The Know Daily - Wednesday 26 March 2025

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A heritage railway in England will launch a gaming carriage this spring to “attract the next generation of train enthusiasts” 🚂 The video arcade aims to encourage different generations to enjoy train journeys together and boost youngsters’ interest in their history.

🗣️ Spending speech

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is delivering the Spring Statement today – let’s break it down.

What is it?
It’s an annual speech, in which the Chancellor provides MPs with an update on the state of the economy. It’s one of two major economic statements made during the financial year – which runs from 1 April to 31 March the following year. The other one is the autumn budget, which is considered more “substantial” as the chancellor lists out economic policies for the year ahead. 

What is she expected to announce?
Reeves has reportedly ruled out “tax and spend” policies, meaning she’s not likely to raise taxes for individuals or government budgets. These are some major anticipated speaking points:

• Cuts to welfare spending: Last week, the government announced changes to Britain’s welfare system, such as stricter eligibility reassessments and reduced incapacity benefits, so more details are expected today. 

• Cuts to the civil service: The chancellor has pledged to reduce government running costs by 15% by 2030, so 10k civil service jobs are predicted to be at risk. Sectors such as human resources, communication and office management will be affected. 

• Defence and aid: Reeves is anticipated to reiterate the government’s pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of the national income by 2027, giving more details on how these funds may be obtained.

• Changes to business taxes: Big firms could face more taxes in an effort to avoid US trade tariffs.

During the Spring Statement, Reeves is also likely to detail any progress made since the autumn budget last year. Here’s a more comprehensive list of possible speaking points.

What else happens?
After Reeves delivers her statement in parliament, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) – which tracks the government’s spending plans and performance – will release its forecast on the UK economy. It will also publish its estimates on the cost of living for households and if the government has stuck to its borrowing and spending rules.

🚇 Thames tunnel: Plans to build the Lower Thames Crossing – the UK’s largest road tunnel – has been approved by the government. It will link Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent, running underneath the River Thames.

• The bigger story: National Highways hopes the crossing will open by 2032 and reduce traffic by 20%. While some have praised the announcement, saying it’ll unlock “quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys”, others have stated that it’s not enough to ease congestion and have raised concerns over costs as well as the impact on ancient woodlands. 

🖼️ Art therapy: A Swiss town now encourages doctors to prescribe free museum visits to patients to boost mental and physical wellbeing.

🌍 Earth education: A new natural history GCSE has been given the greenlight by the UK government.

📘 Book’s best: The 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction shortlist is out, with all books “united by the power of hope”. 

🌃 Sky sighting: A glowing spiral was spotted in the night sky across the UK earlier this week – here’s what experts think it is.

🐙 Sharktopus spotting: Researchers are unsure what to make of an octopus seen hitching a ride on a shark’s back.

🥖 Best bread: Check out Britain’s best bakeries – did your favourite make the cut?

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Trivia answer: B) Coco is getting a sequel – here’s what we know so far.

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