Based on the news available for August 29, 2025, here’s a summary of key events in the UK:
Politics & Government
- Asylum Seeker Court Case: A UK appeals court overturned an injunction that had ordered asylum seekers to leave a hotel in Epping.1 The decision allows them to remain while the case is fully heard in October.2 The court found that the fear of crime by Epping residents was outweighed by the need to avoid incentivizing protests and to maintain the status quo.3
- Possible Bank Tax: UK bank shares tumbled amid fears that the upcoming autumn budget might include a “windfall tax” or a new levy on the banking sector’s profits.4
- Liz Truss on Central Banks: Former Prime Minister Liz Truss expressed support for Donald Trump’s efforts to control the US Federal Reserve, stating that a “reckoning is coming” for central banks.5 She reiterated her belief that the Bank of England was responsible for her downfall as prime minister.6
- Labour Party Plans: Shadow Minister Angela Rayner is reportedly set to introduce tougher sanctions on English councils that block new housing developments, potentially forcing them to approve new projects or risk ceding planning control to the central government.7
Other News
- MSP Suspended: A Scottish Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), Colin Smyth, has had his Holyrood pass deactivated after reports he placed a camera in a Scottish Parliament toilet.8 He had already been suspended by Labour following an earlier charge of possessing indecent images of children.9
- P&O Ferries CEO to Quit: Peter Hebblethwaite, the controversial P&O Ferries CEO who oversaw the sacking of nearly 800 staff, is set to leave his position.10
- EasyJet Tribunal Ruling: A tribunal ruled that an EasyJet manager was lawfully sacked after he referred to female colleagues as “lovely ladies” or “my more attractive colleague,” concluding that the comments risked being perceived as sexual harassment.11
- New Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme: The Department for Transport announced the first electric vehicles eligible for a new £3,750 government discount, which is part of a plan to encourage a shift away from petrol and diesel cars.12 Models from Ford are among those included.
- Chickenpox Vaccine: The NHS announced that a free chickenpox vaccination will be offered to children across England starting in January.13
- Women’s Rugby World Cup: The Rugby World Cup 2025 is underway in the UK, with teams like the USA and Australia facing crucial matches in the second week of the tournament.14
