UK

Skircoat Lodge Abuse Case – Key Facts Min Individuals Malcolm Phillips, age 93, former manager of Skircoat Lodge children’s home in Halifax. Linda Brunning, age 66, former assistant at the same home. Criminal Findings Phillips and Brunning sexually abused children in their care for decades (1976–1994). Phillips abused four girls and two boys; Brunning assaulted one boy and assisted Phillips in abusing another. Phillips was found unfit to stand trial due to age and health; ins

The UK government has published plans to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England. The reforms introduce new terminology including Individual Support Plans (ISPs), “targeted,” “targeted plus,” and “specialist” support layers, and national inclusion standards. The education secretary stated the reforms aim to provide SEND support “when they need it, as routine and without a fight.” Changes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs): By 20

It is the highest monthly surplus since records began in 1993 (not inflation-adjusted). January 2025 surplus was £15.4bn. Economists had forecast a £23.8bn surplus. Total tax receipts in January were £133.3bn (13.8% higher year-on-year). Capital gains tax revenue reached nearly £17bn (up 69% year-on-year). Employers’ National Insurance contributions rose by £2.9bn. Income tax receipts increased by £3.6bn. Income tax threshold freezes contributed to higher income tax receipts.

The programme will develop: Low-cost missiles Autonomous drones The first project will focus on a lightweight, affordable surface-to-air missile. Initial delivery is expected by next year. The agreement was announced at a defence ministers’ meeting in Krakow, Poland. The initiative follows failed UK negotiations to join the EU’s €150bn defence fund. The UK rejected a proposed multibillion-euro entry fee to join the EU scheme. Each country has pledged multimillion-pound/euro f

📌 Main Proposal Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to reduce interest rates on certain student loans. Proposal applies to Plan 2 loans issued between 2012 and 2023. Badenoch described Plan 2 loans as increasingly feeling like a “scam”. Around 5.8 million people took out Plan 2 loans during that period. 💰 Current Plan 2 Loan Terms Introduced in 2012 under the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government. Tuition fees increased to up to £9,000 per year

It is the highest monthly surplus since records began in 1993 (not inflation-adjusted). January 2025 surplus was £15.4bn. Economists had forecast a £23.8bn surplus. Total tax receipts in January were £133.3bn (13.8% higher year-on-year). Capital gains tax revenue reached nearly £17bn (up 69% year-on-year). Employers’ National Insurance contributions rose by £2.9bn. Income tax receipts increased by £3.6bn. Income tax threshold freezes contributed to higher income tax receipts.

The programme will develop: Low-cost missiles Autonomous drones The first project will focus on a lightweight, affordable surface-to-air missile. Initial delivery is expected by next year. The agreement was announced at a defence ministers’ meeting in Krakow, Poland. The initiative follows failed UK negotiations to join the EU’s €150bn defence fund. The UK rejected a proposed multibillion-euro entry fee to join the EU scheme. Each country has pledged multimillion-pound/euro f

Talks have taken place between HMRC and financial services firms regarding draft ISA legislation. Discussions indicate potential changes to proposed interest charges and the definition of “cash-like” assets. Industry representatives report increased optimism following negotiations with HMRC. Final decisions are pending further technical consultation and legislative revisions. The Chancellor’s Budget introduced a £12,000 annual cap on cash ISA contributions for savers under 65

Talks have taken place between HMRC and financial services firms regarding draft ISA legislation. Discussions indicate potential changes to proposed interest charges and the definition of “cash-like” assets. Industry representatives report increased optimism following negotiations with HMRC. Final decisions are pending further technical consultation and legislative revisions. The Chancellor’s Budget introduced a £12,000 annual cap on cash ISA contributions for savers under 65

Talks have taken place between HMRC and financial services firms regarding draft ISA legislation. Discussions indicate potential changes to proposed interest charges and the definition of “cash-like” assets. Industry representatives report increased optimism following negotiations with HMRC. Final decisions are pending further technical consultation and legislative revisions. The Chancellor’s Budget introduced a £12,000 annual cap on cash ISA contributions for savers under 65

