Work on safety measures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) will be monitored by a new group made up of key infection control experts, whistleblowers and patients.
The move was announced by Health Secretary Neil Gray following evidence heard during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which was set up after a number of deaths and high levels of infection at the hospital prompted concerns about patient safety.
The Group will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – the Sir James Mackenzie Professor of General Practice at the University of Aberdeen – and Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
During his statement, the Health Secretary made clear that the work of this Group will not interfere with Lord Brodie’s independent inquiry and will make use of external independent scrutiny from Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Assure. Lord Brodie is expected to deliver his report later this year.
Mr Gray has also confirmed that all material relevant to the Inquiry was provided.
Mr Gray said: “I want to again recognise the profound distress experienced by patients, by grieving families, and by staff who have been impacted by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
“For many, the recent Inquiry hearings looking into the evidence relating to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, have reopened longstanding and deeply painful wounds. My thoughts remain with all those affected.
“Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered within the QEUH and RHC today.
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will, from today, establish a high‑level Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group which will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – who has a very strong reputation in providing external leadership and scrutiny across the NHS – and the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Professor Jann Gardener.
“The Group will also stand ready to implement the findings from the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Enhanced reporting will be established with the Scottish Government who will provide scrutiny, challenge and support to the delivery of NHS GGC’s programme of work.
“All material relevant to the Inquiry has been preserved and submitted as evidence. Scottish Government officials are now examining how the documents referred to by the motion voted on by Parliament can be released safely and lawfully.
“This will see NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde taking significant, immediate steps to strengthen public confidence in the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children.”
Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.
Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.
Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.
“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.
“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”
The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.
Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.
Eligibility
Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Entrants must be aged 18 or over
Stories must be original and written in English
Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name
One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)
Entry Process
Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.
“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”
All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.
Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory
Tracy Gilbert MP has spoken out about the impact of knife crime in Edinburgh North and Leith, warning that violence must never become accepted as part of daily life and that stronger preventative action is urgently needed.
Ms Gilbert was speaking following Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s commitment to strengthen knife safety measures across Scotland, including tougher regulation around the sale of knives.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Knife crime cannot be normalised. The impact it has on families and communities is devastating, and the loss of John McNab is something that continues to be felt deeply across our community. No family should ever have to endure that pain.”
Ms Gilbert paid tribute to John’s mum, Lisa Petrie, whose campaigning has led to bleed kits being installed in public spaces across the constituency and beyond.
“Lisa’s strength and determination in the face of unimaginable loss is extraordinary. Her work to bring bleed kits into our community is genuinely lifesaving, and it has already made a real difference. It shows what community action can achieve when people come together.”
However, Ms Gilbert stressed that while bleed kits are vital, they are not a substitute for prevention.
“Bleed kits save lives, but they exist because violence has already occurred. Families should not be left to lead campaigns after tragedy strikes. We must do more to prevent knives from being used as weapons in the first place.”
Ms Gilbert welcomed Anas Sarwar’s commitment to enhanced knife safety measures and action to support young people.
“It is reassuring that Anas Sarwar has committed to taking knife safety seriously. Strengthening controls on knife sales, alongside action on youth violence and mental health, is an important step towards breaking this cycle.”
“Everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith deserves to feel safe in their own community.”
Scottish Cheese Academy aims to give Scottish Cheese the global status of Scotch Whisky
Tanny Gill, one of Scotland’s World Cheese Awards judges, has announced the launch of The Scottish Cheese Academy.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the Scottish Cheese Academy has been created to fill a gap in professional education, help cheese lovers learn more about Scottish cheese, and help give Scottish cheese the cultural status and global reverence of Scottish Whisky.
The Scottish Cheese Academy is the first of its kind in Scotland, and will deliver certified cheese education, bespoke hospitality training, and cultural tourism experiences, acting as the official voice for Scottish cheese expertise. Whether looking to boost a career or simply refine a palate, The Scottish Cheese Academy brings sommelier level expertise.
Recognising the need for a definitive educational body, The Scottish Cheese Academy is the only Academy of Cheese partner to cover Scottish cheese history, provenance, and product evolution alongside globally recognised certification content.
The Scottish Cheese Academy will deliver a number of services designed for luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, retailers, international visitors and cheese lovers. With delivery of the globally recognised Academy of Cheese certified programs, beginning with Level 1, The Scottish Cheese Academy will help hospitality businesses ensure staff are qualified to industry standards.
