{"id":914155,"date":"2026-04-23T23:19:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T23:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/914155\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T23:19:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T23:19:06","slug":"packet-of-painkillers-costs-9-as-soaring-medicine-prices-push-pharmacies-to-brink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/914155\/","title":{"rendered":"Packet of painkillers costs \u00a39 as soaring medicine prices push pharmacies to brink"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The war in Iran has caused the cost of some everyday medicines such as <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/patients-face-painkiller-blood-pressure-drug-shortages-4196218?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">painkillers <\/a>and cardiovascular drugs to skyrocket, <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/pharmacist?srsltid=AfmBOorPhj11DMzeKFcSgvNlL_RdVqRU2Gr5CTv3suYUFKZKNRDK7B24&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pharmacists<\/a> have warned.<\/p>\n<p>Customers of some community <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/pharmacies?srsltid=AfmBOoqaIOs4XC0V4E6sgAxM6iZpNr2sOw-NbllP6bRmdmqAqI9VfkWX&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pharmacies<\/a> are turning up to find the price of over-the-counter medicines is changing on a daily basis, with some being charged up to 30 per cent more for paracetamol than they were in February.<\/p>\n<p>One specific type of aspirin which cost \u00a32 before the war is now costing chemists almost \u00a310 to buy per pack \u2013 with a warning that prices will ultimately have to be passed on to consumers.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tShorts \u2013 Quick stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to previous short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to next short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>Half term holiday? Think again<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"505\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_287792527.jpg\" alt=\"FILE PHOTO: Qatar airline staff stand by a departure board displaying cancelled flights to Middle East countries amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, in Greater London, Britain, March 2, 2026. REUTERS\/Isabel Infantes\/File Photo\" class=\"wp-image-4370377\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>The Iran war threatens to further impact European travel due to the region\u2019s heavy reliance on jet fuel imports from the Middle East (Photo: Isabel Infantes\/Reuters)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"92\" width=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AlannahFrancis-Site.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1491754\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\">Alannah Francis<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Senior Reporter<\/p>\n<p>Holidays during the May half-term break could <strong>face cancellations <\/strong>and disruption, with some airlines warning that <strong>jet fuel<\/strong> supplies are only stable for the next four weeks.<\/p>\n<p>\nIran war sparks travel fears\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-14.30.13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4376307\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Fears about dwindling supplies due to the US-Israeli war with Iran are also pushing flight prices higher.<\/p>\n<p>The International Energy Agency has warned several European countries \u201cmay start to face shortages of jet fuel in the next six weeks\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_291896567.jpg\" alt=\"Most European airlines have hedged their jet fuel costs (Photo: Markus Mainka\/Getty)\" class=\"wp-image-4335561\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Most European airlines have hedged their jet fuel costs (Photo: Markus Mainka\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_293364202.jpg\" alt=\"(FILES) This photograph taken on February 5, 2024 shows EasyJet planes on the tarmac of the Saint Exupery Airport in Colombier Saugnieu, southeastern France. British no-frills airline EasyJet on April 16, 2026 said it expects to post a deeper first-half loss compared with one year earlier after the Middle East war sent jet fuel prices soaring. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4361505\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Europe has just six weeks of jet fuel supplies, experts have warned (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>EasyJet Spain\u2019s CEO, Javier Gandara, has said it is \u201cdifficult\u201d to see if an adequate supply of jet fuel will be available beyond the next three or four weeks.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Catastrophic\u2019 impact\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Airlines are set to receive guidance from the EU on how to handle airport slots and passenger rights in the event of jet fuel shortages, and the European Commission is setting up a \u201cfuel observatory\u201d to \u2060monitor supplies.<\/p>\n<p>Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the bloc\u2019s transport chief, warned a prolonged blockage of the strait would be \u201ccatastrophic\u201d for Europe and the global economy.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/end-budget-holiday-spain-portugal-jet-fuel-4332761?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776986300_688_SEI_281940733.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">6 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/airlines-pushing-plant-based-fuel-weekly-shop-dearer-4311644?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_291397390.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Exclusive<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">6 min read<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_294041223.jpg\" alt=\"A young woman in a pink trench coat and with blonde hair blowing her nose into a handkerchief outside in an autumn setting. The scene evokes the feeling of cold autumn weather and suggests that the woman has a cold or is suffering from allergies.