The FTSE 100 rose 1.1% to 10,670 during morning trading on 18 February 2026. The index surpassed 10,650 for the first time in its history. UK consumer price inflation measured 3.0% annually in January 2026. December 2025 inflation was 3.4%. The Office for National Statistics attributed lower inflation to reduced bread and petrol prices. The Bank of England is expected by many economists to cut interest rates in March 2026. Economists anticipate rates could fall to 3.5% in Ma

The FTSE 100 rose 1.1% to 10,670 during morning trading on 18 February 2026. The index surpassed 10,650 for the first time in its history. UK consumer price inflation measured 3.0% annually in January 2026. December 2025 inflation was 3.4%. The Office for National Statistics attributed lower inflation to reduced bread and petrol prices. The Bank of England is expected by many economists to cut interest rates in March 2026. Economists anticipate rates could fall to 3.5% in Ma

Enfield recorded the highest benefits spending per working-age person in 2024/25 (£3,868). Enfield was the smallest borough where total benefits spending exceeded £1 billion. Other high-ranking areas by per-head spending: Blackpool (£3,678) Hackney (£3,669) Blaenau Gwent (£3,462) Haringey (£3,419) Birmingham had the highest total benefits bill but ranked 14th per head. The analysis was conducted by Neil O'Brien. The study examined: Universal Credit Disability Living Allowance

Enfield recorded the highest benefits spending per working-age person in 2024/25 (£3,868). Enfield was the smallest borough where total benefits spending exceeded £1 billion. Other high-ranking areas by per-head spending: Blackpool (£3,678) Hackney (£3,669) Blaenau Gwent (£3,462) Haringey (£3,419) Birmingham had the highest total benefits bill but ranked 14th per head. The analysis was conducted by Neil O'Brien. The study examined: Universal Credit Disability Living Allowance

Enfield recorded the highest benefits spending per working-age person in 2024/25 (£3,868). Enfield was the smallest borough where total benefits spending exceeded £1 billion. Other high-ranking areas by per-head spending: Blackpool (£3,678) Hackney (£3,669) Blaenau Gwent (£3,462) Haringey (£3,419) Birmingham had the highest total benefits bill but ranked 14th per head. The analysis was conducted by Neil O'Brien. The study examined: Universal Credit Disability Living Allowance

Ofgem is expected to lower the energy price cap in April. Cornwall Insight forecasts a 7% reduction in the price cap from 1 April. The projected reduction is £117 per year for a typical dual fuel household. Annual bills are forecast to fall to £1,641 from April 1. An earlier forecast predicted an 8% (£138) reduction. Ofgem will confirm the official cap level by February 25 for the April–June quarter. The reduction is linked to the Government’s decision to abolish the Energy C

Ofgem is expected to lower the energy price cap in April. Cornwall Insight forecasts a 7% reduction in the price cap from 1 April. The projected reduction is £117 per year for a typical dual fuel household. Annual bills are forecast to fall to £1,641 from April 1. An earlier forecast predicted an 8% (£138) reduction. Ofgem will confirm the official cap level by February 25 for the April–June quarter. The reduction is linked to the Government’s decision to abolish the Energy C

US Department of State stated it supports the UK’s agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos archipelago. Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Keir Starmer is making an “extraordinary mistake” by entering a 99-year lease. The agreement involves a 99-year lease of the military base on Diego Garcia. Donald Trump stated leases are not appropriate for countries. He questioned claims of entities asserting rights over Diego Garcia. He said the US may need to use Diego Garcia

US Department of State stated it supports the UK’s agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos archipelago. Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Keir Starmer is making an “extraordinary mistake” by entering a 99-year lease. The agreement involves a 99-year lease of the military base on Diego Garcia. Donald Trump stated leases are not appropriate for countries. He questioned claims of entities asserting rights over Diego Garcia. He said the US may need to use Diego Garcia

Es sex Police are reviewing claims that Jeffrey Epstein’s victims were flown into the UK via Stansted Airport on his private jet, the “Lolita Express.” Around 90 flights reportedly landed at Stansted, with 15 occurring after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for child sex offences. Police are examining flight logs and emails to identify passengers and verify links to alleged victims. Prince Andrew, a former friend of Epstein, could face pressure if his name appears in flight records.