Perspective #16: Autumn 2025

Saad Jadoon

Death of Charlie Kirk

On September 10th 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on the Utah Valley University campus whilst debating students. The next day, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson surrendered himself to the local sheriff. His death garnered widespread international attention and the condemnation of political violence in all forms. This in turn, has intensified debates over free speech, gun control and political extremism. Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential medal of Freedom by Trump in October. 

International recognition of Palestine

As part of a coordinated diplomatic move, on September 21 st, 2025, Nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Belgium and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine. The recognition is largely considered a symbolic act that makes a strong political statement. However, it has little immediate impact. The list of nations recognizing Palestine has now grown to 157 of the 193 UN member states, or just over 80%. But will this change anything?

Israel-Hamas war ceasefire

The peace plan was announced by Trump on September 29th and has been effective since October 10, 2025. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, return of hostages, prisoner exchanges, demilitarization of Gaza, reconstruction and a pathway towards Palestinian statehood. Whilst the ceasefire has widespread international support, it is fragile, as 104 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on 28th October. 

UK digital ID

On September 25th, Keir Starmer announced the government’s plans to introduce mandatory digital ID by the end of the parliament. designed to prove identity, age, and residency status, it would be mandatory for the right to work, and labour claims it will help lower illegal working and immigration. There is significant backlash to the scheme which is opposed by Reform, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats. A petition with nearly 3 million signatures opposes the scheme, as people fear digital control and surveillance. In addition there is political backlash.