Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

A UK study has revealed a significant decline in cancer death rates among middle-aged individuals since the early 1990s, despite an increase in cases. Cancer Research UK, a key contributor to the study, noted a 37% decrease in male cancer deaths and a 33% decrease in female cancer deaths from 1993 to 2018. The research found notable reductions in death rates for many, including a 54.3% decrease in cervical cancer fatalities among women, largely due to the HPV vaccine and better screening. Similarly, lung cancer deaths dropped significantly, particularly in men, partly due to reduced smoking rates. There were substantial mortality reductions in both men and women aged 35-69 years, reflecting the success in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and improved diagnostics. However, there was a notable increase in cancer diagnoses in this age group, attributed to such factors as obesity, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure.

Published in Praise Reports

Diane Abbott, an independent MP and former Labour member, has accused both the Conservative and Labour parties of 'shocking' racism in the recent Tory donor controversy. The row centres on businessman Frank Hester's alleged racist and sexist comments about Abbott, for which he has since apologised but insisted he's not racist or sexist. Hester donated £10 million to the Conservatives, which has sparked debate over whether the party should return the funds. Abbott criticised the Conservatives for their long-standing role in perpetuating racism, including personal attacks against her. She also expressed disappointment with the Labour party's response, which initially focused on the financial aspect rather than the racism and sexism involved. The scandal has led to widespread criticism, with political figures across the spectrum, including business secretary Kemi Badenoch and former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, condemning Hester's remarks. Rishi Sunak, under increasing pressure, said that Hester's apology should be accepted. Internally, his party faces disagreements over handling the donation, with the Scottish Conservatives calling for a review.

Published in British Isles

Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell have expressed concerns over Michael Gove's plans to redefine extremism, warning that the redefinition could mistakenly target innocent individuals, exacerbating division and infringing on freedoms of speech and worship. Welby said that extremism is a shifting problem across all faiths, posing significant dangers, including the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia. He stressed the importance of involving diverse groups in defining extremism, cautioning against a government-only approach. The current definition of extremism includes opposition to fundamental British values like democracy and mutual respect for different faiths. The archbishops are concerned that Gove's forthcoming redefinition may disproportionately affect Muslim communities, increasing hate and abuse. They urged broader consultation and offered the CofE's assistance in facilitating community discussions. In response, the Government reiterated plans to appoint an independent adviser on anti-Muslim hatred.

Published in British Isles

NHS England has announced that children will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, except as part of clinical research trials. This significant policy shift follows an independent review and a dramatic increase in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) - from under 250 to over 5,000 in a decade. Puberty blockers, used to pause physical puberty changes, have been at the centre of debate due to concerns about consent and long-term effects. The trust which runs GIDS will close at the end of March, replaced by two new services at Great Ormond Street and Alder Hey hospitals. These will offer a more holistic approach to care, including experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics, and mental health. Currently, fewer than 100 children are on puberty blockers and will continue their treatment. This decision has been described as a 'landmark' by health minister Maria Caulfield, who has emphasised child safety and evidence-based care. See also

Published in British Isles

In a distressing incident involving a firm of funeral directors in Hull, East Yorkshire, a widow was shocked to discover that her husband’s ashes, which had been made into jewellery, might not be his. After investigating, the police have removed the bodies of 35 individuals and suspected human ashes. The woman, who lost her husband eight months ago, is now faced with the harrowing task of identifying his body. This development is part of a broader police inquiry, which has led to the arrest and subsequent bail of two individuals. Many families have raised concerns about receiving incorrect ashes following funerals. A friend of another affected family from Beverley described how women in the family had turned ashes into crystal jewellery, only to learn the deceased had been in a freezer all this time, raising questions about which ashes had been used. The police have received over 1,000 calls from the public and are conducting formal identification procedures for the recovered bodies and ashes.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 14 March 2024 22:21

Asylum-seekers to be paid to move to Rwanda?

