Just 68.2% of P7 children in the tenth most deprived areas were found to be decay free – compared to 91.5% in the tenth least deprived – a gap of 23.3%, up from 20.1% in 2019.
The report acknowledges that since 2005 obvious decay experience has declined, but this downward trend appears to have flattened out since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reform to the system NHS dentists work to was rolled in November 2023. While the BDA secured some improvements there remain question marks as to whether the level of change is sufficient to keep practices sustainable and narrow inequalities of both access and outcomes. The BDA is advocating a fully funded workforce plan to ensure Scotland has the dental professionals it needs.
Gillian Lennox, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said:“Vital progress tackling deep oral health inequalities has at best plateaued, and at worst gone into reverse.
“As we head into an election year It’s a stark reminder that there can be no complacency when it comes to dentistry.
“Our children will pay the price for any indifference here.”
We’re thrilled to share some good news! Earlier this year, we were successful in receiving grant funding from Pets Foundation!
This multi-year funding will help part-fund our dedicated Foodbank Coordinator role, ensuring that our Pet Food Bank can continue to support pet owners across our community.
Since launching in 2019, our Pet Food Bank has provided essential meals to owners facing financial difficulties, illness, homelessness, or domestic abuse.
Last year alone, we provided 674,734 meals to pets in need!
Thanks to this funding, we can continue keeping pets where they belong – at home, with their families.
A network of corrupt company directors has been jailed for more than 70 years after they were caught planning an elaborate multi-million-pound tax fraud during clandestine meetings.
The company at the heart of the fraud, Winnington Networks Ltd (WNL), deliberately understated how much VAT was owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 2011 and 2014.
Key evidence was secured when WNL’s Financial Director, Neil Pursell, 60, and key players, were caught conspiring at two hotel meetings held in Manchester and Birmingham in late 2013.
At each meeting, the men openly discussed the fraud; the mechanics and how they could just “invent the numbers” to falsely offset their output VAT claims.
Three earlier trials have already resulted in prison sentences of more than 62 years and Director disqualifications of more than 100 years.
The fraud, which was described by trial Judge Dafna Spiro as “complex and highly sophisticated” saw WNL generating VAT by creating price drops on metals and electrical items they sold via a contrived chain of business transactions outside the UK.
After adding VAT back on to items and selling them at competitive rates to real customers in the UK, Winnington set about offsetting the VAT they had created.
They did this by falsely claiming they had sold VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol or telecommunications/internet airtime) to UK suppliers.
Richard Las, Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “This incredibly complex fraud was dismantled thanks to the tenacity, skill and dedication of our criminal investigators.
“I hope this sends a clear message to anyone involved in tax fraud that regardless of how complex it may be, we have the skills, resources and the determination to catch you and to bring you to justice.
“The scale of the sentences and the significant director disqualifications show how seriously the courts have treated this sustained and sophisticated attack on the UK tax system.
“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals money that funds the public services we all rely on and I’d urge anyone with information about any type of tax fraud or money laundering to report it to HMRC on GOV.UK.”
The vast majority of VOIP was fake, but WNL and the co-conspirators recruited people who owned VAT-registered businesses to issue fake documents. In return they were handed a share of the profits of the fraud.
They created multiple fictitious deal chains to make it look genuine and even created two fake offshore banking platforms, said to be based in the Seychelles and Canada, in a bid to produce a convincing set of financial records.
A nationwide HMRC operation in March 2014, led to the arrest of 15 people, searches of 36 premises (including a property in Cyprus) and the winding up of three companies.
The huge investigation ultimately led to four trials at Southwark Crown Court and the conviction of 20 people.
Alexander White, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Kashaf Bashir, William Lindfield, Assim Rather, Vishal Chudasama, Adeel Karamat Malik, Beverley Thompson, and Sarah Jane Peploe were sentenced for playing important roles in stealing and laundering £20 million from the UK taxpayer.
