Scotland: new SNP leader
New SNP leader Humza Yousaf has said that despite his battles with the UK government he will work with them and other devolved nations constructively. Rishi Sunak congratulated Nicola Sturgeon's successor, saying they should both focus on ‘issues that matter to people’, like reducing inflation, rather than Scottish independence. Yousaf told his party, ‘Now it is time for the SNP to come together and deliver independence.’ He paid tribute to his rivals, finance secretary Forbes and former minister Regan, saying, ‘I know collectively we will continue to work hard as part of Team SNP’. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-65086830 Mr Yousaf had been health secretary, so is aware of the mammoth need to fix health and social care problems. 600,000+ are on a waiting list; A&E departments are regularly full. One in six hospital patients cannot get out, despite being ready to be discharged.
Buy now, pay later
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) supports people in debt and poverty. In recent years Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) has emerged and become a popular way of making payments online. Consequently CAP welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) latest consultation to bring BNPL into its regulatory oversight,and is broadly in agreement with all the FCA’s suggestions for exemption areas Including invoicing, trade credit, employer loans and social housing landlord loans. CAP also wants the FCA to ensure that people are fully informed of the risks of using these products, such as late fees. It welcomes pre-contractual agreements for consumers to sign so that they have more time to think about their decisions. Whilst BNPL products are interest-free, CAP wants the FCA to monitor market changes. If consumers are dependent on BNPL to smooth cash flow when fees or charges are applied it could be harmful.
Long Covid - no cure yet
Lucy suffers daily with chronic pain, vertigo, fatigue and brain fog. Before Covid she cycled daily. But three years after Covid she is on a hospital exercise bike wearing a mask to test respiratory and lung function, struggling to pedal. The Institute for Health Research said there is no treatment or drug to cure Long Covid. But there are clinics helping people to live with their symptoms. We know how to manage the many long-term debilitating conditions. There is a theory that some long Covid is an auto-immune condition, with the body attacking itself. 14-year-old Hayden caught Covid in December 2020, recovered after two weeks, then worsened until becoming bedridden. Hayden said, ‘Long Covid must be recognised more as a physical illness. When I was in hospital, doctors either couldn't diagnose it as Long Covid, or said it was all in my head and to stop making it up.’
Northern Ireland: terrorism threat level rises
The terrorism threat in Northern Ireland has been increased from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. In a written statement to MPs, the Northern Ireland secretary said MI5 had increased the threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism; the public should remain vigilant but not be alarmed. The raising of the threat level comes a year after it was lowered for the first time in twelve years. Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society. The Good Friday agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society. However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. In recent months there has been an increased level of terrorist activity, targeting police and putting at risk the lives of children and other members of the public.