The Hospitality Partnership Programme offers staff training to help improve employee expertise and career development. Specialist Masterclasses will offer high value workshops focusing on cultural pairing, including advanced cheese and Scotch Whisky matching, Gin pairing, and seasonal wild food integration.
There are also sessions for cheese lovers and tourists with sessions designed to focus on storytelling, provenance, and the rich history of Scottish artisan food with high end sensory experiences.
Tanny Gill, Founder of The Scottish Cheese Academy, said: “The Scottish Cheese Academy was born from a desire to transform passionate industry individuals into experts, having worked from the production floor at Isle of Mull to the premium retail environment of La Fromagerie, I realised there was a missing link in how we educate our professionals.
“My goal is to raise the standard of service across the hospitality sector and champion our heritage with the same rigor applied to the world’s finest wines and whiskies.
“Hospitality teams need the confidence to sell and describe artisan cheese with the same fluency they use for wine.
“But equally, the Academy delivers the high-end sensory experiences food lovers need to truly understand the history and flavor profiles of our amazing cheeses.”
The launch is bolstered by a Strategic Advisory Board with experts from the global luxury and dairy sectors. Board members include international experts like Patricia Michelson of La Fromagerie, Andrew Baker the Chair of Highland Fine Cheeses, and Susan Sturman the Head of Makers & Mongers, establishing immediate credibility for The Scottish Cheese Academy.
Tanny Gill’s career encompasses hands-on production at Isle of Mull Cheese, specialised retail mastery at London’s iconic La Fromagerie, and over two decades in commercial leadership at Clarks Speciality Foods. One of Scotland’s only World Cheese Awards judges, Tanny Gill is also actively involved with the Royal Highland show Cheese and dairy awards, launching The Scottish Cheese Academy with international tasting credibility.
The courses at The Scottish Cheese Academy are designed to be interactive and transformative, creating confident ambassadors for Scottish cheese. The Scottish Cheese Academy is now open for inquiries regarding training partnerships, course bookings, and media collaborations.
Scotland benefits from unique package of winter heating help
Over 1.5 million winter heating payments, including more than a million payments to older people, have been made so far this winter.
The vast majority of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments – more than 1,009,000 – have now been paid. The payment has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is paid at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK.
The benefit, delivered by Social Security Scotland for the first time this winter, is designed to help people aged 66 and over with the cost of heating a home in the colder winter months.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is just one element of the unique package of winter support available in Scotland.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs. Over 44,000 payments have now been made.
Winter Heating Payment is a reliable, annual payment that is not triggered by weather. People can get the payment if they receive certain benefits, with over 454,500 payments made this winter so far.
Social Security Scotland’s winter payments are issued automatically in most cases.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As the cost of heating homes continues to rise, I’m incredibly proud of the extra support which we’ve made available this winter, with over 1.5 million payments made in total.
“Our package of winter heating support, which is stronger than anywhere else in the UK, provides the helping hand that many families and individuals need to manage their bills in the winter – without waiting for temperatures to hit a certain level.”
Lynn Campbell, senior welfare rights lead at Glasgow’s Golden Generation, a charity supporting older adults in the city, said: “Pension Age Winter Heating Payment means a great deal to many older adults. It will help alleviate the stress and worry associated with rising heating costs.
“This additional financial assistance provides reassurance to them, their families, and their carers that they have not been forgotten and that their past contribution to society is recognised and valued.”
The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.
The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.
The latest survey was published yesterday.
Commenting on statistics released today in the Scottish Household Survey Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said:“Older people now make up 13% of all private renters across Scotland.
“Privately renting in later life can be difficult, especially when living on a low, fixed income. Almost one in three (32%) older private renters live in poverty. With a growing proportion of the private rented sector made up of older people, it’s vital the Scottish government ensures renters of all ages, including those who are older, can live securely.
“With the Holyrood election fast approaching, we’re calling on all parties standing for election to commit to policies to support older renters in their manifesto. Over 25,000 pensioners are on the waiting list for a social home in Scotland, with almost three quarters (74%) waiting over a year.
“The next Government must build more affordable social housing. They must also improve access to, and increase funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments. These can help make up the shortfall between Housing Benefit and rental costs.
