Funding NHS facilities with private finance a breach of manifesto, Labour MPs say

Speculation is growing that the government may take steps to reduce energy bills in the upcoming budget, raising questions about potential tax increases. The government's approach to managing energy costs and taxation is under scrutiny as it prepares for the budget announcement next week.

Record numbers of overseas-trained doctors are leaving the UK, with a 26% increase in departures in 2024 compared to the previous year. A total of 4,880 doctors who qualified abroad left the UK, raising concerns about potential workforce gaps in the NHS. Medical bodies attribute this exodus to rising hostility towards migrants.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry's second report has criticized the decision-making process of the government in Northern Ireland during the pandemic, describing it as 'chaotic'. This assessment highlights the challenges faced by authorities in managing the crisis effectively.

The COVID inquiry in the UK has revealed significant failures in the government's response to the pandemic, highlighting a damning statistic regarding delayed decision-making. The inquiry's findings suggest that the government's actions were inadequate, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths. This has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the UK's pandemic management strategies.

A survey suggests that up to 50,000 nurses could leave the UK due to proposed immigration changes by the government, which union leaders deem immoral and potentially harmful to patient safety. Keir Starmer's plans include extending the wait for migrants to apply for settled status from five to ten years, raising concerns about the impact on the NHS workforce.

In a parliamentary session, MP Samantha Niblett accused Microsoft of having 'ripped off the NHS' as calls were made to shift government contracts from US tech firms to British companies. Microsoft holds a five-year contract with the NHS valued at over £700 million, while the UK government reportedly spent £1.9 billion on Microsoft software licenses in the 2024-25 financial year.

The government is seeking public opinions on proposed plans to reduce the number of councils in Essex. This consultation aims to gather feedback on the future of local democracy in the region.