New migraine drug recommended for NHS use
Atogepant, an oral medication for preventing chronic and episodic migraines, may soon be accessible via the NHS in England. This treatment, poised to benefit up to 170,000 people, is especially for those unresponsive to other medications or unable to take injections. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends it for patients who have tried and found no relief with three different medications. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in some adults. Migraines, often marked by severe pain, dizziness, and light sensitivity, can last several days. Atogepant is meant for daily use to prevent both chronic (over 15 times a month) and episodic (4-15 times a month) migraines. Initially, it will be prescribed by specialists in secondary care. The Migraine Trust has welcomed this development but stressed the need for swift access, citing past difficulties in accessing new treatments due to limited awareness among doctors and long specialist waiting lists.
Faith schools could win right to choose all their pupils
Downing Street is considering plans to allow faith schools in England to select all pupils based on religion, repealing a 2010 cap. This cap requires faith-based free schools and academies to allocate half their places without considering applicants' faith, mainly in oversubscribed areas. The proposal to lift it, popular among many Conservative MPs, faces opposition from secular groups and educationalists. High-level discussions involve key figures like Will Tanner and James Nation, indicating the move could feature in the Conservative Party’s next manifesto or be enacted before the next general election. Education secretary Gillian Keegan supports the repeal, which particularly impacts Catholic schools. The policy was originally a compromise with the Liberal Democrats to support the free schools programme and prevent the rise of hardline religious schools. Conservative proponents argue that the cap has limited the growth of faith schools, especially Catholic ones.
Asylum seeker accused of killing pensioner ‘for sake of Palestine’
Alid Ahmed, a Moroccan asylum seeker in England, is accused of murdering 70-year-old Terence Carney and attempting to murder his housemate Javed Nouri, a Christian convert, citing ‘revenge’ for Israeli actions in Gaza as his motive. Ahmed, who attacked both victims with knives, also assaulted two female police officers during his arrest. He initially targeted Nouri for being a Muslim convert to Christianity, then killed Carney, mistakenly believing both victims were dead. The attacks occurred soon after the Hamas attacks in Gaza, with Ahmed claiming his actions were to ‘free Palestine from the Zionists’. Despite Ahmed's claims of religious and political motivations, including his desire for martyrdom and references to the conflict in Gaza and Israel's actions, the trial is focussing on determining his intentions during the attacks. The prosecution claims his actions were driven by a combination of personal grievances and his perceived religious and political motivations. The case is ongoing.
Redmans speak out on abuse they experienced at Soul Survivor
Matt and Beth Redman, Grammy-winning worship leaders, have publicly discussed the abuse they endured from Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi. Matt Redman revealed that Pilavachi, whom he met at 13, engaged in inappropriate physical contact under the guise of discussing Redman's past sexual abuse as a child, often in secluded spaces. The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team found Pilavachi guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour, including wrestling youths and massaging young male interns. In their documentary ‘Let There Be Light’, the Redmans describe psychological and emotional abuse at Soul Survivor church, with Pilavachi alternating between inclusion and exclusion over minor issues. Matt emphasised the need for accountability over mere forgiveness, seeing these revelations as part of Jesus' cleansing of the Church. Beth expressed hope for healing from past wounds and a safer future for the Church. Further details on the allegations against Soul Survivor and Pilavachi are available in Premier's ‘Soul Survivors’ podcast. See
