UK launches critical minerals strategy to reduce dependency on China

The European Commission has faced backlash after proposing to ease certain digital regulations in the EU, a move aimed at fostering innovation. This announcement has sparked outrage among privacy advocates and lawmakers who accuse the Commission of yielding to external pressures from Washington and major tech companies.

The UK is facing a significant jobs crisis, with nearly one million young people classified as Neets—those not in education, employment, or training. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that this demographic continues to struggle in securing stable employment, exacerbated by the impacts of Covid and the rise of AI technologies.

China's nuclear power market is projected to undergo significant changes as the country navigates its investment landscape amid broader economic challenges. The outlook indicates a potential shift in energy strategies, reflecting the government's commitment to expanding its nuclear capabilities.

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.

Australia and China are facing renewed tensions as disputes over rare earths and iron ore escalate, potentially leading to a trade war. This situation arises amid ongoing negotiations and market dynamics that have seen China impose restrictions on Australian mineral imports, reflecting a broader geopolitical struggle.

A Western company's attempt to establish a rare-earths mine independent of China has failed, underscoring Beijing's dominance in the global rare-earths supply chain. This setback highlights the challenges faced by Western entities in securing critical mineral resources amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.

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 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.