2020

UK HEADLINES

First UK COVID lockdown (nation told to “stay at home” in March) – Brexit trade deal signed (UK formally exits EU single market in December) – Captain Tom Moore fundraiser (WWII vet raises £33m for NHS) – Dominic Cummings scandal (PM adviser’s lockdown trip to Barnard Castle sparks outrage) – Eat Out to Help Out launched (government scheme subsidises meals to boost hospitality) – A‑Level algorithm backlash (predicted grades downgraded, triggering protests and U-turn) – NHS overwhelmed (hospitals face PPE shortages and patient surges) – Clap for Carers (nationwide weekly applause becomes symbol of support)

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

COVID-19 pandemic spreads (virus declared global pandemic by WHO, March) – George Floyd protests (killing sparks global Black Lives Matter demonstrations) – US election (Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump, high mail-in turnout) – Beirut explosion (ammonium nitrate blast kills over 200, leaves 300,000 homeless) – Australia wildfires rage (millions of hectares burned, early 2020) – Tokyo Olympics postponed (Games delayed until 2021 due to COVID) – Stock markets crash (global markets plunge in March panic) – Wuhan lockdown ends (Chinese city reopens in April after 76 days)