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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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President Trump has renewed his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a 'disaster' and suggesting he was elected due to immigration. Trump also criticized European leaders for being 'weak' and 'politically correct,' warning of future instability without reforms. The UK government defended Khan's record amid the controversy.
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A large far-right protest in London organized by Tommy Robinson drew up to 150,000 attendees, resulting in clashes with police, injuries, and a viral video of a man calling for Keir Starmer's assassination. Police are investigating threats and violence, with multiple arrests made since the event on September 13.
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In October 2025, Prince William discussed his future reign, emphasizing measured change and protecting his children from media intrusion during an Apple TV+ interview at Windsor Castle. He also reflected on family health challenges. Concurrently, President Trump completed a state visit to the UK, marked by royal pageantry and discussions on US-UK diplomatic and tech investment ties.
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The UK has formally recognized Palestine as an independent state, aligning with France, Canada, and Australia, in a move driven by concerns over Israeli actions in Gaza. The decision aims to support a two-state solution but faces opposition from the US and Israel, amid ongoing violence and diplomatic tensions.
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The UK, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised Palestine, marking a significant shift in Western policy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the move to support peace prospects amid ongoing Gaza conflict, breaking from previous policies tied to negotiations with Israel. The decision aims to keep the two-state solution alive.
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London police launched Operation Echosteep in December 2024, leading to 46 arrests and the seizure of over 2,000 stolen phones. The operation uncovered a large international gang smuggling up to 40,000 stolen devices to China, targeting high-value Apple products for profit. The crackdown aims to reduce London's phone theft crisis.
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Hate crimes in England and Wales are increasing for the first time in three years, driven by antisemitism and anti-Muslim violence. The government is considering new police powers to restrict protests, amid rising tensions following recent terror attacks and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Leaders emphasize community safety and free speech concerns.
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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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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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As of November 17, 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani confirmed outreach to the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Despite months of mutual criticism, including Trump's threats to cut federal funding and question Mamdani's citizenship, both leaders express willingness to discuss city issues like affordability. Mamdani remains committed to opposing policies harming New Yorkers while seeking cooperation where possible.
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A year after Reeves' tax hikes, the UK economy shows signs of slowdown, with weak Q3 growth, rising borrowing, and consumer uncertainty. Despite initial strong start, recent data indicates limited growth prospects for 2026 amid inflation and political 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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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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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.
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On December 9-11, 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.