Lothian MSP and Co-chair of the Cancer Cross Party Group at the Scottish Parliament, Miles Briggs, has warned about the drop in urgent cancer referrals over the last six months in NHS Lothian.
Public Health Scotland figures released this week showed that over the last two quarters (ending June 20 and September 20) 484 and 463, 947 total, were urgently referred for and received a cancer treatment.
This compares to the same six months last year (ending June 19 and September 19) when 591 and 616, 1207 total, patients were urgently referred for and received a cancer treatment.
This is equivalent to 21.5%, or just over a fifth, fewer patients being urgently referred and receiving treatment for cancer in NHS Lothian.
Co-chair of the Cancer Cross Party Group at the Scottish Parliament, Miles Briggs, said:
“This is extremely concerning that there has been such a drop in patients being urgently referred to cancer patients in the last six months.
“Early detection and treatment of cancer is the best way to improve survival rates for cancer and these figures show fewer people are having cancer detected and treated.
“The focus of our National Health Service has been on Covid-19, but people are still going to get ill and it is vital that access to cancer services is available for everyone.”
Alister Jack calls on all Scottish MPs to back UK-EU trade deal
Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, has called on all Scottish MPs to support the UK’s historic Free Trade Agreement with the EU when Parliament votes on it this week.
He said: “We have secured a historic Free Trade deal with the EU that delivers for Scotland and the whole of the UK. This is a deep and wide-ranging deal, covering trade, security, travel, transport, energy, health and social security.
“As Parliament prepares to vote on the deal this week, I urge all Scottish MPs to give it their wholehearted support.
“Outside the EU, the UK can sign our own trade deals around the world, bringing new opportunities for exporters and some of Scotland’s most iconic products.
“For our farmers, the deal avoids tariffs on their world-beating Scotch lamb and beef.
“For our fishermen and coastal communities, the deal delivers what we promised.
“We are regaining control of our waters, we are restoring our status as an independent coastal state and, even during the five year adjustment period, there will be a big overall increase in our share of the catch in our waters.
“As we leave the Common Fisheries Policy, our fishermen will also enjoy near-exclusive access to inshore waters up to the historic 12 mile limit.
“The deal is good news for Scotland and I believe it is now time to move on from the Brexit debate and join forces in embracing our exciting future. Whether Leaver or Remainer in 2016 we need to come to together to make the most of our new opportunities.
“The people of Scotland will expect their MPs to do the right thing on Wednesday and vote for the deal. They will not easily forgive those who reject this Free Trade Agreement or throw their weight behind a no deal Brexit.”
As the Scottish Secretary is well aware, SNP MPs will vote against the deal this week. The Tories have a big majority at Westminster, however: the deal will go through – Ed.
Action to ensure businesses across Scotland impacted by level 4 restrictions get additional and faster access to financial support have been announced by the Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
This is in addition to the £570 million package of support, including the Strategic Framework Business Fund which has been open since November.
Businesses that are required to close or modify their operations by law can apply for a Temporary Closure Grant or a Business Restrictions Grant through their local authority website. Grants of up to £3,000 are available for every four weeks of restrictions, payable in arrears while restrictions last.
An additional £41 million will top up support for non-essential retail and gyms, which are required to close in level 4. This is in addition to top up grants for hospitality that were announced earlier this month.
Non-essential retail and gyms will be given up to an additional £3,000 and can claim this funding through their local authority website if they have not already submitted an application.
The cap on the maximum support available through the Strategic Framework Business Fund will also be lifted from 1 January for businesses that operate from multiple premises.
To accelerate the distribution of financial support, a further £7 million will help all local authorities recruit additional staff or backfill positions to meet increased demand for coronavirus (COVID-19) grants and speed up the payment process.
Ms Forbes said: “With mainland Scotland now entering level 4, the Strategic Framework Business Fund is already open to businesses required to close or modify their operations by law.
