NHS strike leads to over 113,000 patient cancellations
The junior doctors’ strike, the longest-ever in NHS history, resulted in the postponement of over 113,000 patient operations and appointments - bringing the total since December 2022 to 1,333,221. Patients are bearing the brunt of this action, facing multiple cancellations, eroding confidence in healthcare. NHS leaders warn that the strike's impact could linger for months. As colder weather increases the demand for hospital treatment, the strain on staff remains considerable. Experts suggest that the number of cancellations could be twice as high as reported, as hospitals refrained from booking pre-planned operations during strikes. The British Medical Association has called for a 35% pay raise for junior doctors, citing a 26.1% real terms pay cut between 2008 and 2022. When the Government offered an 8.8% pay rise and an additional 3%, the doctors rejected it. NHS consultants recently took strike action and negotiated a 4.95% pay increase to add to the Government's 6% offer. The strike's aftermath will continue to affect healthcare services, prompting calls to end such actions.
CPAS statement on same-sex relationships deleted following backlash
The Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) has faced backlash for endorsing conservative views on same-sex relationships in a statement on its website. The statement, which endorsed the Evangelical Alliance's affirmations on human sexuality, received criticism from liberal Anglicans on social media. In response to the negative reactions, the link to the statement on CPAS's website was deactivated and now reads 'Page Not Found.' CPAS, which supports local churches in mission and evangelism, has been accused of endorsing homophobia and suppressing LGBTQI+ desire. The Church of England has been divided over same-sex relationships, with some churches threatening to leave and others seeking alternative pastoral support. Critics argue that CPAS's stance contradicts an affirmation of human sexuality and promotes discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals.
Sweden: alarm after warning to ‘prepare for war’
Civil defence minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin and commander-in-chief Gen Micael Byden have issued warnings to prepare for the possibility of war in Sweden, raising concerns and accusations of alarmism. Byden urged all Swedes to prepare mentally for such a scenario. Their remarks have sparked debate, with some opposition politicians and organisations expressing objections to the tone of the warnings, while others see it as a necessary wake-up call. Sweden, having enjoyed over two centuries of peace, is close to NATO membership, pending approval from Turkey and Hungary. Gen Byden's comments come in the context of Sweden's involvement in training Ukrainian pilots and considering sending advanced fighter jets to Ukraine. Despite the stark messaging, both officials emphasise the importance of raising awareness and preparedness rather than causing undue panic. They call on local authorities, emergency planners, and individuals to take action.
Serbia: rescue efforts to save livestock trapped on island
An operation is under way to evacuate livestock trapped for days on an island in the River Danube. Last week up to 200 cattle, calves and horses were stranded on Krcedin island, northwest of the capital Belgrade, after water levels swelled, blocking their passage back to shore. Rescuers are now under pressure to save the rest as freezing temperatures and fears of starvation set in. Unseasonably mild weather in the Balkan region in late 2023 led to melting snow that caused water levels to rise sharply. But this week, the balmy weather gave way to snow and freezing temperatures, raising fears for the animals' survival. Evacuation efforts began on 9 January, when some sixty animals were saved. An environmental group said that the cattle were exhausted; some had lost as much as 50 kg of their weight. There would be extra difficulties in rescuing dozens of wild horses, which are not used to human contact except for people bringing them food. Speed has now become of utmost importance, because of the freezing conditions and increasing hunger.
