Leo Varadkar: ‘I am no longer best man to be Irish PM’
Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has announced his immediate resignation as Fine Gael party leader and will step down as Taoiseach once his successor is chosen. He led Ireland from 2017 and took pride in guiding the nation towards economic stability, equality, and modernisation. Varadkar noted his role in referendums legalising same-sex marriage and abortion and improvements in childcare, arts, and infrastructure. Citing personal and political reasons for his departure, Varadkar believes he is no longer the best fit for the role. His decision is not expected to trigger a general election, as the coalition government, including Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, remains committed to its term. Opposition leaders have called for a change in government. There are at least five contenders for the leadership of Fine Gael, with an 18-19 day selection process expected.
MPs warn of 'unsustainable' social care crisis
A critical report from the Commons public accounts committee has warned of a deepening crisis in adult social care, leaving millions vulnerable. Chronic understaffing, rising waiting lists, and inconsistent funding have put immense pressure on councils. The sector, grappling with a shortage of essential staff and financial strain, is described as being 'on its knees'. Local authorities supported over a million people at a cost of £23.7 billion in 2022/23, yet concerns persist about funding effectiveness and the exploitation of care sector staff. The department of health has been urged to provide stable funding and clear leadership to address these challenges and to fulfil its ten-year vision for sector reform. Meanwhile, in the ongoing Covid inquiry a key role is being played by organisations which represent those affected by the pandemic, particularly in the care sector, including families and carers, many still dealing with trauma. Their efforts include pushing for Gloria’s Law, inspired by the plight of actress Ruthie Henshall’s mother, Gloria, who experienced isolation and deterioration in care during the lockdown.
Church of England defends plans to tackle ‘white fragility’
The Church of England is defending its appointment of 'racial justice enablers' to tackle racial inequality and 'white fragility’, amid criticism that it might alienate worshippers. In Birmingham and York, these positions focus on addressing issues like deconstructing whiteness and unconscious bias. The Rev Guy Hewitt, head of the church’s Racial Justice Unit, underscores the gospel's call to confront racism, while critics like Rev Dr Ian Paul argue the approach could create more division, reflecting American cultural conflicts. The initiative has broad support within church synods, though some parishioners have expressed concern over resource allocation. These roles are part of a wider effort to make the Church more inclusive and tackle racism. Church leaders stress the importance of addressing the sin of racism and its impact, aligning with the Church's mission to be a church for all tribes and nations.
Synthetic drugs far stronger than heroin banned as deaths soar
The Government has banned 15 synthetic opioids, including 14 nitazenes, classifying them as Class A drugs. These opioids, far stronger than heroin, have been linked to numerous fatalities. Nitazenes, frequently misidentified in other drugs, cause dangerous respiratory depression and are often unknowingly consumed. Home secretary James Cleverly stated the government's commitment to combating these drugs, with the classification resulting in strict penalties for production, distribution, and possession, including potential life imprisonment or unlimited fines. This move follows rising numbers of drug deaths in Scotland and widespread opioid addiction concerns. However, there are calls for quicker action in tracking overdoses and understanding drug spread. Originally developed in the 1950s, nitazenes were never approved for medical use due to high potency and addiction risks, making them a significant public health concern. The Government's classification aims to curb the impact of these potent drugs on public health.
