News in-brief: 24th March – 31st March

1. Isle of Man Legalizes Assisted Dying 

The Isle of Man is set to become the first UK jurisdiction to legalise assisted dying after a bill successfully passed its final parliamentary stage. The Assisted Dying Bill, introduced in 2022 by Dr. Alex Allinson, aims to provide terminally ill individuals with autonomy over end-of-life decisions.

The legislation now awaits royal assent before becoming law. Meanwhile, in England and Wales, the rollout of assisted dying legislation has been delayed until at least 2029 following a parliamentary decision to extend the implementation period from two to four years. Media outlets have reported that people are expressing the importance of having the Bill fully debated and scrutinised

• Lower Thames Crossing Project Advances 

The UK government has moved forward with the Lower Thames Crossing, a major infrastructure project connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. The 14.5-mile (23km) road will feature two tunnels beneath the River Thames and aims to ease congestion on existing routes.

Following a thorough examination process, the Planning Inspectorate has submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State for Transport. Local communities and stakeholders participated in the review, ensuring that public concerns were considered.

However protest groups, such as Transport Action Network are highlighting the potential disruption and gridlock of the construction and are predicting that the new road would “increase traffic, pollution, carbon and noise. 

Thurrock Council in Essex has also consistently opposed the project, citing negative economic, social and environmental impacts, but Kent’s Dartford Borough Council is in favour of the scheme.

*The decision and supporting evidence are publicly available on the National Infrastructure Planning website.

• Primark CEO Resigns Over ‘Error of Judgment’ After Allegation

Paul Marchant, the CEO of Primark, has resigned with immediate effect following an allegation regarding his behaviour in a social setting. Associated British Foods (ABF), Primark’s parent company, stated that Marchant admitted to an “error of judgment” and accepted that his actions fell below expected standards.

An external investigation conducted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills was initiated by ABF. Marchant has since apologized to the individual involved, as well as to ABF’s board, Primark employees, and business associates.

Under Marchant’s leadership, Primark expanded significantly in the UK and internationally, challenging established retailers like Marks & Spencer. His tenure also saw Primark pay $12 million (£9.3 million) in compensation following the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed over 1,000 people. The company later improved supply chain conditions.

Following the resignation, ABF shares fell by 2% on Monday. ABF, which also owns brands such as Twinings and Ryvita, is controlled by the Weston family.

• UK Prepares for Potential Trade Retaliation Over US Tariffs

The UK government is engaged in last-minute negotiations to avoid a 25% tariff on car imports imposed by the US, set to take effect on April 2.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the UK seeks a pragmatic resolution to avoid a trade war, although retaliation remains a possibility. If the tariffs proceed, potential countermeasures could include duties on key US exports to the UK. Economists warn that a full-scale trade conflict could have significant economic repercussions, potentially wiping billions off UK economic growth.

Negotiations are expected to continue beyond the initial deadline and are being seen as a measure of the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Kier Starmer

• White House Officials Inadvertently Add Journalist to Military Group Chat 

The White House confirmed on Monday (24th) that top Trump administration officials mistakenly included a journalist in a Signal group chat discussing US military plans. The chat, reportedly involving Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, focused on airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed the incident and expressed disbelief that such sensitive discussions were being held on an unsecured platform. The leak has raised concerns about the handling of national security by the Trump administration and their communications. The impact this could have on international relationships was discussed during the week, especially highlighting a further deterioration in European and USA dialogue.