Exchange Rate Report: As of 10:00 a.m. on September 19, 2025, the exchange rate of GBP to RMB was 9.6311, down 0.08% from the previous trading day, with an intraday fluctuation range of 9.6220-9.6380.
Major UK Events This Week:
• Large-scale protests erupt in London
• UK and US sign the “Tech Prosperity Agreement”
• US financial giants increase investment in the UK
• UK housing prices show slight decline, rental growth slows
• Immigration data sparks record public concern
01 London Protests Erupt Over Immigration
On September 13, around 150,000 people joined the “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London, primarily opposing illegal immigration and defending free speech, while about 5,000 others staged a counter-rally against the far right. Protesters carried Union Jacks and placards, chanting slogans such as “send them back,” and clashed with police, leaving 26 officers injured and 25 people arrested. US billionaire Elon Musk appeared via video link, expressing support for the protesters and claiming the UK needed “a new parliament and policy changes,” warning of potential unrest. On September 14, Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly responded that the Union Jack must not become “a symbol of violence and division,” pledging that authorities would “redouble efforts to address public concerns about immigration.” The anti-racism group “Hope Not Hate” described the march as “one of the largest far-right demonstrations in Britain’s recent history,” reflecting growing political pressure on Labour regarding immigration.
02 UK-US Sign the “Tech Prosperity Agreement”
On September 17, during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, the two nations signed the “Tech Prosperity Agreement,” focusing on cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy. Companies including Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI pledged investments totaling £31 billion (approximately $42 billion). Microsoft will contribute £22 billion to expand cloud and AI infrastructure, while Nvidia plans to deploy 120,000 advanced GPU chips in the UK, establishing a large-scale AI computing network. The agreement also includes setting up an “AI Growth Zone” in Northeast England, expected to create over 5,000 high-skilled jobs, and advancing the UK’s “Stargate” quantum computing project. Prime Minister Starmer stated that the deal would help the UK shift “from an AI consumer to a producer,” supporting economic growth and addressing energy challenges.
03 US Financial Giants Expand Investment in the UK
On September 14, the UK government announced it had secured over £1.25 billion (approximately $1.69 billion) of investment from US financial companies, including PayPal, Bank of America, and Citigroup. Bank of America will establish operations in Northern Ireland for the first time, planning to create 1,000 jobs in Belfast. Citigroup will invest £1.1 billion to expand in Northern Ireland, with a focus on supporting local tech start-ups. Additionally, asset manager BlackRock announced plans to inject £7 billion into the UK market next year and double the workforce at its Edinburgh office. The Department for Business and Trade said these moves would deepen UK-US financial cooperation and boost bilateral trade by £20 billion.
04 UK Housing Market: Prices Dip, Rents Ease
On September 15, data from UK property agencies showed that average asking prices for homes fell 0.1% year-on-year in September, marking the first annual decline since January 2024. Meanwhile, average rents rose 2.4% year-on-year, the slowest growth in five years, with the average monthly rent standing at £1,300. Analysts noted that the price decline was driven mainly by high-value markets in southern England, influenced by expectations of property tax changes and reduced immigration levels. Richard Donnell, Executive Director at a property agency, said improved mortgage conditions for first-time buyers and an increase in available rental homes had eased competition, though “affordability remains the core challenge.”
05 Immigration Data Fuels Record Public Concern
In mid-September, immigration once again became a central political issue. A poll showed that nearly half of Britons (48%) viewed immigration as the country’s top challenge, the second-highest concern level since 1974, surpassed only during the 2015 European migration crisis. However, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed net migration is falling from historic highs. In 2024, net migration dropped to 431,000, nearly half of the 860,000 recorded in 2023. The decline was attributed to reductions in health and care visas, the closure of humanitarian programs for Ukrainians and Afghans, and an 18% fall in student visa applications. Since the post-Brexit “Boriswave” peak, total migration has been steadily declining, with projections suggesting stabilization around 340,000 annually after 2028.
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