Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Trump sparks yet another row with Britain after NHS criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited yet another row with Britons after his tweet criticising NHS as "going broke and not working". The comment attracted sharp rebuttal from many, including Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Trump used the march in support of NHS on Saturday to score a political point against his domestic political rival, Democratic Party, but, further alienated a close foreign ally.


"The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working. Dems want to greatly raise taxes for really bad and non-personal medical care. No thanks!" Trump tweeted.

The march, in which thousands of people participated, demanded government to pump more money and roll back the influence of the private sector in the public-funded service, contrary to the prescription of dismantling by the US President.

Corbyn said as much in a tweet replying to Trump: "Wrong. People were marching because we love our NHS and hate what the Tories are doing to it. Healthcare is a human right." Many twitter users also pointed this out to the U.S. President, defending the NHS.

Hunt, who is the main target of protesters, reacted strongly: "I may disagree with claims made on that march but not ONE of them wants to live in a system where 28 (million) people have no cover. NHS may have challenges but I’m proud to be from the country that invented universal coverage - where all get care no matter the size of their bank balance."

NHS Woes

With hospitals facing severe resource crunch for months, NHS funding is a topic of hot debate in the country. Ruling Conservative Party is accused of not investing adequately in it. There are 40,000 vacant nurse posts in England, with 27 percent more nurses and midwives leaving the job between 2016 and 2017 than joining.

The issue is limiting the day-to-day functioning of the hospitals, particularly with the outbreak of winter flu. As per the figures from Public Health England, 231 persons have died after contracting flu in the UK till February 1. More than 50,000 non-urgent operations were postponed last month, forcing Prime Minister Theresa May to issue a public apology.

According to the World Bank, Britain spends 9.1 percent of its GDP on health care, compared to 17.1 percent in the United States. However, average British life expectancy is 81.6 years, nearly three years longer than in the United States.

Continuing Clash

Trump has recently sparked uproar here with his retweet of anti-Muslim videos originally posted by Jayda Fransen, leader of far-right Britain First group. In the ensuing row, he went on to tell May to “focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom”, instead of him.

His tweets criticising Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, after the London Bridge terrorist attack in June 2017, also drew scorn from across the British political spectrum. Demands to cancel an invitation to Trump for a state visit to the U.K. has also been raised ever since.

Trump was to inaugurate the U.S. embassy’s new building in London last month, but cancelled the visit.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less