“Together with the other thirteen convicted defendants, they helped operate a complex and sophisticated fake system of offsetting VAT payments to HMRC, money which was meant for public services but was instead stolen for their own selfish purposes.
“The CPS has commenced proceeds of crime proceedings against all of these defendants to claw back this illegally obtained money.”
All 20 people were convicted of or admitted either conspiracy to cheat the public revenue or money laundering offences.
Three family members from West Lothian have been sentenced for their role in the £20 million tax fraud case. It follows four separate trials, with the final sentencing hearing having taken place on Monday (20 October 2025).
Leslie Thompson, of Chapman’s Brae, Bathgate, (DOB: 25/07/1962), was convicted of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue following trial one, which ended in March 2024 and was then jailed for six years.
He was also disqualified from acting as a director of any company for a period of 12 years and handed a three-year Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) which begins when released from prison.
Beverley Thompson (wife of Leslie), also of Chapman’s Brae, Bathgate, (DOB: 22/12/1964), was convicted of money laundering.
On Monday 20 October 2025, Thompson was jailed for 24 months, suspended for 18 months, handed a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Andrew Collins (formerly Thompson, son of Leslie) (DOB: 06/06/1984), of Falside Crescent, Bathgate, entered a guilty plea on 22 July 2024 to conspiracy to cheat the public revenue.
He was sentenced to 22 months in jail, suspended for two years, given a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days and disqualified from acting as a director of any company for eight years.
Strachan House care home in Blackhall have recently enjoyed a day out to the Modern One art gallery following the request of some art savvy residents.
Residents on the Ground Floor community were desperate to flex their creative muscles and attend an art gallery before returning to the home to create their own contemporary art.
Art is something that the residents feel crosses divides, it allows everyone to be creative and really gives everyone something to talk about. Favourite exhibitions from the day included the Rhythm display and Connection which the residents really loved especially with the links this display had to their own lives.
Zoe our activities coordinator said: “Art is very popular with everyone who lives here at Strachan House values it very much, we love an outing and this one was a real highlight, we can’t wait to visit Modern 2!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Chairs’ statement following yesterday’s ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders’ meeting
The Prime Minister and President Macron yesterday co-chaired a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, attended by President Zelenskyy.
Leaders were united in their support for Ukraine, in particular during the challenging winter period, and desire for a just and lasting peace and an end to the bloodshed. They welcomed President Zelenskyy’s support for a full, unconditional ceasefire. They noted that President Putin, by contrast, had rejected a ceasefire, and that Russia had escalated its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure and recklessly violated NATO airspace.
They fully supported President Trump’s comments that the current line of contact must be the starting point for any talks. They reiterated their full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principle that borders must not be changed by force.
Leaders underlined the importance of increasing economic pressure on Russia now and until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine has been secured. They resolved to take further steps to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, end remaining imports into their territories, and deter third countries from trading in Russian oil and gas and fuelling Russia’s war effort. They welcomed the United States’ recent action to that end.
In addition, Leaders agreed to pursue additional measures to tackle the threat posed by shadow fleet vessels to the maritime environment and national security.
These would include further sanctions, steps to discourage third countries from engaging with the shadow fleet, increased information sharing as well as readiness to make use of regulatory and interdiction powers. They agreed to take forward closer coordination to increase collective impact.
They also expressed their intent to address Ukraine’s pressing financial needs for 2026-2027 including working up options to use the full value of immobilised Russian sovereign assets, so that Ukraine has the resources it needs to defend its territory and rebuild its armed forces.
They were clear that this should be in addition to existing flows of bilateral military aid, which would not diminish.
They strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing campaign to destroy Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure, an effort clearly intended to create a humanitarian disaster and break the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
They agreed to ensure Ukraine’s energy resilience and to provide urgent assistance to protect and rebuild energy infrastructure, and to continue to provide additional military support, including air defence.
