UK health secretary backs UKNSC recommendation against population-wide PSA screening, opting for targeted testing of high-risk BRCA2 mutation carriers. Funding is increased for the Transform trial to include more Black men, addressing concerns about health inequalities.
James Murray, a 42-year-old Labour MP, has been appointed Health Secretary, embodying the Starmer project of promoting loyal, managerial politicians. Despite lacking a high public profile and experience in leading a major department, Murray's rise reflects his reliability and ability to avoid controversy, traits valued by Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
George Robertson has joined Reform and the Tories in making the case. Look welfare recipients in the face and say thatThe benefits budget is now a magic money tree. Whenever Conservatives or Faragists make wild promises – tax cuts, more police, more punishment, more bonuses for marriage – and are asked how they would pay, the answer is always “welfare”. The sums are enormous. “Only the Conservatives will cut welfare spending by £23bn and get Britain working again,” the party insists.More unexpected was the klaxon from the Labour peer George Robertson this week, demanding a cut in benefits to finance defence. “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” said the ex-Nato chief, wanting to pluck this juicy plum to fund defence. Good to see him slapped down sharply by the government: there is no “zero-sum game” between these two budgets, said the chancellor’s deputy, James Murray.Guardian Newsroom: Can Labour come back from the brink?On Thursday 30 April, join Gaby Hinsliff, Zoe Williams, Polly Toynbee and Rafael Behr as they discuss how much of a threat Labour faces from the Green party and Reform UK – and whether Keir Starmer can survive as leader. Book tickets here or at guardian.livePolly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
