Starmer says special relationship stronger than ever as he meets Biden at Nato summit – live

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that a scheme dispatching expert medical teams to hospitals in high-unemployment areas is significantly reducing NHS waiting lists. Launched in September, the initiative targets 20 areas with high economic inactivity, resulting in a 130% acceleration in the decline of waiting times and the removal of approximately 37,000 patients from lists. Streeting stated that the targeted efforts are twice as effective as national averages, with top doctors providing support to get...

The government is set to announce welfare reforms that will allow disabled individuals to try employment without losing their benefits, addressing concerns over potential loss of entitlements. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to introduce a "right to try guarantee" to prevent automatic reassessment of benefits for those entering the workforce. However, there are worries over sweeping welfare cuts that could push thousands of disabled people into poverty, with concerns that as many...

Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts has noted a resurgence in big weekly shopping trips as more customers return to the office post-Covid, seeking convenience and value. The supermarket plans to invest in food-focused refurbishments, adding 1,300 new food lines while reducing non-food space. Under Mr. Roberts' leadership, Sainsbury's has seen an increase in market share and volume, with an expected annual operating profit of £1.03bn. Full Article

The MEPs at a European Parliament conference recommended that the EU designate Samidoun Palestinian Prisoners Solidarity Network as a terrorist entity and add it to the EU Terrorist List. The network, with ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was banned in Germany in 2023 for its extremist activities and connections to violent acts against Israel. The ban led to a reduction in Samidoun's activities in Germany and highlighted the need for...

Archaeologists in Eeklo, led by Tomas Bradt, discovered a 14th-15th century oven, along with skeletons from the 13th-17th century and pre-1240 cart tracks, attracting around 250 visitors like Elise Ryckaert. The tours provided insight into Eeklo's medieval history and sparked interest in the town's past, prompting further archaeological exploration in the area. Eeklo's efforts to preserve its history while improving the city for the future were well-received by the community and city leaders, setting the...

Sir Keir Starmer announced that plans for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine are now in the "operational phase," with military chiefs from Western countries meeting to support a ceasefire. The PM emphasized a commitment to securing Ukraine on land, sea, and sky, pushing forward with peace efforts despite Putin's delay tactics. Sir Keir urged Putin to come to the table and agree to a ceasefire to end the barbaric attacks on Ukraine. Full Article