Global dealmaking hit about $4.5tn, the second-highest year on record. Cheap finance, boardroom confidence and US tax and regulatory shifts fuelled megadeals, lifting investment bank fees. Activity was led by US buyers, with technology, healthcare and energy among key sectors.
Over 8,000 prisoners were released early before Christmas under Labour’s scheme, figures show, including thousands serving two years or more and some with sentences exceeding 14 years. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick says they should still be in custody and criticises the policy.
Oxford scientists are developing a vaccine to train the immune system to detect abnormal cells, aiming to prevent a broad range of cancers. Early findings are positive, with hopes for availability within a decade, pending rigorous trials and regulatory approval.
The King and Prince of Wales are preparing US visits to support government efforts to secure a UK–US trade deal with President Trump. Timed around America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup, the push seeks to ease disputes over tech, food and online rules and win better access for British exporters.
UK retailers face a predicted £1bn shortfall in Boxing Day takings as consumer confidence weakens and fewer people hunt for bargains. Barclays expects about £3.6bn to be spent, down on last year. Critics blame Labour’s tax and economic approach; others cite squeezed household budgets.
A politics teacher faced a Prevent referral after showing Donald Trump videos to A‑level students. Safeguarding staff said the material resembled propaganda, prompting an investigation and raising questions about academic freedom and proportionality in safeguarding referrals.
Figures show about 25 people a day in Scotland died while on NHS waiting lists this year, over 7,000 in the first nine months. Charities call the toll “heartbreaking” and urge the SNP to act faster to cut delays and expand capacity so patients access specialist care sooner.
A decade after shared parental leave was introduced, experts say uptake remains minimal, particularly in the public sector. They blame low pay, complexity and weak promotion, and call for reform: simpler rules, better funding and a dedicated entitlement for fathers and partners.
Polls analysed by Sir John Curtice suggest politics is entering uncharted territory as Reform tops support and the Greens surge, pushing the combined vote of the two main parties to a record low. Labour faces losses on both flanks, with the Tories edging ahead and five parties above 10%.
King Charles’s Christmas message struck an optimistic note, praising shared values and community heroes of all backgrounds. He saluted service personnel and volunteers, urged kindness, unity and respect for life, and said common purpose can make the future more hopeful.