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] Australia had to confront the likelihood that SSN-AUKUS - a new class of submarine Australia plans to build with Britain - will fall behind schedule because of backlogs in the hollowed out British submarine service. The Age
• [New] The UK last year pledged to hit a 5% GDP target by 2035, and France is aiming for 3.5%. BBC News
• [New] Other measures include mandating solar panels and heat pumps in all new homes in England from 2028. Positive News
• [New] Plug-in solar panels will be available in the middle aisle of British supermarkets within months. Positive News
• [New] The Bank of England has warned it may need to raise interest rates again if inflation accelerates. CPA | The Credit Protection Association
• [New] The typical household energy bill in the UK is expected to climb by 20% in July, when a new energy price cap comes into effect. Spiked
• [New] The UK economy is entering a period of faster and more unpredictable structural change. Tony Blair Institute
• [New] The planned introduction of a UK digital ID in 2029 creates a practical step towards moving away from a costly, infrequent census model. Tony Blair Institute
• [New] The United Kingdom is moving to ban cryptocurrency donations to political parties, citing risks related to foreign influence and transparency. MEXC
• [New] Critical Minerals The new standalone schedule will ensure that low-risk activities are not caught and will continue to cover all 34 minerals identified as critical by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] The United Kingdom government affirmed its commitment to police sanctioned vessels in UK waters, while Kremlin officials continue to threaten the use of military force to aid Russian sanction-evading ships. Critical Threats
• [New] Proposed legislation in Congress and ongoing consultations in the UK and Australia could reshape requirements throughout 2026. Blocsys
• [New] Research from Exeter University highlights an urgent need to accelerate and scale up peatland restoration to combat the climate crisis, identifying Dartmoor, the blanket bog in Caithness and Sutherland, northern Scotland, known as the Flow Country, and the Peak District as particular areas at risk. The Guardian
• [New] 50% of upland peatlands and 25% of lowland peatlands should be restored to near natural condition by 2050 to meet legally binding UK climate policy. The Guardian
• [New] Britain is a few weeks away from medicine shortages ranging from painkillers to cancer treatment if the Iran war continues, while drug prices could also rise. The Guardian
• [New] Associated British Foods' Primark opened its first store in Dubai and plans further Middle East expansion in 2026.Next reported a 21% increase in pretax profit to GBP 1.19 billion for fiscal 2026 and raised its fiscal 2027 profit guidance. MarketScreener
• [New] The Bank of England kept interest rates steady at 3.75% but signalled that a reduction could come in March. SBS Wealth
• [New] Demand for airport security in UK is projected to rise at 4.3% CAGR through 2036. FactMr
• [New] There is a high probability that the UK element of AUKUS will fail. The Age
• [New] By 2026 the UK energy system will enter a high-demand transition phase. Morson Edge

Last updated: 31 March 2026