Anum Qaisar-Javed wins the by-election for the SNP after holding off a challenge from Scottish Labour. The SNP has held one of its Westminster seats in a by-election after seeing off a challenge from Labour. Anum Qaisar-Javed won the Airdrie and Shotts seat for the SNP with a reduced majority of 1,757 over her Labour…
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MPs urge Boris Johnson to deliver on social care reform vow
It comes after the Queen’s Speech failed to give detailed proposals for the new system. image copyrightGetty Images MPs have warned they will be “extremely disappointed” if the PM fails to produce a plan to reform adult social care in England by the end of the year. The warning follows this week’s Queen’s Speech which…
DUP leadership: The city at the centre of the unionist universe
As the DUP prepares to select a new leader, Chris Page says the party has detected worrying signs. The symbols of unionism are never far away in Lisburn. In the city centre, there’s an “orange arch” – a structure bearing emblems of local branches of the pro-union marching organisation, the Orange Order. It features a…
Face masks in labour: ‘I feared I would vomit’
Women giving birth are exempt from face mask rules – but not all maternity staff know the rules. Wearing a face mask has become part of daily life during the pandemic. But there are some people who are exempt from the rules – and that includes women giving birth. However, Rosie Brown is among those…
‘Overcoming my silence as a child led me into speech therapy’
Niamh Foy was unable to speak to classmates at school, but finding her voice led her to help others. Niamh Foy was just three years old when she was diagnosed with selective mutism, a severe anxiety disorder which affected her ability to speak. Once at school, she was unable to talk to her classmates, was…
Covid-19: Five ways to make hugging safer, from the experts
Millions of people will be able to hug loved ones again from Monday. But can you minimise the risk? image copyrightJames D. Morgan The rules on hugs are changing. From Monday, close physical contact with people from other households is allowed in England and Scotland – and for millions of people this will be the…
Covid: Wales residents urged to hold off foreign holidays
People should only go abroad if “essential” for at least three more weeks, Welsh ministers say. image copyrightGetty Images People in Wales are being advised to only travel abroad for “essential” reasons for at least three more weeks. UK government advice is that people in England can holiday abroad to a small number of countries…