Global Scans · UK · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving Brexit will dominate the UK's agenda up to and beyond 2020 with uncertainty rife until clear decisions are made on the form of Great Britain's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

• [New] The British government says it will launch the largest overhaul of asylum seeker policy in modern times, drawing inspiration from Denmark's approach, which is one of the toughest in Europe. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Britain plans to carry out the most significant reform of its asylum policy in modern times by making refugee status temporary and quadrupling the wait for permanent settlement to 20 years, as the Labour government confronts a broken asylum system that has fueled support for right-wing parties. CNN
• [New] Landmark legislation that will transform Britain's railways was introduced, paving the way for a simpler, more reliable network, which puts passengers before profits and improves services for disabled passengers. NewsBreak
• [New] Rolls-Royce SMR was announced in June as Great British Energy-Nuclear's preferred bidder to partner with to build the UK's first small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature, expected later in 2025. GOV.UK
• [New] News that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK's first small modular reactor plant will bring investment and thousands of jobs to North Wales and beyond, supporting wider economic growth. GOV.UK
• [New] The UK will build its first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear plant at Wylfa on Anglesey, an island off northwest Wales - but it will not generate power until the mid-2030s. The Register
• [New] Improved data systems and building resilience into databases and data flows will help to withstand cyber attacks against the sensitive information of UK citizens. UKAuthority
• [New] A foundational step could be replacing legacy infrastructure in the UK and prioritising critical data systems and services. UKAuthority
• [New] The surge in cyber claims - up 230% in the past year, with ransomware a major driver - underscores the growing financial and operational risks for UK businesses. Insurance Business
• [New] The Bill will likely increase demand for cyber insurance and risk management services, as companies seek coverage that not only protects financially but also improves resilience. / UK Insurance Business
• [New] UK businesses could access £167 billion of additional capital per year if they took even bolder measures. FinExtra
• [New] The UK economy grew at a more sluggish pace than expected in the third quarter of the year after being held back by Jaguar Land Rover's cyber attack. City AM
• [New] Through the Lynx to Scotland partnership, Trees for Life has worked with diverse stakeholders for five years to assess what an official reintroduction might entail, from sheep predation to eco-tourism benefits. BusinessMole
• [New] In the UK, one in four properties could face flood risk by mid-century, yet uptake of cover remains low. Insurance Business
• [New] The Met Office states for the end of this week: By the weekend much of the UK will be under the cooler airmass with overnight frosts in places, and while there will still be some showers around it will be a much drier and brighter spell of weather. Daily Mirror
• [New] By the weekend and into the second half of November, much of the UK will fall under cooler air masses, with overnight frosts and, on higher ground, the potential for snow. Azat TV
• [New] The Fujian is forcing Western allies (especially the AUKUS alliance, Australia, the UK and the US) to accelerate their own deployments and revise their combat doctrines, dangerously increasing the risk of accidental escalation in the Western Pacific. Atalayar
• [New] The Bank of England will have to balance keeping inflation under control with the backdrop of a weak economy. / UK UK - EN - Institutional
• [New] UK gilts have fallen sharply in recent weeks as hopes rise of lower interest rates. BBC News
• [New] The UK government will allow tech firms and child safety charities to proactively test artificial intelligence tools to make sure they cannot create child sexual abuse imagery. BBC News
• [New] The UK National Risk Register already lists severe space weather as a top-tier natural hazard, alongside pandemic and cyber risk. Insurance Business
• [New] With cyber threats escalating, demand for protection surged in 2024 with 17% more policies taken out in 2024 than the previous year, presenting clear evidence that UK businesses are prioritizing protection against evolving digital risks. Insurance Journal
• [New] The Aberdeen center becomes its third research site, expanding participation opportunities and strengthening Scotland's position as an international hub for brain health innovation. Scottish Enterprise Newsroom

Last updated: 18 November 2025