Asylum returns to France continue after scheme ends, The Guardian reports
The Home Office is still returning asylum seekers to France after the scheme ended, The Guardian reports. A further flight took place on 28 October.
Category: UK
Rachel Reeves: Britain’s future lies in the European Union
The former chancellor has argued that Britain’s future lies in the EU. Her position does not amount to a government decision or a change to residence and work rules.
Chancellor signals veto on offshore wind projects that would not lower bills
According to The Guardian, John Healey wants support for new offshore wind farms to depend on their effect on bills and grid capacity. This is a proposal, not an existing ban.
Higher payments for bereaved families affected by asbestos disease from 31 October
DWP has equalised payments for sufferers and eligible bereaved dependants under two schemes. The change applies to new claims from 31 October 2026.
BBC: possible exemptions from longer waits for UK settlement
Most social care workers already in the UK could avoid a longer wait for settlement, according to the BBC. A final decision has not yet been announced.
Scottish police make enquiries into Andrew, Epstein and Maxwell’s visits to Balmoral
Police Scotland has confirmed preliminary enquiries into historic stays at Balmoral. It has not disclosed details or established that a crime took place.
UK announces defence offset policy with £50m contract threshold
Selected overseas defence contracts are to bring investment, orders and training to the UK from April 2027. The £50m threshold will not automatically trigger an offset.
England opens LLE applications for courses starting from January to August 2027
Student Loans Company has opened LLE applications for courses in England starting from January to August 2027, with loans for tuition fees and living costs.
UK removes two-year tax deadline for pension death benefit payments
According to the BBC, certain pension death benefits paid from 28 October 2026 will no longer lose tax-free status solely because the two-year deadline was missed. Other conditions still apply.
Eight of England’s nine water companies rated poor or in need of improvement
Only Severn Trent achieved the highest environmental rating for 2025. England’s combined score was the lowest on record, with tougher criteria also contributing.
Longer waits for some young people in mental health crisis in Northern Ireland
Western Health and Social Care Trust has reduced its Card Before You Leave service. Some young patients assessed as low risk now wait until the next working day.
Poundland nears administration with up to 12,000 jobs at risk in UK and Ireland
Poundland is preparing to appoint administrators. Up to 12,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland could be at risk. The figure refers to jobs potentially at risk, not announced redundancies.
