5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Tuesday (21 October 2025).

• Highest government borrowing in September for five years: UK government borrowing in September hit the highest level for the month in five years, according to the latest official figures. Borrowing – the difference between public spending and tax income – was £20.2 billion in September, up £1.6 billion from the same month last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. The ONS said a rise in debt interest payments offset the increased amount the government had raised through tax and national insurance. [BBC]
• Labour urged to rethink scrapping minimum wage youth rates: Labour has been urged to break a manifesto pledge to scrap youth rates of the minimum wage amid a dramatic rise in the number of young people out of work and education. In a report sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (Neet), the Resolution Foundation urged Labour to change course to avoid them being “priced out” of entry-level jobs. [Guardian]
• Miliband approves Britain’s biggest solar farm: Ed Miliband has approved the UK’s largest solar farm to date, covering 2,000 football pitches’ worth of prime farmland. The Energy Secretary approved Tillbridge Solar farm near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire on Tuesday. Once operational, the site will generate enough renewable electricity for up to 300,000 homes when the sun is shining. [Telegraph]
• HSBC hires banking veteran David Lindberg to lead its UK business: HSBC said on Tuesday that it has appointed former NatWest executive David Lindberg as CEO of its UK business, months after the British banking group initiated a search to lead its ring-fenced division. Lindberg, set to begin his new role from 8 December, has previously held positions in major Australian banks such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ Group, and Westpac. [Reuters]
• On Tuesday, Oil was trading flat at $61.18. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.15, and ¥9.53.

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