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Industry leaders and pension funds are lobbying the UK government to increase domestic investment, with proposals to require pension schemes to allocate at least 25% of assets to UK equities. Meanwhile, a major burger chain is up for sale, and industry voices warn of fiscal risks ahead of the upcoming budget.
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The UK has announced an £850m pledge to the Global Fund for 2026-28, a 15% reduction from previous commitments, amid broader aid cuts. This move risks undermining global efforts to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria, potentially causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths.
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Recent reports indicate a higher likelihood of dry conditions in the UK from November to January, risking worsening drought, water shortages, and environmental impacts. Despite some rainfall, reservoirs remain below average, and authorities warn of potential restrictions and long-term resilience challenges.
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Recent reports reveal worsening health conditions in Scotland, including record-high long-term illnesses and obesity, alongside declining national belonging among younger Australians. Meanwhile, workplace and social drinking habits are shifting globally, with younger generations drinking less or abstaining, yet facing peer pressure and cultural challenges. These trends highlight ongoing public health and social issues.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to announce tax increases targeting high earners and partnerships, alongside spending cuts, in her November budget. The measures aim to address a £30-50 billion fiscal gap worsened by Brexit and austerity, with proposals including a partnership charge, mansion tax, and inflation measures.
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The UK government is advancing its digital ID plans, aiming for mandatory IDs for work and public services by 2029. Critics raise concerns over privacy, civil liberties, and security, amid ongoing political debates and public protests. A pilot for veteran IDs begins, highlighting both potential benefits and risks.
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Rachel Reeves plans to close a UK customs duty loophole allowing small packages from Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu to enter duty-free, aiming to level the playing field for domestic retailers. The move, announced in her 26 November budget, targets an industry loss of up to £600m annually.
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Recent UK Covid-19 Inquiry testimonies reveal Boris Johnson's government delayed planning and underestimated the impact of school closures on children. Evidence suggests many children suffered long-term health and developmental issues, including Long Covid, with critics calling the response a failure. The inquiry continues to examine accountability.
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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.
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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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The UK has officially removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of proscribed terrorist organizations, following the US decision in July. This move aims to facilitate closer engagement with the Syrian government amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and address chemical weapons concerns. The change reflects shifting diplomatic strategies in Syria.
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British Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Saudi Arabia to advance a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to boost UK economic growth by up to £1.6 billion annually. The trip includes meetings with Saudi royals, US officials, and business leaders, amid ongoing debates over human rights and fiscal policies. The UK hopes to deepen economic ties and attract investment.
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On October 26, 2025, British-Tunisian journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at San Francisco Airport after his visa was revoked. Authorities cited his vocal criticism of Israel and alleged support for terrorism linked to Hamas's October 2023 attacks. Hamdi, on a speaking tour with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, faces deportation amid legal challenges and international outcry over free speech concerns.
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread destruction, at least 32 deaths, and economic losses estimated at up to $7 billion. The storm also impacted Haiti and Cuba, with ongoing relief efforts and concerns about future resilience.
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The UK government faces a complex budget ahead, balancing rearmament costs, economic recovery, and environmental protections. Labour criticizes Brexit's economic impact, while tensions with the EU over environmental standards threaten trade relations. The government aims to boost growth amid inflation and security concerns.
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Two prisoners, including a sex offender, were mistakenly released from UK prisons and later deported to Ethiopia after a two-day manhunt. The incidents highlight systemic issues in prison management and deportation processes, prompting government investigations and criticism over resource shortages and policy decisions.
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Liberia's government announced a significant increase in medicine procurement, with $10 million allocated for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to reduce drug shortages, improve accountability, and strengthen healthcare access nationwide, supported by government leadership and community involvement.
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, struck Jamaica last week, causing at least 19 deaths and widespread destruction. Relief efforts are ongoing, with US and local agencies delivering aid. Damage assessments are underway as the country prepares for recovery and rebuilding.
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The Bank of England kept interest rates at 4% amid signs inflation has peaked at 3.8%. The MPC voted 5-4 to hold rates, citing the need for more evidence before future cuts. The decision comes ahead of the November 26 UK budget, with inflation forecast to fall to 2% by 2027.
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Recent reports reveal that about 8.8% of UK adults work off the books, mainly in low-paid, informal jobs to make ends meet. Politicians focus on migrant workers, but research shows the issue is broader, driven by economic hardship and customer demand. The government claims to be tackling the problem, but evidence suggests otherwise.
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The UK government faces mounting pressure to support its science and technology sectors. Reports highlight risks of losing investment and talent to the US and other countries, with calls for policy reforms to boost innovation, attract global talent, and lead in quantum and AI development.
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Drax power plant continues to burn 250-year-old Canadian trees despite claims of sustainability. A new report links recent wood sourcing to old-growth forests, raising questions about its environmental impact. The UK government extended subsidies, supporting Drax amid ongoing controversy over its environmental practices.
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Chinese AI firms, including DeepSeek, are gaining ground amid US-China tensions. Experts warn AI could eliminate many jobs in the next 10-20 years, urging tech companies to act as guardians. China's government supports local AI development, narrowing the US lead. The US faces strategic challenges in maintaining AI dominance.
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The UK government, led by Prime Minister, plans to introduce measures to reduce child poverty, including potentially lifting the two-child benefit cap. The announcement follows pressure from Labour and former PM Gordon Brown, with the Budget due on November 26, 2025.
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G7 foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, met in Niagara-on-the-Lake to discuss increasing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The meeting also addressed broader geopolitical tensions and military aid.
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The UK government announced plans to issue all schools with AI-generated attendance improvement targets to address persistent absence issues. The initiative aims to support schools in returning attendance rates to pre-pandemic levels, but has faced criticism from unions concerned about added pressure and resource constraints.
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Lindsay and Craig Foreman, British nationals from East Sussex, are detained in Iran on espionage charges. They are reportedly on hunger strike and are held in Tehran’s Evin Prison. The UK government is providing consular support amid diplomatic stalemate, with family calling for more decisive action.
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The UK government announced plans to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) at Wylfa, Anglesey, supported by £2.5bn investment. The project aims to create hundreds of jobs, support energy security, and revive nuclear power on the site, with reactors expected to supply power from the mid-2030s.
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Scotland is on track to issue its first government bonds in 2026-27, following credit ratings of AA from S&P and Aa3 from Moody’s, equal to the UK. The move aims to fund infrastructure projects and demonstrates Scotland’s fiscal maturity, though independence could threaten its ratings.