
24/09/2025
Today’s news highlights a mix of political, scientific, and cultural stories. Merck has cancelled plans for a £1bn London R&D headquarters, with industry leaders warning that pharmaceutical investment may leave the UK, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met NATO allies to discuss Russian aggression. Domestically, the House of Lords prepares to debate the Assisted Dying Bill, and the Labour Party begins its deputy leadership election after Angela Rayner’s resignation. In environmental policy, England will ban burning on deep peat from 30 September to protect habitats and cut emissions. Meanwhile, British horse racing was cancelled amid a dispute over increased betting taxes. On the global stage, President Donald Trump will make a second state visit to the UK next week, while a private reunion between King Charles and Prince Harry has drawn attention. Culturally and scientifically, excitement builds for a rare “blood moon” total lunar eclipse visible from the UK