Early Election Push: Downing Street advisers are reportedly weighing a spring election, with internal polling suggesting Labour could lead but fall short of a majority—raising questions about whether partners like the Lib Dems and Greens would back Labour to keep Andy Burnham in No 10. BBC Job Cuts: The NUJ warns the BBC is heading for an avoidable “doom spiral” as further redundancies loom across BBC Local, Sport, Wales and Scotland. Defence & Dissent: In a UN speech, Andy Burnham pledged open-ended escalation against Russia while also unveiling a National Centre for Information Defence aimed at suppressing dissent, drawing fresh scrutiny of civil liberties. Scotland Drugs Crisis: Reform failed to trigger a no-confidence vote in drugs minister Maree Todd, despite figures showing drug deaths up 11% to 1,133 in 2025. EU Trade Rules: France is pushing to exclude the UK from the EU’s “Made in Europe” industrial policy, a potential hit to British firms competing for low-carbon and EV contracts. Stormont Funding: UK ministers have declined to increase funding beyond a £1.5bn offer, leaving Northern Ireland budget talks unresolved. Dog Licensing Rejected: Government ruled out a dog licensing scheme, though it is considering other recommendations to improve control and reduce attacks.