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Crack teams get patients off waiting lists at twice the speed

Sending top doctors into areas of highest economic inactivity in England is ‘busting through the backlog’

  • Targeted approach is cutting waiting lists twice as fast as rest of the country
  • Plans to roll scheme out further as government delivers on its Plan for Change

A new Labour government initiative to send top doctors to support hospital trusts in areas where more people are out of work and waiting for treatment is cutting waiting lists faster, new data shows.

In September, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting sent in crack teams spearheaded by top clinicians to NHS hospitals serving communities with high levels of economic inactivity. The teams support NHS trusts to go further and faster to improve care in these areas, where more people are neither employed nor actively seeking work, for reasons including ill health.

Latest data from October 2024 to January 2025 shows waiting lists in these areas have, on average, been reduced at more than double the rate of the rest of the country, falling 130% faster in areas where the government scheme is in action than the national average.  

A total of 37,000 cases have been removed from the waiting lists in those 20 areas, averaging almost 2,000 patients per local trust.

The teams of leading clinicians introducing more productive ways of working to deliver more procedures, including running operating theatres like Formula One pit stops to cut down on wasted time between operations.

The scheme has delivered huge improvements in areas of high economic inactivity. They include:

  • The Northern Care Alliance & Manchester Foundation Trust – where a series of ‘super clinics’ with up to 100 patients being seen a day in one-stop appointments where patients can be assessed, diagnosed and put on the treatment pathway in one appointment. These include Employment Advisors on site to support patients with any barriers to returning to work. Those that require surgery are then booked to ‘high flow theatre’ lists such as those at the Trafford Elective Surgery Hub.
  • Warrington & Halton – which has run Super Clinics for Gynaecology delivered at weekends, with one-stop models reducing the need for follow up appointments.
  • East Lancs Hospitals Trust – which has focused on streamlining diagnostic pathways and increasing capacity for Echocardiography, or heart scans, reducing the waiting list for these from around 2700 patients to around 700 – with all of patients having their scan within 6 weeks.

Data shows the number of people unable to work due to long term sickness is at its highest since the 1990s. The number of adults economically inactive due to ill-health rose from 2.1m in July 2019 to a peak of 2.9m in October 2023. The decision to send the crack teams to these 20 trusts first was based on the government’s aim to get people back to health and back to work, helping to cut the welfare bill.

Following the success of the programme, the government has confirmed similar crack teams will be rolled out to additional providers this year to boost NHS productivity and cut waiting times further. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The investment and reform this government has introduced has already cut NHS waiting lists by 193,000, but there is much more to do.

“By sending top doctors to provide targeted support to hospitals in the areas of highest economic inactivity, we are getting sick Brits back to health and back to work.

“I am determined to transform health and social care so it works better for patients – but also because I know that transformation can help drag our economy out of the sluggish productivity and poor growth of recent years.

“We have to get more out of the NHS for what we put in. By taking the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS, reforming the way surgeries are running, we are cutting waiting lists twice as fast at no extra cost to the taxpayer.  

“As we boost NHS productivity and deliver fundamental reform through our Plan for Change, you will see improvements across the service in the coming weeks and months.”

The new data comes after the Westminster government confirmed the abolition of NHS England, centralising the way that health care is delivered, cutting bureaucracy and improving care outcomes for patients up and down the country.

The government inherited waiting lists of over 7.6 million last July, and rising numbers of patients waiting months and years to get the treatment they need to get back to their jobs.

Thanks to immediate action taken by the government- including ending the strikes and investing more in the NHS – overall waiting lists have fallen for the last five months in a row, dropping by 193,000.

The targeted teams are the latest success delivered by the government as it continues its fundamental reform of the NHS through the Plan for Change.

Soon after taking office, it confirmed an extra £1.8 billion to deliver extra elective activity across the country.

This helped create an extra 2 million elective care appointments between July and November last year – delivering on the government’s manifesto pledge seven months early.

Other plans to increase elective care productivity and cut waiting lists include opening community diagnostic centres 12 hours a day, seven days a week, revolutionising the NHS app so patients can receive test results and book appointments, and increasing use of the independent sector to improve patient choice.

Aldi calls on children in Edinburgh and Lothians to design a poster for Food Waste Action Week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh and the Lothians to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children to submit their creative designs for the chance to win a £250 Aldi voucher for their family.

