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STORY

A spokesperson for Cornerstone Christian Bookshop in Matlock, Derbyshire has confirmed that they are celebrating the removal of a Pride flag in the town which had been placed to act as a sign that the town was welcoming for all. Judy Crook, the manager of the bookshop, told the Guardian that “we’re not happy with the gay rights situation” and rejected allegations of hate and intolerance, saying they were “welcoming”. The council said that the flag was not removed for political reasons, but due to concerns that protesters might injure themselves in an attempt to remove the flag.

STORY

Patients to benefit from new era in cancer treatment, as the government slashes red tape to unleash life-saving innovation.

NHS patients will be the first in Europe to benefit from a ground-breaking, non-invasive liver cancer treatment, as the government’s Plan for Change slashes burdensome red tape and drives innovation, establishing Britain’s role as a medical technology powerhouse.

Using ultrasound technology, the device – developed by US-based company HistoSonics – destroys tumours without surgery, scalpels or radiation, with minimal damage to surrounding organs.

Patients stand to benefit from faster recovery times, potentially greater survival rates, fewer potentially dangerous complications and fewer hospital stays – helping to cut waits for others – all marking a new era in cancer treatment.

Ongoing research is exploring its potential to transform treatment for other hard-to-reach tumours, including kidney and pancreatic cancers, bringing hope to even more NHS patients in the future.

Treatment is delivered through a single short session – potentially taking no longer than 30 minutes – with limited or no pain, a quick recovery and can be performed as a day case.

As the government busts the bureaucracy holding back public services and stifling innovation, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting granted authorisation for controlled early access to the device through an unmet clinical need authorisation. Available through the UK’s Innovative Devices Access Pathway programme, a government-funded scheme to get cutting-edge health innovations to the market much quicker, NHS patients can benefit from technology years earlier than planned.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Bureaucracy has become a handbrake on ambition, stopping innovation in its tracks and holding our health service back.

But through our Plan for Change, we are slashing red tape, so game-changing new treatments reach the NHS front line quicker – transforming healthcare.

Regulation is vital to protect patients. However, as the pace of innovation ramps up, our processes must be more agile to help speed the shift from analogue to digital.

Our common sense approach to regulation will streamline approval processes so countless more patients are liberated from life-limiting conditions.

The technology, called histotripsy, is being debuted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with the first NHS patients being treated using the game-changing device this summer. The technology was procured and installed thanks to a generous donation to the University of Cambridge from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which has been a longstanding supporter of cancer research at the university.

Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said:

Through his longstanding support of cancer research at Cambridge, Sir Ka-shing Li continues to make a significant impact on outcomes for cancer patients.

Cutting-edge technology such as this histotripsy machine allows Cambridge to remain at the forefront of understanding and treating cancer, a position we aim to strengthen further with Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

The government’s Plan for Change is focused on securing the UK’s position as a global tech powerhouse, including in healthcare, which fosters innovation to transform the lives of working people and deliver a decade of national renewal.

The move delivers on the government’s commitment to tackle bureaucracy blocking investment and regulatory complexity that has previously stifled growth.

Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said:

Histotripsy is an exciting new technology that will make a huge difference to patients.

By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases.

The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time.

We are delighted to be receiving this new state of the art machine.

Fiona Carey, co-chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and kidney cancer patient with advanced disease, said:

This is seriously good news. A new, non-invasive option to treat these cancers is very welcome indeed.

For patients for whom ordinary surgery is no longer an option, this could make all the difference.

James Pound, Interim Executive Director, Innovation and Compliance at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said:

This is a strong example of smart, agile regulation in action. Working closely with partners through the Innovative Devices Access Pathway, we’ve shown we can get promising technologies to patients faster – without compromising safety.

It’s a major step forward for patients with liver cancer and shows how the UK can be a frontrunner in supporting responsible innovation that meets real clinical need.

