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] There's the potential for the UK to become a manufacturer and exporter of SMR technology. AtkinsRealis
• [New] A successful fleet deployment of an SMR programme in the UK could bring other benefits for the wider economy too. AtkinsRealis
• [New] Initiatives like 3 Ci in the UK and the Green Bank Network in the US, which enable better project origination with well packaged bundles of investable, de-risked sustainable projects, should become more prominent, especially for cash constrained local authorities and cities. AtkinsRealis
• [New] The FCA, PRA and Bank of England are expected to launch a joint consultation on expectations around the management of ICT and cyber resilience risks in H1. JD Supra
• [New] The UK has indicated it will ban tools that use generative AI to turn images of real people into fake nude pictures and videos without their permission. Lexology PRO
• [New] Lanarkshire has been named as the latest UK AI Growth Zone, in an announcement that could deliver over 3,400 jobs and investment to Scotland as part of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy. UKAuthority
• [New] The EU's plan to expand AI regulatory sandboxes could set a precedent for the UK. UKAuthority
• [New] If EU standards for bias detection in AI systems become more flexible, UK public sector organizations might adopt similar approaches to ensure interoperability with European partners. UKAuthority
• [New] Simplified compliance processes for SMEs and small mid-caps in the EU could make it easier for UK public bodies to engage with smaller European suppliers, potentially increasing competition and innovation in public sector procurement. UKAuthority
• [New] While evidence from the Bank of England/NMG survey points to higher economy-wide unemployment expectations, households' own perceived job-loss risk remains low on average. EIN Presswire
• [New] The UK government announced a major expansion of its national skills strategy, setting a target to upskill 10 million adults in AI skills and competencies by 2030. Fladgates Services Limited
• [New] As the UK aims for a decarbonized energy system by 2030 and beyond, solar energy will undoubtedly play a vital role in powering a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable future. energygain.co.uk
• [New] The integration of smart grids and digital technologies will further optimize solar energy utilization across the UK. energygain.co.uk
• [New] The UK has announced a ban on providing insurance for Russian gas shipments, effective 2027. Insurance Business
• [New] Inflection said it plans to deploy £200 million over the next four to five years, aiming to build four to six regional broking hubs across the UK. Insurance Business
• [New] Britain's relationship with the European Union in 2026 continues to evolve, reflecting both the complexities of post-Brexit agreements and the opportunities for strategic cooperation. The Britain News Journal
• [New] Since officially leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom has faced a complex blend of opportunities and challenges, with new trade deals, regulatory adjustments, and political shifts reshaping its global position. The Britain News Journal
• [New] New UK-US partnership will help secure supply chains of critical minerals, driving investment into UK projects. GOV.UK
• [New] While wage growth may only be falling slowly, new evidence provides reassurance that structural changes in wage-setting will not keep adding to inflationary pressures (Box B: Heterogeneity in wage-setting behaviour among UK firms). EIN Presswire
• [New] The UK government claims it will develop a world-first framework to evaluate deepfake detection technologies as AI-generated content proliferates. The Register
• [New] The UK Debt Management Office may need to issue more short-dated debt and therefore rely more on price-sensitive investors, increasing volatility and fiscal risk as public debt climbs. Evelyn Partners

Last updated: 10 February 2026