Planning reforms and transport policies included in package of more than 35 bills as Labour prioritises growth Local councils will have to adopt mandatory housing targets within months under planning reforms to be unveiled on Wednesday as part of Keir Starmer’s first king’s speech, which the prime minister says will […]

Research suggests at-home tests could encourage 400,000 more women a year to have a screening Women could be offered DIY cervical screening tests on the NHS, after research found self-testing at home significantly improved screening rates. Researchers calculated that being able to take their sample at home could encourage about […]

Concerns over ultra-processed foods and effect on health have led some countries to introduce new labelling Adolescents in the UK get nearly two-thirds of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, with consumption highest among those from deprived backgrounds, researchers say. The findings emerged from an analysis of food […]

Resignation comes after four Welsh ministers step down in apparent attempt to force his hand Labour is facing weeks of political deadlock in Wales after Vaughan Gething quit as first minister after a turbulent four months of infighting and scandal, with a replacement not expected until the autumn. Gething has […]

First post-pandemic study of attainment gap finds pupils from low-income families have fallen further behind richer peers except in London The attainment gap between 16-year-olds from low-income families and their wealthier classmates has grown across all regions of England since before the pandemic with the exception of London, research has […]

Victim died in kidnap-for-ransom in Hertfordshire 54 years ago after being mistaken for then-wife of Rupert Murdoch Police have begun a new search for the remains of Muriel McKay, who was murdered in a kidnap-for-ransom case more than 54 years ago. Nizamodeen Hosein and his brother, Arthur, mistook McKay, 55, […]

Angela Rayner writing to council leaders without devolved responsibilities to offer chance for greater autonomy Local authorities in “devolution deserts” are being invited to join forces to take on more responsibilities over policy areas including transport, skills and planning as part of a major transferral of powers out of Westminster. […]

Experts hope QbTest will help more children get diagnosis within six months of first assessment The NHS has been told it can start using a new digital test to speed up the diagnosis of ADHD in children and young people, which up to now could often take several years. The […]