5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, 15 September 2025.

Starmer given until May to turn things around: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has until next May to turn around his government’s fortunes, according to a growing number of Labour MPs and trade union leaders, as his allies warily eye Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as a potential challenger. Starmer’s attempt this month to move his government on to its “second phase” – with a focus on “delivery” of policies – has been thrown into disarray by the forced departures of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson. [Financial Times]

Trump to visit the UK: US President Donald Trump will visit the UK this week under a cloud after Ambassador Peter Mandelson was sacked over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump will address a state banquet with tech bosses and senior cabinet ministers on Wednesday evening before travelling to Chequers on Thursday for a business reception, working lunch, and press conference with the prime minister. [Guardian]

Aldi warns of food price rises after Reeves’ Budget: The boss of Aldi has warned that any measures in the Budget that further increase costs on employers could lead to higher food prices. Giles Hurley (Chief Executive of Aldi UK) said the impact of last year’s National Insurance rise and the cost of new packaging rules had already “rippled through to prices on the shelf edge” across the supermarket sector.

UK to fast-track new nuclear generators: Ministers will set out plans to fast-track a new generation of small nuclear power stations in a drive to make the UK a world leader in deploying the technology. Under a deal to be signed as part of President Trump’s state visit, the UK and US will agree to recognise each other’s safety assessments of the new reactors, halving the time it takes for them to get regulatory approval.