Royal College of Nursing say staff are ‘crying out for change’

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) general secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Nursing staff are crying out for change and we stand ready to get behind this plan.

“Modernising services, bringing care closer to home and helping people to lead healthier lives couldn’t be more necessary…

“Nursing staff are identified today as the expert leaders to deliver a neighbourhood health service and that should be truly empowering. As the professionals delivering the vast majority of care, we know what keeps patients safe and well.”

Holly Evans3 July 2025 17:52

House of Lords debate proscribing Palestine Action as terror group

A group “formed five years ago” should not be “conflated with the legitimate campaign for Palestinian rights and statehood”, a Home Office minister has warned.

Launching a debate on the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025, Lord Hanson of Flint said: “The group known as Palestine Action – the public attention it has garnered should not be confused with legitimacy.

“And nor should a group formed five years ago be conflated with the legitimate campaign for Palestinian rights and statehood which has existed in our country and indeed across both Houses of Parliament for more than five decades.”

Speaking in the Lords, he added: “Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly are cornerstones in our democracy.

Holly Evans3 July 2025 17:33

Watch | Reeves says she was ‘clearly upset’ at PMQs and reasserts it was ‘a personal issue’Reeves says she was ‘clearly upset’ at PMQs and reasserts it was ‘a personal issue’

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 17:28

Starmer pays tribute to Labour peer Lord Lipsey

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Lord Lipsey, the Labour peer found dead after swimming in the River Wye.

The Prime Minister said: “David was loved and respected by so many. Whether it was his early years as a researcher and adviser, or his quarter of a century in the House of Lords, he worked tirelessly for what he believed in.

“He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know him, in Parliament and beyond. My thoughts are with his wife, Margaret, and their family and friends.”

Holly Evans3 July 2025 17:13

Comment | The markets have spoken – and it is they, not the prime minister, that saved Rachel Reeves

Read the full Voices peice from The Independent’s chief business commentator James Moore below:

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 16:59

Recap | Reeves appears in public after teary PMQs

  • Rachel Reeves confirmed she was “clearly” upset during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, but said it was due to a “personal issue” and she would not go into detail.
  • She rejected suggestions that her tears were linked to a conversation with the Speaker or any government colleague, saying: “Today’s a new day and I’m just cracking on with the job.”
  • Reeves returned to work with a smile at the launch of the Government’s 10-year NHS plan, where she delivered a speech alongside the Prime Minister and Health Secretary.
  • Sir Keir Starmer praised Reeves at the event, hugging her on stage and crediting her decisions with enabling “record investment in the NHS”. He said she would remain Chancellor beyond the next election.
  • When asked again about her emotional moment, Reeves declined to answer. Starmer said he hadn’t realised she was upset at the time due to the rapid pace of PMQs.

(Jack Hill/The Times/PA Wire)

  • At the NHS plan launch, Reeves spoke confidently, declared the plan was good for the country’s health and finances, and took selfies with nurses and NHS staff.
  • UK markets stabilised following comments from Starmer reaffirming his support for Reeves and her commitment to fiscal discipline, after concerns were sparked by the welfare U-turn and her emotional display.
  • In the Commons, Leader of the House Lucy Powell defended her “friend” Rachel Reeves and praised her dignity.
  • Conservative figures including Claire Coutinho and Kemi Badenoch criticised the public show of emotion, suggesting it was incompatible with the demands of top leadership roles.

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 16:46

Key points from the NHS 10-year plan

NHS app upgrades: By 2028, the app will serve as a “full front door to the NHS”, using AI to assess symptoms, suggest care options, and book remote or in-person appointments. A new “My NHS GP” section will guide users more effectively.

Personalised records: A single digital patient record will combine clinical history and tailored health advice, supporting better long-term care.

Patient choice: Through “My Choices”, users can compare providers based on outcomes, reviews, location, and clinical team data.

Wearable tech rollout: By 2035, wearables will be standard for preventative and chronic care, with free devices in deprived areas.

AI in primary care: Tools like “My Consult”, “My Medicines”, and “My Vaccines” will manage appointments, prescriptions, and jabs. AI will also automate GP admin, helping end the 8am appointment scramble.

(PA Graphics)(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

Expanded access: Parents and carers can use the app’s “My Children” and “My Carer” features to manage care for loved ones.

Community-first care: Funding will shift away from hospitals towards local care, with fewer outpatient departments and more automation in booking systems.

New services: 85 mental health emergency departments will be set up, and lung cancer screening will expand nationwide.

Prevention push: A major anti-obesity “moonshot” includes junk food ad restrictions, energy drink bans for under-16s, clearer alcohol labelling, and food industry regulation.

Dental reform: Dentists may be required to serve three years in the NHS if trained with public funds.

Performance focus: 95% of patients should receive routine care within 18 weeks. Managers will have stronger powers to reward top performers and address underperformance.

Workforce reform: Priority will go to UK-trained medical staff, with international recruitment reduced to under 10% by 2035.

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 16:27

Analysis | Rachel Reeves’s brave face cannot mask the challenges she now faces

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell writes:

If there were any doubts about Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for Rachel Reeves, the prime minister and his chancellor have gone all out to try and put them to bed.

A day after she sat crying through Prime Minister’s Questions on live television, the chancellor sat smiling and cheering through the prime minister’s speech outlining a 10-year plan for the NHS.

For his part, Sir Keir shouted “wahey” as Ms Reeves got to her speech to lay the financial framework for the plan.

Read the full analysis below:

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 15:57

Watch | Reeves says she was ‘clearly upset’ at PMQs and reasserts it was ‘a personal issue’Reeves says she was ‘clearly upset’ at PMQs and reasserts it was ‘a personal issue’

Jabed Ahmed3 July 2025 14:59