Christmas housing market slowdown has started early, says Zoopla The usual housing market slowdown seen in the run-up to Christmas has started early, according to a property website. Demand from home buyers and agreed sales are down compared with a year ago, Zoopla said. It added that the annual dip has been amplified by a
Health leaders call for Tobacco and Vapes Bill to be passed swiftly More than 1,200 public health leaders have called for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to progress quickly through the final parliamentary stages to “protect future generations”. In a cross-party letter, health leaders said the “game-changing” measures outlined in the Bill are “far too
Rapid blood test for children ‘could spot sepsis and save lives’ A rapid blood test to help diagnose life-threatening conditions in children – such as sepsis or meningitis – is being trialled in the NHS. The 15-minute blood test can fast-track diagnosis by telling medics whether patients are suffering from a bacterial or viral infection.
UK supermarkets warn business rates rise could push up food inflation Bosses of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are urging the Chancellor to exempt shops from a new business rates surtax, warning that shoppers will bear the brunt of higher costs. A letter, organised by industry group the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and addressed to Rachel
Tories pledge to stop 35,000 crimes if elected The Conservatives have promised to stop 35,000 crimes by deploying more police to violent “hot spots” if they return to power. The pledge came as the party set out further details of its “Policing Plan”, which includes proposals to recruit 10,000 new police officers and treble the
Private clinics carrying out more NHS appointments and procedures The number of NHS appointments, tests and operations delivered by private hospitals and clinics has increased by almost 500,000 this year to 6.15 million. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the policy is tackling a “two-tier” system by cutting waiting times to ensure NHS patients in England have access
Wes Streeting warns over unlicensed weight-loss jabs after illicit factory raid Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned people not to buy weight-loss jabs from unregulated sources after an illegal laboratory was dismantled. Officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) raided the factory in Northampton and seized
Asylum seeker released in error seen in London area, police say An asylum seeker accidentally released from prison was last seen in the London area, police said, as officers urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was
Westminster has failed Scots, says Swinney ahead of Scotland Demands Better demo Westminster has had its chance to improve the lives of Scots and has failed, the First Minister has said as thousands of people prepare to take to the streets of Edinburgh. The Scotland Demands Better march – organised by the Poverty Alliance and
Strictly professionals to wear Britney Spears-inspired looks for icons week The Strictly Come Dancing professionals are to embody the different eras of Britney Spears’ music career as part of the show’s icons week. Their group dance, which contains nods to music videos including Oops!… I Did It Again, will take place during Sunday night’s results