5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Thursday (2 October 2025).

Starmer to end asylum ‘golden ticket’: People granted asylum will no longer be given “the golden ticket” of resettlement and family reunion rights, Keir Starmer said, amid deepening concerns from charities that his words are demonising refugees. As the Prime Minister prepared to discuss illegal migration with European leaders, No 10 outlined plans to strip successful claimants of the right to automatically invite spouses and children to join them. [Guardian]
Labour in hot water over alleged paid social media attacks: The Labour Party is facing questions over alleged payments to journalists and influencers to post social media content that criticises Reform UK. A company with links to the Labour Party has allegedly approached journalists offering to pay them £50 per week to post “progressive” videos online on themes such as “Nigel Farage does not stand for the working class”. [Telegraph]
Thames Water lenders submit rescue plan to stave off collapse: Thames Water’s lenders have submitted a new rescue plan to prevent the UK’s largest water company from collapsing. London & Valley Water, a consortium of large financial institutions and investors, has submitted proposals which include writing off about a third of the company’s near £20 billion debt pile and investing to improve services. [BBC]

Brits spend £1 billion to turn off wind farms: Energy billpayers have spent a record £1 billion this year to switch off wind turbines because of flaws in the UK’s drive for net zero. In a single day, October 1, Britain’s electricity operator paid wind farm operators £1.3 million in compensation for lost revenue after ordering them to switch off turbines to avoid overloading the grid. [Times]