A recent study by the Resolution Foundation revealed that 34% of UK youths aged 18-24 exhibit symptoms of mental disorders, the highest rate among all age groups. This marks a significant shift from 20 years ago when this demographic had the lowest incidence of such disorders. A psychologist studying young wellbeing, attributes this rise to unparalleled pressures young people face today in academic, professional, and social spheres. These pressures include academic stress, performance anxiety, and fear of failure. External factors like the cost of living crisis and the pandemic's impact on isolation and lost life experiences exacerbate these pressures. A survey by King’s College London and the Orygen Institute found that the public perceives today's youth as having tougher job prospects and financial challenges compared to previous generations. The job market, transformed by globalisation and technological advances, demands specialised skills and higher education, heightening the visibility of both success and failure. Social media plays a crucial role in worsening mental health, creating unrealistic standards and intensifying feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The pandemic further heightened these issues, particularly among vulnerable groups. Despite increased awareness and destigmatisation of mental health, there's now pressure on individuals to manage their mental wellbeing, which can be overwhelming, especially for those in challenging circumstances. There is no simple solution. The advice is to engage actively in life, step out of your comfort zone, and celebrate the small victories.
NHS England leaders have responded positively to the £6bn budget increase from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aimed at addressing rising demands, tackling the care backlog, and upgrading outdated IT systems. The budget for 2024/25 will see a £2.5bn increase for day-to-day operations, raising the total to £164.9bn, slightly higher than this year's £163.2bn. Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, viewed the funding as a temporary relief from financial strains, while Matthew Taylor, chief of the NHS Confederation, felt the amount was insufficient to significantly improve the service. Additionally, £3.4bn over three years is allocated to enhance NHS productivity, with £2bn targeted at modernising inefficient IT systems. This investment is expected to save time and resources, potentially leading to £4bn savings over five years. The budget also includes £430m to improve patient access to care and reduce waiting lists, partially through enhanced use of the NHS App. However, adult social care remains underfunded, causing concern among organisations like the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Age UK. The budget also acknowledged the need for reform in children's residential care, setting aside £165m to curb profiteering. Yet, it falls short in addressing the housing crisis, with no substantial investment for new social homes and a capital gains tax cut that could negatively impact renters.
German ambassador refuses to apologise for leaked call 'revealing British troops in Ukraine'
08 Mar 2024
Germany's ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, has declined to apologise for a leaked call that inadvertently exposed details about British troops in Ukraine. The leak, attributed to Russia, revealed a conversation between Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, head of the German air force, and other officers, discussing sensitive military information. This incident has raised significant security concerns among UK military sources and NATO allies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labelled the security breach as "very serious," prompting an investigation in Berlin. Berger, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, indicated that the breach likely resulted from one officer using an unsecured line, describing it as an "individual mistake." Berger criticised former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's comments about Germany's vulnerability to Russian intelligence, calling them "extremely unhelpful" and a potential trap set by Russia to sow discord among NATO allies. The call, publicised in Russian media, was deemed a "hybrid attack" by Moscow by Berger. He stated that the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had communicated with allies to clarify Berlin's stance on the incident. Russia has used the leak to claim direct Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
During a visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Odesa, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's port city, resulting in at least five deaths. The strike, confirmed by a Ukrainian navy spokesperson, targeted a hangar reportedly housing Ukrainian naval drones. This assault coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's guided tour for Mitsotakis, showcasing the war-induced devastation. On March 2, a drone attack in the same city had killed 12 people, including five children. The latest strike, as described by the Russian Defence Ministry, successfully hit its intended target. President Zelenskyy, in response to the attack, highlighted the indiscriminate nature of Russian strikes. Mitsotakis experienced the immediacy of war, noting the stark difference between hearing about the conflict and witnessing it firsthand. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, calling it a "vile" act and a new form of terror by Russia. This attack marks a continuation of Russia's intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports, particularly following their withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that facilitated the safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 36 million people in the European region may have developed long COVID during the first three years of the pandemic. This condition, characterised by lingering symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, presents a significant public health challenge. The WHO's statement highlights the need for comprehensive care and support for those affected. Long COVID symptoms can vary widely, from fatigue and cognitive dysfunction to more severe physical issues, impacting daily life and work capacity. The organisation stresses that these long-term effects require serious attention and response from healthcare systems. The WHO's Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, emphasises the critical need to understand and address long COVID. He calls for sustained research efforts, investment in rehabilitation services, and public health strategies to manage and mitigate its impact. This situation reflects the pandemic's ongoing and evolving challenges, with long COVID affecting millions across the European region. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research, and healthcare system adaptation to meet the needs of those living with the long-term effects of COVID-19.
