The Know Daily - Thursday 27 February 2025

_{Read in 4m 46s ∙ Listening to Madonna ∙}

A quarter of Taylor Swift fans surveyed say they’d buy a "sleeve-only and download code" vinyl album to help reduce plastic use. The report comes from the University of Glasgow’s Doughnut Music Lab which is exploring how to make the music industry greener.

🤝 Starmer-Trump talks

UK PM Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump are meeting in Washington DC today - here’s what it means.

Why is this important?
It comes during “a turbulent period in transatlantic relations”, rising tensions between the US and Europe and a delicate ceasefire in Gaza. This is “one of the most consequential meetings” of a British PM and US president since WWII, said a former British ambassador to the US. What’s more, the meeting is considered to be the biggest test of Starmer’s negotiation and diplomatic skills yet, according to The Guardian.

What’s expected to happen?
Starmer is hoping to ease tensions – and keep in line with the UK government’s current “cautious” response strategy to Trump’s second term, in an effort to balance the UK’s interests and overseas relations.

Defence will be a big focus, particularly regarding Ukraine. Ahead of the talks, Starmer raised defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, a move intended to appease Trump’s request that members of security alliance NATO should contribute more to Europe’s defence. It’s being made possible by plans to reduce international aid by up to 40% within that time, which has been criticised.

During the meeting, he’s predicted to set out how the UK can offer more practical support, such as putting peacekeeping forces on the ground in Ukraine. Starmer is also expected to emphasise that Ukraine must be “at the heart of any negotiations” with Russia. The hope is that the talks will lead to a peace settlement, said security minister Dan Jarvis. 

Anything else I should know?
Starmer is anticipated to discuss how the UK could get an exemption from the 25% tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports. And according to the BBC, there’s an opportunity to bring other issues to the table, such as tech regulation and the Chagos Islands deal – in which the UK will hand over the British territory to Mauritius, but maintain a 99-year lease over the UK-US military airbase there. The PM will also present the President with an invitation from the King for a state visit to the UK.

🚰 Water watch: The UK Independent Water Commission is inviting the public, environmental groups and investors to share their views on water sector reform in key areas like how bills are set and environmental regulation. 

• The bigger story: The commission comes amid record sewage discharge by water companies and rising bills. From today until 23 April, you can have your say here. 

🐶 Dog destination: A mountain in China shaped like a puppy is drawing lots of tourists – it’s clear to see why.

📵 Phone-free zone: Denmark is set to ban smartphones in schools.

🎶 Sober socials: The Ministry of Sound – an iconic nightclub in London – is launching sober raves.

✈️ Reopening borders: Western tourists entered North Korea for the first time in five years.

🌌 Vivid views: NASA is launching a new telescope that will create “the most colourful” map of the cosmos ever.

🎥 Terrific theatres: As the Oscars approach, why not check out the nominees for some of the most beautiful cinemas in the world?

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Trivia answer: C) A parade of 7 planets are visible at night throughout this week - here’s how to see them. 

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