'I don’t believe that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing': Secretary of State Sajid Javid
THE health secretary Sajid Javid has announced a new 10-year plan to tackle
dementia and promised a “seismic shift� in how the condition is approached in the country.
By Eastern EyeMay 25, 2022
Speaking at Alzheimer’s Society Conference 2022 in central London last Tuesday (18), he confirmed that the plan will focus on how new medicines and emerging science and technology can be harnessed to improve outcomes for dementia patients across the UK.
Javid said he wanted the initiative, which would be published later this year, to be “more ambitious than anything we’ve ever done before”.
Stressing that an estimated 40 per cent of dementia was “potentially preventable”, the health secretary said the new plan would be driven by four themes around prevention, personalisation, performance and people – the same as those that drive the 10-year plan for cancer that he had announced in February.
“We now know that what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain,” Javid said during his speech at the conference.
“Action on high blood pressure, physical inactivity, alcohol, obesity and healthy eating all have a part to play. So we’re going to be very ambitious on prevention, because I don’t accept that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing. It isn’t.”
He said the government would be “equally ambitious on research”, adding that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) had already committed £375 million into research on neurodegenerative diseases over the next five years.
“It means measuring ourselves against the leading countries globally and being unafraid to find new ways of working. It means being bold about finding new medicines and new treatments. It means being ambitious on new technology, like genomic sequencing and digital biomarkers. And it means continuing to smash taboos,” he said.
The health secretary was ambitious in research and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases (Photo: Alzheimer’s Society)
The plan also looks to levelling up healthcare and reducing disparities across the country “so everyone has the chance to live longer and healthier lives”.
People from south Asian communities were more likely to develop dementia than the general UK population, due to being at higher risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, which raise the risk of dementia.
Experts say the chances of developing dementia for people from ethnic minority groups have increased seven times in recent years, compared to a two-fold increase in the white British population.
However, thousands of south Asians with dementia do not seek help and support because stigma and taboo prevent them from getting diagnosed.
“I think we need ambassadors and champions to talk about dementia and raise awareness in our communities,” Dr Karan Jutlla, the dementia lead for the Institute of Health at the University of Wolverhampton, said.
She was speaking during an exclusive interview with Shailesh Solanki, Eastern Eye’s executive editor.
Dr Karan Jutlla (Photo: Alzheimer’s Society)
She explained that since many Indian languages such as Punjabi, Gujarati, Hundi and Urdu, did not have a word for dementia, “quite often the symptoms of dementia get translated into memory loss or just forgetting or becoming old or as a normal part of ageing”.
Because of this, “people in our communities don’t seek support. And it doesn’t help when patients hear things like, ‘Oh, they have gone mad or they have gone crazy’. They feel embarrassed and do not know what to do or where to go for help,” she said.
She added that some of her recent research shows a generational shift – the younger generation is no longer experiencing the stigma of dementia.
But Jutlla revealed that younger people were experiencing a “postcode lottery” in accessing care; there was little support from services which were “culturally inclusive”; and there were hardly anyone in the community who understood what living with dementia actually meant.
Resources developed for screening and diagnostic assessment of people from south Asian backgrounds need to be fit for purpose, she added. “At the moment, there are also issues around culturally appropriate diagnostic tools.”
However, she warned that it would be wrong to assume that south Asians fit into neat cultural boxes – they were a diverse group with different languages, systems of beliefs, values and cultures, something that could create further barriers.
The panel discussion (Photo: Alzheimer’s Society)
Jutlla said for some people from the community, historic experience of racism still haunts them.
“As a result, they have developed in them a level of resilience and self-efficacy which means they have always expected to be excluded.”
She added that implicit bias and institutionalised racism, which are still prevalent in modern British society, act as further deterrents.
A panel discussion later debated how faith institutions, such as temples and mosques which are often very important social hubs, could play a significant role in addressing issues around stigma, and promote access to services and support for dementia.
Experts predict that one million people will be living with dementia by 2025 and that this number will grow to 1.6 million by 2040. Currently there are an estimated 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia – a group of symptoms that include problems with memory, thinking or language, and changes in mood, emotions, perception and behaviour.
