Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Friday (26 September 2025).
- Starmer set to introduce Britcard: Every working adult in Britain will be required to have a new government-issued digital identity card as part of a fresh attempt to crack down on illegal migration. The prime minister is expected to announce his backing for the “Brit card” scheme, which would verify an individual’s right to live and work in the UK, in a speech on Friday. [Independent]
- Labour admits it got it wrong on migration: Starmer has admitted that Labour has previously got it wrong on migration. Writing for The Telegraph ahead of a speech countering Reform UK, the Prime Minister acknowledged that, before his leadership, the party “did shy away” from voters’ concerns on illegal immigration. [Telegraph]
- Government backs return of international trains to Kent: Hopes that international rail services could return to UK stations abandoned by Eurostar have grown, with the government backing new competitors who plan to serve stops in Kent. Ministers have been leaning on the rail regulator to give crucial space on the railway to prospective entrants who pledge to bring cross-Channel services back to Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations – and possibly London’s Stratford International. [Guardian]
- Starbucks to close hundreds of stores across the US and UK: Starbucks has said it will cut about 900 US jobs and close its worst performing stores there, as well as shutting some UK stores as part of a cost-saving move. Most of the stores earmarked for closure are in North America and its chief executive said the revamp would reduce wait times and help revive sales. [BBC]
- On Friday, Oil was trading higher at $68.69. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.14, and ¥9.53.
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