\" class=\"wp-image-4370118\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: A young woman in a pink trench coat and with blonde hair blowing her nose into a handkerchief outside in an autumn setting. The scene evokes the feeling of cold autumn weather and suggests that the woman has a cold or is suffering from allergies.<br \/>Photographer: SimpleImages<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">LABEL \u2013 CATEGORY<\/p>\n<p>Hay fever sufferers enduring symptoms for two weeks longer than in the 1990s<\/p>\n<p>Hay fever sufferers now endure symptoms for two weeks longer than 30 years ago, according to the Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report.<\/p>\n<p>Why is hay fever season longer?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hay fever occurs when a person is allergic to pollen from trees, grass and weeds and is common between late March and September.<\/li>\n<li>Climate change has prolonged the flowering season of plants that release allergenic pollen, according to the study.<\/li>\n<li>It found an earlier season start of one to two weeks was detected for all allergenic trees from 2015-2024, compared with 1991-2000.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\nHay fever getting worse in Britain\n<\/p>\n<p>The UK has one of the highest allergy rates in the world<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">39%<\/p>\n<p>The proportion of British children who suffer from allergies<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, 30% of UK adults are said to be affected by allergies<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">62,000<\/p>\n<p>The study also noted a rise in heat-related deaths across Europe<\/p>\n<p>A total of 62,000 deaths in 2024 follows a rise across almost all European regions<\/p>\n<p>Warning over NHS care for allergy sufferers<\/p>\n<p>The report warns that care and treatment for allergies are \u201cdramatically under-resourced\u201d within the NHS.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cClimate change has prolonged the pollen season by one to two weeks, increasing the duration of exposure for people with allergic rhinitis,\u201d the authors said.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2119\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-994297236.jpg\" alt=\"Grass pollen\" class=\"wp-image-2396441\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Grass pollen season is at peak in the UK (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/gp-three-step-approach-surviving-hay-fever-season-4306878?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_292628021.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">6 min read<\/p>\n<p>Tomato shortages and \u00a39 pints \u2013 the reality of food-price surge ahead<\/p>\n<p>Shortages of bacon and croissants expected if the Iran war continues to rock food supply chains.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"524\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_198396396.jpg\" alt=\"Two pints of beer bitter on wooden barrel in London pub.\" class=\"wp-image-2989829\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Pints costing \u00a39 could become normal in London and \u00a37 elsewhere in the country (Photo: Adermark Media\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p>BBQs facing summer shortages<\/p>\n<p>Summer BBQs could be particularly affected if producers struggle to get hold of the supplies they need for beer, sausages and salads.<\/p>\n<p>UK fruit and veg growers say soaring energy costs may cause gaps in fresh produce aisles as soon as May.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"586\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_260527045.jpg\" alt=\"Embargoed to 2330 Tuesday July 29 File photo dated 27\/0814 of an egg, sausages and bacon being fried in a frying pan. Academics have found a link between consuming high levels of ultra processed foods (UPFs) and lung cancer. An international team of researchers tracked the health and food habits of more than 100,000 US adults, with an average age of 63. After an average of 12 years the team identified 1,706 cases of lung cancer. Issue date: Tuesday July 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nicholas.T.Ansell\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-3841608\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>CO2 shortages would impact on pig slaughter, potentially affecting bacon and sausages (Photo: Nicholas.T.Ansell\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"284\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-14.35.22.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4376332\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>Hormuz crisis to hit cost of a pint in your local pub<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_282490260.jpg\" alt=\"Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves pours a pint at the Goldsmith Arms pub in south east London, following the announcement that every pub in England will get 15% off its business rates bill from April. Picture date: Tuesday January 27, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4198271\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Rachel Reeves has announced that pubs and music venues would get 15 per cent off their business rates bills from April (Photo: Stefan Rousseau\/PA)<\/p>\n<p>Prices at both supermarkets and pubs are expected to rise, as uncertainty continues to surround the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.<\/p>\n<p>Shoppers face an extra \u00a3470 a year in food shopping bills while \u00a39 pints could become normal in London and \u00a37 elsewhere, pub owners have warned<\/p>\n<p>CO2 in short supply<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CO2 supply may be hit if Strait of Hormuz blockages last until summer, the Government warns.<\/li>\n<li>CO2 is crucial for slaughtering pigs and chickens and the production of fizzy drinks.<\/li>\n<li>Any shortage would hit plastic packaging production for baked goods, meats and salad.<\/li>\n<li>Growers warn of price rises and gaps on shelves for tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/shoppers-facing-tomato-cucumber-shortages-iran-war-4330846?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_282382758.