The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that more than 200,000 people will develop dementia this year, the equivalent of one person every three minutes.
But with diagnosis rates at a five-year low in the UK, tens of thousands of people are now living with undiagnosed dementia without access to the vital care and support that a diagnosis can bring, experts added.
Migrants swim to board a smugglers' boat in order to attempt crossing the English channel off the beach of Audresselles, northern France on October 25, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
NEARLY 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats from continental Europe since January 1, setting a new record for the first half of any year, according to UK government figures published on Tuesday.
A total of 19,982 people made the journey, surpassing the previous high of 13,489 recorded in 2024.
The increase adds pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer, who had pledged to reduce migrant numbers after taking office last year.
On Monday, 879 people arrived in the UK in small boats. This was the third highest single-day total recorded so far this year.
Crossings remain key political issue
Small boat crossings have remained a major political issue in the UK.
Successive governments have committed to lowering the number of arrivals via this route.
Starmer is reportedly in talks with French president Emmanuel Macron on a potential agreement that would allow the UK to return small boat migrants to France, while taking in asylum seekers who have family members in the UK.
Possible deal during Macron’s visit
The proposed arrangement could be announced during Macron’s visit to London next week.
Meanwhile, France is also considering whether to let officials intervene to stop boats in shallow coastal waters before they set off.
However, they are still not authorised to intercept vessels already en route across the Channel.
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Although formal studies into this specific heatwave have yet to be completed
Britain recorded its hottest day of 2025 at 34.7°C in central London on Tuesday.
The Met Office said it was “virtually certain” the extreme heat was linked to human-driven climate change.
Gritters were deployed to protect road surfaces from melting due to high temperatures.
A fire broke out near Herne Hill station after an electrical box exploded.
June 2025 was England’s hottest June on record according to provisional Met Office data.
Heatwave hits peak as temperatures reach 34.7°C in London
Britain experienced its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures climbing to 34.7°C in central London. The Met Office attributed the extreme weather to human-induced climate change, citing overwhelming scientific evidence from previous heatwave studies. While no formal climate attribution study has yet been conducted for June 2025’s heat events, experts say such conditions are now far more likely due to global warming.
The figure recorded at St James’s Park in Westminster was the highest of 2025 so far, prompting a range of emergency responses and public health alerts.
Met Office: Heatwave ‘virtually certain’ due to climate change
Although formal studies into this specific heatwave have yet to be completed, the Met Office was clear in its assessment.
Amy Doherty, a Met Office climate scientist, stated: “While we’ve not conducted formal climate attribution studies into June 2025’s two heatwaves, past studies have shown it is virtually certain that human influence has increased the occurrence and intensity of extreme heat events such as this.”
She referenced earlier studies of the 2018 and 2022 heatwaves which confirmed a strong link to climate change.
June 2025 was England’s warmest June since records began in 1884Met Office
Infrastructure strained as councils act to protect roads
Central Bedfordshire Council took preventative measures by deploying gritters to roads where high temperatures risked softening tarmac.
The council said: “Some parts of Central Bedfordshire are experiencing very high road surface temperatures. When this happens, tarmac can begin to soften, which may lead to surface damage. To prevent this, we’re sending out gritters to spread a fine layer of crushed stone.”
This measure also helps provide better traction for vehicles on potentially sticky surfaces.
Fire near London railway caused by electrical explosion
A fire broke out near Herne Hill Railway Station in south London around 6 pm, with the London Fire Brigade receiving 23 calls in under an hour. The incident was reportedly caused by an exploding electrical box, according to Danny Smerdon, founder of a nearby florist.
“The fire brigade are here and said it is under control. It looks as though the fire is moving away from our shops,” he told The Telegraph.
Firefighters responded swiftly, and the fire was brought under control without damage to nearby businesses.
NHS issues health warnings as heatwave peaks
With Tuesday marking the peak of the current heatwave, NHS trusts and the UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat health alerts across much of England.
Public guidance included staying indoors during peak sun hours (11 am to 3 pm), wearing light clothing and sun protection, and avoiding strenuous activity.
