5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Monday (29 December 2025):

Late rush sees record Boxing day sales in the UK: An evening surge in shoppers keen on Boxing Day bargains drove a decade-high increase in footfall for the annual sales, figures suggest. It was up by 4.4% across all UK retail destinations including high streets and shopping centres compared to the same day last year, according to data from MRI Software. Footfall also remained strong on Saturday, and MRI anticipated the strong post-Christmas shopping momentum to continue into the new year. [BBC]

UK carmakers face 10% tariffs on electric vehicles sold in the EU: UK carmakers face 10% tariffs on electric vehicles sold in the EU. The tax would also increase the cost of European-made EVs, such as BMWs, Audis and Volkswagens, for consumers in Britain. The threat follows the end of a post-Brexit deal designed to stop customs duties being imposed on electric car sales on both sides. It is expected to damage British car companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall and BMW’s Mini Cooper line. [The Times]

Entrepreneurs rush to sell in race to beat Labour’s tax raid: Britain’s entrepreneurs are rushing to sell off their companies ahead of a tax raid by Rachel Reeves on the nation’s wealth creators. The number of founder-led businesses seeking institutional investment has risen by 30pc both in the run-up to and after the Budget in November, according to figures from Palladium Digital, a private equity consultancy. [The Telegraph]

AI being used to help cut A&E waiting times in England: Hospitals in England are using articificial intelligence to help cut waiting times in emergency departments this winter. The A&E forecasting tool predicts when demand will be highest, allowing trusts to better plan staffing and bed space. The prediction algorithm is trained on historical data including weather trends, school holidays, and rates of flu and Covidto determine how many people are likely to visit A&E. [Guardian]