Hospice leaders and MPs warn of a funding emergency, saying patients are left in NHS corridors without adequate pain relief as services and staff are cut. They urge urgent government support and a long‑term settlement to stabilise end‑of‑life care nationwide.
After allies refused to send naval support in the Strait of Hormuz, the US president said his country does not need Nato. The stance left him increasingly isolated, while his counterterrorism chief resigned, saying Iran posed no imminent threat and questioning the strategy.
Rachel Reeves unveils a multibillion‑pound push to make the UK a leader in AI and quantum computing, including a nationwide rollout of supercomputers. She says it will create jobs, lift productivity and stem the brain drain, with benefits for health, energy and transport.
Donald Trump rebuked Starmer, calling it “terrible” that Britain declined to send Royal Navy ships to the Gulf to help secure shipping. He warned this could strain transatlantic defence ties. The PM said the UK will support allies while avoiding being drawn into wider military action.
Emergency measures are under way to curb a meningitis outbreak linked to student nightlife, with antibiotics offered to thousands. Officials faced criticism for a day’s delay in issuing alerts. Universities are advising close contacts and monitoring cases.
Officials launch urgent contact tracing after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury linked to a nightclub over three nights. Thousands who attended are urged to seek medical advice and antibiotics. A university and three schools are affected; two deaths have been confirmed.
Britain is negotiating a Royal Navy role with allies to end a Gulf oil blockade and reopen a vital shipping lane. Minehunting ships and interceptor drones are being readied, with the PM insisting any involvement stays limited. The UK is coordinating closely with the US, France and Gulf partners.
Two students have died and 11 are ill after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, with one critical. Cases are linked to a city nightclub. University of Kent students queued for antibiotics as health officials trace contacts and advise urgent treatment amid concern over a possible new strain.
Starmer says the UK will resist US pressure to take part in military action against Iran, calling it a difficult decision. He ruled out sending Royal Navy ships and dismissed threats tied to Nato, stressing Britain’s commitment to the alliance while prioritising diplomacy with European partners.
The father of 18-year-old Juliette, who died from meningitis, says the family are beyond devastated and struggling to find words. The case has sparked fresh appeals to recognise symptoms early and ensure vaccinations are up to date.