What are carbon budgets?
Carbon budgets are five-year carbon emissions limits set by the UK Government. The UK is aiming for ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.
Heatwaves in the UK
Heatwaves, three consecutive days above a certain temperature, are becoming more common. They can disrupt infrastructure and ecosystems and harm people’s health.
Which children are most likely to be in poverty in the UK?
The government published its child poverty strategy on 5 December 2025. The latest data shows 31% of children were in relative poverty after housing costs in 2024/25.
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Economic update: Household financial resilience is slowly improving
Household financial resilience has been improving but the labour market continues to weaken. Inflation increased in December but is expected to fall in 2026.
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What is ‘water bankruptcy’?
The United Nations published a landmark report warning of ‘water bankruptcy’ in January 2026. Find out what this means for the UK and the world.
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Water reform: “A new vision for water”
The government published its water white paper in January 2026, setting out its plans for the water sector. Find out more about these plans and the next steps.
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Africa in 2026: Conflict, elections and a new UK framework
What challenges and opportunities face the African continent in 2026? This brief discusses the G20 summit, elections, armed conflict, aid and UK engagement.
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The UK and international development: Global issues for 2026
Major aid donors will continue to cut aid budgets. UN agencies are planning reforms and reductions in their programmes.
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Economic update: Interest rates cut as inflation falls to eight-month low
The Bank of England cut interest rates in December 2025, for the fourth time this year. However, the labour market weakened and GDP unexpectedly fell.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina: What’s behind the change in leadership in the Republika Srpska?
Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority territory in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a new president, after the previous president was removed from office.
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What are the effects of political financing?
The effects of money on politics are contested. However, academics generally agree that money affects the chances of electoral success.
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Deep material poverty: How many children are going without essentials?
A child is in deep material poverty if they lack access to at least four of 13 essentials, such as a damp-free home, fresh food, and comfortable clothes.
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How are medicines prices set in the UK?
The price of medicines in the UK is influenced by multiple factors, including agreements with the pharmaceutical industry to cap spending on branded medicines.
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A visitor levy for English mayors?
The government is proposing to allow English mayors to introduce visitor levies/ ‘tourist taxes’ to help councils raise money to improve local economies.
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Settling the United Kingdom border
It is a century since the United Kingdom’s border on the island of Ireland was settled by international treaty.
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