Aid to Ukraine will not be stopped
The UN and humanitarians have delivered aid to more people in the retaken areas, reaching 13.4 million people across Ukraine since the end of February. Despite the escalation of hostilities and challenges of helping millions of Ukrainians prepare for winter, Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown pledged that aid will not stop.
Two more former Chibok schoolgirls found
Boko Haram abducted 276 Christian girls from Chibok School in 2014. Girls were whipped and forced into marriage. Some experienced mock executions for refusing to become Muslims. Yana and Rejoice, now young women with children of their own, were among the captives and were recently recovered with their children by the Nigerian Army. Yana Pogu has four children, two boys and twin girls. Rejoice Sanki has two children. They are undergoing medical examinations before being passed over to the care of the Borno government.
New PM and government changes
Rishi Sunak is the first British Asian prime minister and the youngest PM for over 200 years. During the past two weeks of Government ups and downs the parliament lunchtime church services continued with the themes ‘A character of enduring faithfulness’ and ‘A character of enduring trust’. These services give opportunities for reflection in the midst of parliamentary uncertainty. We can pray for Rishi Sunak and all parliamentarians based on these themes, asking God to give them abundant grace towards each other. Where there was bickering, may there be forgiveness and peace. May each of them serve with integrity and honesty so that the nation can trust them. Pray that their words and deeds would please God, and should setbacks arise in these difficult times may they have heaven's wisdom to press on and achieve heaven’s objectives for the UK. Ask God to give the strategies needed to move the nations in the right direction.
NHS strike ballot over pay and funding
Healthcare leaders have been quick to call on Mr Sunak to relook at nurses' pay amid nationwide strike ballots. Thérèse Coffey was removed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Steve Barclay was reappointed. Responding to the announcement of Rishi Sunak as prime minister, Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said, ‘Rishi Sunak must now decide if he wants to be the prime minister who cut the NHS and social care to the bone or one that invested in its people, patients and priorities. He is new to Number 10 but nursing staff recall this year’s NHS pay cut was designed by Sunak from his Treasury desk. The NHS Providers chief asked for decisive action to tackle diminishing funding due to soaring inflation, staff shortages and treatment backlogs.
