Starner outlines plans to scrap NHS England
13 Mar 2025
Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish NHS England, aiming to cut bureaucracy and redirect funds to frontline healthcare. Calling it an ‘arms-length body’, he argued that scrapping it would eliminate duplication, saving money for nurses and patient care. Health secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that up to 10,000 jobs could be cut, but said reform was necessary to reduce inefficiency. NHS England, established in 2013, oversees daily NHS operations with a £168 million budget. Last month, its chief executive Amanda Pritchard stepped down, reflecting mounting pressures. Starmer’s broader government efficiency plan includes AI-driven reforms to streamline state functions, aiming to save £45 billion, and to cut compliance costs for businesses by 25%. He criticised the state as overstretched and ineffective, promising to reduce regulatory burdens. Streeting called the move the ‘final nail in the coffin’ of the ‘disastrous’ 2012 NHS reorganisation, pledging to empower healthcare workers and shorten waiting times.
The Government’s sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has left farmers struggling, with no replacement scheme announced. The SFI, which paid farmers to protect soil, restore hedgerows, and boost nature recovery, was a key part of post-Brexit agricultural support. Though 37,000 agreements were made, the government stopped accepting applications, leaving many without expected funding. Farmers fear they will be forced to abandon environmental efforts in favor of intensive food production to survive. Organic farmer Anna Biesty now faces a £140,000 shortfall, calling the decision 'a waste of time' for those who planned around the scheme. Agricultural leaders are criticising the move as harmful to both nature and food security. The Government insists it remains committed to sustainable farming, promising a new scheme later this year, but farmers feel betrayed and financially vulnerable.
New analysis reveals that over half of the rise in disability benefit claims since Covid is due to mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. The number of working-age adults on sickness benefits has surged by nearly a million, with 2.9 million now receiving disability benefits. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns of a real decline in mental health, pointing to increased NHS mental health referrals, antidepressant prescriptions, and a 24% rise in 'deaths of despair' - including suicides and drug-related fatalities. The government is considering £5 billion in cuts to disability benefits, arguing the system is unsustainable. However, mental health experts caution that reducing support could worsen financial hardship and increase suffering. Critics argue that addressing root causes such as economic stability, job quality, and early mental health intervention is key to tackling this crisis. As mental health struggles continue to rise, prayer is needed for wise leadership and compassionate solutions for those affected.
As the Assisted Dying Bill continues through committee review, concerns have grown over insufficient safeguards for vulnerable patients. MPs backing the bill have rejected multiple amendments aimed at preventing coercion, medical misjudgments, and unsafe practices. Despite warnings of ‘doctor shopping’, where patients seek multiple approvals until they find a doctor who consents, MPs voted against stricter oversight. Concerns were also raised over the lack of judicial review, meaning life-ending decisions could be made without proper legal scrutiny. Evidence from Oregon revealed serious complications and prolonged suffering in some assisted suicides, contradicting claims of quick and painless deaths. MPs rejected a proposal to require doctors to warn patients of these risks. Coercion remains a major concern, with an amendment requiring doctors to ask why patients are seeking assisted suicide being voted down. Many fear patients may feel pressured due to illness, loneliness, or financial burdens, rather than making a truly independent choice. With serious ethical and medical concerns unresolved, prayer is needed for wisdom, compassion, and support for the doctors, nurses and hospices on the front line.
A judge has thrown out the case against Christian preacher Karandeep Mamman, who was arrested after being threatened and assaulted by an Islamic mob while publicly sharing his faith. Despite being harassed and surrounded in Walsall town centre, Mamman was later prosecuted for causing religiously aggravated harassment. His preaching, which included critiquing Islam’s depiction of Jesus, angered a group of 20-30 people who threatened to beat him and cut his throat. CCTV footage confirmed that he was the victim of aggression, yet police charged him instead of those who attacked him. His lawyers successfully argued that prosecuting him violated free speech rights, and the judge ruled not guilty after the prosecution withdrew evidence. Mamman praised God for the outcome, warning that Christians must not be silenced for publicly sharing the Gospel. As free speech in the UK faces growing challenges, believers must pray for boldness in proclaiming Christ.
A judge has thrown out the case against Christian preacher Karandeep Mamman, who was arrested after being threatened and assaulted by an Islamic mob while publicly sharing his faith. Despite being harassed and surrounded in Walsall town centre, Mamman was later prosecuted for causing religiously aggravated harassment. His preaching, which included critiquing Islam’s depiction of Jesus, angered a group of 20-30 people who threatened to beat him and cut his throat. CCTV footage confirmed that he was the victim of aggression, yet police charged him instead of those who attacked him. His lawyers successfully argued that prosecuting him violated free speech rights, and the judge ruled not guilty after the prosecution withdrew evidence. Mamman praised God for the outcome, warning that Christians must not be silenced for publicly sharing the Gospel. As free speech in the UK faces growing challenges, believers must pray for boldness in proclaiming Christ.
US officials have arrived in Moscow to discuss a proposed thirty-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff hopes to persuade Russia to agree to the deal, which Ukraine accepted earlier this week after talks in Jeddah. The Kremlin confirmed discussions were planned but gave no details. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that the ceasefire decision now rests with Russia, while Donald Trump warned of financial consequences if Russia rejects peace. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have recaptured 86% of the Kursk region, which Ukraine invaded last year. Vladimir Putin, visiting the area, has reportedly ordered a full military push to reclaim all lost territory. Events this week show a remarkably swift turnaround from a week ago: see
Voters in Portugal are growing frustrated as another snap election looms, with little hope for stability. Prime minister Luis Montenegro’s centre-right government collapsed after losing a confidence motion, forcing the president to call a new parliamentary election, probably in May. This will be the third election in three years. Many believe the political elite have failed for decades and fear worsening instability. One political analyst has warned the election may produce another inconclusive result, leading to continued uncertainty. Opinion polls show the centre-left Socialists and Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance (AD) in a deadlock at around 30%. While the political right holds a majority, AD refuses to work with the far-right Chega party. Voter discontent is high, with concerns about low turnout. Montenegro denies wrongdoing after his business dealings triggered the crisis. Meanwhile, citizens fear government inaction will further harm the nation.