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In November 2025, UK battery electric vehicle (EV) registrations rose 3.6% year-on-year to 39,965, marking the weakest growth in nearly two years amid a 1.6% overall new car market decline. The government announced a £1.3bn extension of EV purchase grants and £200m for charging infrastructure, while planning a 3p-per-mile EV tax from 2028 to offset lost fuel duty revenue, sparking industry concerns about demand sustainability.
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On December 4, 2025, a UK public inquiry concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack targeting former spy Sergei Skripal, which indirectly caused the death of Dawn Sturgess. The inquiry found the GRU operatives acted on Putin's instructions, leading to sanctions against the GRU and diplomatic actions against Russia amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine.
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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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British authorities have postponed a decision on China's proposed embassy near Tower of London until January 20, citing security concerns. The plan involves consolidating China's diplomatic sites into Europe's largest embassy, amid opposition over espionage fears and proximity to critical infrastructure. The delay aligns with Prime Minister Starmer’s upcoming visit to China.
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The UK is close to finalising an agreement to rejoin the EU's Erasmus student mobility scheme by January 2026, aiming for participation from 2027. The move signals a shift towards closer EU relations after Brexit setbacks, amid ongoing negotiations on defense and trade agreements.
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Prime Minister Starmer emphasizes a balanced, realistic approach to China, acknowledging its global significance and security threats. He criticizes past inconsistent policies and signals a shift towards engagement in non-security areas, while maintaining a firm stance on security. The government considers a controversial Chinese embassy plan and prepares for a possible visit to China next year.
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In late November 2025, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College freshman brought to the US as a child, was detained at Boston Logan Airport and deported to Honduras despite a federal court order prohibiting her removal. The case exposes opaque immigration enforcement and alleged legal violations. Concurrently, other deportation cases and tightened UK immigration rules highlight global shifts in migration policies.
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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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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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Target's Black Friday gift bags faced criticism for low-value items, with customers expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial swag. Meanwhile, other retailers like Lowe's offered more generous freebies, highlighting a competitive gap in holiday marketing strategies.
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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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As of late November 2025, six activists linked to the banned group Palestine Action are on trial in London for an August 2024 break-in at Elbit Systems' UK factory in Bristol. Charges include aggravated burglary, criminal damage, violent disorder, and grievous bodily harm after a police sergeant was struck with a sledgehammer. Meanwhile, widespread protests across UK cities continue, with hundreds arrested for supporting the group despite its proscription as a terrorist organisation.
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Energy bills in the UK will increase by 0.2% in early 2026, driven by policy costs despite falling wholesale prices. The price cap will rise to £1,758 annually for typical households, with further increases expected in April due to network and policy levies. The government is considering support measures in the upcoming budget.
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Recent reports highlight concerns over the UK’s military preparedness amid rising threats from Russia and China. Despite government promises to boost defence spending and build new factories, MPs warn that the UK lacks a comprehensive plan to defend itself and its territories, with funding and strategic gaps remaining unaddressed.
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British steel companies Unimetals and British Steel are heading toward liquidation amid financial struggles and failed buyout attempts. The government monitors the situation closely, as the industry faces ongoing challenges from global market pressures and political tensions. The collapse could threaten thousands of jobs.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her budget amid economic uncertainty, with expected tax hikes, spending cuts, and reforms to property taxes. The government faces pressure to balance public finances while avoiding market instability and political backlash, as debates over tax policy and growth strategies intensify.
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Recent UK government proposals aim to tighten asylum rules, including ending automatic family reunification and reviewing asylum status every 30 months. Critics warn these measures will increase family separations and create a two-tier system, while supporters see them as necessary for border control. The debate highlights tensions over immigration policy.
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Recent developments include proposed enforceable standards for gig workers in Australia, such as minimum hourly pay and accident insurance, and legal actions against Uber's AI-driven pay systems in Europe. These moves aim to improve worker conditions amid market shifts and regulatory scrutiny.
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The UK government announced a new critical minerals strategy, backed by £50m, aiming to secure domestic supplies of lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths by 2035. The plan includes increasing domestic extraction, recycling, and diversifying supply sources to reduce reliance on China and strengthen national security.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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On Nov 26, 2025, UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced over £26 billion in new tax increases, adding to £40 billion raised last year. The budget includes freezing income tax thresholds, a mansion tax, and levies on electric cars amid warnings of slowed economic growth and political challenges for the Labour government elected in 2024.
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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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Britain's Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced a budget with tax increases and spending cuts amid sluggish growth and declining approval ratings. The budget aims to address economic pressures but faces skepticism about its effectiveness and credibility.
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On December 2, 2025, UK Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans to drastically reduce jury trials in England and Wales to address a Crown Court backlog nearing 80,000 cases. Jury trials will be reserved for serious crimes like murder, rape, and manslaughter, while lesser offences will be tried by judges alone or magistrates. The reforms follow Sir Brian Leveson's review but go further, sparking opposition from legal professionals and MPs.
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New UK government forecasts show the tax burden will peak at 38.3% of GDP by 2030/31, driven by increased welfare spending and frozen tax thresholds. The forecasts also predict higher government debt and inflation, with measures including extended threshold freezes and welfare reforms announced in the recent Budget.
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The UK government announced a three-year stamp duty exemption on shares in newly listed companies to boost London's competitiveness. The move aims to attract more domestic listings and counteract recent losses to US markets, amid mixed reactions on its potential impact on investment and capital markets.
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The UK High Court is examining whether the government’s ban on Palestine Action, proscribed in July for protests linked to Gaza, infringes on free speech. Over 2,300 arrests have occurred since the ban, which criminalizes support for the group with sentences up to 14 years. The case continues today.
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From December 10, Australia enforces a pioneering law banning under-16s from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Platforms must block underage accounts, with Meta and TikTok already notifying users. The law aims to protect youth mental health but faces a High Court challenge over free speech rights.
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The UK government announced a series of tax hikes and policy changes, including a mansion tax on homes over £2 million, scrapping the two-child benefit limit, and freezing income tax thresholds until 2030/31. Rail fares will also be frozen for the first time in 30 years.
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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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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a budget with £26 billion in tax increases, reversing previous promises not to raise taxes on working people. The budget aims to boost fiscal stability but faces criticism for breaking election pledges and amid economic challenges linked to Brexit and global factors.
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Rachel Reeves faced scrutiny after the early leak of the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) forecast, which predicted slower economic growth and higher inflation. Reeves defended her fiscal approach, emphasizing investment and debt reduction, amid concerns over the leak's impact on market confidence and political stability.
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The US ended its de minimis exemption for low-value imports in August 2025, requiring tariffs on packages over $800. This change has increased costs for consumers and small businesses, causing declines in sales and raising concerns about market disruption and consumer confidence.
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The UK National Screening Committee recommends against mass prostate screening due to risks outweighing benefits, but proposes targeted screening for high-risk groups, including men with BRCA mutations. The decision follows ongoing debates and new research into screening methods and risks.
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The UK and US have agreed to keep import taxes on medicines at 0% for three years, aiming to boost investment, create jobs, and improve access to innovative treatments. The deal includes raising the NHS's upper threshold for new medicines by 25% and lowering drug repayment rates from 2026.
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The UK is promoting Small Business Saturday to encourage local shopping and support for small firms, with increased spending expected this year. Simultaneously, authorities launch the Winter of Action to improve public safety amid rising crime, including targeted patrols and knife crime reduction efforts.