Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Keir Starmer has held his first meeting with Donald Trump. Despite tensions between the White House and Europe, Starmer affirmed his trust in Trump and emphasised the 'special relationship' between the UK and the USA. However, Trump appeared reluctant to commit to a US military backstop for Ukraine, stating that Europe should take the lead. Starmer underscored the importance of a lasting peace with a security guarantee to deter further Russian aggression. While the UK and France are prepared to deploy peacekeeping troops, securing US support remains crucial. In preparation for the talks, the UK pledged to increase defence spending, a key NATO requirement, while maintaining strong ties with both the US and European allies. Starmer reassured the British public that national security remains a top priority, while also highlighting opportunities for job creation in the defence sector. For an assessment of Starmer’s visit, which included an invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit, see

A growing number of qualified GPs in England are unable to find work, with some resorting to jobs such as Uber driving to pay their bills. This crisis has been blamed on chronic underfunding and the rising costs of running GP practices, which has left many surgeries without the resources to hire doctors. A new survey by the British Medical Association found that one in five GPs is considering leaving the profession, while nearly half of those surveyed are looking for work outside the NHS. Some are seeking GP roles abroad, while others are considering leaving healthcare altogether. The government has pledged £889 million to reduce administrative burdens and expand GP recruitment programs, but experts warn this is not a long-term solution. Many doctors remain concerned that rising employer national insurance costs will further squeeze GP practices, potentially leading to a mass exodus from the profession. With demand for GP appointments at an all-time high, medical professionals are warning that unless core funding is significantly increased, the NHS could face a two-tier system, similar to what has happened in dentistry, where more doctors turn to private healthcare instead of the NHS. See

The Isle of Man is on course to become the first place in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, as its parliament enters the final stages of debate on the legislation. If passed, the law would allow people over 18 with a prognosis of  less than twelve months to live to end their own lives under strict medical supervision. The proposal has sparked strong debate, with supporters arguing it grants dignity to those facing unbearable suffering, while opponents, including some doctors, fear it could lead to coercion and an expansion of euthanasia laws in the future. The UK, Scotland, and Jersey are also considering similar legislation, though their proposals differ in residency requirements and medical oversight. Some doctors on the Isle of Man have warned they may leave the profession if the law is enacted, while others see it as a necessary step for those suffering from painful, terminal illnesses.

Despite government pledges to lower the cost of living, UK energy bills remain the highest in Europe, as households face another price hike. From April to July, Ofgem’s energy price cap will increase by 6.4%, pushing the average annual bill to £1,847 - a rise of £111 per year. Although wholesale energy prices have dropped due to potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Europe’s gas reserves have been depleted following a cold winter, keeping costs high. Energy firms are offering fixed-rate deals, but experts warn that locking in a contract may prevent customers from benefiting if prices fall later. With 90% of UK households still on standard variable tariffs, millions remain vulnerable to rising costs. The Government insists its plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower will bring long-term relief, but for now, families continue to struggle with rising bills.

The Government’s secret demand to access Apple customers’ encrypted data has drawn sharp criticism from the US intelligence community. Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, revealed she was not informed about this move and is now investigating whether it violates US citizens’ privacy rights. The request would force Apple to break its encryption, something the company has refused to do. In response, Apple removed its highest-level security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from UK devices last week. This means UK customers' data remains encrypted but accessible to Apple if served with a legal warrant. The USA is now reviewing the UK’s actions, with concerns over whether it breaches agreements between the two nations on protecting citizens' private data. The Government has so far declined to comment on the matter.

The Church of England has initiated disciplinary proceedings against ten clergy members following the release of the Makin Review, which exposed the brutal abuse of over 120 boys by John Smyth at Christian youth camps from the late 1970s onwards. Among those facing action is former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, accused of failing to act on reports of abuse in 1983. Rev Andrew Cornes, who was set to help choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has also been suspended. Meanwhile, Justin Welby, who resigned as Archbishop earlier this year over his 'institutional responsibility', will not face action due to insufficient evidence. Survivors of Smyth’s abuse have expressed relief that justice is finally being done, though some are disappointed that others involved in the cover-up have not been named. Those found guilty could face permanent prohibition from church ministry.

Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a 'democratically elected leader', after Donald Trump described him as a dictator. Starmer reassured Zelensky that suspending elections during wartime, as the UK did in World War Two, was 'perfectly reasonable’. He is set to meet Trump in Washington next week, aiming to secure a US backstop to deter further Russian aggression. He has said he is prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, with Western officials suggesting under 30,000 troops could be sent to provide reassurance. Meanwhile, Trump's comments have sparked criticism from Sweden’s prime minister, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and former US vice president Mike Pence, among others. Some Western officials are discussing using drones and intelligence aircraft to monitor Ukraine rather than deploying large numbers of troops.

Four US air force bombers have arrived at RAF Fairford as part of its Bomber Task Force Europe, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence posture amid rising tensions with Russia. The bombers have already participated in joint missions with Finland, France, and Sweden to enhance allied air force interoperability. Major-general Joseph Campo highlighted the mission’s strategic significance, stating that Bomber Task Force missions project US combat power, ensuring lethality and readiness in an evolving security landscape.  Another commander said that training with NATO allies strengthens operational cohesion and enhances the ability to deploy decisive capabilities whenever needed. The bombers will participate in joint exercises across Europe, showcasing agility and rapid-response capabilities. This deployment affirms US commitment to deterring Russian aggression and maintaining a robust defence presence in the region.

Inflation in the UK has surged to 3% in January, reaching a ten-month high, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise was driven by higher plane fares, increased food costs, and a sharp jump in private school fees. Analysts had expected a smaller increase of 2.8%. An ONS official explained that airfare prices did not drop as usual after the holiday season, food prices rose, and private school fees jumped significantly due to recent tax changes. Rachel Reeves defended the Government's economic strategy, stating that wage growth is outpacing inflation, putting an extra £1,000 a year in people’s pockets on average. She highlighted her focus on economic growth, cutting regulations, and investing in infrastructure. However, shadow chancellor Mel Stride blamed the Government’s 'record tax hikes and excessive spending', arguing that this rise will cause higher prices, prolonged high interest rates, and financial struggles for families.

A 74-year-old woman has become the first person charged in Scotland under the new Abortion Services Act 2024. The law, which came into force in September, bans anti-abortion protests within 200 metres of hospitals and clinics where terminations are performed. The police arrested and charged the woman after reports of a demonstration outside a Glasgow hospital. The case will be referred to the procurator fiscal. Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced the legislation, called the protests 'shameful' and thanked the police for their swift response. She argued that the law is necessary to protect women from intimidation while accessing healthcare. The incident follows controversial remarks by US vice-president JD Vance, who falsely claimed that Scots could be prosecuted for private prayer in their homes. The Scottish government dismissed his comments as misinformation, reaffirming that private prayer is not prohibited. Mackay urged potential demonstrators to 'think again', warning that future protests will be stopped, and legal consequences will follow.