From strikes to the NHS there is plenty going on – but Rishi Sunak is right to put “maths ’til 18” at the top of the agenda January 4, 2023 From the NHS’ well documented woes to rail strikes and Brexit, there is much on the government’s plate – but Rishi Sunak is right to put a light on Britain’s poor levels of numeracy, argues Sam Sims, the CEO of charity National Numeracy When there is so much else on the government’s domestic agenda – [...]
Truss warns Sunak not to shelve childcare reform plans January 4, 2023 Rishi Sunak has been warned by his predecessor Liz Truss not to ditch her childcare reforms, amid reports that the Prime Minister is moving to shelve the plans. Ms Truss, who resigned from office after only a few weeks, had been considering a range of reforms designed to ease the cost burden on parents. But [...]
Russia pins blame for Ukraine deaths on soldiers using mobile phones – as some call for Putin to launch further mobilisation January 4, 2023 Russia has blamed the illegal use of mobiles for its latest setback in the Ukraine War, with anger directed away from Vladimir Putin
Rail strikes: Half of all lines shut as Mick Lynch warns strikes could last well into summer January 4, 2023 Half of Britain’s railways are closed today with only a fifth of services running, as even London’s tube and overground network are affected by the industrial action. Train passengers are suffering another day of strike disruption as the new general secretary of the TUC called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister in a [...]
Matt Hancock leaves Matt Hancock app – and tells followers they can find him on TikTok January 4, 2023 Matt Hancock has said “farewell” to his app after almost five years and told its users they will be able to get his latest updates on TikTok. The former health secretary and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2022 contestant launched the “Matt Hancock MP” app in 2018. At the time, Mr Hancock [...]
Maths to 18: Sunak’s “personal” mission to boost the nation’s numeracy – but Labour tell him to “show his working” January 4, 2023 The Prime Minister will set out his plan to ensure all pupils in England study some form of maths until aged 18 in his first speech of 2023. On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak will lay out his priorities and ambitions for the year ahead, which will include a new mission to combat high rates of innumeracy [...]
China’s zero-Covid policy must be a cautionary tale for the UK January 4, 2023 The rise in Covid-19 cases in China has seen the return of travel restrictions – but Paul Ormerod argues the scientific evidence suggests lockdowns aren’t worth the cost – only shifting cases, rather than eliminating them As we greet the new year with the hope of more serene times ahead, some might do it with [...]
New TUC boss demands urgent meeting with Sunak to resolve public sector strikes January 3, 2023 The new General Secretary of the TUC has called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister in a bid to break the deadlocked industrial disputes sweeping across the country. Paul Nowak called for a change in government direction, saying ministers should open pay negotiations with unions. In a letter to Rishi Sunak, Nowak said [...]
What’s in a year? Hopefully one without a new prime minister or an election January 3, 2023 Without making myself a hostage to fortune, I predict 2023 will be a year without as much political turmoil even as inflation causes havoc.
100 road traffic officers for National Highways launch strike today January 3, 2023 More than 100 road traffic officers and control room operators working for National Highways across England will launch a 48-hour strike on Tuesday. The walkout by members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) is part of industrial action in a bitter dispute over pay, pensions and jobs. Around 100,000 PCS members working in 124 [...]