STORY

Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Expert Adviser on Health, Downing Street confirmed today. The move signals a renewed focus on innovation, integration and preventive care as the government seeks to overhaul NHS delivery and tackle deep-rooted issues across the health and social care system. Heitmueller, a respected figure in healthcare strategy, currently serves as CEO of Imperial College Health Partners and was previously Executive Director of Strategy at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. He will work directly with ministers to support the government’s ambitions for reform, particularly in areas like system-wide innovation, data use and public health outcomes.

Born in Germany in 1974, Heitmueller has built his career in the UK and is known for his emphasis on data-driven decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. His appointment reflects growing recognition that the NHS needs fresh leadership to address long-standing inefficiencies and rising demand. With the government under pressure to deliver tangible improvements before the next election, Heitmueller will play a key role in shaping a health strategy that aims to be both ambitious and achievable.

STORY

Palestine Action have claimed responsibility for an attack on two British military aircraft at Brize Norton which were being used in counter-ISIS operations. The RAF said that they “condemned vandalism of Royal Air Force assets” and added:

“Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain. They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”

Recent documentary evidence suggests that the attacked aircraft were supporting counter-ISIS operations.

STORY

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major delivered a powerful and unsparing assessment of the current state of British public life on Thursday, accusing successive governments of allowing ethical standards to decline and warning that public trust in institutions is in danger of slipping beyond repair. Speaking at the Institute for Government’s conference marking 30 years since the establishment of the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Nolan Principles, Major said Britain’s long-standing reputation for clean governance had been “slowly eroded” by years of scandal, political misconduct and a failure to enforce proper standards.

“It is in our national interest to regain that reputation,” he said, before listing a series of high-profile failures: from the ‘Partygate’ scandal and political lobbying controversies to a wider culture of bullying and misconduct.

Sir John, who founded the Nolan Committee in 1994 following the “cash for questions” scandal, argued that the seven principles of public life — selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership — remain essential but are too often ignored. “The vast majority of public servants obey them. But a minority does not — and when that happens, there must be consequences,” he said. “Too often, there are none.”

In a series of pointed criticisms, the former Conservative leader highlighted the resignation of two senior ethics advisers under Boris Johnson and the growing cynicism towards public institutions, which he said now includes Parliament, the Church, the Police, and even the media. “This is not healthy,” he warned.

Major reserved some of his strongest words for the government’s approach to advisory bodies and ethics watchdogs. He criticised ministers for “ignoring” or “watering down” reports from standards bodies and accused them of using “words of which any Circumlocution Department would be proud” to deflect criticism while rejecting reform.

While he praised the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests as a valuable check, he questioned whether the role should be made statutory — and ultimately advised against it, despite past attempts by prime ministers to abolish the position. “Their successors are likely to understand that an adviser with powers can spare stress to prime ministers,” he quipped. Turning to appointments, Major said bodies like ACOBA — which oversees post-government jobs for ministers and civil servants — need statutory powers to enforce their guidance. “Lord Pickles is right,” he said, referencing the former ACOBA chair’s warning that the current system has “no demonstrable or tangible deterrent.”

He also called for tougher scrutiny of House of Lords appointments, criticising the lack of oversight for political nominees and arguing that too many recent peerages had failed the “democratic smell test.” He said it was time to stop appointing peers who were “unsuitable for the work, or unwilling to do it.”

On political funding, Major raised concern about growing dependence on ultra-wealthy individuals and the risk of foreign interference, citing recent reports of an American billionaire’s interest in funding a UK party. “One man, one vote must not be supplanted by one man and his money,” he said, warning that democracy must not be for sale “to the highest bidder.” He also referred to Trump’s “billionaire chorus.”

He also criticised the leaking of policy announcements to the press before they reach Parliament, branding it “disrespectful” and corrosive to the authority of the legislature. While acknowledging the government’s pledge to establish a new ethics commission, Major advised they stick to strengthening the Nolan system instead. “My very friendly advice to the Prime Minister would be to stiffen up Nolan — and leave the ethics proposal where it is!”

In closing, Major struck a sombre but resolute tone: “We need to demonstrate to the people of our own country – and far beyond – that the Nolan principles… are effective and, where not, put measures in place to enforce them. Once we do that, we begin to restore trust and – with it – faith in politics.”