Critical moment to ramp up support for Ukraine, European allies say

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.

The Institute for Public Policy Research has indicated that the UK may soon see a reduction in the premium it pays to borrow compared to other major countries, as confidence in the government's fiscal strategy grows following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's autumn budget announcement. This budget aims to increase the UK's financial headroom significantly by 2030.

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.

The US and European nations have called on Rwanda and the M23 rebel group to cease their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington. This appeal comes as M23 fighters have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira, prompting a mass exodus of civilians into Burundi.

The United States and Russia convened a business dialogue in Dubai aimed at establishing a long-term agenda for enhanced cooperation, as outlined in a joint statement. This meeting signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two nations, which have been strained in recent years due to geopolitical tensions.