The entries will be judged by a panel of Aldi’s sustainability experts, with the winning designs proudly displayed at Aldi’s UK Headquarters to inspire colleagues to cut down their food waste.

The competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing efforts to tackle food waste and support sustainable shopping habits, which has seen the supermarket recently reach the milestone of selling one million of its Surprise Bags through its partnership with Too Good To Go. 

It also forms part of the supermarket’s Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, run in partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, that aims to inspire young people to eat healthily.   

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we’re committed to reducing food waste and this competition is a great opportunity to show children how important of an issue food waste is. 

“We can’t wait to see the creative designs that everyone comes up with, and we hope the competition can inspire the next generation to think more about how everyday changes can make a big difference.”

To enter the competition, parents and teachers can submit their children’s entries via email to foodwastecomp@aldi.co.uk.

Entries should be submitted alongside the name and county of each entrant.

Entries opened on Monday 10th March and close on Monday 24th March.

For more information and T&Cs, visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/food-waste-action-week-poster-competition-terms-conditions/.

Varsity American Football Game 2025

A highlight of the Scottish student sporting calendar, the Varsity American football game has been played annually since 2012 and returns to Meggetland Stadium on Wednesday.

The Knights play traditional rivals the University of Edinburgh Mavericks, as both teams fight it out for the most spectacular trophy in UK American Football.

This year’s game is held on a mid-week evening under the floodlights at Meggetland Stadium, Wednesday 19th March, with a 7pm Kickoff.

With all the usual on and off-field family friendly entertainment including live music and the Canalside Bar will be open throughout with hot food available. 

Last years game produced fireworks during, on and off the field, with the Edinburgh Mavericks edging the game in a 14-6 victory.

Meggetland sports complex features a seated stand for watching the action.

Join us under the lights for the city’s biggest American Football fixture of the season!

Tickets are Adults £5, Students £3, and U-16’s Free Entry and can be purchased in advance online or on the gate. Gates open from 6pm, with a 7pm kickoff.

Head Coach of the Knights, Pete Laird, explained why he was looking forward to the game: “This has been an incredible season for the Knights as we claimed the Scottish Division and advanced all the way to the UK Northern Final.

“Now we have an opportunity to finish the season with one last game, a true Cup Final, against our biggest rivals in an Edinburgh Derby match’

 ‘The mid-week Varsity game is such a fantastic event for all those who attend. A bumper crowd of all ages really seem to enjoy watching American Football under the floodlights.

“There’s so much noise, colour, and entertainment on offer, and the players all rise to the occasion to put on a great performance. It’s sure to be another fantastic evening, and with free entry for kids I’m sure the stadium will be jumping again!”

Ticket Link:  Napier Knights Varsity Match

Pupils and teachers recognised for challenging inequality through creativity at The Saroj Lal Awards

Winners announced in the annual Saroj Lal Awards

Primary and secondary aged learners along with teaching staff from across Edinburgh were honoured with awards at a ceremony held at the City Chambers on Thursday (6 March).

The awards, now in their third year, encouraged schools to nominate pupils’ work in any art form including the written word, technologies and multi-artforms, inspired by the award themes of equality, inclusion and diversity. Head teachers were also encouraged to nominate a staff team from their school whose collaborative work around equalities has adopted a creative approach and had an impact on the school or in the wider community.

Saroj Lal was one of the first Asian women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970.

Her many successes included being at the forefront of race relations during a period of immense political and social change, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh.

Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s many achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work are being formally recognised.

Entries were judged by a panel of esteemed judges including Saroj Lal’s son, Vineet Lal, Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB), Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School, Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work) along with a former Saroj Lal Award staff winner and two student judges, recruited for the first time, via school’s equalities groups and the youth parliament.

The award categories for pupils were as follows:

  • Proud to be Me: Communicates the young person’s personal expression of pride in their heritage, in their own culture and/or identity.
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel: Expresses young people’s feelings about any form of prejudice inflicted on themselves or others.
  • Artivism: Art expresses their views on social justice and challenges others to change and/or act differently.