The Met Office confirmed: “Tuesday will likely be the peak of this current heatwave in terms of absolute temperatures.”
The alerts are expected to expire on Wednesday as cooler weather approaches.
Temperatures to fall as cooler front moves in
A gradual shift to more typical British summer weather is underway, with a cooler, wetter air mass moving southwards from Scotland.
“It’s already bringing some rain to parts of Scotland through the day today, and will gradually move southwards through the day today and overnight tonight,” said Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon.
This shift is expected to reduce temperatures and bring some relief from the heatwave across the UK by mid-week.
June 2025 breaks temperature records in England
Provisional figures from the Met Office show that June 2025 was England’s warmest June since records began in 1884. The average temperature reached 16.9°C, breaking the previous record of 16.7°C set in 2023.
Across the UK, the mean temperature for June was 15.2°C, just shy of the national record (15.8°C in 2023). Wales recorded its third warmest June on record, behind 2023 and 2018.
Public reaction mixed amid soaring heat
Not everyone was upset by the sweltering temperatures. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen urged people to embrace the weather.
“Considering how bad this last winter was, enjoy the sunshine. It’s healthy!” he posted.
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Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj on May 7, 2025.
THE DALAI LAMA has said that the 600-year-old Tibetan spiritual institution will continue after his death, and that his office will have the sole responsibility of naming his successor. The announcement came on Wednesday through a video message at the start of a religious leaders’ meeting in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades.
"In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said, according to an official translation. The Dalai Lama also said he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetans in exile, Buddhists across the Himalayan region, Mongolia, and parts of Russia and China urging him to ensure the continuation of the institution.
“In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal,” he added.
The announcement comes ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6.
Tenzin Gyatso is considered the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He and thousands of Tibetans have lived in exile in India since 1959, when Chinese troops suppressed an uprising in Lhasa. The Dalai Lama had earlier said the institution would only continue if there was popular demand.
'Successor will not be chosen by China'
While China maintains that it will approve the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader said the decision will rest solely with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust — his official office.
"The responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama will rest exclusively with the Gaden Phodrang Trust," he said.
Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior Tibetan leader from the Trust, told reporters that the Dalai Lama is in "excellent health" and that there are currently "no further instructions for succession". Rinpoche also said that the next Dalai Lama could belong to "any nationality" and would come from a place with "access to freedom".
China reiterated its position on Wednesday. “The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be approved by the central government,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters. She added that the selection would be done “by drawing lots from a golden urn”.
That urn is held by Beijing. The Dalai Lama has previously said the process lacks “any spiritual quality” if used dishonestly.
Past concerns and political tensions
In 2011, the Dalai Lama handed over political authority to a democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile. At the time, he warned that the spiritual post could be at risk of “vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system”.
In 1995, Beijing appointed a Panchen Lama — another key Tibetan religious figure — and detained a six-year-old recognised by the Dalai Lama. Rights groups described the child as the world’s youngest political prisoner.
The announcement of the institution’s continuation was welcomed by many Tibetans. Jigme Taydeh, a civil servant with the Tibetan government-in-exile, said, "Whilst we rejoice at this confirmation of its continuation, we stringently object to China’s interference and plans to install a puppet Dalai Lama. Neither the Tibetans nor the world would recognise such mischief."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Starmer had already softened the proposals last week following criticism from Labour MPs who said the planned cuts to disability and sickness benefits went too far. (Photo:
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer avoided a parliamentary defeat on key welfare reforms on Tuesday, after agreeing to further concessions amid growing pressure from within the Labour Party.
Starmer had already softened the proposals last week following criticism from Labour MPs who said the planned cuts to disability and sickness benefits went too far.
Despite the government’s large majority in the House of Commons, the scale of the internal backlash meant more concessions were made just hours before the vote.
Cuts delayed after internal pressure
Among the latest changes was a delay to benefit cuts planned for 2026, pending a review led by social security and disability minister Stephen Timms.
The last-minute move helped the government pass the vote comfortably, with 335 MPs supporting the legislation and 260 voting against, giving a majority of 75.
