5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Wednesday 17 September 2025.

Trump lands in UK for state visit: US President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for his second official state visit this year, landing at London Stansted airport in the morning of Wednesday 17 September. Trump, who called King Charles a longtime friend, will be hosted by the Royal Family at Windsor Castle. [Telegraph]
Food costs continue to rise: Inflation remained steady at 3.8% in August as grocery bills in the United Kingdom continue to rise, the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals. Inflation in the UK also remains significantly higher than estimates for European economies such as France and Germany. [BBC]
US tech giants to spend billions on AI infrastructure in UK: The largest US tech firms have promised to invet sbillions in AI infrastructure in the United Kingdom as part of a new tech alliance announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In addition to a $30-billion investment from Microsoft, the deal will also facilitate the construction of the UK’s biggest supercomputer. [Financial Times]
Labour urged to overhaul its growth plans: Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane has warned that Labour must revisit its growth strategy if it is too survive the surging popularity of populist parties like Reform UK. “We need a story of growth that isn’t aridly told from 30,000 feet, but speaks to the lived experience and to the prospects and opportunities of workers in the everyday economy,” Haldane said. [Guardian]