“In recognition of the substantial increase in the number of businesses eligible for support, I have provided additional financial resources of £7 million to local authorities to upscale operations and streamline grants. Work is already underway to ensure businesses get support as quickly as possible.
“I recently announced a top up grant to hospitality businesses, and today I can confirm that a further top up grant will be provided to non-essential retail businesses and gyms.
“Since March the Scottish Government has allocated more than £2.3 billion to business support and more than £1.2 billion to economic recovery.
“On top of the additional £570 million package of support announced at the start of this month, these changes will manage that increased demand, accelerating the grant application process and in turn getting these essential payments to businesses as quickly as possible.
“We welcome the news of further consequentials and will set out shortly how these will be utilised to meet the needs of business. It is likely that a significant amount will be used to meet the substantial increase in businesses applying to the Strategic Framework Business Fund at Level 4.”
BBC One secured the top five most watched programmes, and seven out of the top ten, as audiences turned to the channel across the Christmas Day.
BBC One was the channel of choice showcasing a range of entertaining programmes across drama, comedy and entertainment.
Kate Phillips, Acting Controller of BBC One, says: “BBC One had the most popular show on Christmas Day as audiences escaped to Poplar for the Call the Midwife special.
“I’m really proud of the range and quality of programmes we’ve shown across this special day. BBC One entertained the nation and provided something for everyone to enjoy after a particularly difficult year.”
New research review highlights the health benefits of thearubigins – a polyphenol found only in black tea
Whether it’s clean eating, superfood diets or rapid ways to lose weight, green tea is lauded for its health credentials; with regular black tea – enjoyed by millions of Brits every day – often forgotten.
“New research review highlights the health benefits of thearubigins – a polyphenol found only in black tea”
All this could change with the publication of a new scientific review, in the journal, Nutrition & Food Technology[1], which argues that the little-known polyphenols found in black tea – called thearubigins – have equally powerful health benefits.
Not only this, Brits have the highest thearubigin intake, in Europe with the average tea drinker taking in 327 mg daily – more than double the European average of 156 mg and 50 times higher than the intakes in Spain.
The new review, undertaken by the Tea Advisory Panel – www.teaadvisorypanel.com, examined the results from five human studies and 17 laboratory studies looking specifically at thearubigins, one of the flavonoid group of polyphenols.
The main areas of health which could be influenced by thearubigins were gut health, blood pressure, and anti-cancer effects, in part due to their powerful antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory effects.
Lead author and tea expert, Dr Tim Bond, comments: “Research on thearubigins is at an early stage in comparison with the wealth of data we have on the benefits of drinking green and black teas.
“However, it’s clear from laboratory studies that thearubigins are important antioxidants and appear to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regulating gut function.
“Thearubigins could be key to understanding the mechanisms behind the well-known health benefits of black tea and the identification of actives that are responsible for these. We now need to build on this work with clinical trials in human populations”.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Tea Advisory Panel, adds: “Health features are often full of good news about green tea and our much-loved British cuppa can be overlooked.
“This new review is great for people who prefer a regular cup of black tea and adds to the considerable evidence on tea’s role in maintaining heart health, cognitive function and gut health”.
Thousands of students will be able to study and do work placements across the world through a brand new scheme that replaces the UK’s participation in Erasmus+.
The Turing scheme will be backed by over £100 million, providing funding for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges and schools to go on placements and exchanges overseas, starting in September 2021.
The new scheme will also target students from disadvantaged backgrounds and areas which did not previously have many students benefiting from Erasmus+, making life-changing opportunities accessible to everyone across the country.
The programme will provide similar opportunities for students to study and work abroad as the Erasmus+ programme but it will include countries across the world and aims to deliver greater value for money to taxpayers.
The UK will reap the rewards from the investment, by boosting students’ skills and prospects, benefitting UK employers, and supporting Global Britain’s ties with international partners.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We now have the chance to expand opportunities to study abroad and see more students from all backgrounds benefit from the experience.
