With a million young people locked out of work, the UK’s hidden jobs crisis is only growing | John Harris

The UK government has launched a critical minerals strategy aimed at reducing its dependency on China, particularly in the supply of essential materials like rare earths and magnets crucial for various industries, including automotive and electronics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for resilience against global supply chain shocks.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil her second budget, aiming to address the cost of living crisis by freezing income tax thresholds and rail fares, while proposing a multibillion-pound tax-raising package. This comes as the UK economy faces significant challenges, with a financial gap of approximately £20 billion needing to be addressed.

The UK is preparing for its third-largest tax-raising Budget since World War II, a significant fiscal event that is expected to shape the country's economic landscape. This announcement comes amid various economic indicators and consumer sentiment surveys that reflect a cautious atmosphere as the nation approaches this critical budget decision.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a strategy aimed at producing 10% of the UK's critical minerals domestically, a move designed to lessen dependence on the vulnerable global supply chain.

The UK government has announced a freeze on rail fares in England for 2026, marking the first such measure in 30 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm this decision in her upcoming budget speech, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on commuters and support economic growth amid rising living costs.

The owner of the U.K.'s Daily Mail is nearing a $655 million deal to acquire its rival, the Daily Telegraph, marking a significant shift in the British media landscape. This acquisition process has been controversial, reflecting the competitive nature of right-wing media in the U.K.

The UK is experiencing a severe season of bird flu, significantly impacting the supply of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks, with 5% of the seasonal flock already culled. Industry insiders indicate that the situation is worse than last year, leading to tighter availability of poultry products ahead of the festive season.

The owner of the Daily Mail has agreed to acquire The Telegraph, a significant move that consolidates two of Britain's major right-leaning newspaper groups. This deal, valued at approximately £500 million, is expected to attract scrutiny from antitrust regulators due to the implications for media plurality in the UK.