Domestic Politics
Amidst the bullying row against Priti Patel, the Labour Party is accused of coordinating the allegations against the Home Secretary. Tory allies of Priti Patel claim that their impartiality is being undermined with politically-motivated moves and consequently called for an investigation by the Cabinet Secretary. [Telegraph]
International Relations
In what is being described as “the most dangerous peacekeeping operation in the world”, the UK is extending its support in West Africa against the world’s fastest-growing Islamist-led insurgency. Over 20 British soldiers are set to join the UN mission in Mali later this year. [BBC]
Health
With the number of confirmed cases jumping to 87, the UK witnessed its largest one-day increase in the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases. Out of these, 80 confirmed cases are from England, one in Wales, and three each in Scotland and Northern Ireland. [Independent]
A representative of the Department of Health said that due to the “number of new cases, the government will stop giving daily updates on the number of confirmed cases in the UK. Citizens will now have to wait until the end of the week to get updates on the exact location of the new cases. [Independent]
Speaking on the capability of the NHS to deliver safe care in response to the increasing cases of the Coronavirus, senior doctors and nurses said that there is a shortage of beds, staff and resources. Medical professionals claim that these strains on the NHS will compromise its ability to deliver the necessary care to its patients, causing the system to crumble. [Independent]
Environment
In a letter from the nuclear industry to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the UK has been warned of the improbability of meeting its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 unless it releases funds to finance nuclear power stations. The letter comes in response to fears of the government ditching plans to pay for new plants in next week’s budget. [BBC]
The UK government is consulting on the benefits of making E10–an eco-friendly substitute for the current form of petrol as it contains comparatively less carbon and more ethanol–the new standard petrol grade. The Department of Transport predicts a reduction of 750,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide emissions per year following the adoption of the policy. [BBC]
Society
With British airline Flybe going into administration, 2000 jobs in the UK are at risk. Flybe is the first major British firm to collapse due to the coronavirus health emergency, which led to the government’s rescue bid of £100 million falling apart. [Telegraph]
Image Source: Voice of America
