Author: News Desk

Steve Barclay accuses NHS staff of planning ‘politically timed’ strikes The Guardian says The health secretary has accused NHS staff in England of planning “politically timed” industrial action as he outlined proposals to extend strike laws to ensure doctors and nurses in hospitals provide a minimum level of cover. As consultants began another 48-hour strike on Tuesday as part of a row over pay, one of their representatives told Steve Barclay that the plans – which are unlikely to come into force until the new year – would “only save up problems for later”. However, some hope that the dispute…

Government outlines plan to crack down on NHS staff strikes The Independent says Rishi Sunak’s government has revealed its plan to crack down on NHS strikes by forcing some doctors and nurses to work during future industrial action. Health secretary Steve Barclay is proposing strict “minimum service level” regulations for urgent and emergency care in hospitals in a bid to stop disruption affecting patients. It follows controversial anti-strike legislation passed in the summer – bitterly opposed by the unions – which gives ministers the power to impose minimum staffing across the public sector. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-strike-doctors-nurses-barclay-b2413798.html

Steve Barclay criticises ‘increasing militancy’ of NHS strikes as consultants walk out Sky News says Health Secretary Steve Barclay has criticised the “increasing militancy” and “politically” motivated strikes, and said that is why new legislation to curtail walkouts is being introduced. Mr Barclay was speaking as consultants took industrial action today, with junior doctors set to join them tomorrow in the first joint strike in NHS history. The government is consulting on adding requirements for medical staff to provide minimum service levels during strike days, adding to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act passed earlier this year. This legislation introduced…

YouTube stops Russell Brand from making money on its platform Russell Brand, comedian turned YouTuber, has now been blocked from making money from the online platform following allegations of sexual assault and rape. Brand now cannot monetise the videos he publishes on YouTube. A years-long investigation from the Times, the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches saw four women make various allegations of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse. Another woman unrelated to the investigation has spoken to the Met Police about an alleged sexual assault in London in 2003. Brand has denied the allegations and suggested it is instead…

Chelmsford murder probe: Human remains found at defendant’s home Human remains have been found at a home in Pump Hill, Chelmsford. The remains are believed to be those of a couple, whose daughter is charged with their murder. Police were called to the address in Chelmsford on Wednesday over concerns for the welfare of two people in their 70s, who were missing. Their daughter, Virginia McCullough, 35, appeared before magistrates on Monday accused of murdering John and Lois McCullough between 2018 and 2023. She is due in court again later. Speaking on Monday, Det Supt Rob Kirby said formal identification of…

Number of English schools with Raac increases to 174 New figures published by the government show the number of schools in England affected by crumbling concrete (RAAC) has increased to 174. The number was 147 as of 30 August but has now increased by 27 as of 14 September. Officials said surveyors have been checking hundreds of schools every week for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, known as Raac. The government said it would be updating its list every two weeks.

1,000 Met Police officers suspended or on restricted duties The Met Police have said more than 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers are currently suspended or on restricted duties as the force attempts to root out rogue cops. The Met has come under serious criticism over the past few years following convictions of former cops David Carrick, a serial rapist and Wayne Couzens, a Met cop who kidnapped, raped and murdered a woman walking home. So far the number of cops affected by the crackdown was almost the size of a small police force, with one in 34 suspended or restricted, according…

Elon Musk: Social media platform X could go behind paywall US billionaire Elon Musk has suggested that users of his social media site X (formerly known as Twitter) may have to pay to access the platform. Musk was speaking to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu when he made the announcement, saying a payment system was the only way to counter bots. “We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the system,” Musk said. It’s not clear when the move to a payment system could start. Musk has long said that his solution for tackling bots and fake accounts…

India denies role in Canadian Sikh leader’s murder after PM Trudeau says intelligence has credible link India has rejected allegations made by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau that it had any role in the death of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple on 18 June in Canada. On Monday, PM Trudeau accused India of being involved in the murder. He said Canadian intelligence was looking at “credible allegations” linking the death and the Indian state. Canada expelled Indian diplomat Pavan Kumar Rai over the case. In response, India expelled a top Canadian diplomat…

Today’s news summary – Paper Talk Paper Talk: Cops probe new Russell Brand claim as more women come forward Tuesday’s front pages continue their coverage of the Russell Brand allegations as another person – unrelated to the documentary, spoke to the police over an alleged incident with Brand in 2003. The Met confirmed on Monday it had received the report, though did not name Brand or announce a formal investigation. The claim is separate to initial allegations by four women that Brand assaulted them between 2006 and 2013. Brand recently cancelled his remaining tour dates and more people are reportedly…