Tag: News Story

STORY

A wave of pharmacy closures and reduced operating hours is sweeping across the UK, leaving communities with limited access to vital healthcare services. Independent pharmacies are taking drastic measures in response to a decade of under-funding, with many forced to cut hours or shut down altogether.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reports that nearly all independent pharmacies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted in favour of reducing hours beyond the minimum required by their contracts. This means fewer pharmacies will be open during evenings and weekends, impacting access to essential medications and healthcare advice.

“Pharmacies are the cornerstone of community healthcare,” says NPA chairman Nick Kaye, “But years of underfunding have pushed us to the brink. We don’t want to reduce services, but we’re left with no choice.”

The funding crisis has also led to cuts in locally commissioned services, such as emergency contraception, addiction support, and stop-smoking programs. This reduction in services further jeopardises public health and places additional strain on an already overburdened NHS.

The NPA warns that without adequate government intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving communities with reduced access to vital healthcare services. The impact will be felt most acutely in rural areas and under-served communities, where pharmacies often serve as the primary healthcare provider. The Government is facing mounting pressure to address the funding crisis and ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies. The future of local healthcare hangs in the balance as pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open.

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Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, spoke at the UN Security Council Meeting that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached a critical juncture, with devastating consequences for civilians. Almost 19,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured in the past 18 months, according to UN reports. Mass rape, torture, and ethnically targeted killings are rampant. In a statement, Collins said:

“We must act now, and these recommendations are a positive step towards more action to protect civilians. It is now for us as states, civil society and members of the UN family to consider how to use them. To be successful, we must confront the context we face, rather than the one we would want or like to see.”

A devastating civil war has gripped Sudan for the past 18 months, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in nearly 19,000 fatalities and 33,000 injuries, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Reports from the UN paint a grim picture of mass atrocities, including widespread rape, torture, and ethnically motivated killings. The warring factions have shown a blatant disregard for human life and have obstructed humanitarian aid, leaving millions facing starvation.

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Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned. The news comes hours after further members of the church decided to stand down against allegations that Welby could have done more to tackle historic sexual abuse claims.

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Sue Gray, the outgoing Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has rejected the role she had been offered as the Nations and Regions envoy. The Guardian Newspaper reported that Gray had been warned that Starmer would have withdrawn the job offer as rumours continue about disputes amongst senior figures of the Prime Minister’s team. Downing Street sources confirmed that Gray would no longer be taking up her new role.

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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing mounting pressure to resign following the publication of the Makin Review, a damning report into the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations against John Smyth QC. Smyth, a prominent evangelical lawyer, is alleged to have subjected as many as 130 young men and boys to brutal physical and psychological abuse over several decades. The Makin Review concluded that Smyth might have been brought to justice sooner had Welby formally alerted authorities in 2013 when he first became aware of the allegations. This failure, coupled with a perceived lack of urgency in addressing the systemic issues that allowed the abuse to occur and remain hidden for so long, has fuelled calls for Welby to step down.

A petition launched by three members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s parliament, calling for Welby’s resignation has garnered over 10,000 signatures. Andrew Morse, a victim of Smyth’s abuse, stated that Welby’s admission of failing to take sufficient action in 2013 “is enough in my mind to confirm that Justin Welby along with countless other Anglican church members were part of a cover-up about the abuse.” 

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, has also joined the chorus of voices demanding Welby’s resignation, stating that his position is “untenable.” She argues that the Church needs a leader who can demonstrate a “passion” for safeguarding and a commitment to transparency and accountability. However, Welby has thus far resisted calls to resign. A Lambeth Palace spokesperson stated that the archbishop “hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world.” Welby himself has acknowledged his failings in 2013 but maintains that he will not step down, emphasising his commitment to learning from the review and implementing its recommendations.

