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Going beyond the ordinary news headlines
- December 21, 2025 4:30 pm
UK suspends trade talks with Israel – UK inflation rate jumps – Gonorrhoea vaccine approved
Let’s grab a coffee and dive into this morning’s headlines — it’s a busy one! From rising inflation giving wallets a bit more to worry about, to the UK taking a firm stand on the Gaza crisis, and Donald Trump unveiling a space-age missile defence plan (yes, really) — here’s your quick catch-up on the stories making waves across the UK today.
Trump announces Golden Dome missile defence project
CliffNotes
- Trump announces Golden Dome missile defence project
- It is intended to protect the US from long-range missile attacks
- It could cost $540bn over 20 years
Trump announces Golden Dome missile defence project
What Happened
Donald Trump has announced plans to move forward with developing a major new missile defence system, known as the “Golden Dome”.
The system is intended to protect the United States from long-range missile attacks — including those launched from space — and is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the aim is to have the system operational before he leaves office. An initial $25bn in funding has been secured from Republican lawmakers, with Canada also expressing interest in joining the programme.
What’s Been Said
Trump stated:
“Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space,”
“Forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland.”
Although details remain unclear, Trump said on Tuesday evening:
He had settled on the system’s “architecture” and suggested the final cost could be $175bn, though no specifics were given.
The system will combine ground-based interceptors with space-based defences and is expected to rely on existing technology such as Thaad, Aegis Ashore, and Patriot missiles.
General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force will lead the project. He is seen within the Pentagon as a highly experienced and capable leader in missile defence.
Defence contractors — including Elon Musk’s SpaceX — are expected to be key partners in the project, especially for launching military payloads and satellites into orbit.
What Next
Trump is choosing between three Pentagon proposals — silver, gold, and platinum-dome options — each with varying timelines and costs.
Though $25bn has been allocated for initial development, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the full cost could reach $540bn over 20 years, depending on the option selected.
The announcement follows a recent Defence Intelligence Agency report highlighting threats from China, Russia and North Korea, with hundreds of intercontinental missiles currently in operation.
Trump signed an executive order shortly after returning to office in January, calling for a “next-generation missile defence shield”, arguing the US system hadn’t significantly evolved in four decades.
- UK Economy
UK inflation rate rises to 3.5% driven by rising household bills
CliffNotes
- UK inflation rate rises to 3.5%
- The figure is higher than most forecasts
- The increase was mainly driven by higher household bills
UK inflation rises jumps to 3.5%
What Happened
UK inflation rose to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This figure is higher than most forecasts — economists expected around 3.3%, while the Bank of England predicted 3.4%.
It marks the highest rate since February 2024.
The increase was mainly driven by higher household bills, including gas, electricity, water charges, and rising airfares.
This is significant because the Bank of England aims to keep inflation at 2%, using interest rate changes to manage it.
What’s Been Said
Grant Fitzner, acting director general of the ONS, explained:
“The jump in the rate of inflation to 3.5% in the year to April was driven by higher gas and electricity bills, but also increases in air fares and water bills.”
He added:
“I think the Bank of England will be more concerned about underlying pressures,”
“Pay growth is still significantly above the rate of inflation.”
“There are some other global factors at play here as well, we are seeing lower petrol prices but also a stronger pound which potentially means cheaper imports.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves responded:
“I am disappointed with these figures because I know cost of living pressures are still weighing down on working people.”
“We are long way from the double digit inflation we saw under the previous administration, but I’m determined that we go further and faster to put more money in people’s pockets.”
“That’s why we have increased the minimum wage for millions of working people, frozen fuel duty to protect commuters and struck three trade deals in the past two weeks that will go towards cutting bills.”
What Next
With inflation still above the Bank of England’s 2% target, pressure may mount to keep interest rates higher for longer.
The government and opposition are clashing over who is to blame, while families continue to feel the squeeze.
The Bank’s next move will depend on whether these inflationary pressures persist in the coming months.
Wednesday’s headlines are dominated by the shock announcements from the UK government regarding the situation in Gaza. Despite being fairly silent and in line with the USA regarding the Middle East crisis, the UK government has finally taken a stand. The right-wing papers keep the story off the front pages, instead focusing on various domestic political stories.
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