Finally, they reiterated their determination to put in place robust arrangements for Ukraine’s future security, so that it can deter and defend against future attack.
They confirmed that plans are in place to deploy a Multinational Force Ukraine once hostilities have ceased, with a view to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces.
The first Private Members Bill of this Parliament has passed all stages in the Houses of Commons and Lords. The bill, proposed by Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith Tracy Gilbert, will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections next year.
The Private Member’s Bill, Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords today (Friday 24 October). As no changes were made to the Bill in the House of Lords it will now go forward for Royal Assent.
Tracy Gilbert MP was drawn 12th in the Private Members Bill ballot last September. Twenty MPs are drawn in the ballot, giving them a right to introduce a bill.
Ms. Gilbert’s bill will allow voters to apply for a postal or proxy vote online, making it easier for voters to participate in elections and ending the anomaly in Scotland and Wales where voters can apply online for UK Parliament elections but not devolved elections.
Currently, voters must apply for a proxy vote by sending a physical letter. This can make the process difficult for people with disabilities or for those living outside the country. This necessary legislative change means voters will now be able to apply online for a postal or proxy vote for Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru elections next year.
During the passage of the bill through Parliament, Gilbert won cross-party praise for her bill being called a ‘modern day chartist woman’ by Tonia Antoniazzi MP.
Tracy Gilbert MPsaid: “I’m thrilled that my Private Member’s Bill is the first of this Parliament to pass both Houses of Parliament. I am grateful for the cross-party support the Bill has received.
“My bill will simplify the process for applying for a postal or proxy vote in next year’s Scottish and Welsh Parliament elections by enabling voters to apply online, extending access to democracy.”
MHRA strikes massive blow to organised criminal gang in world’s biggest illegal weight loss jabs raid
Officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have dismantled a major illicit manufacturing facility, making and distributing unlicensed weight-loss jabs, during a raid on a warehouse in Northampton.
This is the first illicit production facility for weight loss medicine discovered in the UK and is believed to be the largest single seizure of trafficked weight loss medicines ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide.
During the search, MHRA officers, supported by Northamptonshire Police, seized tens of thousands of empty weight loss pens ready to be filled, raw chemical ingredients, and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and tirzepatide pens awaiting dispatch to customers. The street value of the finished weight loss products alone is estimated to be more than a quarter of a million pounds.
Along with large amounts of sophisticated packaging and manufacturing equipment, officers recovered approximately £20,000 in cash suspected to be linked to medicines trafficking.
The search operation, lasting two days, is the latest in the MHRA’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal trade in weight loss medicines.
The site, on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Northampton, is believed to have been used for the large-scale manufacture, packaging, and distribution of unlicensed — and potentially deadly — weight loss products to customers.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “This is a victory in the fight against the shameless criminals who are putting lives at risk by peddling dangerous and illegal weight loss jabs to make a quick buck.
“These unregulated products, made with no regard for safety or quality, posed a major risk to unwitting customers.
“My message is clear: don’t buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources. Talk to your GP, seek NHS advice, and don’t line the pockets of criminals who don’t care about your health.
“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those in need if taken under medical supervision, and I urge people to only purchase and use them with the approval and oversight of medics and pharmacists.”
Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “This seizure shows the lengths these criminals will go to for profit. People should be extremely cautious when buying medicines online.
“Prescription medicines should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.
“Taking prescription medicines sourced in any other way carries serious risks to your health – there are no guarantees about what they contain, and some may even be contaminated with toxic substances.
“Taking out the first illicit weight loss medicine manufacturing facility found in the UK is a landmark result for the MHRA and a major blow to the illegal trade. These products are untested, unauthorised, and potentially deadly. By taking this organised criminal network out of operation and stopping tens of thousands of potentially fatal products from entering circulation, we’ve prevented a serious risk to public health.
