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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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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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Recent studies highlight the critical importance of early cancer detection and screening. UK research shows missing the first breast cancer screening increases mortality risk by 40%. Australia has subsidised the breast cancer drug Truqap, drastically reducing treatment costs. Hong Kong urges monthly self-exams and expanded screening for high-risk women. Awareness and access remain global challenges as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for her November 26 budget amid warnings of a £50 billion fiscal gap, driven by high inflation, Brexit, and global conflicts. The IMF forecasts the UK will have the highest inflation among G7 nations in 2025 and 2026, complicating economic recovery efforts.
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England is set to approve cabotegravir, a two-month injectable HIV prevention shot, expanding options for those unable to take daily pills. Zimbabwe will roll out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly prophylactic, amid debates over cost and safety. Both developments mark significant advances in HIV prevention efforts.
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A woman in Hemel Hempstead received a stage 3 kidney disease diagnosis via NHS app without prior consultation, highlighting issues with digital health communication. Meanwhile, advances in genomic testing are enabling earlier detection of rare diseases, exemplified by a newborn with eye cancer and a legal case over talc-related cancer risks. These stories underscore the evolving landscape of health diagnostics and communication.
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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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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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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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UK markets experienced volatility amid political tensions and fiscal policy uncertainty. The pound weakened due to fears over upcoming budget plans, while bond yields fluctuated. Gold prices surged on global economic concerns, reflecting investor demand for safe assets. Economic data and political developments continue to influence market sentiment.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed plans to raise income tax ahead of the November 26 budget, citing improved economic forecasts. The move unsettled markets, causing bond yields to rise and the pound to fall, amid fears over fiscal credibility and political stability.
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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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Labour figures, including Angela Rayner and Shabana Mahmood, condemned recent party infighting and briefings, calling it 'embarrassing' and 'arrogant tittle-tattle.' Rayner emphasized focusing on policy and constituency work amid leadership speculation and internal turmoil.
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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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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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NHS Tayside destroyed around 40 patient logbooks linked to disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel despite a 'do not destroy' order. The Scottish inquiry is investigating whether the destruction was gross negligence or malice, amid systemic failures and patient harm. The case highlights accountability issues within NHS Scotland.
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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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Recent NHS data shows rising emergency visits for minor ailments, straining services amid flu and strike pressures. Officials urge appropriate care use, warning of record hospital busyness and potential risks from upcoming doctor strikes during the busy winter season.