UK inflation cooled faster than expected in November, adding momentum to market expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates at its next decision on 18 December 2025.

The Office for National Statistics data showed CPI inflation fell to 3.2% in November from 3.6% in October, undershooting both economists’ forecasts and the Bank’s own projection. The drop was driven by easing food price rises and discounting effects around Black Friday, alongside softer prices in categories including clothing and some grocery staples.

Financial markets reacted swiftly: sterling weakened and government bond yields fell as traders moved to price in ...

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer opened by condemning the anti-Semitic terror attack at Bondi Beach and said he had spoken with UK security and community leaders to help protect Hanukkah events, reaffirming a crackdown on antisemitism and hate crime.

Starmer was pressed on a UK scholarship scheme for students from Gaza due to expire on 31 December. He said the government was working on solutions for those unable to leave and wanted students to take up their places, pointing to an existing medical evacuation scheme for children.

The Leader of the Opposition attacked Starmer over economic performance, claiming unemployment has ...

The United States has proposed offering NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal with Russia, in a move allies say could mark the most significant breakthrough in negotiations since the war began.

According to US and European officials, the proposal would provide Ukraine with Article 5-like protections, committing Western powers to respond if Ukraine were attacked again. While Ukraine would not become a NATO member under the plan, the guarantees are designed to deter future Russian aggression and reassure Kyiv that any ceasefire would not simply pause the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed what allies described as “serious ...

Resident doctors in England have voted to proceed with strike action after rejecting the government’s latest offer aimed at averting industrial action, escalating tensions in the NHS at one of the most pressured times of the year.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said a clear majority of members voted against the proposed deal, which would have delayed strike action until after Christmas and included changes to training and career progression but did not meet doctors’ demands on pay. As a result, strikes are now set to go ahead later this week.

The government expressed disappointment at the decision, warning that walkouts would place additional ...

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opened a wide-ranging appearance before Parliament’s Liaison Committee by condemning an antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, warning it had heightened fear within Jewish communities in the UK. He said the government was working closely with police, the Community Security Trust and religious leaders to ensure safety during upcoming Hanukkah events, stressing that antisemitic violence was “not an isolated incident”.

The session quickly turned to standards in public life, with MPs pressing Starmer on adherence to the Nolan Principles and the ministerial code. He was challenged over a social media post on bus fares, written ministerial statements being ...