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">5 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">TECHNOLOGY<\/p>\n<p>Passwords are too easy to hack, UK\u2019s cyber agency has warned<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"508\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-828896246-1.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: In this photo illustration, A woman is silhouetted against a projection of a password log-in dialog box on August 09, 2017 in London, England. With so many areas of modern life requiring identity verification, online security remains a constant concern, especially following the recent spate of global hacks. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-95877\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>(Photo: Leon Neal\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p>People should stop using passwords online as they are too vulnerable to hackers, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has said. <\/p>\n<p>\nA new solution\n<\/p>\n<p>What should you do instead?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NCSC is now encouraging people to use passkeys <\/li>\n<li>These are a password-free sign-in method that cannot be stolen from servers, like a \u201cdigital stamp\u201d<\/li>\n<li>They use biometric data, such as facial recognition, or a phone PIN <\/li>\n<li>This creates a secure digital key on your phone, computer or tablet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\nWhy is this better?\n<\/p>\n<p>Experts have said that even if a website service using passkeys is breached, attackers can only gain \u201cpublic\u201d keys, which are useless alone. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2194273733.jpg\" alt=\"Tired Asian businesswoman working on a laptop computer in the office - stock photo\" class=\"wp-image-4325252\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>(Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"428\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PRI_218387731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4377161\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>Officials have said that passkeys are both simpler and safer for users.<\/p>\n<p>A collective effort<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>\u201cAs we aim to accelerate the UK\u2019s cyber defences at scale, moving to passkeys is something all of us can do to improve the security of everyday digital services and be prepared for modern and future cyber threats.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jonathon Ellison, director for national resilience at the NCSC<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2224657606.jpg\" alt=\"Worried female freelance worker scrolling smart phone while sitting at home office - stock photo\" class=\"wp-image-4279228\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>(Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>Why the UK is prone to hackers<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"513\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_146168135.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 1201 TUESDAY FEBRUARY 28 File photo dtaed 30\/03\/2020 of a laptop user with their hood up. Cyber attacks are increasingly targeting personal data and hackers linked to China are on the rise, according to a new cybersecurity report. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike's latest Global Threat Report showed that the number of attacks using malware has dropped in the last year, with hackers instead using &quot;hands-on keyboard activity&quot; to breach organisations. Issue date: Tuesday February 28, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story TECHNOLOGY Cybersecurity. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-2284387\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Cyber attacks are increasingly targeting personal data as \u2018off-the-shelf\u2019 software becomes more readily available (Photo: Tim Goode\/PA)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"92\" width=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_cdff6d.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4376594\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\">Richard Holmes<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Security Correspondent<\/p>\n<p>The UK is at increased risk of further\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/cyber-attacks?srsltid=AfmBOopolec_ZZ03uS3XrHCWDJcsIysfBnJDyCCx_ybvK45dn9xzmeHj&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">cyber attacks\u00a0<\/a>on UK hospitals and high street retailers because of the Trump administration\u2019s cuts to American intelligence programmes, a leading former US security has warned. <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">TELEVISION<\/p>\n<p>BBC says programmes will be cut unless TV goes online-only<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_294162664.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Adam_Sherwin_02.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\">Adam Sherwin<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Arts and Media Correspondent<\/p>\n<p>The BBC may have to slash programmes to pay the \u00a31bn cost of maintaining traditional TV broadcasts for a dwindling number of viewers, the corporation has warned.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\nCalls for internet-only TV\n<\/p>\n<p>Growing pressure<\/p>\n<p>Broadcasters are asking for a date to be set to switch off Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) signals by the mid 2030s.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_284220913.jpg\" alt=\"Woman holds remote control while watching TV news on screen in living room\" class=\"wp-image-4225038\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>(Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"505\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_99760096.jpg\" alt=\"(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 02, 2022, the Netflix logo is displayed on top of their office building in Hollywood, California. - Netflix shares fell more than 30 percent early on April 20, 2022, after the streaming company reported a drop in subscribers for the first time in a decade. About 15 minutes into trading, shares were down 32.4 percent at $235.76 in the first session since the company's earnings report was released after the market closed on April 19. (Photo by Chris DELMAS \/ AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-1585455\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>(Photo: Chris Delmas\/AFP)<\/p>\n<p>Changed habits<\/p>\n<p>The move to internet-only TV would come as most viewers move to streaming platforms like Netflix.