Insights & Updates

UK GDP Falls 0.1% in October – First Three-Month Decline Since 2023 The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) published data today showing real GDP declined 0.1% in the three months to October 2025 compared to the three months to July. This marks the first three-month fall since December 2023, driven by significant contractions in manufacturing and construction amid rising unemployment. The services sector showed no growth, while production fell 0.5% and construction dropped 0.3%.…

On October 30, 2025, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) confirmed a record £55 billion investment in research and development through to 2029/30, marking the largest-ever funding managed by DSIT. The department’s overall R&D budget will grow to £58.5 billion, representing a real-terms increase over the Spending Review period. This announcement forms part of a wider £86 billion public R&D package confirmed by the Chancellor at the Spending Review. New government analysis demonstrates…

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published detailed budget allocation plans on October 30, 2025, for the 2026-2030 spending review period, including £3.3 billion for applicant-led research with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary projects. This announcement comes amid growing recognition of universities’ role in addressing complex societal challenges through the synthesis of social sciences, economics, public policy, and technology. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) allocated £38.6 billion to UKRI for the period to 2030,…

On October 27, 2025, the House of Lords Library published a comprehensive briefing “Ukraine Update: October 2025” ahead of debates held on October 31. The document confirms that the United Kingdom continues to frame support for Ukraine as a long-term strategic commitment extending far beyond immediate military aid to encompass humanitarian support, energy stabilization, and institutional recovery planning. In 2025, the UK and Germany assumed leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, while the UK…