The winners are:

  • Proud To Be Me – primary schools’ category: P7’s “The Quilt Group” at Currie Primary School
  • Proud To Be Me – secondary schools’ category: Pilrig Park School – A whole school Project
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – primary schools’ category: Andrew Amanfo – P5 Ferryhill Primary School
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – secondary schools’ category: Jesudarasimi Omaoya (Dara)- S3 Castlebrae Community Campus
  • Artivism – primary schools’ category: Duddingston Primary School – A whole school Project
  • Artivism – secondary schools’ category:  Farah Joma – S4 St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School
  • Staff winner:  Laura-Jane Inglis. (Teacher of Modern Studies and Politics in the Faculty of Humanities)  James Gillespie’s High School
  • Judges Commendation Award 2025 is: Hazel Li S1 Craigmount High School

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, hosted the awards and said: “Most of us will be able to recall an inspiring or memorable teacher and Saroj Lal raised the bar in leading the way during her lifetime, and she continues to inspire Edinburgh learners through the legacy she left behind.

“Now in their third year, the awards recognise the work schools and pupils are doing to champion equality and promote diversity. It’s fantastic to see that so many schools have submitted entries this year, from art works, poems, films and animation, the entries this year include a real mix of mediums and at such a high standard.

“I want to congratulate the winners, and acknowledge all those who submitted an entry, for their creativity.

Vineet Lal, said: “The quality of entries this year has been outstanding and I want to thank pupils and staff across Edinburgh schools who have put so much thought and creativity in to their submissions this year. I have been blown away by the different ways that the art works have captured and showcased the themes of equality and diversity.

“Saroj was a force for good in her community and beyond, championing social justice and equality for all. She would be extremely proud to see that the awards in her name are now in their third year and that children and young people continue to be inspired by her pioneering work.”

Judges:

  • Vineet Lal, Saroj Lal’s son
  • Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
  • Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School,
  • Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work)
  • Elaine Oram, winner of the Saroj Lal Awards staff category last year and teacher at James Gillespies High School
  • Yashasvi Soni, student judge and S6 Pupil at Leith Academy
  • Scarlet D’Mellow, student judge and pupil at  Liberton High School

Sir Geoff Palmer Honoured with prestigious Fletcher of Saltoun Award

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for the Lothian Region and long-time friend of Sir Geoff Palmer, KT, OBE, CD, is delighted to celebrate that Sir Geoff has been named a recipient of an esteemed Fletcher of Saltoun Awards, receiving the Award for Public Life, from the Saltire Society of Scotland.

Recognised for his outstanding contributions to Scottish culture, Sir Geoff joins an illustrious list of over 65 individuals who have been celebrated in the award’s 35-year history.

Sir Geoff Palmer, a distinguished scientist, human rights activist, and academic, has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue on crucial social issues. As Scotland’s first Black professor, his groundbreaking research in brewing science has earned him international acclaim.

Beyond his academic achievements, Sir Geoff has been a tireless advocate for racial equality, education, and historical awareness, particularly in addressing Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

His work has significantly shaped national conversations on inclusivity and justice, with Mr. Choudhury and Sir Geoff working together through various community efforts and as leading members of the Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC).

Sir Geoff’s recognition does not stop at the Saltoun Awards; he has been recognised by ELREC as Honorary President, and in 2014 he was knighted with New Year Honours, a Jamaican Honorary Consul, Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, Jamaican Commander of Distinction, and more.

Mr. Choudhury is proud to celebrate Sir Geoff Palmer’s remarkable contributions to public life with the Fletcher of Saltoun Award.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Sir Geoff has been a close friend and mentor for many years. I am proud to see his groundbreaking work in research and in championing equality recognised.

“His achievements embody the spirit of the award, celebrating those who shape and enrich Scotland’s cultural and intellectual landscape.”

100,000 grieving families in financial difficulty left to cover £240m funeral bill

The cost of a simple, attended funeral has risen 3.5% in a year to £4,285 according to the 21st annual SunLife Cost of Dying report

  • 68% of people leave money behind to pay for their funeral, but only 38% leave enough – this lack of provision means that, on average, families are left to cover a shortfall of £1,695 – across the UK that’s almost £1bn
  • For 1 in 5 bereaved families – around 100,000 across the UK – covering this cost causes ‘notable financial concerns’
  • The shortfall for this group is higher at £2,370 – creating a total unpaid funeral debt of £240m which they are being forced to take on debt, ask loved ones for money, and even sell their belongings to cover
  • 75% say paying for a funeral impacted their mental health, while 60% said it impacted their physical health

The rising cost of funerals, combined with the fact only 1 in 3 people put enough provision in place to pay for them, is leaving some families with debt and impacting their mental and physical wellbeing, according to the 21st edition of the SunLife Cost of Dying Report.

