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Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The UK government borrowing fell sharply in December, marking a notable improvement compared with last year. Public sector net borrowing, which measures the gap between government spending and income, reached £11.6bn last month, considerably lower than the £18.7bn recorded in December 2024. Analysts had anticipated borrowing of approximately £13bn, highlighting that the government managed to outperform expectations due...

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Half the world’s largest cities are now experiencing extreme water stress, a growing global concern. Analysis shows that almost 50 of the 100 largest cities face water scarcity, with 39 in regions classified under “extremely high water stress.” Water stress occurs when water withdrawals for public supply and industry approach the limits of available resources, often worsened by...

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The UK government’s proposal to expand judge-only trials across England and Wales is facing renewed scrutiny after a detailed policy assessment questioned its overall effectiveness. According to the Institute for Government, the much-debated reform would deliver only limited relief to the mounting Crown Court backlog, despite significantly reducing the number of jury-led hearings. The findings have reignited debate...

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Four in five blind and partially sighted people in Britain report serious difficulties crossing the gap between trains and platforms, highlighting urgent concerns about UK train accessibility. The findings come from a major national survey that reveals how everyday rail travel can become stressful, dangerous, and sometimes traumatic for people with sight loss. Within the first moments of...

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. UK ADHD medication use has increased dramatically over the past thirteen years, according to a major international study led by researchers at the University of Oxford. The analysis, based on large-scale electronic health records, shows prescribing rates more than tripled nationwide between 2010 and 2023. Experts say the trend reflects rising awareness, improved diagnosis, and shifting attitudes toward...

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The House of Lords has delivered a decisive vote supporting a social media ban for children under sixteen, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The result has placed the social media ban firmly back into national debate, forcing ministers to confront growing political and public concern. Peers backed a Conservative-led amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools...

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. South Korea’s former prime minister, Han Duck-soo, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in the martial law insurrection. The ruling confirms that Han actively participated in a 3 December 2024 self-coup attempt by former president Yoon Suk Yeol, which sought to declare martial law unconstitutionally. Legal experts note that the sentence is unusually...

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Next has completed the buyout of Russell & Bromley, securing the brand’s future amid financial struggles. The footwear rescue deal, valued at £3.8 million, ensures the continuation of Russell & Bromley’s heritage, although approximately 400 jobs are expected to be lost in stores outside the deal. Founded in 1879 in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Russell & Bromley operates 36...

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has confirmed he will join a US-led initiative called the “board of peace,” a development that comes despite earlier objections from his office regarding the committee’s membership. The board of peace, proposed by former US president Donald Trump, initially aimed to oversee a ceasefire in Gaza, but has since expanded its scope, potentially...

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing for a UK-China visit next week, aiming to strengthen economic ties between British companies and Chinese institutions. This UK-China visit comes after his government approved Beijing’s plan to build a new embassy in London, signaling a renewed commitment to trade and diplomacy. Leading a delegation of top UK firms, including BP, HSBC, Jaguar...