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Speculation grows that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is eyeing a Westminster return, with reports of a 'nailed-on' seat. Burnham dismisses the stories, while Labour insiders debate the hurdles he faces amid internal party tensions and poll setbacks. The story highlights ongoing leadership tensions within Labour as the party faces electoral challenges.
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Recent data shows nearly 950,000 UK youths aged 16-24 are NEET, the highest since 2014, with rising unemployment and inactivity. The government plans a youth guarantee scheme amid calls for reforms to support young people's employment and education prospects.
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Prime Minister and Labour leaders signal plans to abolish the two-child benefit limit, aiming to reduce child poverty. The policy, introduced in 2017, restricts welfare claims for families with more than two children. Official figures show 4.5 million children live in poverty, with campaigners urging urgent action ahead of the November 26 Budget.
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The UK government will issue AI-generated attendance targets to all schools to address rising absenteeism, especially among vulnerable pupils. Unions criticize the move as adding pressure without solving underlying issues, amid ongoing concerns about attendance rates post-pandemic.
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Recent internal briefings at No 10 suggest a leadership crisis, with allies of Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning against a challenge. Labour figures deny plotting against Starmer, amid fears of political instability ahead of the upcoming Budget. The story highlights ongoing tensions within the government and Labour party, with potential implications for future leadership and policy decisions.
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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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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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Keir Starmer has urged government ministers to focus on delivering policies rather than infighting, following a week of leaks and leadership speculation. The PM emphasized the importance of unity ahead of the upcoming budget, amid reports of internal challenges and shifting economic plans.
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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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The UK government announced plans to ease planning rules, allowing development near transport hubs and on green belt land. The reforms aim to accelerate the building of 1.5 million homes by 2029, with ministers gaining final approval powers for large projects. The move faces criticism from opponents concerned about green space protection.
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European and American housing markets face significant challenges, with record low building rates, rising costs, and affordability issues. The US struggles with a home shortage of up to five million, while UK housebuilding hits a nine-year low amid rising costs and regulatory hurdles. Policy responses vary widely.
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The UK government announced sweeping changes to immigration and asylum policies, including longer settlement wait times, stricter eligibility criteria, and temporary refugee status. High earners and NHS workers are fast-tracked, while others face waits up to 30 years. The reforms aim to control migration and reform public services.
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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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The UK government announced a series of measures in the upcoming budget, including a freeze on rail fares to help households, alongside planned tax increases to address a £20bn fiscal gap. The budget aims to support living standards while managing economic stability amid political pressures.
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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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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a chaotic pre-budget period marked by leaks, policy U-turns, and market uncertainty. With a black hole in public finances and political pressures, her upcoming budget will likely feature multiple tax and spend tweaks, including tax rises, amid a tense economic backdrop.
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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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Recent UK migration data revisions show higher emigration of British nationals and a lower net migration rate, impacting political debates. Youth unemployment remains high, with 946,000 16-24-year-olds classified as Neets. The government faces scrutiny over data reliability and immigration policies amid economic challenges.
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High-profile UK billionaires and entrepreneurs are relocating abroad due to recent tax reforms, including inheritance and non-domicile rules. The departure of figures like Lakshmi Mittal and others highlights concerns over a growing brain drain and economic impact ahead of the upcoming Labour budget.
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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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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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Rachel Reeves announced a £26 billion budget aimed at fiscal stability, including tax increases and measures to support growth. The budget faces criticism for its reliance on austerity and conservative macro strategies, despite progressive policies like scrapping benefit caps and investing in public services.
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Labour's chancellor announced a series of tax increases and spending cuts, including ending the two-child benefit cap and introducing a mansion tax. The measures aim to fill a £30bn fiscal gap, raising the tax burden to a record 38% of GDP by 2030, with over 1.7 million earners affected.
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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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Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended recent government measures, including a £26 billion tax hike and welfare reforms, amid criticism over economic forecasts and policy decisions. Opposition leader Keir Starmer accused the government of misleading the public and emphasized the importance of welfare and economic stability. The story highlights ongoing political and economic tensions in the UK.
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Rachel Reeves announced a £26bn tax increase to fund public services, despite conflicting forecasts from the OBR suggesting a smaller fiscal gap. She emphasized protecting investment in infrastructure and denied that working-age people bear the main burden. Political tensions and market concerns surround the budget's impact.
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The UK government announced delays for mayoral elections in Essex, Hampshire, Sussex, and Norfolk, citing local government reorganization. The move has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Labour of undermining democracy. The elections are now scheduled for 2028, with political tensions rising ahead of upcoming local polls.
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Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based investor, donated £9m to Reform UK in August, marking the largest ever single donation from a living person to a UK political party. His wealth stems from cryptocurrency, aviation, and defense sectors, raising questions about influence and transparency in UK politics.