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Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative minister and Scottish Tory treasurer, has defected to Reform UK during a Falkirk rally. He plans to resign from the House of Lords and stand for Holyrood in May, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives' lack of vision and the SNP government.
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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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Scotland qualified for the 2025 World Cup after a 28-year wait, drawing Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Fans face high ticket prices and late kick-off times in the US, raising concerns about accessibility and viewing conditions. The tournament features 48 teams across North America, with ticketing and scheduling adjustments impacting supporters.
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As of late October 2025, major financial institutions including the Bank of England and IMF warn that soaring valuations in AI-driven tech stocks resemble the 2000 dotcom bubble peak. The S&P 500 is heavily concentrated in a few AI-focused firms, raising risks of a sharp market correction. Despite this, industry leaders emphasize AI's transformative potential and ongoing infrastructure investments.
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As of late October 2025, rugby union is navigating significant transitions: Eddie Jones reflects on his England coaching tenure and Japan role; Australia dominates England in rugby league; the Rugby Championship tightens with South Africa leading; and a breakaway league, R360, backed by Middle Eastern investors, threatens rugby's traditional global structure.
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Nicholas Rossi, 38, convicted of two rapes in Utah, faked his death in 2020, then fled to the UK. Recognized in Scotland in 2021, he was extradited to the US in 2024. He faces at least five years in prison, with a second sentence scheduled for November.
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On November 5, 2025, the UK and much of the world will witness the Beaver Moon, the largest and brightest full moon of the year, classified as a supermoon due to its close proximity to Earth. This is the second of three supermoons in 2025. Concurrently, meteor showers like the Orionids and upcoming Leonids offer additional celestial spectacles through December.
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Petrofac, a major energy services firm with over 7,000 employees, has applied for court-administered insolvency following the loss of a key windfarm contract in the Netherlands. The move threatens around 2,000 North Sea jobs and follows failed restructuring efforts amid financial struggles and legal issues. The UK operations remain active as the company explores options.
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The High Court dismissed BAE's attempt to block a planned strike by Unite union members at Warton and Samlesbury. The strike, over pay disputes, will proceed until November 25, with the union criticizing legal threats and calling for negotiations.
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The All Blacks aim to extend their unbeaten record against Scotland, which stands at 32 matches, as they prepare for a historic match at Murrayfield. Key players are injured, and captain Scott Barrett is returning for rehab, adding complexity to the team’s prospects.
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The Scottish Government plans to issue its first bonds, nicknamed 'kilts,' in 2026-27, supported by credit ratings equal to the UK. The move aims to fund infrastructure and demonstrates Scotland's fiscal maturity, though independence could threaten its credit status.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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Scotland secured a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, overturning a 2-2 draw in stoppage time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match featured dramatic goals, including a bicycle kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range shot from Kieran Tierney, ending Scotland's 27-year absence from the tournament.
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Recent articles highlight a surge in funding across sectors: healthcare startups raising billions, UK export finance backing small businesses, African private equity investments, and innovative VC strategies. These developments reflect shifting investor priorities and sector growth, with a focus on technology, social impact, and international expansion. As of Wed, 26 Nov 2025, 10:32 AM.
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The Met Office warns of a colder week with snow and ice across the UK, prompting travel warnings. Pet owners are advised to protect dogs from the cold, ice, and chemicals like salt and antifreeze. Experts recommend extra care for paws, warm bedding, and appropriate clothing for pets.
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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.
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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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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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Egor Dëmin scored a career-high 23 points, leading the Nets to a crucial victory over the 76ers. The rookie showed resilience, especially in the fourth quarter, and tied a franchise record for three-pointers. Meanwhile, the team continues to navigate injuries and roster changes amid a competitive season.
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Multiple unexplained deaths have occurred recently in Scotland and Merseyside. A 46-year-old man was found dead on the A90 in Angus, while a 15-year-old boy died at the A92 roundabout in Dunfermline. Police are investigating all cases, with no conclusive causes yet identified.
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Scotland is positioning itself as a key player in Europe's space sector, with new launch capabilities, government support, and a growing industry ecosystem. Meanwhile, South Korea successfully launched its domestically assembled Nuri rocket, marking a milestone in its space independence and technological progress.
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The UK government announced a reduction in the annual cash ISA limit from £20,000 to £12,000 starting April 2027, excluding over-65s. The move aims to promote investment but faces criticism over its potential to discourage savings and increase complexity, with additional reforms to pension schemes and higher taxes on savings income.
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Net migration to the UK dropped 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest since 2021, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals for work and study and increased emigration. Despite this, public concern over immigration remains high, especially regarding illegal Channel crossings and asylum seekers. The government has introduced stricter immigration policies and plans further reforms to reduce migration pressures.
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Scotland offers accessible winter activities with five mountain centres near the Central Belt, encouraging short breaks and snowcations. Meanwhile, safety concerns rise in North America as social media trends lead inexperienced skiers into dangerous backcountry areas, prompting rescue operations and safety warnings. A Wisconsin resort files for bankruptcy amid low snowfall, highlighting climate impacts on ski industry.
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The UK has submitted a bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup, proposing 22 stadiums across 16 cities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The tournament would feature 48 teams, 104 matches, and aim to be the most accessible ever, with Wembley Stadium set to host the final if successful.
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Two Scottish historic estates are undergoing major restorations. The Roman Camp Hotel in Callander will reopen in spring 2026 with a Beatles-themed boutique hotel, while Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum is up for sale after decades of partial restoration. Both projects highlight Scotland's rich heritage and ongoing preservation efforts.
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The Geminid meteor shower, one of the strongest annual meteor displays, peaks overnight from December 13 to 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible under dark skies. Best viewed in the northern hemisphere, including the UK, the shower will continue until December 20. Viewing conditions depend on weather and light pollution.
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Legal claims have been filed against Huntercombe Group Hospitals and Scottish children's homes, alleging decades of abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment of vulnerable children. The claims include physical, sexual, racial abuse, and over-medication, with some victims having taken their own lives. Investigations are ongoing.
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The UK and Norway have signed a new agreement to operate a joint fleet of anti-submarine ships and develop autonomous underwater systems to counter increased Russian submarine activity and protect critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic. The initiative includes a £10 billion warship deal and advanced AI technology, amid rising tensions over Russian threats to undersea cables and pipelines.
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Nigel Farage's Reform UK gains support in Scotland amid rising anti-immigration protests and controversial claims about Glasgow's schoolchildren. Key figures, including First Minister Swinney and Sir Keir Starmer, condemn Farage's comments as racist. The political landscape in Scotland is shifting ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, with Reform UK poised to make significant gains.
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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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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
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The US government has proposed requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit five years of social media data, email addresses, phone numbers, and family details before entry. The move, linked to upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup, faces criticism over privacy and potential impact on international visitors.
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A new genetic scorecard highlights critical threats to Scotland’s native species, including wildcats, ash trees, puffins, and bees. The analysis emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to preserve genetic diversity amid threats from disease, climate change, and habitat loss. Reintroduction projects are underway for red squirrels, white storks, and beavers.
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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.