“They are vital to avoid older people making dangerous cutbacks on essentials like food and heating to be able to afford their rent, but most older people who could potentially access them are unaware they exist.”
Patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the support to live well with cancer under the UK government’s landmark new National Cancer Plan
NEW NATIONAL CANCER PLAN FOR ENGLAND
75% of patients diagnosed from 2035 will be cancer-free or living well after five years, following record investment in the NHS
NHS to meet all cancer waiting time standards by 2029, with hundreds of thousands more patients treated within 62 days
Major expansion of robot-assisted surgery and faster diagnostics to slash delays Patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the support to live well with cancer under the government’s landmark National Cancer Plan, unveiled today.
For the first time, the NHS will commit to ensuring three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer-free or living well after five years.
This represents the fastest rate of improvement in cancer outcomes this century and will translate to 320,000 more lives saved over the lifetime of the plan.
The NHS has not met its central cancer performance target - that 85% of patients start treatment within 62 days of referral - since 2014. Survival rates are below Romania and Poland for some cancer types.
Under this plan, that will change – by March 2029, the NHS will meet all three cancer waiting time standards, meaning hundreds of thousands more patients will receive timely treatment. This demonstrates the real change being delivered by the government’s record investment as we rebuild the NHS.
60% of patients currently survive for 5 years or more and around 2.4m people are currently living after a cancer diagnosis.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Cancer survial shouldn’t come down to who won the lottery of life. But cancer is more likely to be a death sentence in Britain than other countries around the world.
“As a cancer survivor who owes my life to the NHS, I owe it to future patients to make sure they receive the same outstanding care I did.
“Thanks to the revolution in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to transform the life chances of cancer patients. Our cancer plan will invest in and modernise the NHS, so that opportunity can be seized and our ambitions realised.
“This plan will slash waits, invest in cutting-edge technology, and give every patient the best possible chance of beating cancer.”
The National Cancer Plan is here.
It’s the most ambitious plan on cancer in a generation, built with the support of the cancer community.
Thank you to everyone who shared their story to help create it.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) February 4, 2026
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by cancer – a friend, a partner, a parent or a child – and for many people it will be part of their own story too.
“This plan sets a clear roadmap for the NHS to diagnose more cancers earlier, ensure more patients are treated on time and improve survival, so that hundreds of thousands more people live longer, healthier lives with or after cancer over the next decade.
“This is alongside delivering the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care to every corner of the country, improving access to pioneering trials and ensuring there is wraparound support for people closer to home.
“The National Cancer Plan will see the NHS deliver world-class cancer care, offering renewed hope for millions and ensuring the health service is there for patients whenever they need it.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s encouraging to see such bold survival ambitions in the National Cancer Plan for England. This comes at a time when people living with cancer tell us all too often that their care hasn’t been good enough, from long waits for tests and treatment to being left without the support they need once treatment ends.
“This Plan has the potential to transform care for people living with cancer, ensuring people not only live longer but live better with their diagnosis. We look forward to working with the government to make this vision a reality: adding life to years, as well as years to life.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The publication of the National Cancer Plan for England represents a significant commitment by the UK government to treat cancer with the seriousness it deserves.
“Across England, too many cancer patients are waiting too long to start treatment, so it’s important that the UK government has committed to meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. A wide range of measures will be needed for these to be met.
“In addition to this, it’s promising to see the government’s ambitious commitment to saving more lives from cancer. England lags behind comparable countries on cancer survival and it’s vital that this changes, so more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”
Chris Walden, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer52, said: “For the first time, an England cancer plan includes a specific focus on rare and less common cancers. This is a step change; the needs of our community have been heard.
“We welcome the government’s response to our calls to switch gear on improving diagnosis, increasing research and introducing leadership so that rare and less common cancers have parity.
“Now the changes outlined in the Plan, and the Rare Cancers Bill, have to be implemented in full. They have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people living with a rare and less common cancer now and in the future.”
Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “If we are to usher in a new era of world-leading cancer care that is truly catered to the needs of people with cancer, it is vital that the right practical and emotional support is provided to help people manage and live with cancer.
“That’s why we are really pleased to see the government recognise the need to improve support for people at every stage of cancer and acknowledge that the challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment ends.
“We warmly welcome the introduction of the new target and look forward to working with the government and the NHS to ensure people can live well with cancer.
