The year 2025 proved to be a dramatic and defining period for British politics, captured in a series of striking photographs by the Press Association. From high-stakes diplomacy to domestic turmoil and eye-catching stunts, the political landscape was marked by significant events that will shape the nation's future.
A Year of High-Stakes Diplomacy and Trade
Donald Trump's return to the White House in early 2025 set the stage for a year of intense diplomatic activity. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aiming to shield the UK economy from potential US tariffs and secure a vital trade agreement, travelled to Washington DC in February. He carried a personal letter from King Charles III, inviting President Trump for an unprecedented second state visit.
The diplomatic push bore fruit in May when a UK-US trade deal was successfully agreed, hailed by the Government as a major achievement. However, Sir Keir's approach drew criticism from those who favoured a tougher stance. This criticism was fuelled in June when photographers captured the Prime Minister picking up papers dropped by President Trump at the G7 summit.
The state visit went ahead in September, featuring a royal welcome, a grand state banquet, and the signing of a new technology and investment pact. On the diplomatic front, Sir Keir also worked to form a coalition of nations pledging stronger support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Domestic Challenges and Political Upheaval
Back in Westminster, it was a bruising year for the Labour government. The administration performed a series of U-turns on policies like the winter fuel allowance and welfare cuts following pressure from opposition and backbench MPs. Both Labour and the Conservatives suffered heavy losses in May's local elections.
September brought a major scandal with the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. She stepped down from her dual roles after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on a flat in Hove.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also faced a difficult period. In July, she made headlines when she appeared to be overcome with emotion, seemingly crying, on the front bench during Prime Minister's Questions. Her November Budget scrapped the two-child benefit cap and raised the minimum wage, but also outlined a series of tax increases, including changes to inheritance tax.
Stunts, Defections, and the Rise of Reform UK
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey continued his tradition of attention-grabbing publicity, notably making bath bombs during a visit to the Lush factory in Poole, Dorset with MP Vikki Slade.
The year ended with Reform UK gaining significant momentum in the opinion polls. The party, led by Nigel Farage, celebrated a by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby in May, where Sarah Pochin triumphed by just six votes. They also welcomed several high-profile defectors from the Conservatives, including sitting MP Danny Kruger, former deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis, and ex-minister Nadine Dorries.
As the political world looks ahead to 2026, the events and images of 2025 have undoubtedly set the stage for another tumultuous chapter in UK politics.
