British embassy marks King Charles III’s birthday with $500M trade
UK (Washing Insider) – On November 26, 2025, British Ambassador Juliana Correa hosted a King Charles III birthday reception in Guatemala City, highlighting UK-Guatemala ties, USD 500 million trade, 86 Chevening scholars, and 23 development…
Palestine Action hunger strikers in UK Prisons face death, urge action
UK (Washington Insider) – 8 Palestine Action activists in UK prisons, including Qesser Zuhrah and Amy Gardiner-Gibson, face life-threatening hunger strikes of up to 46 days; lawyers urge Justice Secretary David Lammy to act. As Arab News reported,…
Turkey warns Russia & Ukraine after shooting down Black Sea drone
Russia (Washington Insider) – Turkey shot down an “out of control” drone from the Black Sea on Monday, Dec 15, 2025, after Ukrainian strikes on Russian tankers; President Erdogan warned both sides to protect security and navigation. As Alarabiya…
Russell Group marks UK return to Erasmus+ program
UK Washington Insider) – UK to rejoin Erasmus+, boosting student exchanges and skills. Russell Group chief Tim Bradshaw says links with EU education and research will grow, with association confirmed for 2027. As Russell Group News reported, the UK…
UK launches review on foreign influence after MEP Nathan Gill’s jail
UK (Washington Insider) – The UK launched a review into foreign political influence, led by Philip Rycroft, focusing on China and funding rules, after ex-MEP Nathan Gill was jailed for taking Russian bribes. As AP News reported, on Tuesday, Dec 16,…
Europe launches commission for Ukraine war damages
Europe (Washington Insider) – European leaders in The Hague launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, with Kaja Kallas supporting compensation using €260–280bn frozen Russian assets, mostly held at Euroclear Belgium. As Melike Pala…
UK govt launches BBC Charter Review; Tim Davie urges input
UK (Washington Insider) – The UK government launched a BBC Charter Review consultation until March 10, 2026. Key themes are licence fee reform, trust, funding, and the BBC’s role. Tim Davie urges public input. As Julian Clover reported on…
MI6 Chief Metreweli warns Russia, pledges UK support for Ukraine
Russia (Washington Insider) – MI6 Chief Blaise Metreweli, the 1st female head in 116 years, warned that Russia is a global threat, stressed UK support for Ukraine, and called for advanced technology in intelligence operations. As Zeynab Farajzade…
UK manufacturing ends 2025 with output 13% & £44bn investment
UK (Washington Insider) – Britain’s manufacturers ended 2025 cautiously positive, with output +13%, orders +3%, forecast rising; Make UK/BDO survey highlights £44bn investment potential, 0.5% growth, and comments from James Brougham, Richard…
Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Kolesnikova, Bialiatski
Belarus (Washington Insider) – Belarus released 123 political prisoners, including Maria Kolesnikova and Ales Bialiatski, after US envoy John Coale negotiated with the US lifting potash sanctions; prisoners sent to Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania.…