“At Maggie’s, we believe that with the right support, people can live full, productive lives with and beyond cancer. While the number of people diagnosed cancer is only going to rise, more people are surviving than ever before or living for many years as medical advancements effectively keeping cancer at bay.”
No family should be out of pocket because their child has cancer.
Our new £10 million fund will cover their travel costs, as part of the National Cancer Plan.
This means everyone can get the same care, regardless of family income and location.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) February 3, 2026
The plan sets out sweeping reforms to how cancer is diagnosed and treated:
Faster diagnostics: A £2.3 billion investment will deliver 9.5 million additional tests by 2029 -investing in more scanners, digital technology and automated testing. Where possible, Community Diagnostic Centres will operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing testing closer to where people live.
Robot-assisted surgery: From hip replacements to heart surgery and cancer operations, the number of robot-assisted procedures will increase from 70,000 to half a million by 2035, reducing complications and freeing up hospital beds.
Treatment at specialist centres: More patients with rarer cancers will have their care reviewed and treated at specialist cancer centres, where they can benefit from the expertise of the best cancer doctors. These centres bring together surgeons, oncologists, specialist nurses and radiologists to agree the best treatment plan for each case.
Genomic testing: Every patient who could benefit will be offered a test that analyses the DNA of their cancer. This helps doctors understand exactly the type of cancer someone has and choose treatments most likely to work for them.
Waiting lists: New technology is being developed to give patients better access to tests for cancer by offering them the earliest available appointment from a range of NHS organisations in their local area.
The UK government has also announced a new AI pilot to help detect hard-to-reach lung cancers sooner with fewer invasive tests as well as a new employer partnership to support England’s 830,000 working-age cancer patients to remain in employment during and after treatment.
While more people survive cancer than ever before, progress has slowed over the last decade, and England remains behind other comparable countries including Australia and Denmark. For some cancers, such as brain cancer, survival rates in England trail behind countries like Croatia and Romania.
The cancer plan comes as the government continues to make strides on cancer waiting lists, diagnosing or ruling out cancer on time for 213,000 extra cases since July last year.
One hundred and seventy community diagnostic centres are now open – with over 100 of them available at evenings and weekends – bringing checks, scans and tests closer to where people live and at times that work around them.
The government is also taking tough action on the causes on cancer: introducing a generational ban on smoking and a ban on junk food ads before 9pm.
The new England Cancer Plan carries a bold and ambitious message for people affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers according to Colin Dyer, chief executive of blood cancer charity, Leukaemia Care.
Reacting to the launch of the Government’s England Cancer Plan earlier today, he said: “We are particularly encouraged to see a strong focus on earlier diagnosis, more personalised and joined-up care, and better practical support for children and young people with cancer.
These are three core elements we’ve been doing, and championing, for many years here at Leukaemia Care.
Leukaemia is still far too often diagnosed in an emergency setting, such as A&E. Around 37% of people are diagnosed this way, which can be more traumatic for patients and families and is linked to poorer outcomes.
Greater emphasis on improving diagnostic pathways, supporting GPs and frontline services to recognise cancer sooner, and reducing emergency presentations has real potential to save lives.
This reflects exactly what we have been calling for through our Spot Leukaemia campaign and our work to improve awareness of symptoms among both the public and healthcare professionals.
We are also pleased to see the plan highlight more personalised, joined-up care. A cancer diagnosis does not just involve treatment – people need emotional, practical and coordinated support throughout. Through our patient Navigator service, already embedded in more than 20 hospitals, we see every day how having a dedicated professional to help patients navigate appointments, information and support alongside NHS care can transform their experience.
We hope to see this kind of model recognised and expanded as the plan is delivered.
Finally, the commitment to cover hospital travel costs for families of children and young people with cancer is hugely significant. We know from running our own CAR-T travel fund for families needing this specialist treatment that travel costs can be a major additional burden at an already overwhelming time.
We are delighted to see this need recognised nationally, and that more families facing other cancers will benefit from similar support.
While an ambitious, and hugely welcome plan, the priority now must be turning these commitments into consistent improvements in care and outcomes for everyone affected by leukaemia. We will be watching closely and will continue to engage with NHS and government partners.
