News 17/12/25

Inflation eased by more than expected to three point two percent in November, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Economists had predicted a fall from October’s three point six percent, but many expected it to come in higher at around three point five. Lower food prices, which usually rise at this time of year, were the main downward driver, alongside tobacco costs. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, also fell more than forecast to three point two percent.

Alleged Bondi Beach attacker Naveed Akram has been charged with fifty nine offences, including a terror charge, New South Wales Police have said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expected the twenty four year old to be charged after he woke from a coma. The second alleged attacker, his fifty year old father Sajid, died at the scene of Sunday’s mass shooting.

The UK is set to rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange scheme, according to reports.

The programme allowed British students to spend a year studying at European universities without paying extra fees, with European students doing the same in the UK. UK participation ended after Brexit on 1 January 2021 and the scheme was replaced by the government’s Turing programme.

The UK has recorded its sunniest year ever, despite only being halfway through December.

Provisional Met Office figures show 2025 has already recorded more sunshine hours than any previous full year. The bright conditions were driven by frequent periods of high pressure during spring and summer, reducing cloud cover and locking in sunny skies across much of the country.

Patients are being warned to expect disruption as doctors begin a five day strike in England.

NHS England says it is struggling to keep as many services running as during earlier walkouts, with hospitals also under pressure from a wave of flu. Non urgent services will be affected from 07:00 on Wednesday. This is the fourteenth walkout by resident doctors in the long running pay dispute. Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the strike risks patient safety, while the British Medical Association says it will work with NHS leaders to protect patients.

Learner drivers are facing months of delays booking practical tests, with a backlog not expected to clear until November 2027, according to the National Audit Office.

It says 1.1 million tests were not carried out in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, with around 360,000 still unbooked. Average waiting times stood at 22 weeks in September, hitting the 24 week maximum at most test centres. The Department for Transport says it is taking decisive action, including using military driving examiners.