Global Scans · UK · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving Brexit will dominate the UK's agenda up to and beyond 2020 with uncertainty rife until clear decisions are made on the form of Great Britain's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

• [New] A major 2026 UK Biobank proteomics study (n = 43,685) identified 218 inflammatory proteins associated with incident dementia, with a new 20 protein ProSig inflammatory signature significantly improving dementia risk prediction beyond known factors. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
• [New] The UK government's planned expansion of AI and data centers could further increase electricity demand; cooling them alone currently accounts for about 40% of a data center's electricity use, so matching them with local sources of energy makes sense. The Conversation
• [New] As the UK grid will rely more heavily on wind and solar in the future, it will require much more flexibility. The Conversation
• [New] The UK Innovation Strategy (2035 target) positions chemistry as central to addressing climate change and industrial sustainability. / UK Chemistry World
• [New] The next five to 10 years are crucial: We are working hard to help the UK live better with water - building resilience and making sure recovery after floods is quicker and less disruptive. The Guardian
• [New] Between biometric EU border systems, ETIAS authorization, US entry apps, liquid rule variations and new UK passport requirements for dual nationals, travel in 2026 will require more preparation than many travelers are used to. Rhyl Journal
• [New] UK is expected to become a key testbed for scalable, technology-enabled urban aerial transport models. Mobility Foresights
• [New] A cohort Markov model with annual cycles was developed to predict the distribution of the UK population across four stages of AD (MCI due to AD, and mild, moderate, severe AD dementia) over a 20-year time horizon (between 2020 and 2040). PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] UK regulators, including the PRA and FCA, have signalled that expectations for managing ICT, cyber and AI-related risks will continue to increase, bringing model governance and accountability further into the CRO spotlight. Insurance Business
• [New] Cybersecurity, operational resilience and risk culture are set to dominate UK insurance CRO agendas in 2026, as risk leaders move from designing frameworks to proving they work under stress. Insurance Business
• [New] Gross public debt is around 100% of GDP, up from roughly 85% pre-pandemic, and is projected to edge higher at least until 2027. / UK Insurance Business
• [New] In light of the recent outbursts from a mercurial White House, British bank bosses have begun to plan for an alternative to the US's Visa and Mastercard systems. UnHerd
• [New] The flying taxi service will begin transporting passengers between four skyports in Dubai before expanding to New York and Los Angeles, followed by cities in the UK and Japan. AAP News
• [New] Britain's strategy seeks to ensure that by 2035 no more than 60% of any single critical mineral is sourced from one country. "Inform"
• [New] The strategy, announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is the largest single investment area for 2026-2030, with additional AI investments integrated throughout its broader budget. UKAuthority
• [New] An estimated 4.1 million people in England are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, which significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. UKAuthority
• [New] Every crown court in England and Wales will receive funding to operate at maximum capacity next year, aiming to reduce delays and deliver faster justice for victims. UKAuthority
• [New] An additional £292 million of existing funding will be redirected to GP practices to recruit more GPs or increase the working hours of current staff, potentially adding around 1,600 full-time equivalent GPs across England. UKAuthority
• [New] The new Home Office rule means airlines will prevent passengers from boarding flights to the UK if they do not have an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documentation. UKAuthority
• [New] UK-based organizations can sign up for the NCSC's free Early Warning service to receive alerts about potential cyber threats. UKAuthority

Last updated: 10 March 2026