5 important things happening in the UK today
Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Monday 22 September 2025.
- Farage plans to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to eject hundreds of thousands of legal migrants in an unprecedented reversal of Britain’s relaxed border rules. The Reform UK leader will unveil plans to force all migrants with permanent residency to reapply for visas under stricter criteria including a higher salary requirement and a better standard of English. The party would also change the law to prevent foreign nationals from accessing the British welfare system. [Telegraph]
- Starmer recognises state of Palestine: The UK has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, Keir Starmer has said, in a deeply symbolic announcement which the government hopes will show its commitment to peace in the region and ease domestic political tensions. In a sign of the global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Canada and Australia also made their own formal declarations recognising Palestine on Sunday ahead of a conference of the UN general assembly in New York. [Guardian]
- Second runway for Gatwick approved: Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, as the government looks for economic growth opportunities. The £2.2 billion privately-financed project involves in effect moving the current Northern Runway 12 metres to bring it into regular use, as well as other developments, including extending the size of terminals.
- NHS sees increase in productivity: Hospital productivity growth in England’s health service exceeded official targets last year, suggesting chancellor Rachel Reeves is on track to deliver critical savings underpinning her spending plans ahead of November’s Budget. Activity in hospital trusts increased by 5.8% in 2024-25, outpacing the increase in costs and delivering productivity growth of 2.7%, according to figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care on Monday. [Financial Times]
- On Monday, Oil was trading lower at $66.44. The pound is trading at $1.35, €1.15, and ¥9.59.
