Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

The parliamentary group on eating disorders has declared an emergency, citing 'woefully inadequate care' for those affected. Conditions like anorexia and bulimia have surged in recent years, with 12% of 17- to 19-year-olds and nearly 21% of young women now affected, according to a 2023 survey. The report highlights widespread barriers to treatment, underfunded services, and misconceptions about eating disorders, which affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. It calls for a national strategy to support patients and families, mandatory training for frontline workers, and significant investment in care. Testimonies from sufferers reveal how delays in diagnosis and treatment caused prolonged suffering. Campaigners warn some patients are discharged too early, while families feel abandoned by the system. The NHS has pledged funding and expanded services, yet MPs like Richard Quigley argue that the system is 'beyond broken’. Immediate reforms, including earlier interventions and increased resources, are critical to saving lives and easing pressure on families.

Christian families and schools have launched a High Court challenge against the Government’s decision to add VAT to private and independent school fees, including Christian institutions. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), 13 claimants - including parents, pupils, and four schools - argue that the policy, enacted on 1 January, is unlawful, discriminatory, and infringes on human rights. The removal of the VAT exemption has forced schools to raise fees, threatening access to faith-based education. Stephen White, a claimant, described the sacrifices his family makes to afford Christian schooling for their children, emphasising the vital role faith-based education plays in shaping the next generation. Headteachers warn of severe repercussions, including pupil withdrawals and potential closures. Carol Santer of The King’s School in Hampshire noted that many pupils come from non-affluent backgrounds, and some rely on specialised support unavailable in state schools. Claimants are urging the Government to reconsider its decision.

A Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report has revealed shocking conditions in NHS hospitals. Based on testimony from over 5,000 nursing staff, the 460-page document highlights widespread 'corridor care' which is now normal in England's hospitals. The report includes alarming accounts: patients soiling themselves due to lack of proper facilities, cardiac arrests in corridors without essential equipment, and elderly patients enduring inhumane conditions. Some patients have died unnoticed in corridors or faced fatal consequences from equipment shortages. Nurses describe the system as 'soul-destroying' and worse than the Covid crisis. The RCN chief executive called the findings 'harrowing,' emphasising the dangerous normalisation of inadequate care. While the chief nursing officer acknowledged the pressures, he stated the NHS remains committed to improving urgent and emergency care to prevent such tragedies. This report underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in healthcare services. See

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the UK to negotiate a new customs union with the EU by 2030, arguing it is the 'single biggest thing' the country can do to strengthen its economy. In his first major speech of the year, he urged the Government to replace the Conservative-brokered Brexit deal with one allowing freer movement of goods between Britain and the EU. He claims this approach would enable the UK to negotiate with a second Trump administration from a position of strength, reducing reliance on the US. He criticised Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage for prioritising US interests over Britain’s. Keir Starmer has pledged to deepen ties with the EU but has ruled out rejoining the customs union. The Government rejected Davey’s proposal, emphasising its commitment to avoid reopening Brexit divisions. Davey maintains that rebuilding ties with Europe is crucial for economic stability and security.

Keir Starmer has made a surprise visit to Kyiv to sign a 100-year partnership with Ukraine, affirming Britain’s steadfast support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He met Volodymyr Zelensky, laid a wreath for fallen soldiers, and visited a burns hospital. The partnership includes bolstering military collaboration on maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas. It also reflects growing European concerns about Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, with fears that his administration may pressure Ukraine into an unjust settlement with Russia. Ukraine depends heavily on US military aid, but Trump has expressed reluctance to continue funding the war. Starmer aims to position Ukraine for strength in negotiations, aligning with Zelensky’s willingness to discuss temporary territorial concessions for peace.

Tahjin Sommersall, 18, has been charged with the murder of Michelle Sadio, 44, who was fatally shot outside a church in Harlesden, London, on December 14. The shooting occurred during a wake for 80-year-old Dianne Boatong, with mourners, including children, gathered outside. A dark Kia pulled up and shots were fired randomly into the crowd: then the car fled and was later found burned in Wembley Park. Michelle died at the scene, while two other victims sustained injuries but survived. Prosecutors have linked the attack to an ongoing gang dispute. Sommersall has been remanded in custody, with a plea hearing scheduled for April and a trial in October. Five additional suspects have been arrested, and police are continuing to support the victim’s family as the investigation unfolds.

Britain’s gas storage levels have dropped to 'concerningly low' levels, with less than a week of demand available, warns Centrica, the operator of the largest gas storage site. Plunging temperatures and high reliance on gas-fired power, which accounted for 53% of UK electricity generation last week, have strained supplies. The early onset of winter and reduced wind power generation have further exacerbated the situation. Unlike Europe, which maintains mandatory gas storage targets, the UK relies on diverse gas sources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US and pipelines from Norway. The Labour government remains focused on transitioning to renewable energy, with investments in clean energy projects. Despite concerns, the department for energy has given assurances that the UK’s energy system is resilient. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian gas continue to influence global prices, leaving households vulnerable to further energy cost increases.

Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has joined over two dozen faith leaders urging Keir Starmer to back the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. The bill, set for a parliamentary vote on 24 January, seeks stronger environmental protections and accelerated carbon reduction targets. Over 200 MPs have already expressed support. In an open letter organised by the campaign group Zero Hour, the faith leaders appealed to the government to act responsibly, citing the 'golden rule' shared by all faiths: treat others as you wish to be treated. They emphasised Britain’s responsibility to address the global impacts of its actions. The letter described the CAN Bill as essential for improving lives in the UK and globally. It called on the Government to demonstrate leadership by integrating climate and nature action into its policies and setting an example for the world. The letter, delivered to Downing Street, urged seizing this moment as an opportunity for meaningful change.

The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a monumental Christian structure near Birmingham, is progressing toward construction. Designed as the largest Christian monument worldwide, it will feature one million white bricks, each digitally linked to a personal story of answered prayer. The 169-foot structure, shaped like an infinity loop, symbolises the eternal nature of God’s love and faithfulness and will be visible from six miles away. It aims to chronicle the transformative power of prayer, blending testimonies from ordinary Christians with those of historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors can interact with the structure, accessing individual prayer stories through their phones. Founder Richard Gamble highlights the global impact of these testimonies, urging American Christians to contribute to the project’s goal of 200,000 US prayer stories. He calls this monument a 'testimony to Christ’s finished work’, emphasising its potential to inspire faith worldwide.

The British pound has dropped to its lowest level in nine months, following a rise in UK ten-year borrowing costs to their highest point since 2008. These elevated costs could lead to tax increases or spending cuts as the UK government works to meet borrowing targets. The Government, awaiting forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in March, emphasised the importance of stable public finances for economic growth. Opposition figures criticised current borrowing strategies, with some calling for more fiscal discipline to build resilience. Globally, rising borrowing costs, partly influenced by uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, have contributed to inflation concerns and investor unease. Experts warn these trends could disrupt investment promises and necessitate recalibrated spending plans.