“We have designed a truly international scheme which is focused on our priorities, delivers real value for money and forms an important part of our promise to level up the United Kingdom.
“These opportunities will benefit both our students and our employers, as well as strengthening our ties with partners across the world.”
UK organisations will be invited to bid into the scheme in early 2021. Successful applications will receive funding for administering the scheme and students taking part will receive grants to help them with the costs of their international experience.
The benefits of the exchanges to schools and colleges will be assessed and the learnings used to build on future schemes. Funding decisions for subsequent years will be subject to future spending reviews.
To meet delivery timescales, universities, colleges and schools are encouraged to begin preparation with international partners as soon as possible.
Universities UK International Director, Vivienne Stern, said: “Evidence shows that students who have international experience tend to do better academically and in employment, and the benefits are greatest for those who are least advantaged.
“The new Turing scheme is a fantastic development and will provide global opportunities for up to 35,000 UK students to study and work abroad.”
International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, said: “As the International Education Champion, I’m pleased to see that the government is committed to international exchanges.
“So much of what makes education so rewarding for all is the chance for students and learners in schools, colleges and universities experience new cultures and, by doing so, develop new skills.
“This scheme represents a sizeable investment from the Government and I look forward to working with the Government to develop a scheme that will make real our commitment to Global Britain.”
CONCERN OVER ALTERNATIVE SCHEME
On learning of the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus+ scheme, Scotland’s Education Secretary John Swinney said: “The decision of the U.K. Tory Government to leave the Erasmus Scheme not only closes opportunities for our young people and narrows any claim to an outward U.K. perspective.”
Universities Minister Richard Lochhead also expressed his profound disappointment at the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus Plus exchange programme and described the move as ‘a huge blow’.
Annually, over 2,000 Scottish students, staff and learners use the scheme. Scotland attracts proportionally more Erasmus participants from across Europe – and sends more in the other direction – than any other country in the UK. Through associated youth work projects the scheme is estimated to deliver at least £7 in value for every £1 it costs in public cash, and its value to the economy has been estimated to be worth nearly £34 million annually since 2014.
Students in Northern Ireland are to be given access to Erasmus, but the Brexit deal will now prevent Scottish students from participating.
Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The loss of Erasmus is huge blow. This is simply unacceptable and we are looking at alternative options.
“After years of discussions and meetings, the UK Government has made these decisions irrespective of the views of the Devolved Administrations. We found out from media reports more details of the UK’s alternative scheme which is a watered down and less well funded version of Erasmus and it’s not even an exchange program because there is no support for visits to Scotland.
“I have since spoken to my UK counterpart and expressed our profound disappointment that the UK chose to abandon Erasmus which plays such a key role in opening up opportunities and horizons for so many young Scots. Crucially, it is a scheme that brings different countries and nationalities together with massive cultural and educational benefits.
“I am seeking further clarification on what the new scheme looks like and how they intend to provide funding on a par with the amounts historically secured under Erasmus.
“We also need confirmation that they will ensure all those who currently benefit from the programme will be supported and crucially how the devolved nature of education would be protected under their new scheme and we will resist using the Internal Market Bill to foist an inferior UK scheme on Scotland.”
Merry Techmas: We splash the cash on tech gifts but nearly half are not insured
Nearly one in ten (9%) admit to spending up to £400 on tech in the run up to Christmas, with the average spend £257
Nearly half (47%) say none of their new tech purchases are covered by insurance in the run up to Christmas
Despite nearly one in ten people (9%) admitting to spending between £300 – £400 on tech in the run up to Christmas, nearly half (47%) admit that none of their items are covered by either an existing or a new insurance policy, potentially leaving many shoppers caught short this Christmas.
New research by specialist insurance provider, Insurance2Go, has revealed that a staggering number of those forking out for new tech this year admit their gifts aren’t covered by insurance.
