Meet Your MP
— Is there no end to MPs’ bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, unaccountability or misbehaviour in general? How much do you actually even know about your local MPs? This is Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield.
TODAY
COVID-19
— A new COVID variant called EG.5.1 is spreading fast in the UK. It is related to the Omicron variant and may cause more infections and hospitalisations. Experts say we should keep following the safety measures and get vaccinated or boosted.
COVID-19
— The UK is facing a growing problem with COVID-19, as cases continue to rise and many surveillance studies tracking infection levels have ended. This is leaving the country in the dark about how COVID may play out in the months ahead, as experts say a new wave of the virus is under way.
Environment
— Rishi Sunak said new licences for oil and gas in the North Sea are consistent with the government’s net zero target and reduced carbon emissions compared to importing oil and gas.
UK Economy
— New research shows that universal basic income (UBI) could save the NHS billions by preventing mental and physical health problems. UBI could also boost the economy and reduce inequality.
Climate Change
— A British farmer donated £100,000 to fund a meeting of Brazil’s Indigenous people in the Amazon, motivated by his climate concerns, his near-death experience with COVID-19, and his respect for Indigenous wisdom.
UK Politics
— In a recent interview, Zac Goldsmith, former international environment minister, criticised fellow Tories for their handling of climate commitments.
Net Zero
— Rishi Sunak supports Net Zero but worries about green costs. The PM backs the ban on petrol and diesel cars but wants to invest in nuclear and wind.
Social Media
— Twitter has a new logo and name: X. Elon Musk, its billionaire owner, wants to create a super app. Some users like it, some don’t.
Climate Change
— Greta Thunberg has been fined for blocking oil trucks in Malmö, Sweden. She claims climate emergency justifies her protest.
Long COVID
— How “brain fog” from Long COVID can be akin to ageing 10 years. A King’s College London study reveals cognitive impairments that can last up to 2 years post-infection.
UK Politics
— A new survey by YouGov shows that more people think Labour will win the next general election than the Conservatives.
Amsterdam
— Migrants in Amsterdam work at a repair centre that saves clothes from waste. The centre offers training and support to workers and aims to open more sites in the UK.
Modern Slavery
— Former PM Theresa May criticised the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill, saying it could harm victims of modern slavery and arguing that it conflates immigration and modern slavery issues.
War in Ukraine
— The current conflict in Ukraine has disrupted its pivotal role in the global grain market. This is causing food prices worldwide to rise, affecting everyone from the farmer to the consumer.
Health
— An alarming rise in cat deaths in Cyprus and Poland has sparked concern among health experts. A potent strain of feline coronavirus is suspected in Cyprus, while avian flu is affecting cats in Poland. The situation has instigated studies into potential risks to human health.
