Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Tuesday (16 December 2025):
- UK unemployment rises: The UK unemployment rate in the three months to October has increased to 5.1%, according to official figures. That marked a rise from 5% for the three months to September. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the data reflected a “subdued labour market”. Average wage growth was 4.6%, excluding bonuses, between August and October 2025. Annual average earnings growth was 3.9% for the private sector and 7.6% for the public sector, across the three-month period. [BBC]
- Donald Trump sues BBC for up to $10 billion over edit of January 6 speech: Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the BBC over its editing of a speech he made to supporters in Washington before they stormed the US Capitol in 2021, requesting up to $10 billion in damages. The US president alleged the broadcaster “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively” edited his 6 January speech before the insurrection, in an episode of Panorama just over a year ago. [Guardian]
- Sellers slash asking prices in wake of Budget ‘mansion tax’: Property sellers have reduced their asking prices by an average of £6,700 over the last month, as uncertainty surrounding Rachel Reeves’s Budget scared off buyers. The average asking price fell by 1.8pc between November and December to £358,138, according to Rightmove, which said the drop was larger than usual for this time of year. It follows a similar 1.8pc drop between October and November, when speculation was rife over what taxes the Chancellor would raise. [Telegraph]
- The value of the British passport is dropping: The once-coveted British passport has tumbled in value since Rachel Reeves’ “wealth tax” Budget, according to a new report. In the latest Passport Index, put together by financial advisory firm Nomad Capitalist, the UK’s iconic blue travel document has slipped from 21st place in the previous list down to 35th out of 199 countries. This means that Bulgarian, Spanish and Hungarian passports are considered to offer more flexibility for travel and tax freedom. [CityAM]
- On Monday, Oil was trading lower at $59.95. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.14, and ¥9.42.
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