“Medical school places will double and students will become doctors quicker under “historic” plans to increase the NHS workforce. Rishi Sunak will promise £2.4 billion over five years for tens of thousands more staff in what he describes as “one of the most significant commitments I will make as prime minister”. After years of wrangling with the Treasury, the NHS has got almost everything it asked for in a plan that largely focuses on the next parliament and beyond. Sunak’s allies insist that a big expansion of auxiliary roles, such as physician and nursing associates, will benefit patients next year.” – The Times
“The love and affection for the NHS is the result of the talented staff who work around the clock to care for us and our loved ones in their hour of need. Over 1.6 million staff work across 350 roles, from doctors, nurses, and midwives to paramedics and physiotherapists. The workforce has never been bigger. However, staff, who worked tirelessly through incredibly difficult circumstances during the pandemic, are facing significant pressures. Modelling suggests that, with no action, the workforce gap could grow as high as 360,000 by 2037. Simply put, we need more staff to keep pace with demand, continue to reduce waiting lists and fix the backlogs, and ensure that the public benefits from the best possible care for another 75 years.” – Daily Telegraph
“Conservative MPs have called for a “plan B” to tackle the small boats crisis after the government’s policy to send migrants to Rwanda was plunged into disarray when judges ruled it unlawful. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, claimed the legal framework was “rigged against the British people” after the Court of Appeal said that Rwanda was not safe for asylum seekers. In a verdict that stunned the government, the three judges concluded there was a “real risk” that relocated migrants would be returned to their home countries where they faced persecution or “inhumane treatment”. This would constitute a breach of article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the judgment said.” – The Times
“Thames Water executives and the industry regulator Ofwat have been called to appear before MPs to provide details of the financial black hole facing the company. Sir Adrian Montague, an industry veteran, was appointed Thames Water’s new chairman on Thursday in an attempt to reassure the markets and government ministers. The former chairman of Anglian Water will take over on July 10 to lead efforts to secure additional funding from shareholders. Sir Robert Goodwill, the Conservative chairman of the Commons environment committee, said MPs wanted to hear from Bentley and remaining executives at Thames Water “to find out what’s going on”. – The Times
“A television producer who accused a Tory candidate for London mayor of groping her said last night that the Cabinet Office had rejected her calls for an inquiry. Daisy Goodwin alleged in The Times that Daniel Korski, a special adviser at No 10, touched her inappropriately ten years ago. On Wednesday night Korski, who denies wrongdoing, dropped out of the contest to be mayor. Goodwin, who had contacted the Cabinet Office to make a formal complaint, said last night that its response had been disappointing. She added that a senior official had told her there were two options: to refer it to police if it was a criminal matter; or to do nothing because Korski no longer worked there.” – The Times
“A Labour MP’s report on economic crime and corruption was allegedly suppressed by a wealthy British businessman accused of using “lawfare” to protect his reputation. Research by Dame Margaret Hodge, the MP for Barking, fell victim to a Slapp, or strategic lawsuit against public participation, issued by Mohamed Amersi, a Tory party donor, after her paper referenced his alleged connection to illicit business activities. Using protection granted by parliamentary privilege, David Davis, the former Brexit minister, yesterday revealed that the report — written in 2021, and published in partnership with King’s College London — was withdrawn in response to legal threats.” – The Times
“A Welsh MP has quit his role in the UK Government in order to vote against updates to sex education in Northern Ireland. Robin Millar said he “could not in good conscience” vote to introduce the changes in Northern Ireland at the same time as helping parents with concerns about similar issues in Wales. The MP for Aberconwy has been serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Welsh Secretary, David TC Davies. He was amongst 20 Conservative MPs who voted against the measures in the Commons on Wednesday night.” – ITV News
“Some local councillors are quitting over being forced to attend meetings in person, according to a survey. In accordance with 50-year-old laws, local authorities are required to hold planning and full council meetings in person. The rules were temporarily dropped during the pandemic, with participants permitted to attend remotely using their computers at home, but reinstated in May 2021. A survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that since then, councillors have stood down at one in ten councils, noting that expectations around the acceptability of technology had shifted considerably because of the pandemic. The government argues that face to face meetings are important for accountability and good governance, and make it more difficult for elected representatives to shirk their responsibilities. However, there have been complaints from councillors, especially parents and those with disabilities, who enjoyed the flexibility of remote working.” – The Times
“Nigel Farage has been told by his bank that it is shutting down all his accounts, after claims in the House of Commons that he had received more than half a million pounds in payments from the Russian broadcaster RT. The former UKIP leader said that he had been given no explanation for the decision to close both his personal and business accounts, which he received two months ago. It is due to be implemented in the next few weeks. He said: “The letter came through and simply said, we are closing your accounts, we want to finish it all by a date, which is around about now. I didn’t quite know what to make of it. I complained. I emailed the chairman, a lackey phoned me to say that it was a commercial decision, which I have to say, I don’t believe for a single moment.” – The Times
“The head of the British Army has been forced out after just two years, defence sources have claimed, amid a row over troop numbers that has engulfed the military. General Sir Patrick Sanders will step down from his position as Chief of the General Staff (CGS) next year, despite only assuming it in June 2022. He has been publicly critical of planned cuts to troops which will see the British Army reduced to the smallest size for centuries.” – Daily Telegraph