The UK’s longest running report into funeral costs has found that the cost of a simple, attended funeral1 has risen 3.5% in a year to £4,285, while an unattended cremation (also known as a direct cremation) has risen 6.7% to £1,597.

The report also shows that while two thirds (68%) of people do make provisions to pay for their own funeral, only 38% leave enough to cover the whole cost. This lack of provision means that, on average, families are left to cover a shortfall of £1,695. 

While it is sometimes possible to release money from the deceased’s bank accounts for funeral costs before probate has taken place, a third of families are still left to cover at least some of the costs themselves, with 10% taking on debt to do so.

Cost of living crisis impacting families’ ability to cover funeral costs

According to SunLife’s findings, 33% of people who recently organised a funeral say the cost-of-living crisis impacted how they organised and paid for it. One in eight (13%) say they had to cut back on certain aspects of the funeral because they couldn’t afford it, and 10% say the cost of living crisis added an extra layer of stress.

One in five (22%) said paying for the funeral impacted their own standard of living, including 8% who had to cut back on essential items and 6% who struggled to pay essential bills.

1 in 5 suffer ‘notable’ financial difficulties paying for a funeral – and are struggling with £240m of funeral debt

The study also shows that for one in five (18%) families, having to find the money to pay for a loved ones’ funeral caused notable financial difficulties. This group have to find an average of £2,370 to cover the cost.

A quarter of those with notable financial concern report struggling to pay essential bills or rent, and 34% have to cut back on essential items such as food.  To make up the shortfall, one in four (24%) use a credit card, and 12% take out a loan to cover the cost. On average, this group take on £3,109 of debt.

A further one in four (23%) borrow from a friend or relative, while one in five (19%) sell belongings to cover the cost.

3 in 4 (75%) say paying for a funeral impacted their mental health, while 60% said it impacted their physical health. For some, costs may be recouped from the deceased’s estate once it has been administered. But, as a funeral typically takes place before probate, families may still be left struggling to cover the cost in the short term.

Mark Screeton, CEO at SunLife said: “Funeral costs have risen dramatically in the 21 years we’ve been tracking them. Back in 2004, the average cost of a simple, attended funeral was £1,835. Today, it stands at £4,285 – a staggering 134% increase, far outpacing inflation over the same period.

Couple this with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the fact that many people don’t leave enough provision to cover their funeral – or even share their preferences – and you have a situation where grieving families can be left struggling with debt at an already difficult time.

“Most of us have an idea of what we’d like for our own funeral, but we rarely communicate it. Our study shows just half of funeral organisers know whether loved ones wanted a burial or cremation, while other preferences are even less known. And with over £1,000 difference in cost between the two options, this can bring an extra layer of financial pressure when loved ones are worrying about ‘getting it right’.

“One of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones is to open up and plan ahead. We need to break the stigma around talking about death, start discussing the kind of send-off we want, and where we expect the money to come from. By doing so, we can spare our families unnecessary financial and emotional stress when the time comes.

“SunLife has a great free tool called My Perfect Send Off, which walks you through various funeral options and lets you record your preferences (or even lack thereof). You can then download and keep your wishes, or share them with a loved one.”

Read the full summary webpage and download SunLife’s comprehensive 2025 Cost of Dying PDF report at www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2025Download

More rights for victims of crime

Notification scheme to be expanded

More crime victims will get access to a range of information about the perpetrator and have a say on decisions about their prison release under newly unveiled justice reforms.

Currently victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender in their case has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, or with the Victim Information Scheme if the sentence was less than 18 months.

Under Scottish Government proposals to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, all victims will be able to register under one programme with the same right rights and same access to information, regardless of the length of the offender’s prison sentence.

A further proposal, if approved by MSPs, would give all victims the right to make representations where an offender is being considered for release on licence – and on the licence conditions they would like to see imposed. Currently this entitlement only applies where an offender was sentenced to four years or more in custody.

