UK’s higher borrowing costs compared with major countries ‘may be coming to an end’

The National Audit Office has raised concerns that Shabana Mahmood's proposed overhaul of the UK asylum system could lead to increased homelessness among asylum seekers and exacerbate existing backlogs in case processing. The report emphasizes the need for effective measures to address current bottlenecks in the system for the reforms to be successful.

A recent study has revealed that corridor care is prevalent in the UK, with one in five patients being treated in hallways, offices, and cupboards across nearly all A&E departments, highlighting a significant breach of national healthcare guidelines.

UK gilt yields have seen a slight decrease compared to other major economies, indicating a potential shift in the bond markets as Chancellor Rachel Reeves navigates fiscal challenges. Despite this drop, the UK still faces a significant premium on borrowing costs, with 10-year government gilt yields rising compared to US Treasury bonds and eurozone counterparts since the last general election.

Storm Bram has brought severe weather conditions to the UK, including amber and yellow warnings for wind and heavy rain, with gusts of up to 90mph forecasted in north-west Scotland. This has resulted in flooding and significant travel disruptions across the country.

Former President Donald Trump has criticized European nations as 'decaying' and their leaders as 'weak,' claiming they have failed to manage migration and address the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This statement follows his recent national-security strategy, which also denounces European leaders for their unrealistic expectations regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine and calls for an end to NATO expansion.

Storm Bram has struck the UK, particularly impacting Northwest Scotland with winds reaching 90mph and heavy rain, prompting an amber weather warning for disruptive conditions. The storm has led to significant travel disruptions and flooding, affecting train services and daily activities across the region.

Thirteen Labour MPs voted in favor of initiating discussions on the UK potentially rejoining the EU customs union, as part of a bill proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The vote resulted in a tie, with 100 MPs supporting and 100 opposing the measure, highlighting a divided stance on this issue within Parliament.

A motion to create a bespoke UK-EU customs union has passed in the House of Commons following a rare tied vote, reflecting ongoing debates about the UK's post-Brexit trade relationships. The motion's passage indicates a significant moment in the discussions surrounding the UK's economic strategy and its ties with the EU.