UK News Daily Migrant Crossings Surge to 50000, HMRC Monitors Social Media with AI, UK Expands Facial Recognition Use, UK Proposes Inheritance Tax Reforms, and more...
Aug 13, 2025
Migrant crossings into the UK have surged to over 50,000, raising concerns about human trafficking. HMRC is harnessing AI to monitor social media for tax evasion, igniting debates over privacy. The UK is expanding facial recognition technology in policing, targeting high-harm offenders while sparking civil liberties discussions. Proposed inheritance tax reforms aim to address a £50 billion budget shortfall. Additionally, pharmacies are witnessing a worrying rise in shoplifting and aggression, prompting calls for enhanced police support.
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Small Boat Crossings Hit Record Levels
- Over 50,000 migrants crossed the Channel since Starmer took office, driven by favourable weather and increasing small-boat activity.
- This surge pressures the government to reassess tactics like 'Smash the Gangs' and push for safer legal routes.
HMRC Uses AI To Monitor Social Media
- HMRC now uses AI to scan social media to close a £47 billion tax gap and recover about £7 billion.
- Officials stress human oversight will remain, but experts warn of misidentification and chilling effects on speech.
Facial Recognition Rolls Out In Policing
- The government will deploy ten vans with live facial recognition across seven forces, targeting high-harm offenders and boosting neighbourhood policing.
- Privacy groups warn of a creeping surveillance state despite independent testing and planned safeguards.