However, the changes significantly weakened the original bill, which had aimed to reduce spending on the UK’s welfare system by billions of pounds. Critics dismissed the revised version as ineffective.
“This is an utter capitulation,” Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative opposition, posted on social media.
“Labour’s welfare bill is now a TOTAL waste of time. It effectively saves £0, helps no one into work, and does NOT control spending. It's pointless.”
Reforms scaled back again
Work and Pensions Minister Liz Kendall introduced the updated bill in parliament on Monday, as new government figures estimated that an additional 150,000 people could fall into poverty due to the revised proposals.
Starmer had initially aimed to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget. After last week’s climbdown, that figure fell to £2.5 billion. Following Tuesday’s concessions, it remained unclear how much, if any, would now be saved.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been under pressure due to low economic growth, will need to identify alternative ways to balance the budget.
First anniversary overshadowed
The developments have coincided with the one-year anniversary of Labour returning to power after 14 years in opposition. The situation has also led to further scrutiny of Starmer’s leadership and the direction of his government.
Starmer has made a series of U-turns in recent months and has struggled to meet his government’s goal of driving economic growth.
“One year of Starmer, one year of u-turns,” Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said on Tuesday.
On June 9, the government reversed a plan to scrap winter heating benefits for millions of pensioners, following strong criticism and resistance from Labour MPs.
A week later, Starmer announced a national inquiry into a UK child sex exploitation scandal, having earlier declined to do so.
Growing discontent within party
Although Starmer has a parliamentary majority of 165 MPs, which should allow him to pass legislation with ease, many in his party have raised concerns about his approach.
Some Labour MPs say the leadership is too focused on countering the rise of Reform UK, and argue that it is moving away from the party’s traditional centre-left values.
A YouGov poll published last week, based on responses from more than 10,000 people, showed that Labour is losing voters to both Reform UK and, on the left, to the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The aim is to attract graduate-level or above workers, making several low-paid roles ineligible for visas. (Representational image: iStock)
THE GOVERNMENT on Tuesday introduced the first set of tougher immigration rules in the House of Commons aimed at reducing the recruitment of foreign skilled workers, including in the care sector. The new measures are described as a “complete reset” of the UK’s immigration system.
The proposed changes, originally outlined in an ‘Immigration White Paper’ in May, include raising the skills and salary thresholds for foreign workers — including those from India — ending overseas recruitment for care worker roles, and removing more than 100 occupations, such as chefs and plasterers, from the shortage occupation list that currently allows certain visa exemptions.
If approved by parliament, the changes will take effect from July 22. The aim is to attract graduate-level or above workers, making several low-paid roles ineligible for visas.
“We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years,” said home secretary Yvette Cooper.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK,” she said.
Cooper added that the tougher approach “values skills, tackles exploitation and ensures those who come to the UK make a genuine contribution”.
Changes to care sector recruitment and work visa salary thresholds
A statement tabled in the Commons by Home Office minister Seema Malhotra said that skilled workers already in the UK will not be subject to the new skill level requirement, which will mandate a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from July 22.
“Salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data, ahead of an upcoming thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts) by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC),” Malhotra’s statement said.
From July 22, overseas recruitment for social care worker roles will close. New applications from abroad will no longer be accepted. However, transitional provisions will allow “in-country switching” for care workers already in the UK until July 2028.
The Home Office said the changes are meant to restore order to the points-based system by focusing on higher skills, fewer numbers and tighter controls. The department said this was an important step in reducing the UK’s dependence on lower-skilled overseas recruitment.
Temporary shortage list and next set of reforms
Only time-limited access below degree level will be allowed for certain roles included in a temporary shortage list of "critical roles". The independent Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to review this list, including the occupations, salary levels and benefits.
“Workers in occupations on the temporary shortage list will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts. The occupations included on the list are time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain beyond that date if the independent Migration Advisory Committee recommend it,” the Home Office said.
Further changes proposed in the White Paper are also expected to be implemented by the end of this year. These include increasing the immigration skills charge on companies that employ foreign workers and tightening English language requirements for visa applicants.