Labour is urging the Government to appoint a minister with responsibility for tackling the shortage of workers and supplies of goods in a bid to tackle the current “chaos and disruption” hitting firms. The opposition warned that the UK’s economic recovery was at risk as business groups continue to report problems hiring skilled staff and obtaining goods and raw materials. Labour added that around 250,000 manufacturing and retail businesses have […]

It's been announced that medical technology company Becton Dickinson received “exceptional use authorisation” to import blood tubes into the UK. The UK has secured millions of blood tubes following a warning of shortages. The British Medical Association (BMA) had said shortages across hospitals and GP surgeries were “severe” and if the NHS did not reduce usage “even the most clinically important blood tests may be at risk”. On Tuesday, it […]

Mu, or B.1.621, was first identified in Colombia and cases have been recorded in South America and Europe. A new coronavirus strain, named Mu, has been designated a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mu, or B.1.621, was first identified in Colombia and cases have been recorded in South America and Europe. The WHO’s weekly bulletin on the pandemic said the variant has mutations suggesting it could […]

The UK Government has received assurances from the Taliban that anybody wishing to leave Afghanistan after August 31 will be allowed to do so. The UK Government has received assurances from the Taliban that anybody wishing to leave Afghanistan after August 31 will be allowed to do so. British troops have already left Kabul and US military personnel will be out of Afghanistan before the August 31 deadline set by […]

Scotland has recorded another record number of new coronavirus cases, with 7,113 people testing positive for the first time. Scotland has recorded another record number of new coronavirus cases, with 7,113 people testing positive for the first time. It is the third time in a week the record for new infections has been broken, as the Scottish Government warned the situation is “fragile” and said further restrictions could not be […]

A Conservative MP who served in Afghanistan has called the situation in the country and the Government’s handling of the withdrawal of troops a “catastrophe”. A Conservative MP who served in Afghanistan has called the situation in the country and the Government’s handling of the withdrawal of troops a “catastrophe”. Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View and a former British Army officer, wrote in the Sunday Times that the […]

The updated guidance said: “The security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile." UK nationals have been told not to travel to Kabul airport amid the “high threat” of a terrorist attack, as the evacuation deadline from Afghanistan approaches. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Afghanistan on Wednesday night and warned the situation in the country “remains volatile” and those near the airport should move away […]

That's according to a new survey by the British Medical Association More than 90% of female doctors have reported experiencing sexism at work, but just a quarter of those who either went through it or witnessed it have raised the issue, a survey has suggested. The British Medical Association said the statistics are “appalling” while their report into the problem makes for “shocking” reading. Their survey of more than 2,000 […]

It comes as schools start to return from the summer break, with Scottish pupils already back in the classroom Returning secondary school pupils are being urged to get tested – and vaccinated where possible – to stop the virus spreading and minimise disruption to lessons over the autumn term. Ministers are launching a campaign, backed by an Olympic champion and a TV doctor, to persuade parents, secondary school and college […]

The UN human rights chief has warned that she has credible reports of “summary executions” and restrictions on women in areas under Taliban control in Afghanistan, fuelling fears of what their rule might hold a week before US forces are set to withdraw. Michelle Bachelet urged the Human Rights Council to take “bold and vigorous action” to monitor the rights situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover, […]