England and Wales announce new mission to make UK a clean energy superpower
The UK prime minister and Welsh first minister have launched a joint initiative to transform Britain into a clean energy superpower. This mission focuses on significant investments in homegrown energy, which aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance energy independence. Sir Keir Starmer and Baroness Morgan visited a wind farm in West Wales, showcasing the Welsh government's investment in green energy. A key element of this plan is the establishment of Great British Energy, a publicly owned entity that will oversee clean energy projects across the UK. Starmer emphasised the commitment to ending the era of fluctuating energy bills and ensuring clean power by 2030, thereby boosting the country's energy security and economy. In Wales, the government’s renewable energy developer, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, is set to generate enough clean energy to power up to a million homes by 2040 and create thousands of jobs. This collaborative effort underscores the UK’s ambition to lead globally in clean energy and achieve long-term energy sustainability.
Scotland: increase in drug-related deaths
Scotland has seen a concerning rise in drug-related deaths, with 1,172 fatalities recorded in 2023 - a 12% increase after two years of declines. Dr Tara Shivaji, a consultant at Public Health Scotland (PHS), highlighted that these statistics represent real people whose families are now grappling with grief. The unregulated drugs market in Scotland is becoming increasingly toxic and unpredictable, with a surge in potent synthetic drugs which are often mixed with other substances, with deadly consequences. Dr Shivaji says that Scotland's drug crisis is deeply rooted in social issues such as poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for tackling the crisis. PHS is committed to working with various organisations to reduce these inequalities and improve public health outcomes, recognising that there are no simple solutions to this complex challenge.
Scotland: Afghan medical students win UK visas to beat Taliban
Twenty Afghan women, whose medical studies were abruptly halted when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, will finally resume their education in Scotland after years of uncertainty. The women, banned from universities by the Taliban, have been granted visas under a unique scheme involving the charity Linda Norgrove Foundation, the UK Home Office, and the Scottish government. They will study at prestigious universities across Scotland. Some were just one exam away from qualifying as doctors when the Taliban imposed the ban, while others had years of hospital experience. The women, who spent their time in hiding and studying English, are excited about their new opportunities in Scotland, where they will be treated as residents, allowing them to study without paying tuition fees and receive student loans. This breakthrough came after prolonged advocacy efforts to adjust visa rules and open a resettlement pathway for vulnerable Afghan women.
Chancellor to raise taxes and cut spending in October?
Rachel Reeves is preparing to implement a tough October budget that includes tax increases, spending cuts, and stricter benefit policies. Despite stronger-than-expected economic growth in early 2024, she faces a significant budget deficit, with government borrowing reaching £3.1 billion last month, more than double the amount from the previous year. Reeves had already announced initial cuts, including the scrapping of winter fuel payments for most pensioners and halting plans for social care reform. The upcoming budget is expected to raise more revenue from inheritance and capital gains taxes, maintain a 1% increase in public spending with cuts in some departments, and uphold the two-child benefit cap. Despite improved economic performance, the Treasury insists that the financial situation remains dire, with borrowing on track to exceed forecasts. Reeves argues that she inherited the worst public finances since World War II, and further tough decisions are necessary to address the substantial 'black hole' in the budget.