We believe it is essential the NHS works closely with the third sector, drawing on the expertise and proven models charities have developed over many years.
LYMPHOMA Action charity said: The publication of the NHS National Cancer Plan today marks a significant milestone for the cancer community and is a much-needed step forward for cancer care across the country.
At Lymphoma Action, we will be watching the rollout of the plan with interest on behalf of our community.
The plan shows real promise for the future of cancer treatment and care, and our focus is to make sure that lymphoma receives the same level of attention as other cancer types, and that the plan reflects the unique needs of people affected by the condition.
We are ready to offer our expertise and in-depth understanding of the patient experience of lymphoma to help the NHS make a success of the plan, and drive improvements in treatment and care for everyone affected by this type of blood cancer.
Lymphoma Action is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the most common blood cancer in the UK.
We offer expert information, dedicated support and a community that understands. For 40 years we have supported the lymphoma community, and we’re pushing harder than ever to make sure everyone with lymphoma gets the care they need.
Patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the support to live well with cancer under the UK government’s landmark new National Cancer Plan
NATIONAL CANCER PLAN FOR ENGLAND
75% of patients diagnosed from 2035 will be cancer-free or living well after five years, following record investment in the NHS
NHS to meet all cancer waiting time standards by 2029, with hundreds of thousands more patients treated within 62 days
Major expansion of robot-assisted surgery and faster diagnostics to slash delays Patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the support to live well with cancer under the government’s landmark National Cancer Plan, unveiled today.
For the first time, the NHS will commit to ensuring three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer-free or living well after five years.
This represents the fastest rate of improvement in cancer outcomes this century and will translate to 320,000 more lives saved over the lifetime of the plan.
The NHS has not met its central cancer performance target - that 85% of patients start treatment within 62 days of referral - since 2014. Survival rates are below Romania and Poland for some cancer types.
Under this plan, that will change – by March 2029, the NHS will meet all three cancer waiting time standards, meaning hundreds of thousands more patients will receive timely treatment. This demonstrates the real change being delivered by the government’s record investment as we rebuild the NHS.
60% of patients currently survive for 5 years or more and around 2.4m people are currently living after a cancer diagnosis.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Cancer survival shouldn’t come down to who won the lottery of life. But cancer is more likely to be a death sentence in Britain than other countries around the world.
As a cancer survivor who owes my life to the NHS, I owe it to future patients to make sure they receive the same outstanding care I did.
Thanks to the revolution in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to transform the life chances of cancer patients. Our cancer plan will invest in and modernise the NHS, so that opportunity can be seized and our ambitions realised.
This plan will slash waits, invest in cutting-edge technology, and give every patient the best possible chance of beating cancer.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by cancer – a friend, a partner, a parent or a child – and for many people it will be part of their own story too.
“This plan sets a clear roadmap for the NHS to diagnose more cancers earlier, ensure more patients are treated on time and improve survival, so that hundreds of thousands more people live longer, healthier lives with or after cancer over the next decade.
“This is alongside delivering the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care to every corner of the country, improving access to pioneering trials and ensuring there is wraparound support for people closer to home.
“The National Cancer Plan will see the NHS deliver world-class cancer care, offering renewed hope for millions and ensuring the health service is there for patients whenever they need it.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s encouraging to see such bold survival ambitions in the National Cancer Plan for England.
“This comes at a time when people living with cancer tell us all too often that their care hasn’t been good enough, from long waits for tests and treatment to being left without the support they need once treatment ends.
“This Plan has the potential to transform care for people living with cancer, ensuring people not only live longer but live better with their diagnosis. We look forward to working with the government to make this vision a reality: adding life to years, as well as years to life.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The publication of the National Cancer Plan for England represents a significant commitment by the UK government to treat cancer with the seriousness it deserves.
“Across England, too many cancer patients are waiting too long to start treatment, so it’s important that the UK government has committed to meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. A wide range of measures will be needed for these to be met.
“In addition to this, it’s promising to see the government’s ambitious commitment to saving more lives from cancer. England lags behind comparable countries on cancer survival and it’s vital that this changes, so more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”
Chris Walden, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer52, said: “For the first time, an England cancer plan includes a specific focus on rare and less common cancers.
“This is a step change; the needs of our community have been heard. We welcome the government’s response to our calls to switch gear on improving diagnosis, increasing research and introducing leadership so that rare and less common cancers have parity.
