1) UK economy: GDP ekes out 0.1% growth in August
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Monthly GDP +0.1% in Aug after a revised ‑0.1% in July; services flat, production +0.4%, construction ‑0.3%. Office for National Statistics+1
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3‑month growth to Aug +0.3%; momentum remains weak ahead of the Autumn Budget. Office for National Statistics
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Markets eye Reeves’ Budget as growth slows and trade deficit widens. The Guardian
2) UK tightens Russia energy sanctions
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London targets Rosneft, Lukoil, and shadow fleet tankers; ~90 new listings announced 15 Oct. Reuters
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Measures hit oil/LNG flows incl. China’s Beihai LNG terminal; aim to choke Kremlin revenue. Reuters
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Government calls it its “strongest” package yet. GOV.UK
3) IFS turns the screws ahead of Budget
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IFS Green Budget 2025 warns of tight fiscal space; slower growth, higher joblessness, inflation above target. Institute for Fiscal Studies
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IFS analysis fuels debate on difficult choices for Reeves; thinktank commentary pushing tougher welfare/tax options made headlines today. The Guardian
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Bond‑market credibility flagged as a key Budget test. Institute for Fiscal Studies
4) Schools: mandatory reading test at 13 confirmed (England)
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Govt to introduce a Year 8 reading assessment (age 13) to catch gaps early. GOV.UK
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Results shared with parents; data visible to Ofsted/government, but no school league‑table publication. GOV.UK
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Part of a wider push incl. 90% phonics ambition and support via English Hubs. GOV.UK
5) YouTube: player redesign rolls out; Shorts editor news to note
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New video‑player UI (from 13–15 Oct) with cleaner controls, smoother double‑tap seek, threaded comments; rollout ongoing. The Verge+1
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Shorts: this week YouTube previewed a timeline‑style editor (separate audio/video tracks) to speed up cutting/remixing; help page now lists improved Shorts editing under “latest updates.” Social Media Today+1
6) Arts: Frieze London 2025 opens with brisk VIP‑day sales
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280+ galleries in Regent’s Park; early reports cite strong sales across Frieze London & Frieze Masters. ArtNews+1
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Mood described as more “grown‑up” but buzzy; London leans into its global art‑hub status. The Times
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Fair anchors a city‑wide week of culture; public Frieze Sculpture runs to 2 Nov. The Standard
Creator‑economy extra (relevant & fresh): YouTube’s Europe Impact Report (15 Oct) claims its creative ecosystem added €7B to EU GDP in 2024 and supported 200k+ jobs—useful context for brand/creator deals. blog.youtube