Global Scans · UK · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving Brexit will dominate the UK's agenda up to and beyond 2020 with uncertainty rife until clear decisions are made on the form of Great Britain's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

• [New] EMEA markets are on the rise, with the UK leading Europe at 5.7% growth, while Italy, France, and Germany see moderate acceleration through digital adoption and event-driven opportunities. Marketing-Interactive
• [New] Bangladesh will retain duty-free, quota-free status until 2029, providing continued preferential access to major export markets such as the European Union and the United Kingdom. United States Department of State
• [New] The Greek Island of Crete has appeared amongst the top destinations with the highest growth in-package vacation searches amongst British tourists in 2026, with an impressive 18% rise in vacation searches by British tourists. Travel And Tour World
• [New] As Spain continues to be a top destination for British travelers, and the UK remains a favorite for Spaniards, their collaboration at FITUR 2026 will highlight their shared commitment to driving innovation, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening cultural connections. Travel And Tour World
• [New] For the UK to take advantage it needs to issue a GBP stablecoin that could capture some of the margin on the £9 trillion daily flow of FX and OTC combined. Disruption Banking
• [New] British funding committed to bolstering the western Balkans, where Russia has been accused of sowing division and creating destabilization, has been cut from £40m last year to £24m for 2025-26. The Guardian
• [New] Overall gross lending is expected to rise by 4% to £300 billion. / UK Brick Weaver
• [New] UK businesses will become less interested in grand claims about automation replacing people and more focused on how AI can improve specific processes. FinExtra
• [New] White storks are set to be reintroduced to London in 2026 after a 604-year period (1416 to 2020) when the majestic waterbird species no longer bred in Britain (ended by rewilding on the Knepp Estate). The Weekly Anthropocene
• [New] The UK needed to prepare for workers being pushed out of jobs amid fears that it is already denting demand for many white-collar roles. Insurance Journal
• [New] The UK is entering a period where the volume of always-available generation is structurally declining, while electricity demand is expected to rise as transport, heat and industry electrify. City AM
• [New] Investors advised to overweight UK energy / retail equities, increase UK / European bond allocations, and hedge currency risks through diversified global portfolios including U.S. tech and emerging markets. Ainvest
• [New] UK consumers are likely to suffer the highest inflation rates among the G7 major economies in 2025 and 2026. The Guardian
• [New] The Bank of England is now warning that escalating debt in AI infrastructure could amplify financial stability risks. GTM AI Podcast & Newsletter
• [New] The British government is hoping a change in German law will help stop small boat crossings to the UK. SKY
• [New] London is forecast to see a 37% year-on-year rise in vacancies, accounting for 70% of all fintech roles in the UK. FinExtra
• [New] A new road safety strategy is expected to reduce the drink driving limit in England and Wales, which have the highest limits in Europe. Institute of Alcohol Studies
• The UK Government has entered a partnership with Google DeepMind, citing the potential for AI in public services, education and security. UKAuthority
• The UK government will monitor whether its new set of digital guardrails, under the Online Safety Act, have the desired impact on child safety. The Guardian
• All police forces in England and Wales will have dedicated rape and sexual offences teams by 2029. The Guardian

Last updated: 23 December 2025