Category: News Story

STORY

An independent review has concluded that Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and has failed to keep pace with changes in disability, health and employment. The Timms Review published an update setting out concerns about the operation of the benefit.

The review is examining how PIP assessments work, whether the system treats claimants fairly and how support can better reflect fluctuating and long-term conditions. Its findings are expected to inform future Government reforms.

Ministers will face pressure to ensure that any changes protect disabled people from sudden losses of income. Campaigners have repeatedly called for a less adversarial assessment process and greater involvement of people with direct experience of the system.

STORY

The NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has risen for a second consecutive month, according to the latest performance figures. The list reached about 7.28 million treatments involving approximately 6.16 million patients.

The total was reported as the highest level since December 2025, reversing some of the earlier progress in reducing the backlog. Ministers have made cutting waiting times one of the Government’s principal health priorities.

The figures will increase pressure on the Government to demonstrate that additional investment and reforms are improving access to care. NHS leaders continue to face workforce pressures, high demand and difficulties moving patients safely through hospitals.

STORY

Andy Burnham has promised greater public scrutiny of defence spending as he prepares to become Labour leader and Prime Minister. He said national security would be his first priority and argued that higher defence investment should also support British industry, jobs and apprenticeships.

Burnham said major defence and infrastructure projects should be subject to more detailed public progress reports, with greater transparency over delays and cost overruns. He also backed rebuilding Britain’s military capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.

He reaffirmed support for NATO, the nuclear deterrent, the United States alliance and Ukraine. Burnham also called for closer defence co-operation with European countries and faster progress in the UK’s negotiations with the European Union.

STORY

Mrs Geraldine McCafferty has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in succession to Mr Edward Hobart.

Mrs McCafferty will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Geraldine Mary McCafferty

Year	Role
2022 to present	Beijing, Deputy Head of Mission
2019 to 2022	FCDO, Director, Policy
2015 to 2019	Bogotá, Minister Counsellor
2012 to 2015	Copenhagen, Minister Counsellor
2010 to 2012	FCO, Private Secretary
2007 to 2009	FCO, Team Leader
2005 to 2007	Sarajevo, First Secretary
2004 to 2005	FCO, Pre-posting Training, including Bosnian Language Training
2001 to 2004	FCO, Desk Officer
2000 to 2001	FCO, Russian Language Training
1998 to 2000	Nicosia, Second Secretary Economics
1996 to 1998	FCO, Desk Officer
1996	Joined FCO

STORY

West Sussex County Council has been found at fault for delays during a child’s Education, Health and Care needs assessment and for failing to make a timely decision about alternative education. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said the council’s handling of the case caused avoidable uncertainty and distress for the family.

Councils have statutory deadlines for deciding whether to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan and must consider their duty to arrange suitable education when a child cannot attend school. The investigation found delays in the assessment process and shortcomings in the way the authority considered its responsibilities under section 19 of the Education Act 1996.

The Ombudsman recommended action to remedy the injustice and improve the council’s procedures. The case adds to wider concern about pressure on special educational needs services, with councils reporting rising demand, workforce shortages and significant financial strain in the high-needs system.

STORY

Southwark Council has successfully defended its choice-based lettings and direct allocation policies after the High Court rejected a challenge alleging that the system was unlawful and insufficiently transparent. The judge found that the London borough could have explained parts of the process more clearly but had operated the scheme lawfully.

The claimant argued that she had been treated less favourably than households placed below her on the waiting list and could not understand why her family had not received enhanced priority. She also alleged that the council had failed to follow its direct offer procedure and had breached the public sector equality duty.

The court concluded that there had been no unlawful discrimination or failure to comply with transparency requirements. The judgment underlines the discretion councils retain when allocating scarce social housing, while also indicating that clearer information about priority categories and direct offers could reduce confusion and disputes.

STORY

The European Parliament is considering annual reports on the progress made by Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia towards membership of the European Union. The assessments cover democratic institutions, the rule of law, economic reform, foreign policy alignment and each country’s ability to implement EU legislation.

Ukraine and Moldova received candidate status following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have since begun accession negotiations. MEPs are expected to support continued progress while stressing that membership remains conditional on reforms, particularly in the justice system, anti-corruption measures and the protection of fundamental rights.

The report on Serbia is expected to focus on democratic standards, media freedom and Belgrade’s relationship with Russia as well as the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. European Parliament resolutions are not themselves sufficient to admit a new member, but they influence the political direction of the enlargement process.

STORY

The European Parliament has moved towards negotiations on new military mobility rules intended to make it easier to transport troops and equipment across the European Union. The proposals seek to reduce legal, administrative and infrastructure obstacles that could slow the movement of armed forces during a crisis.

MEPs and member states have been developing a framework covering permits, customs procedures, cross-border co-ordination and the suitability of roads, railways, ports and bridges. Supporters say Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated that Europe must be able to move military resources quickly between countries.

Parliament’s position requires plenary approval before formal negotiations with the Council can proceed. The measure forms part of the EU’s wider defence preparedness agenda and is designed to complement NATO planning, although decisions on the deployment of national forces would remain with member states.

STORY

MPs are debating Britain’s rearmament and war-fighting readiness as the Government seeks to demonstrate a larger European contribution to NATO. The Commons debate comes during the alliance’s summit in Ankara, where defence spending, long-range weapons and the continuing threat from Russia are central issues.

The Government has argued that the international security environment requires faster procurement, stronger armed forces and closer co-operation with European allies. Opposition MPs are expected to press Ministers on whether announced spending commitments are sufficient, affordable and supported by a credible plan for personnel, equipment and industrial capacity.

The debate was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee alongside a separate discussion on corridor care in the NHS. It follows repeated warnings from parliamentary committees and defence figures about depleted stockpiles, delays to major projects and the need to ensure that higher spending produces usable military capability.

STORY

Children aged ten and eleven can now use passport eGates at UK border controls when travelling with an eligible adult, extending a system previously limited to passengers aged 12 and over. The change took effect on 8 July at more than 290 eGates in British airports and at juxtaposed border controls in Europe.

The Home Office said the expansion would make family journeys quicker during the summer holiday period while maintaining security checks. Children must hold an eligible biometric passport and travel with an adult who can also use the eGates, although Border Force officers will retain discretion to conduct additional checks.

Ministers said trials had shown that the technology could safely process younger passengers. The move forms part of wider efforts to increase automated border processing, although families may still be directed to staffed desks when documentation, safeguarding concerns or operational circumstances require it.