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Increased fees<\/p>\n<p>Insiders said that blocking this shift would add extra costs on to the licence fee.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_257096331.jpg\" alt=\"London, UK - April 15 2025. General view of Broadcasting House, the BBC headquarters in central London, with people walking outside.\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"\/>(Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat are the concerns?\n<\/p>\n<p>Broadcasters have pledged that no household will be left behind by the \u201cTV switch-off\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_293406301.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_250046747.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Campaigners are concerned thousands of people in isolated or rural locations could lose TV.<\/p>\n<p>There are also fears that older viewers and those with fixed incomes could be forced to subscribe to expensive broadband plans.<\/p>\n<p>Warnings from the BBC<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_290849553.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An industry insider said it would cost \u201c\u00a31bn to pay to keep the TV aerials going to 2045\u201d.<\/li>\n<li>BBC Sport has also cut Football Focus due to declining viewing figures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/media\/licence-fee-bbc-insiders-despair-channels-could-close-4360817?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776986323_363_SEI_293406301.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">MEDIA<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">7 min read<\/p>\n<p>Cancer cases at record high in Britain<\/p>\n<p>Rates of the disease are being driven up by obesity and an<br \/>ageing population, it has been reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_786c54.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375069\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>\nCancer rates in Britain\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">403,000<\/p>\n<p>The number of people a year being diagnosed with cancer, according to analysis by Cancer Research UK.<\/p>\n<p>This is an increase from 285,000 people 20 years ago and 345,000 people 10 years ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">15%<\/p>\n<p>There has been a 15 per cent increase in the chance of diagnosis since the 90s.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s causing the increase?<\/p>\n<p>Obesity levels have doubled since the 90s. This is the second-biggest cause of cancer after smoking.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Improvements in detection, such as NHS screening programmes for breast and bowel cancer, have also caused a rise in diagnoses.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_c8bb69.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375158\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/breast-cancer-49-everything-changed-diet-4368992?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776986327_534_SEI_294018509.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">7 min read<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat about survival rates?\n<\/p>\n<p>Golden age<\/p>\n<p>Survival rates for cancer have doubled over the past 50 years due to a \u201cgolden age\u201d of treatment.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_ecded4.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375126\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_763bb0.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375134\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>Stalled progress<\/p>\n<p>Cancer Research UK\u2019s report said long NHS waiting times were holding back improvements in survival rates.<\/p>\n<p>Waiting times<\/p>\n<p>The report revealed that 107,000 patients had to wait too long to begin treatment last year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_41daa9.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375137\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>More to be done<\/p>\n<p>Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said that the Government\u2019s National Cancer Plan \u201ccould make a big difference, but only if it turns into improvements for cancer patients\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_5f795c.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375230\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/five-early-signs-bowel-cancer-everyone-should-know-4343198?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776986334_111_SEI_292633795.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">7 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>The global number of billionaires could hit 4,000 in five years\u2019 time<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"335\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yacht_c4cab5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4376294\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>This figure comes as the class of super-rich around the world is increasing at a rising pace.<\/p>\n<p>\nNumber of super-rich is rising\n<\/p>\n<p>There are currently 3,110 billionaires globally, analysis by estate agent Knight Frank has revealed.<\/p>\n<p>This is predicted to rise by 25 per cent in the next five years, reaching a total of 3,915.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_6fe0a9.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375392\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_b0fa60.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375389\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>The multimillionaire class is also growing significantly, as the number of individuals worth at least $30m (\u00a322m) has increased by 300 per cent since 2021 to 713,626.