The UK economy experienced sluggish growth at the end of 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), prompting Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge that "more to do" was needed. Meanwhile, in Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley secured a third election victory, and in Bangladesh, citizens celebrated a landmark election after a long wait. Additionally, a nominee for a top diplomatic role in the US faced scrutiny over alleged views, and businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologized for comments on immigration.
The ONS reported that the UK economy grew by only 0.1% in the final three months of 2025, slightly below economists' expectations, according to BBC Business. Despite this, Reeves highlighted that the full-year growth for 2025 reached 1.3%, exceeding analysts' forecasts. However, the Conservatives criticized the Labour government, claiming they had "weakened our economy," as reported by BBC Business.
In Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley's Barbados Labour Party (BLP) achieved a clean sweep, winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly, as reported by The Guardian. This victory marked Mottley's third consecutive election win, solidifying her position as a prominent global leader.
Across the globe in Bangladesh, citizens participated in a crucial election, with many voters expressing excitement after a 17-year wait. Hasan Hoque, a former teacher, told Al Jazeera that casting his vote "feels like a festival."
In other news, Jeremy Carl, the nominee for a top diplomatic role in the US, faced scrutiny over allegations of espousing white supremacist, racist, antisemitic, and homophobic views, as reported by The Guardian. A former US State Department official issued the warning, adding to the controversy surrounding the nomination.
Finally, billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos boss and Manchester United co-owner, apologized for his "choice of language" after comments suggesting the UK had been "colonised by immigrants," as reported by BBC Business. Ratcliffe, ranked seventh on the Sunday Times Rich List, stated he wanted an "open debate" on migration, skills, and investment.
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