“Now the changes outlined in the Plan, and the Rare Cancers Bill, have to be implemented in full. They have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people living with a rare and less common cancer now and in the future.”
Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “If we are to usher in a new era of world-leading cancer care that is truly catered to the needs of people with cancer, it is vital that the right practical and emotional support is provided to help people manage and live with cancer.
“That’s why we are really pleased to see the government recognise the need to improve support for people at every stage of cancer and acknowledge that the challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment ends.
“We warmly welcome the introduction of the new target and look forward to working with the government and the NHS to ensure people can live well with cancer.
“At Maggie’s, we believe that with the right support, people can live full, productive lives with and beyond cancer. While the number of people diagnosed cancer is only going to rise, more people are surviving than ever before or living for many years as medical advancements effectively keeping cancer at bay.”
The plan sets out sweeping reforms to how cancer is diagnosed and treated:
Faster diagnostics: A £2.3 billion investment will deliver 9.5 million additional tests by 2029 -investing in more scanners, digital technology and automated testing. Where possible, Community Diagnostic Centres will operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing testing closer to where people live.
Robot-assisted surgery: From hip replacements to heart surgery and cancer operations, the number of robot-assisted procedures will increase from 70,000 to half a million by 2035, reducing complications and freeing up hospital beds.
Treatment at specialist centres: More patients with rarer cancers will have their care reviewed and treated at specialist cancer centres, where they can benefit from the expertise of the best cancer doctors. These centres bring together surgeons, oncologists, specialist nurses and radiologists to agree the best treatment plan for each case.
Genomic testing: Every patient who could benefit will be offered a test that analyses the DNA of their cancer. This helps doctors understand exactly the type of cancer someone has and choose treatments most likely to work for them.
Waiting lists: New technology is being developed to give patients better access to tests for cancer by offering them the earliest available appointment from a range of NHS organisations in their local area.
The UK government has also announced a new AI pilot to help detect hard-to-reach lung cancers sooner with fewer invasive tests as well as a new employer partnership to support England’s 830,000 working-age cancer patients to remain in employment during and after treatment.
While more people survive cancer than ever before, progress has slowed over the last decade, and England remains behind other comparable countries including Australia and Denmark. For some cancers, such as brain cancer, survival rates in England trail behind countries like Croatia and Romania.
The cancer plan comes as the government continues to make strides on cancer waiting lists, diagnosing or ruling out cancer on time for 213,000 extra cases since July last year.
One hundred and seventy community diagnostic centres are now open – with over 100 of them available at evenings and weekends – bringing checks, scans and tests closer to where people live and at times that work around them.
The UK government is also taking tough action on the causes on cancer: introducing a generational ban on smoking and a ban on junk food ads before 9pm.
A dedicated group of six S4 pupils from James Gillespie’s High School are racing their way into the national final of the global STEM Racing Challenge.
STEM Racing is a worldwide competition that inspires young people aged 9–19 to design, build, test, and race miniature cars, putting them on the fast track to STEM success.
The team, Cirrus Racing, formed in 2024, comprises of Olly Montgomery (15), Calvin Martin (15), Erin Booth (16), Archer Chen (15), Calum Wignall (15), and Seamus Eglinton (15). Last year, they placed second in Scotland, outpacing hundreds of pupils from across the country.
The national finals will take place from 24th–26th March at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, where over 100 teams will compete to become UK champions.
Participants are assessed on design, speed, pit displays, verbal presentation, project management, and brand identity, culminating in the thrilling race of their expertly engineered cars down a 20-metre track. Students also gain invaluable opportunities to engage with industry professionals.
Each team needs to raise over £2,000 to fund their route to the final and Cirrus Racing have already secured fantastic support from large technical firm NXP ( https://www.nxp.com ), local design consultancy business GoMerry Studio (https://www.gomerry.co.uk ), local architecture firm Jefcoate Anderson (https://jefcoate-anderson.com ) and neighbourhood restaurant and bar McLarens on the Corner (https://mclarensonthecorner.co.uk ).
As Cirrus Racing heads towards the national finals, the team is actively encouraging businesses and individuals to become part of their exciting journey.
Those interested in sponsoring or collaborating are invited to get in touch directly and help support Edinburgh’s next generation of STEM talent.