<\/p>\n<p>New technology is increasing opportunities to get rich<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>The ability to scale a business has never been higher. That ha fed into the ability to make big fortunes quickly, superchargec by tech and Al.<\/p>\n<p>LIAM BAILEY, HEAD OF RESEARCH AT<br \/>KNIGHT FRANK<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_d4f36b.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-4375413\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/> <\/p>\n<p>Inequality widens\u2026<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The gap between the world\u2019s richest and poorest continues to widen.<\/li>\n<li>The World Inequality report revealed that 0.001 per cent of the world\u2019s population control three times as much wealth as the entirety of the poorest half.<\/li>\n<li>Calls for global leaders to increase taxes on the super-rich have increased, as concern rises that the wealthy are buying political influence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/business\/uks-ten-richest-billionaires-lose-6bn-before-trumps-tariff-u-turn-3634783?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_243439277_6ae288.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Exclusive<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">6 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>Six-year-old\u2019s sight restored after breakthrough therapy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"570\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_294189808.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of Saffie Sandford, with her parents Lisa and Tam. The six-year-old has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4374833\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of Saffie Sandford, with her parents Lisa and Tam. The six-year-old has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber\u2019s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire<\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Photographer: Family handout<br \/>Provider: Family handout\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>Saffie Sandford, aged six, regained her sight after life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS for a rare condition.<\/p>\n<p>Saffie is at risk of complete eyesight loss<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saffie was diagnosed with a rare inherited condition called Leber\u2019s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) when she was five.<\/li>\n<li>This prevents cells in the eye producing a specific protein that is required for normal vision.<\/li>\n<li>Babies and children with LCA have low vision in daylight and no vision in low light. <br \/>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>They can also lose their sight entirely in adulthood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\nA landmark treatment\n<\/p>\n<p>Saffie was transferred to the Great Ormand Street Hospital to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1013\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_294186330.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie Sandford, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber???s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. . Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: \/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4374832\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie Sandford, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber???s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision.<\/p>\n<p>. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: \/PA Wire<\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Provider: \/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1013\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_294186327.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4374831\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber\u2019s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire<\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Photographer: Family handout<br \/>Provider: Family handout\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>The one-off therapy contains a healthy copy of the gene which is directly injected into the patient\u2019s eye.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Saffie underwent the therapy in her first eye in April 2025 and her second in September.<\/p>\n<p>\n\u2018Life-changing\u2019 treatment\n<\/p>\n<p>\u2018It\u2019s like someone waved a magic wand\u2019<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-10.59.37.png\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4376574\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7777777777777777;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1930 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by Great Ormond Street Hospital of six-year-old Saffie Sandford who has had her sight restored thanks to a life-changing eye gene therapy on the NHS. Saffie, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, has the rare condition Leber\u2019s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision. Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out tests on Saffie and then she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) to have the eye gene therapy, Luxturna. This treatment is the first of its kind for one of the genetic causes of LCA. Issue date: Wednesday April 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family handout\/PA Wire<\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Photographer: Family handout<br \/>Provider: Family handout\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>Saffie\u2019s mother, Lisa, said she is \u201ceternally grateful\u201d for the treatment which means she can see in the dark and helped improve her performance at school<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/autistic-children-chronic-utis-without-treatment-options-4353013?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_293536513-e1776441288133.