Britain will proscribe Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, aligning with the EU. The move criminalises membership, support and fundraising, enables asset freezes and tougher sanctions, and curbs UK activity linked to the group. Ministers cite protester deaths; critics warn of diplomatic strain.
The PM’s visit to Beijing delivered limited gains: a halving of tariffs on whisky and visa‑free short visits for tourists and business travellers. But there was no movement on freeing British campaigner Jimmy Lai or on lifting sanctions imposed on UK parliamentarians.
Councillors across England are quitting in protest after local polls were scrapped amid reorganisation plans. Critics say cancelling May elections disenfranchises voters and erodes accountability; ministers insist restructuring makes ballots impractical.
The PM, an Arsenal fan, presented a match ball to a visiting Chinese leader who supports Man United—the ball from United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal. The gesture drew criticism from Gunners supporters and prompted debate over whether football banter should mix with diplomacy.
Ministers plan to restart deportations of asylum seekers to Syria. The Home Secretary is pushing enforced returns despite officials’ concerns about safety and conditions. Modelled partly on Danish policy, the move forms part of wider reforms to cut small‑boat crossings.
Following talks in Beijing, the PM signalled a reset in ties with China and left open a UK visit for Xi. It was the first trip to Beijing by a British PM since 2018. Sanctioned MPs criticised the move, while No 10 said cooperation would expand alongside firm stances on security and values.
A London bus driver who pursued a thief to recover a passenger’s necklace has lost his job after a tribunal upheld a gross‑misconduct ruling. Police deemed his force reasonable, but his employer dismissed him over the later confrontation and breaches of procedure.
US immigration agencies under the Trump administration have awarded about $22bn in contracts since July, with Palantir and Deloitte among winners. ICE’s spending has doubled, and donor-linked Fisher Sand & Gravel has gained about $6bn. Deals cover tech, detention and logistics services.
Ministers have rejected compensation for up to 3.8m 1950s‑born women who say poor communication about rises in the state pension age left them out of pocket. The work and pensions secretary said a scheme, estimated at £10bn, won’t proceed, defying an official review. Campaigners plan legal action.
The PM has parked plans for a sweeping benefits overhaul, opting for consultation rather than legislation before the next election to avoid a clash with Labour MPs. Major changes now look unlikely this Parliament, with ministers prioritising stability, growth and public service delivery.