Health crisis sees some GPs working as Uber drivers
A growing number of qualified GPs in England are unable to find work, with some resorting to jobs such as Uber driving to pay their bills. This crisis has been blamed on chronic underfunding and the rising costs of running GP practices, which has left many surgeries without the resources to hire doctors. A new survey by the British Medical Association found that one in five GPs is considering leaving the profession, while nearly half of those surveyed are looking for work outside the NHS. Some are seeking GP roles abroad, while others are considering leaving healthcare altogether. The government has pledged £889 million to reduce administrative burdens and expand GP recruitment programs, but experts warn this is not a long-term solution. Many doctors remain concerned that rising employer national insurance costs will further squeeze GP practices, potentially leading to a mass exodus from the profession. With demand for GP appointments at an all-time high, medical professionals are warning that unless core funding is significantly increased, the NHS could face a two-tier system, similar to what has happened in dentistry, where more doctors turn to private healthcare instead of the NHS. See
Isle of Man set to approve right to die
The Isle of Man is on course to become the first place in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, as its parliament enters the final stages of debate on the legislation. If passed, the law would allow people over 18 with a prognosis of less than twelve months to live to end their own lives under strict medical supervision. The proposal has sparked strong debate, with supporters arguing it grants dignity to those facing unbearable suffering, while opponents, including some doctors, fear it could lead to coercion and an expansion of euthanasia laws in the future. The UK, Scotland, and Jersey are also considering similar legislation, though their proposals differ in residency requirements and medical oversight. Some doctors on the Isle of Man have warned they may leave the profession if the law is enacted, while others see it as a necessary step for those suffering from painful, terminal illnesses.
Highest energy bills in Europe as costs rise again
Despite government pledges to lower the cost of living, UK energy bills remain the highest in Europe, as households face another price hike. From April to July, Ofgem’s energy price cap will increase by 6.4%, pushing the average annual bill to £1,847 - a rise of £111 per year. Although wholesale energy prices have dropped due to potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Europe’s gas reserves have been depleted following a cold winter, keeping costs high. Energy firms are offering fixed-rate deals, but experts warn that locking in a contract may prevent customers from benefiting if prices fall later. With 90% of UK households still on standard variable tariffs, millions remain vulnerable to rising costs. The Government insists its plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower will bring long-term relief, but for now, families continue to struggle with rising bills.
UK's demand for Apple data access sparks US backlash
The Government’s secret demand to access Apple customers’ encrypted data has drawn sharp criticism from the US intelligence community. Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, revealed she was not informed about this move and is now investigating whether it violates US citizens’ privacy rights. The request would force Apple to break its encryption, something the company has refused to do. In response, Apple removed its highest-level security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from UK devices last week. This means UK customers' data remains encrypted but accessible to Apple if served with a legal warrant. The USA is now reviewing the UK’s actions, with concerns over whether it breaches agreements between the two nations on protecting citizens' private data. The Government has so far declined to comment on the matter.
