Category: UK Politics

NHS: Government urged to take action over pressures Hollie Adams/Getty Images By Charley Adams BBC News Ministers are under mounting pressure to respond to “intolerable and unsustainable” pressure facing the NHS. Senior doctors described the NHS as on a knife edge, with some A&Es in a “complete state of crisis”. The Liberal Democrats called for… Continue reading NHS: Government urged to take action over pressures

National Archives: Tony Blair said Putin should be on ‘top table’ PA Media By Sanchia Berg BBC News Tony Blair argued Vladimir Putin should be given a seat at the world’s “top table” despite misgivings from officials, newly released files reveal. Papers released by the National Archives show in early 2001, the then-prime minister believed… Continue reading National Archives: Tony Blair said Putin should be on ‘top table’

Michael Gove: Better housing design could curb development opposition Getty Images Opposition to new housing developments could be curbed if there was more focus on the “heart and soul” of areas, Michael Gove has suggested. The levelling up, housing and communities secretary said too many planning applications were “indifferent” or “insipid”. Mr Gove made the… Continue reading Michael Gove: Better housing design could curb development opposition

Police are solving only 1% of catalytic converter thefts, data suggests Getty Images By Chas Geiger BBC News Tens of thousands of catalytic converter thefts are going unsolved, with only 1% of cases resulting in someone being charged, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats suggest. Data from 20 police forces in England and Wales for… Continue reading Police are solving only 1% of catalytic converter thefts, data suggests

Fresh nurse strike dates announced in England Getty Images Nurses will go on strike again on 18 and 19 January in England unless pay talks are opened, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has said. Nurses at more hospital trusts than before will be involved in the strike action in the new year, the union… Continue reading Fresh nurse strike dates announced in England

UK economy shrank more than previously thought Getty Images By Daniel Thomas Business reporter, BBC News The UK economy shrank by more than first thought in the three months to September, revised figures show. The economy contracted by 0.3%, compared with a previous estimate of 0.2%, as business investment performed worse than first thought, the… Continue reading UK economy shrank more than previously thought

Ambulance strike: Union fury over minister Steve Barclay’s claims This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Becky Morton Political reporter Ambulance unions have reacted with anger after the health secretary said they had “taken a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients”. Steve… Continue reading Ambulance strike: Union fury over minister Steve Barclay’s claims

Rishi Sunak refusing to budge on pay as strike action escalates PA Media By Kate Whannel Political reporter, BBC News Rishi Sunak has insisted he will not back down against striking workers, as nurses walk out in England, Northern Ireland and Wales for a second day. Nurses’ union boss Pat Cullen has urged the prime… Continue reading Rishi Sunak refusing to budge on pay as strike action escalates

Rwanda migrant plan is lawful, High Court rules PA Media The government’s plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is lawful, the High Court has ruled. Although judges dismissed challenges against the policy as a whole, they ruled in favour of eight asylum seekers. Lord Justice Lewis said the home secretary had “not properly considered” the… Continue reading Rwanda migrant plan is lawful, High Court rules

December strikes: 1,200 army personnel to cover for ambulances and border force Getty Images By Adam Durbin BBC News About 1,200 members of the military are to cover for striking ambulance drivers and Border Force staff over Christmas, the government has confirmed. Ministers say the personnel will plug staffing gaps and keep front-line services running.… Continue reading December strikes: 1,200 army personnel to cover for ambulances and border force