The Government is considering a proposal to offer up to £3,000 to failed asylum-seekers to relocate voluntarily to Rwanda. This plan, aimed at reducing the backlog of asylum applications, is separate from the controversial 'Rwanda bill,' which seeks to deport most asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The new scheme builds on existing policies offering financial assistance for voluntary returns to home countries. In the past year, 19,000 people have voluntarily left the UK under such schemes. The new proposal allows recipients of the financial package to live in Rwanda, a country the Government deems safe despite concerns about political oppression. Under this plan rejected asylum-seekers who currently cannot work legally in the UK would be allowed to work in Rwanda and receive five years of additional support. The government’s Rwanda bill has already been ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court for violating human rights laws. Rishi Sunak is now pushing legislation to designate Rwanda as a safe country for asylum-seekers, hoping to circumvent legal opposition.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 14 March 2024 22:06

World's largest trees 'thriving in UK'

Giant redwoods, the world's largest trees, are thriving in the UK, surpassing their native numbers in California. Introduced by the Victorians as a symbol of botanical prestige, there are an estimated 500,000 giant redwoods in the UK, compared to California's 80,000. While not yet reaching the heights of their American counterparts - the tallest in the UK measures 54.87m compared to California's 90m - they have the potential to grow taller over time, as they can live for over 2,000 years. When researchers conducted a study on these trees, using laser scanning to measure their growth, they found they were growing at a similar rate to those in Sierra Nevada and adapting well to the UK climate. While the giant redwoods face climate change threats in California, they may find a more hospitable environment in the UK. However, despite their success, they are not likely to dominate native forests, as they require specific conditions for reproduction.

Published in British Isles

In the 2024 Budget announcement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt introduced tax cuts to bolster the Conservative Party's prospects. He reduced National Insurance by 2p, following an earlier cut in January. This move was labelled a "con" by Labour, suggesting it would disadvantage many. Significant changes in the Budget included raising child benefit thresholds, introducing a vaping levy, and eliminating non-dom tax status. Despite speculation, income tax was not reduced, but National Insurance for employees was lowered from 10% to 8%, and from 8% to 6% for the self-employed. Child benefit eligibility was expanded, affecting around 170,000 families. The chancellor claimed these NI changes would save an average employee earning £35,000, about £450 annually. Critics, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, accused the Budget of being a weak attempt to cling to power, failing to effectively address public service issues, high taxes, and zero growth. Some Tories, including former ministers, expressed disappointment over the lack of income tax cuts. The Budget also announced extended support for cost-of-living pressures and a freeze on alcohol and fuel duties, while new taxes on vaping and tobacco were introduced. Public sector efficiency and technology investments, particularly in NHS IT systems, were highlighted as key initiatives.

Published in British Isles

The UK government plans to implement a new tax on vaping products starting October 2026, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the Budget speech. This move aims to deter non-smokers from starting vaping while maintaining vaping as a cost-effective alternative for smokers wishing to quit. The tax's specific details will be determined through a consultation process. Currently subject to a 20% VAT but exempt from excise duty, vaping products will see this change with the new tax. Additionally, the government plans to increase tobacco duty as a one-off measure, ensuring vaping remains less expensive than smoking. This step aligns with the government's broader strategy, including proposed bans on disposable vapes and restrictions on vape flavours and packaging. However, the vaping tax has drawn criticism. Simon Clark from Forest, a smokers' advocacy group, called it counterproductive, and Christopher Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs criticised it as a "cynical cash grab," detrimental to those who have switched from smoking to vaping.

Published in British Isles

Birmingham City Council, Europe's largest local authority, has approved significant service cuts to address a financial crisis, including a 21% increase in council tax over two years. The council, facing bankruptcy, must save £300m, resulting in "devastating" measures. Council Leader John Cotton expressed deep regret for the impact on city residents. Last September, the council announced its inability to meet financial obligations, leading to a section 114 notice declaration, signifying bankruptcy. This was prompted by equal pay claims amounting to £760m and a £80m overspend on a problematic IT system. These austerity measures, labelled unprecedented by Cotton, have prompted widespread criticism from local Conservatives and protests from residents. Up to 600 council jobs are at risk, and public services like libraries, parks, and cultural projects face reductions. Other measures include reviewing school transport, eliminating arts funding, selling off community centres, reducing fly-tipping enforcement, and introducing parking charges in country parks. The financial outlook remains challenging for Birmingham, with looming equal pay liabilities and IT system overspends. Despite a £1.25bn government bailout loan, the city faces the daunting task of repaying this through asset sales. See also

Published in British Isles
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