-
In September 2025, British prosecutors dropped espionage charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China between 2021 and 2023. The case collapsed after the government failed to provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses, a legal requirement under the 1911 Official Secrets Act. Both men deny wrongdoing.
-
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 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.
-
Recent reductions in UK and US aid threaten progress against HIV, malaria, and TB in Africa. Funding cuts could lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths, with international summits and political decisions shaping future support. The global fight against these diseases faces significant financial and political challenges.
-
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has outlined plans for modest tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on becoming a pro-business government. The party aims to remove inheritance tax from family farms, raise tax thresholds, and reassess public sector benefits, amid concerns over economic stability and Brexit's impact. The proposals face criticism from Labour and Conservatives.
-
The UK government’s Chinese espionage trial against two men collapsed after prosecutors cited outdated legislation and the absence of clear government labels on China as a threat.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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The UK National Screening Committee is set to recommend targeted prostate cancer screening for high-risk groups, including men with BRCA mutations and Black men, amid ongoing debates over PSA test efficacy and potential harms of mass screening. The decision follows recent advocacy and new research trials.
-
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.
-
Edinburgh's tram extension is condemned as a vanity project amid funding doubts, while Leeds' long-delayed tram system is pushed back by at least two years. Both regions face setbacks in their efforts to modernise public transit, reflecting broader challenges in UK infrastructure development.
-
On 26 December 2025, British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah was released from Egyptian detention and returned to the UK after years imprisoned for his activism. His release followed a pardon by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi and extensive lobbying by UK governments. Historic social media posts calling for violence have sparked political backlash and calls to revoke his British citizenship.
-
George Osborne has been appointed to lead OpenAI's international government relations, focusing on expanding AI infrastructure and partnerships worldwide. His role aligns with increasing US tech influence on national AI policies amid ongoing debates over AI safety and regulation.
-
The UK government has announced an independent review into foreign financial influence on politics, prompted by the conviction of Nathan Gill for accepting Russian bribes. The review aims to strengthen laws against illicit funding, including cryptocurrency donations, amid concerns over foreign meddling and political security. The inquiry will examine Russian, Chinese, and US interference risks.
-
The UK government has launched a comprehensive animal welfare strategy, banning live boiling of crustaceans, phasing out cages for hens and pigs, banning trail hunting, and tightening protections for pets and wild animals. The measures aim to improve standards across farms, homes, and the wild, with consultations ongoing.
-
A British-Egyptian activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, returned to the UK after years in Egyptian detention. Despite resurfaced social media posts calling for violence, UK authorities decided not to revoke his citizenship, citing legal thresholds. The case highlights tensions over national identity, free speech, and diplomatic relations.
-
In 2025, over 41,000 migrants crossed the Channel, the second-highest on record, prompting government reforms and political debate. Despite new measures, crossings remain high, and critics argue policies are ineffective. The government aims to curb illegal migration amid rising public concern.