The calls for Welby’s resignation highlight the deep sense of betrayal and anger felt by survivors of abuse within the Church of England. They argue that his departure would symbolise a break with the past and a commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. However, others argue that Welby should remain in post to oversee the implementation of the Makin Review’s recommendations and ensure that such failings are never repeated. The controversy surrounding Welby’s leadership has plunged the Church of England into a crisis, raising serious questions about its ability to address past wrongs and create a safe environment for all its members. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the Church can regain the trust of those harmed by Smyth’s abuse and rebuild its reputation as a place of safety and spiritual guidance.

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A long-running dispute over a blocked footpath in the picturesque village of Neatishead has finally been resolved, granting villagers access to a cherished walking route. The path, which links the village to the serene Alderfen Broad, a hidden gem of the Norfolk Broads, had been blocked by a local farmer since 2019, sparking a five-year battle between residents and the landowner. The dispute arose when the farmer, who claimed no public right of way existed, obstructed the path with logs and farm machinery. This led to heated exchanges and accusations of intimidation between walkers and the farmer, Stuart Pairpoint. Villagers argued that the path had been used for decades, providing a vital connection to Alderfen Broad, a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for dog walkers.

The case was eventually brought before the Planning Inspectorate, the Government body responsible for resolving public rights of way disputes. After a public inquiry held last month, the Inspectorate ruled in favour of the villagers, citing historical evidence and witness testimony that confirmed the path’s long-standing use. “This is a victory for common sense and for the community,” declared a spokesperson for the Neatishead Parish Council. “This path has been enjoyed by generations of villagers, and we are delighted that it will once again be accessible to all.”

The decision has been met with relief by residents, who are eager to reclaim their access to the scenic beauty of Alderfen Broad. “It’s a wonderful place for walking and enjoying nature,” commented a local resident. “We’re so glad this dispute is finally over.” The reopening of the footpath marks a positive outcome for the community and reinforces the importance of protecting public rights of way for the enjoyment of all.

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Paul Patterson, European boss of Fujitsu (the company that developed the Horizon IT system), gave evidence today to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry in January 2024. His testimony was significant as it was the first time a senior Fujitsu executive had appeared before the inquiry. Patterson began by reiterating an apology to subpostmasters that he had previously made in a written statement and to Parliament. He acknowledged the harm caused by the Horizon system and expressed a desire to see those affected properly compensated.

However, much of his testimony focused on Fujitsu’s role in the scandal and its relationship with the Post Office. Patterson admitted that bugs, errors, and defects (BEDs) had existed in Horizon for “nearly two decades” and that the “vast majority” had been reported to the Post Office contemporaneously. He expressed “surprise” that details of these BEDs were not included in witness statements used in prosecutions against subpostmasters, stating that Fujitsu was unaware at the time how the Post Office was using the data provided.

Patterson also revealed a deep mistrust of the Post Office’s ability to investigate shortfalls, claiming they relied too heavily on Horizon data and failed to consider other potential causes. He stated “I absolutely don’t trust the Post Office” in this regard. Furthermore, Patterson criticised the Post Office’s culture, describing it as being in a “permanent state of stress” due to the Horizon system. He suggested this impacted the organisation’s ability to effectively address the issues arising from the faulty software

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Republican Donald Trump has won the 2024 US Presidential Election, beating Kamala Harris who represented the Democrats. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said in a statement:

“Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

“This is a dark, dark day for people around the globe. The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.

The next President of the United States is a man who actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security.

Millions of Americans – especially women and minorities – will be incredibly fearful about what comes next. We stand with them.

Families across the UK will also be worrying about the damage Trump will do to our economy and our national security, given his record of starting trade wars, undermining NATO and emboldening tyrants like Putin.

Fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU is even more urgent than before. We must strengthen trade and defence cooperation across Europe to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.

Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”

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Kemi Badenoch, the new Conservative Party leader, has appointed Mel Stride as the new Shadow Chancellor and Priti Patel as the new Shadow Foreign Secretary.

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The new leader of the Conservative Party is Kemi Badenoch, securing 53,806 votes compared to 41,000 for Robert Jenrick. The final vote was from party members and there was a turnout of 72.8%.