5 important things happening in the UK today

Starmer to strike small boat deal with China: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to strike a new border security pact with China in a fresh bid to tackle Britain’s small boat crisis. The deal, which will be signed following the Prime Minister’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing today, will see the two countries work together to crack down on Channel crossings. Inflatable dinghies used in small boat crossings, often made using parts sourced in China, are used by gangs to pack larger numbers onto single vessels, with recent Channel crossings found to be carrying over 100 people. [GBNews]

Water bills to rise again: Water bills will rise by £2.70 a month on average from April, a year on from hefty increases for households in many parts of the country. The average annual bill in England and Wales will increase by £33 to £639, prompting calls for a “stronger safety net” for those unable to pay. The size of the increase and the cost of the average bill both vary widely across different regions, with one water-only supplier raising prices by 13%. [BBC]

The Original Factory Shop calls in administrators – 1,200 jobs at risk:
The Original Factory Shop homeware chain has called in administrators, putting 1,200 jobs at risk, putting the decision partly down to higher costs from government policies. Administrators from Interpath have been appointed at the 137-store discount retailer, which was bought by the private equity firm Modella Capital less than a year ago. [Guardian]

Suspended pupils to be kept on school grounds: Pupils suspended from school are set to be kept under supervision to prevent them from being sent home, where they can gain access to social media more easily. The government says its new framework will aim to “reduce exposure to social media” and to help better protect children up and down the country. Under revised proposals, fewer children suspended from school for bad behaviour will be sent home, where access to the internet can be “unfettered.” [SkyNews]