YouTube channels spreading fake, anti-Labour videos viewed 1.2bn times in 2025

The UK has signed a new trade deal with South Korea, aiming to boost exports of cars, Scottish salmon, and Guinness, with an expected additional £400 million in trade on top of the existing £15 billion annual trade volume. This agreement replaces a previous arrangement and is part of the UK's broader strategy to enhance international trade relations.

The United States has paused its £31 billion tech prosperity deal with Britain, citing insufficient progress on resolving trade barriers. This decision represents a significant setback in US-UK relations, particularly as the deal was initially celebrated as a transformative step in bilateral cooperation during Donald Trump's presidency.

A mass shooting occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. Dale Vince, a Labour donor, faced backlash for stating that the Israeli government shares some responsibility for the rise in antisemitism, following this tragic event.

Five councillors have left the Labour Party to join the Greens, resulting in the Greens gaining representation on Brent Council. Despite this shift, Labour continues to maintain political control over the council.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine will be ineffective without strong security guarantees from Western powers. This statement comes as Ukraine faces increasing pressure from the US to agree to a plan backed by former President Trump, which Starmer opposes unless it includes adequate military assurances for Kyiv.

At the end of 2024, Keir Starmer announced key government targets, including reducing NHS waiting lists and increasing housing construction. As 2025 progresses, questions arise regarding the progress made towards these pledges amid various challenges faced by the Labour government.

Blaise Metreweli, the new head of MI6, has warned that Britain is currently in a precarious position between peace and war, exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies. In her inaugural speech, she criticized Russia for its insincerity regarding Ukraine peace negotiations while making limited references to China amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ghanaian students studying at UK universities are facing potential deportation due to a funding crisis, as their government has failed to provide promised scholarships and tuition fee payments. Over 100 doctoral students have petitioned UK officials, including Keir Starmer, to intervene and resolve the backlog of tuition fees and living allowances, which amounts to millions of pounds.