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">9 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Superintendent pharmacist Ali Hussain, who runs Chigwell Pharmacy and two others in Essex, said medicine price rises have been exacerbated by the war in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>He said a 32-pack of paracetamol had doubled in price since the start of the year, while cetirizine, an over-the-counter medication for hay fever, was also around twice as much than it had been in January.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe anticipate this to get worse in the coming months and will have no choice but to pass on the increases. Our wholesalers will, no doubt, start to introduce fuel surcharges to us very soon,\u201d Hussain said. <\/p>\n<p>Ashley Cohen, who has pharmacies in Halton in Leeds and Acomb in York, has already had to pass on the costs to patients.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cWe are changing our [over-the-counter] medicines prices on a daily basis because of the prices. It is almost like the price of fuel.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHayfever medication cetirizine was 19p and I am now getting it for 37p. But some suppliers are selling it for \u00a33.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/shoppers-facing-tomato-cucumber-shortages-iran-war-4330846?srsltid=AfmBOoqcaeh4Y06AUIdHmUmGgTNOjYRp-K6Csw-z_erN-G922GU176hn&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Surges in the price of fuel as a result of the war<\/a> have pushed up manufacturing and transportation costs in the pharmaceutical sector, with pharmacies hit with the higher prices for drugs.<\/p>\n<p>Soaring freight costs are also affecting the cost and supply of medicines, and the NHS is particularly exposed to this as one in five NHS medicines are imported by air.<\/p>\n<p>Leyla Hannbeck, pharmacist and chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, which represents around 5,000 pharmacies in England and Wales, said March and April were \u201cbreaking the record\u201d for the number of medicines that have gone up in price.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s everything and anything really,\u201d Hannbeck said. \u201cAspirin, for example, has jumped up really heavily. Aspirin 75g dispersible tablets\u2026 a pack of 100 has gone from \u00a32.46 to \u00a39.96 in March. The smaller size (28 tablets) has gone from 69p to \u00a32.80.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hannbeck said while some over-the-counter allergy medicines used for hay fever have increased in price, pharmacies were being hardest hit by the increase in the cost of <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/prescriptions?srsltid=AfmBOopPOwvUIGsOXsddnuQoyCY18VwrmlUcx-z9eOq4znUNWmuf6zOh&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">prescription medicines<\/a> which they have a legal duty to dispense, even if it means doing so at a loss.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common strengths of co-codamol, which is used to treat aches and ailments including period pain and migraines, has increased from \u00a34.30 to \u00a36.70, with another strength having increased from \u00a36.13 to \u00a38.44, Hannbeck said.<\/p>\n<p>Pharmacies generate around 90 per cent of their income from providing NHS services and dispensing NHS medicines, for which they are reimbursed at a set price.<\/p>\n<p>In instances where pharmacies cannot source medicines at or below the reimbursement price outlined in the Drug Tariff, the Department of Health and Social Care can introduce a price concession at the request of Community Pharmacy England. This means pharmacies can be paid more for medicines that have soared in price \u2013 but only for the month in which the concession is issued.<\/p>\n<p>In March, 230 medicines were listed on the price concessions list, up from 90 in March 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Olivier Picard, pharmacist and chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said paracetamol had risen from 41p to \u00a31.99 for a pack of 100 500mg tablets in March, before reducing to \u00a31.09.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe cost of paracetamol between the 15 March and the 31 March quadrupled,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Picard added that if the price goes up significantly, his customers could also face higher prices for the everyday painkiller.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a risk for those limited number of medicines that are available over-the-counter, patients may have to pay more to access these medicines,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The financial pressure of dispensing medicines at a loss repeatedly for months can be too much for some pharmacies, <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/free-covid-jabs-axe-cash-strapped-pharmacies-4285205?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">forcing them to close<\/a>. Around 1,400 have shut since 2016, according to analysis by the NPA.<\/p>\n<p>Thorrun Govind, a pharmacist based in Manchester, said: \u201cIt takes so much more time trying to purchase drugs nowadays than it used to. We are unable to plan for the future because of price changes so it is a struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The war in Iran has caused the cost of some everyday medicines such as painkillers and cardiovascular drugs&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":914156,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4315],"tags":[2082,105,4348,476,233627,4326,3912,33045,16,15],"class_list":["post-914155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-medication","tag-consumer","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-inflation","tag-iran-crisis","tag-medication","tag-medicine","tag-pharmacies","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116456589431928680","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=914155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914155\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/914156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=914155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=914155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=914155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}