“This is an illicit global market that endangers patients, puts big money in the pockets of organised criminals, and undermines legitimate healthcare. This operation demonstrates, once again, that my officers will stop at nothing to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the organised criminal networks who put profit before safety.”
The MHRA #FakeMeds website offers helpful guidance and advice for staying safe when buying medicines online.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Much-loved historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley to lead the national judging panel, alongside Greg Jenner, Sathnam Sanghera, Dan Jones, Shalina Patel and more
Historic Royal Palaces has announced that its inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards is open for entries.
Delivered with support from the Historical Association and partners across the UK, this new national award scheme celebrates teachers who bring the past to life in classrooms across the country.
More than ever, history is a vital subject in schools. Great teachers around the UK are igniting a love and appreciation for the past. They help make sense of the world and one’s place in it. They spark curiosity by exploring important stories that are relevant to everyone. And they encourage young people to ask questions and develop critical thinking – crucial skills in the age of social media and AI.
To recognise this important work, Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) will award 10 regional and national winners – each receiving a £500 cash prize for themselves and £500 for their school along with annual memberships to HRP and Historical Association, plus the chance to become an HRP Teacher Champion. One overall winner will receive an additional £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, plus a lifetime HRP membership. Read the full details at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards.
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are an extension of Historic Royal Palaces’ own work to bring history to life for every child in the UK. As an independent charity, HRP receives no Government or Crown funding and relies on visitors, members, donors and partners to care for its six remarkable palaces: Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Over the next 10 years, it is committed to reaching every school in the UK through on-site visits, school programmes, new digital experiences and teacher support. The Inspiring History Teaching Awards mark a new chapter in that ambition— a timely, national moment to shine a light on teachers who bring the past to life, spark curiosity, and inspire students.
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are about impact beyond exam results. The judging panel will be looking for innovation and ingenuity: the class that are vividly transported to Ancient Egypt or Tudor England; The child who comes home bursting to share mind-boggling facts; or the student who finds new pride in their community after discovering a local hero who changed society for the better.
This brand-new, national award is designed to celebrate teachers from every corner of the UK, at all career levels, within Primary, Secondary, Further Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Additional Support Needs (ASN). Nominations are free and simple to do and can be submitted by anyone over 18. The charity is encouraging colleagues, parents, guardians, governors – and teachers themselves – to champion brilliant history educators making a difference.
On Saturday 20th June 2026, a prestigious ceremony will be held at the Tower of London where the 10 regional and national winners will be celebrated, and the overall winner will be revealed.
Lucy Worsley, Historian, Broadcaster and HRP Ambassador, will lead the judging process to decide who clinches the top award. She says: “Great history teaching doesn’t just tell students what happened—it helps them think, question and connect with the world around them.
“We’re looking for the inspirational people who do this every day in their classrooms. If that’s you – or somebody you know – please send in a nomination. HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards will be an important chance to celebrate their hard work, creativity and passion.”
On the national judging panel, Lucy Worsley is joined by more of the UK’s most respected and recognisable historians, educators and writers, including:
Greg Jenner – Historian and Podcast Host (You’re Dead To Me)
Sathnam Sanghera – Journalist and Author (Empireland, Empireworld and The Boy with the Topknot)
Dan Jones – Historian, Author and Podcast Host (This Is History)
Shalina Patel – Historian, Teacher and Writer (The History Lessons)
Michael Riley – History Educator and Academic
Katie Hunter – Teacher, Activist and Researcher
To ensure the awards have a truly national reach, HRP is collaborating with organisations across all four devolved nations. UK-wide partners include the Historical Association – who is the Associate Partner for the awards – and the Association of Independent Museums.
In Scotland, HRP is working with Royal Collection Trust and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Maritime Museum, and the Scottish Association for the Teaching of History.
In Wales, HRP is working with Cadw; and in Northern Ireland, with National Museums NI and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland.
HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards are now open for entries at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards. Entries will close on Sunday 25 January 2026.