Having an appropriate policy in place means your family’s gifts are insured should the worst happen, and you will be protected from the financial impact should you have gifts stolen or damaged before the big day. However, according to the research, just 22% said they were confident their tech gifts were insured.
Cities spending the most on tech gifts this Christmas are:
London – (£340 average spend)
Belfast – (£291 average spend)
Manchester – (£250 average spend)
Southampton – (£249 average spend)
Birmingham – (£245 average spend)
Although spending the second highest amount in the country on tech, people of Belfast are the least likely to have insurance cover, with a whopping 67% admitting to having no cover.
Newcastle and Cardiff are the cities most likely to have insurance cover for their new tech gadgets, with nearly a third (29%) saying their gift purchases are covered.
As the festive season gets underway, it is those aged between 25-34 years old who are splashing the most cash, spending an average of £378 on technology. However, less than one-fifth of those in this age group (19%) have insurance cover on all of their tech. It is those aged over 65 who are the least likely to have their items covered by an insurance policy, with a huge 60% saying none of their new tech items are insured.
Whilst some home insurance policies may increase the amount of cover they offer over the festive period, this isn’t always the case and is only relevant for those with contents cover2. With this in mind, Insurance2go suggests shoppers make the right preparations this year to avoid getting caught out.
Richard Gray, Head of Marketing and Digital at Insurance2go, comments: “At this time of year, many homeowners take the necessary precautions to step up their home security, spurred on by darker nights and houses full of expensive gifts wrapped up for Christmas.
“Loss or damage should be the last things people worry about over Christmas, so taking that time to ensure those big-ticket items are covered before the big day will offer that extra peace of mind.
“By getting insurance to cover your tech, you can protect your investment and avoid disappointment on Christmas Day if the worst does happen.”
For more information on tech insurance, please visit:
A lot of pregnancies are unplanned. It’s common to feel stunned, scared, embarrassed or isolated when facing an unplanned pregnancy (writes LORNA FROST).
Deciding whether or not to continue with the pregnancy can be very straightforward and obvious for some people while others can find it a difficult and complicated decision. It’s important that the decision as to whether or not to continue with a pregnancy is made by the person it most affects.
Early medical abortion involves taking two sets of pills. Since April 2020, in light of COVID-19 and the importance of minimising risks of spreading the virus, abortion care providers in Scotland have been able to allow early medical abortions (taking both sets of pills) at home. This avoids travel to GPs and hospitals to access abortion services. It is a way of keeping abortion safe and accessible.
Now the Scottish government is seeking views on the future arrangements for early medical abortion at home. The responses will affect whether the current arrangements continue once there is no longer a risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Surveys have found that most people are pro-choice. They think that deciding whether or not to continue with a pregnancy is a personal decision that should not be interfered with. If you agree please take 10 minutes to respond to the Scottish government’s consultation on early medical abortion at home.
Please do this now – the deadline for responses is 5th January 2021.
Just click on the link for guidelines which suggest how to respond.
Which? reveals the UK’s favourite walks to blow away the cobwebs over the holidays
The Buttermere Circuit in the Lake District has been named the UK’s top-rated walk in a survey of more than 50 popular routes, ranging from gentle strolls to full-day hikes.
With the UK continuing to face coronavirus restrictions, limiting opportunities for socialising indoors over the festive season, Which? has revealed the UK’s favourite walks, as voted for in a survey of nearly 3,000 Which? members.
The Buttermere Circuit in the Lake District, a 4.5 mile lakeside walk, took the top spot of the table, receiving a walk score of 88 per cent.
It was awarded five stars for scenery, thanks to its combination of a rippling silver lake next to dramatic mountains. Visitors also rated it favourably for accessibility, peace and quiet, and places of interest available on the route.
It was followed by Helvellyn, a tough eight-hour hike up the third-highest peak in the Lake District.
