the official announcement, causing market fluctuations and political controversy. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally published its economic forecast early, contradicting government claims about improved forecasts influencing tax decisions. The incident intensifies scrutiny of government-OBR relations amid ongoing budget debates.
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On December 1-3, 2025, Canada became the first non-EU country to join the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense initiative, granting Canadian defense firms access to EU-backed loans and reducing reliance on U.S. military procurement. Concurrently, Canada struck an energy and trade deal with Alberta to expand oil exports to Asia via a new pipeline, relaxing federal emissions caps in exchange for stronger carbon pricing and carbon capture projects, despite opposition from British Columbia and Indigenous groups. Canada also restarted stalled trade talks with India aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.
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Several major retailers released financial updates, revealing resilience in some sectors and challenges in others. Walmart benefits from strong holiday sales, while Kingfisher and AO World raise profit forecasts amid cautious outlooks. Advertising firms face profit downgrades due to economic headwinds. The stories reflect ongoing shifts in consumer behavior and economic pressures.
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The UK government plans to give local authorities in England the power to impose a tourist levy on overnight visitors, aiming to fund local infrastructure. The move follows similar measures in Scotland and Wales, with mixed reactions from industry and political leaders. The consultation runs until February 2026.
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Recent surveys indicate US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest since April, driven by inflation, labor market concerns, and political uncertainty. Despite delayed official data, Americans report rising prices, especially in food and dining out, impacting spending and economic outlook. The Federal Reserve faces a delicate balancing act ahead of its rate decision.
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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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Recent surveys show UK business confidence remains low following the government's November budget, which included £26bn in tax hikes. Firms expect reduced investment and hiring, citing increased costs and economic uncertainty. Analysts warn growth prospects are weakening amid cautious consumer spending.
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Zipcar, the UK's largest car-sharing service, will cease UK operations at year's end, impacting over 650,000 users amid financial losses. The move raises concerns about the future of urban car sharing and sustainable transport, with other companies eyeing expansion in London despite regulatory challenges.
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Ofgem has approved £24 billion for energy infrastructure upgrades in the UK, increasing household bills by around £108 by 2031. The investment aims to modernise gas and electricity networks, support renewable energy, and enhance energy security, with expected future savings offsetting initial costs.
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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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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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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.