In a significant day for UK news, three major stories are dominating headlines: a major walkout by NHS doctors, a pivotal shift in post-Brexit education policy, and confirmation of a record-breaking climate milestone.
Five-Day Doctors' Strike Begins Amid Flu Season
Resident doctors in England have commenced a five-day strike, a move described by their union, the British Medical Association (BMA), as a last resort. The industrial action, which began on Wednesday 17 December 2025, is strategically timed during the challenging winter flu season, highlighting the severe pressures on the health service.
The BMA states the walkout is a direct response to the government's failure to present a credible offer to resolve what they term a "job crisis" and years of "real-terms pay cuts" for junior doctors. This prolonged strike is expected to cause significant disruption to hospital services across the country.
UK Moves to Rejoin EU's Erasmus Scheme
In a notable development for education and international relations, the UK is set to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus+ student exchange programme. This potential return marks a significant reversal of a post-Brexit decision and would reopen a vital channel for UK students to study across Europe and for EU students to come to British universities.
The move is being closely watched by the higher education sector, which has long campaigned for the scheme's benefits, arguing it fosters cultural exchange and academic collaboration.
2025 Confirmed as Sunniest Year on Record
Meanwhile, meteorologists have confirmed that the year 2025 has officially become the sunniest year on record for the UK. The unprecedented level of sunshine hours recorded throughout the year adds to a growing body of evidence concerning shifting weather patterns and climate change impacts in the region.
In other news, the first funeral for one of the victims of the Bondi attack has been held, a sombre moment of remembrance. For a concise daily update, the podcast 'Cheat Sheet' with hosts Sophy and Wilf continues to summarise the day's events in a digestible ten-minute format.