It received a walk score of 87 per cent, with hikers giving it five stars for its stunning scenery and views from the Striding Edge Ridge. While not one for the faint of heart – Which? recommends only experienced walkers tackle this route – the path is well trodden, and the chances of real danger are slim. Which? gave this walk five out of five for difficulty though, and facilities along the route are limited to non-existent, so walkers should come prepared.
The Rhossili Headland in Gower and Solva to St David’s route in Pembrokeshire, both coastal walks in Wales, also received walk scores of 87 per cent.
These routes were both ranked two out of five for difficulty, making them both nice options for a pleasant but invigorating stroll. Those who enjoy a bite to eat or a drink as part of their walk should head to Rhossili, awarded five stars by visitors for food and drink, while nature fans will be rewarded on the walk from Solva to St Davids, where they may even spot grey seals and porpoises – an indication as to why visitors gave it five stars for wildlife.
Receiving the third highest score – and the accolade of Scotland’s best walk – was the Anstruther to Crail stretch of the Fife Coastal Path, with a score of 86 per cent.
A comfortable saunter between two fishing villages, this route was given five stars for peace and quiet and should only take a couple of hours to complete. The path is clearly waymarked too, allowing walkers to find their way easily while making the most of the views across the Firth of Forth.
Other routes also receiving 86 per cent were the Botallack Mine Walk in Cornwall, the Craster, Dunstaburgh and Low Newton Circuit in Northumberland, and the Old Man of Coniston in the Lake District.
Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway was named Northern Ireland’s best walk, receiving a score of 85 per cent and five stars for both scenery and places of interest.
The five-mile route, including a descent down the 162 Shepherd’s Steps to take in the view of the 40,000 basalt columns at the end, is well-maintained and was rated two out of five for difficulty by Which?, with visitors also awarding it four stars for facilities along the way.
Ben Lomond in Scotland was also given a score of 85 per cent, along with High Force & Low Force in the Durham Dales, Housesteads to Steel Riggs along Hadrian’s Wall, and the Mawddach Estuary in Wales.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:“Whether you’re looking for easygoing strolls to fill the space between Christmas and the new year, or you’re after a breathtaking hike to help you shake the dust off your feet after this year, our rundown of the country’s favourite walks should provide plenty of inspiration.
“While coronavirus restrictions might prevent us from travelling to some of the farther-flung destinations on our list, the good news is that we are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning walks across the UK, meaning there are walks to be enjoyed wherever you are in the country.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning of the dangers of using fireworks in private events over the festive period.
With many public events cancelled due to COVID-19, families and communities are being reminded that using fireworks in gardens and common areas can have devastating consequences.
Improper use of fireworks can cause serious injuries, distress pets and neighbors and impact on the work of Scotland’s emergency services.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “With public events unable to go ahead, we may see people hosting private events in their gardens to mark the festive season and perhaps New Year’s Eve.
“However, we must warn communities that fireworks are explosives at the end of the day, and if not used properly their use can cause life-changing injuries.
“I would urge anyone considering purchasing fireworks to be well aware of both the dangers and the essential safety guidance.”
The SFRS has created a Fireworks Code to help keep communities safe.
DACO Perry added: “If you are going to buy fireworks, then make sure it is from a reputable seller.
“Always follow the instructions carefully and follow our firework code. We want everyone to bring in the new year safely, so please do not take any risks as we say goodbye to a difficult year for all of us.”
The call has also been backed by the Scottish Government. Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “This Festive season is going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.
“It is vital that on Hogmanay the public adhere to the rules restricting travel between different local authority areas and meeting up with other households. Under both level 4 and level 3 restrictions it is not possible to meet up indoors or in large groups outdoors on Hogmanay.
“With large, organised Hogmanay firework displays cancelled this year – we know that some people may consider using fireworks in their back gardens. If you do plan on using fireworks please do so responsibly and safely. If we all play our part we can ensure that Hogmanay this year is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
To view the fireworks code and find more information on how to stay safe around fireworks, visit:
