Trade & Investment Push: UK-linked business leaders are watching global capital flows as China’s services trade expands and Britain’s City backs more China–UK services deals, while separate reports highlight how higher borrowing costs are reshaping investment decisions. Money Laundering Crackdown: The Home Office plans to roll out 500+ anti-money laundering investigators across the NCA, police and prosecutors, warning AI and crypto are changing how dirty money moves through UK structures. Security & Geopolitics: A NATO officer’s Tinder romance has triggered Russian-spy concerns at a UK military base, and ministers are weighing how to support Saudi Arabia as Houthi threats raise pressure on global shipping routes. Politics & Constitutional Tensions: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders are coordinating independence messaging, but analysts stress it doesn’t automatically force referendums. Digital Identity & Retail: New rules let alcohol sellers use digital proof-of-age, offering a QR/phone-based alternative to carrying physical ID. Health & Everyday Risk: A study of nearly a million UK adults links drinking tea/coffee “very hot” to higher oesophageal cancer risk, adding to public health debate. Business & Growth Culture: Andy Burnham urges a “culture shift” to back risk-taking firms and unlock investment as borrowing costs bite.