In a deadly incident marking the first crew fatalities in commercial shipping due to Houthi strikes, three sailors have died following a Houthi missile attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden. This attack was claimed by the Houthis and is part of a series of strikes they began last year in waters off Yemen. The MV True Confidence's crew had to abandon the ship after the attack, according to US officials. The British embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, initially reported two fatalities, which was later revised to three by the US Central Command. The attacked vessel, owned by Liberia-registered True Confidence Shipping and operated by Greece-based Third January Maritime Ltd, was left adrift with a fire on board. Rescue operations were underway, with some crew members already in lifeboats, as reported by the marine security firm Ambrey. Houthi militants have escalated attacks against international commercial shipping since mid-November, justifying these as actions in solidarity with Palestinians. These attacks have caused damage to several ships, but this is the first instance of merchant sailor fatalities. The incident underscores the growing danger in the region's key shipping routes, prompting some companies to alter or suspend their operations. The US and the UK are now focusing on improving intelligence on Houthi military assets and bolstering local naval forces to secure Yemen’s territorial waters. Despite this, there remains a high risk to all vessels in the area due to the ongoing conflict.
Israel: Massive rocket attack on Kiryat Shmona – ‘Hezbollah aggression nearing critical point’
08 Mar 2024
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed to U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein that Israel is nearing a decision for military action in Lebanon due to Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks. This message was delivered following a significant rocket attack on the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona by Hezbollah, where around 30 rockets were fired, 10 intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems. One rocket hit a house's yard, causing minor damage but no injuries. Hochstein, who is in the region to facilitate a negotiated agreement to prevent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, was warned by Gallant of the increasing likelihood of conflict due to Hezbollah’s aggression. This escalation was evident in the intense skirmishes along Israel’s northern border, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for at least eight attacks in a single day. The IDF responded by striking the launch sites of the attacks and other Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Targets included a military site in Ayta al-Sha’ab, operational headquarters in Jabal al-Batam, and launch positions in al-Matmura, as well as other military buildings in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah justified its heavy rocket barrage as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Hula, initially reported as civilian casualties but later confirmed as Hezbollah members.
Group unveils plan to stop abortion and the abuse of women forced to terminate pregnancies
08 Mar 2024
The pro-life group Live Action has unveiled a plan aimed at halting abortion and the abuse of women. The organisation, known for its anti-abortion stance, is launching a campaign to educate the public about the harms of abortion to both unborn children and women. Live Action's president, Lila Rose, emphasised the need to expose the "violence of abortion" and its negative impact on women's physical and mental health. The group's plan includes raising awareness about the dangers of abortion and promoting alternatives that protect both the mother and the unborn child. They intend to utilise various mediums, including social media, to disseminate their message. Additionally, Live Action is advocating for policy changes and support systems that offer better care and resources for pregnant women, particularly those facing unplanned pregnancies. Live Action's approach focuses on educating young people and communities about the reality of abortion and its repercussions. They aim to create a culture where abortion is not only illegal but unthinkable. The group believes that through education and support, women can be empowered to make life-affirming choices for themselves and their unborn children.