Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Several NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents amid a significant rise in flu cases. Hospitals are facing 'exceptionally high' demand, particularly in emergency departments, driven by a surge in respiratory illnesses. NHS data shows that the number of patients hospitalised with flu in England has quadrupled over the past month, exacerbated by cold weather. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest in Merseyside and Cheshire, stated that while it has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges, some patients will experience delays as priority is given to the most critical cases. It is working with partner organisations to discharge medically fit patients promptly to free up space. Non-emergency patients are being urged to use alternative services like GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or the NHS 111 helpline.

The Church of England enters uncertain times as Justin Welby steps down amidst controversy over handling abuse cases. Welby resigned in November after an inquiry found he failed to address abuses by John Smyth, a former volunteer at Christian summer camps. Welby accepted 'personal and institutional responsibility' for the failures. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will act as interim leader until a permanent successor is appointed, a process that could take six months. However, Cottrell faces scrutiny over his handling of a case involving priest David Tudor, whom he allowed to continue serving despite restrictions. Tudor was later banned for life, and Cottrell has apologised for delayed action. The Church is also grappling with broader challenges, including declining Christian identification in Britain and internal divisions over its stance on same-sex couples. Experts warn that the absence of stable leadership may further jeopardise governance and safeguarding efforts within the Church.

Aberdeenshire solicitor Gordon M Hay has been awarded an MBE for his pioneering translation of the entire Bible into Doric, a variant of the Scots language. Spanning 17 years, his work includes the New Testament, published in 2012, and the Old Testament, completed in 2022. This milestone marks the first time the entire Bible has been translated into any Scots dialect. Hay’s translation journey began in 2006 when he was asked to translate passages for the Buchan Heritage Society's annual Doric service. Encouraged by the positive reception, he embarked on the monumental task of translating both Testaments, producing over 800,000 words. His contributions have garnered recognition from the Scottish Parliament and royal circles, with invitations to read at Crathie Kirk by the now King Charles III. A dedicated Church of Scotland elder for 30 years, Hay also translates literary classics, writes Doric nursery rhymes, and plays the organ. He remains an active cultural ambassador for the Doric language.

Sir Keir Starmer marked 2024 as a 'year of change' in his first New Year message as prime minister. He acknowledged the challenges encountered since his election victory in July, in managing the economy and shaping the country's future, but remained optimistic about progress. Outlining his 'Plan for Change’, he emphasised initiatives such as raising the minimum wage, reducing NHS waiting lists, securing clean energy projects, and building 1.5 million new homes. He vowed to fight for a 'rebuilding' year and a brighter future, focusing on security and prosperity for all citizens. Despite criticisms, Starmer pledged his government’s dedication to restoring national confidence and achieving tangible results. Other party leaders echoed themes of change in their New Year messages: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted her party’s renewal efforts, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for bolder reforms, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lamented perceived national decline.

At least 1,300 people were evacuated across Greater Manchester on New Year’s Day following severe flooding caused by heavy rain. A major incident was declared as many areas faced widespread damage. Rivers, including the Mersey and Tame, burst their banks, submerging roads, homes, and businesses. Emergency services coordinated efforts to rescue residents. Boats were deployed to evacuate hundreds, including 500 from a migrant hotel in Didsbury and 400 from an apartment complex in Stockport. Power cuts affecting 2,800 properties were reported. Emergency shelters were set up in affected areas, while videos showed dramatic rescues and submerged vehicles. Despite the chaos, no serious injuries were reported. Chief superintendent Colette Rose praised public cooperation and emergency services for their swift response. The flooding has eased in some areas, but authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide support to displaced residents. See

The proportion of cancer patients diagnosed at early stages has reached a record high in England, with 58.7% of cases identified at stages one and two between September 2023 and August 2024. This marks a 2.7 percentage point rise since before the pandemic, significantly improving survival rates. Public awareness campaigns and innovative screening approaches, such as mobile lung and liver cancer screenings, have been credited for the progress. However, challenges remain. England is still well short of its target to diagnose 75% of cancers at early stages by 2028. Nearly one in three patients faces delays of over 62 days from urgent referrals to starting treatment. NHS England’s national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, acknowledged the progress but pointed out the need for further improvement, as the UK lags well behind other European nations. Cancer Research UK also called for a fully-funded national cancer plan to enhance resources and transform care. Early detection saved patients like Paul Nelson, 72, whose cancer was found through routine checks.

Scotland’s NHS faces a critical future: the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned it may not survive another year without urgent reforms. It has stressed the need for transformative changes to maintain the NHS’s founding principle of free care at the point of need. BMA chairman Dr Iain Kennedy described the system as 'in constant crisis’, with understaffed facilities leaving doctors physically and mentally exhausted. A recent survey revealed 99% of doctors are deeply concerned about increasing pressures, with many reporting dangerously overcrowded emergency departments and unsustainable workloads. Dr Kennedy called for a comprehensive workforce plan, long-term funding strategies, and integrated approaches to primary, secondary, and social care. Without reform, more people may be forced into private healthcare or left without access to necessary treatment. The Scottish government acknowledged the concerns, proposing record investments in health and social care. See also

In 2024, 36,816 people crossed the English Channel in small boats, a slight increase from 2023’s 29,437 but fewer than the record 45,774 in 2022. Tragically, 2024 became the deadliest year for crossings, with 77 lives lost. On 29 December, a group of 291 migrants arrived, capping a year of heightened risks and debates over immigration policies. The Government continues to collaborate with French authorities to curb crossings, while critics argue for legal, safer routes for those fleeing war and persecution. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council emphasised the urgent need for policy changes to prevent future tragedies. Labour scrapped the controversial Rwanda deportation plan after winning the election, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who want tougher deterrents. The Home Office highlighted efforts to target people-smuggling gangs and protect lives but acknowledged new challenges as smugglers adapt their methods. More than 150,000 people have crossed the Channel since 2018.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, called for transformative change in the CofE during his Christmas sermon, amid ongoing criticism over abuse scandals. Justin Welby resigned in November following backlash over his handling of prolific abuser John Smyth. Cottrell, set to assume leadership on 6 January, acknowledged the Church’s failures and emphasised the need for justice, humility, and action. His remarks drew mixed reactions. While he urged the Church to 'kneel in penitence' and focus on supporting vulnerable groups, some survivors criticised his leadership. One victim expressed dismay over his involvement with priest David Tudor, who faced abuse allegations but continued serving for years under Cottrell’s oversight. Local clergy reported frustration among parishioners: Rev Matt Woodcock of St Stephen’s Church, York stressed the need for reassurance at the community level, despite widespread disappointment in national leadership.

A new bill will aim to bolster child protection by empowering local councils to intervene when home environments are deemed unsafe. This proposed legislation, unveiled by education secretary Bridget Phillipson, will end the automatic right to home-school children. It will introduce mandatory registers for children not in school and unique identifier numbers to ensure no child 'falls through the cracks’. It aims to promote collaboration between schools, police, and children’s social care to enhance safeguarding measures. This comes in the wake of Sara Sharif’s tragic murder, a high-profile case which exposed systemic failures. Her removal from school and the closure of her case after six days despite clear warnings underscore the need for reform. The bill is seen as a foundation for change, emphasising the importance of improved data-sharing to prevent children from becoming invisible in the system.