Improvements are also proposed to the range of information available through the VNS for victims of offenders in the forensic mental health system who are subject to a compulsion order and restriction order.

The plans build on previously announced proposed reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that will create a new Victim Contact Team to give personalised support based on a victim’s individual needs.

The latest plans are being introduced as proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, the next stage of which begins in the Scottish Parliament next week.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put victims’ rights at the heart of the justice system.

“Victims of crime will be able to sign up to one simplified notification scheme that allows them to receive information about the offenders and, if they wish, to have a say in decisions being made about the offenders, including their release. These changes recognise that a victim’s rights should not hinge on the length of sentence that the perpetrator is serving.

“One system will be easier for victims to navigate and this change will add to a raft of proposed reforms to the VNS, including the creation of a new Victim Contact Team.  We want victims to know their rights to receive information and to be supported to make informed choices on whether they wish to do so. We will continue to work closely with victims’ representatives as we take forward these reforms.”

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Panda & Sons and Grey Goose team up to launch Edinburgh’s hottest new cocktail trend

MEET 2025’S HOTTEST LITTLE TREND: THE GREY GOOSE® TINY ‘TINI

In 2025, small is the new big, with tiny drinks and shareable plates stealing hearts and dominating menus – the iconic vodka martini cocktail is joining the trend.

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE® Vodka Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a brand-new era of cocktail lovers.

 In case you hadn’t heard, the vodka martini cocktail is making a stylish comeback, blending timeless elegance with new bartender creativity to suit every taste. But for some, the classic martini cocktail can feel like a bit ‘too intimidating’.  

Introducing the new GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini. Partnering with renowned cocktail bars across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, the iconic vodka brand has worked with bars to introduce a flight of miniature GREY GOOSE vodka martini cocktails – perfectly chilled, perfectly sized, and perfect for social occasions.  

Tapping into the increasing trends of moderation, flavour exploration and accessible luxury, the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini makes vodka martini cocktails more approachable, proving that great things really do come in small packages. 

The ‘small and mini’ trend is showing no signs of slowing down for 2025 either – with more and more people developing a fascination for craftsmanship, where intricate, miniature designs are admired for their artistry, attention to detail – and flavour. 

Lexa Ulijaszek, UK Ambassador for GREY GOOSE commented: “When it comes to the vodka martini cocktail, size does matter for some. Sometimes a full-sized martini cocktail can be a little bit too intimidating.

“Or over the course of great conversation between friends, the final sip of your drink may not be as superbly chilled or balanced in taste as the beginning. As a result, the offer of a ‘sip sized cocktail’ is gaining traction across many of the UK’s most influential bars.”  

“A sip size GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini is the perfect solution – beautifully crafted, expertly chilled, elegantly served- with rich taste. A flight of three petite drinks allows you to responsibly enjoy the perfection of the ‘first sip’ of a martini cocktail while also experiencing a range of unique flavours. 

“The trend is very much a UK-wide affair, with some of the best bars across Manchester, Edinburgh and London all serving the GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini – ushering in a brand new and bold ‘sip sized’ era for the vodka martini cocktail.” 

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a whole new generation of cocktail lovers.  

Flights of GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini’s range £12 to £25 and will be available across London (A Bar with Shapes for a Name, and Lobby bar at The London EDITION), Manchester (Blinker) and Edinburgh (Panda & Sons) for a limited time. 



Where to sip a GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini:

(Subject to availability. We suggest reservations where possible to avoid disappointment. All pricing set by the venues and subject to change).

Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

79 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF 

£18 

Reserve online at: Panda & Sons

Available March 1, through April 30.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London

232 Kingsland Rd, Whitmore Estate, London E2 8AX 

£21 

Reserve online at: home | club bauhaus

Available March 1, through April 30.

The Lobby Bar at The London EDITION  

10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP 

£25 

Reserve online at: The London EDITION Lobby Bar | Soho London Bar & Cocktail Bar

Available March 3, through April 30.

Blinker, Manchester

64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ 

£12 for flight of 3, or £4.50 for a single miniature cocktail 

Reserve online at: Blinker

Available March 1, through April 30

PM: ‘Britain will lead from the front’

Prime Minister Starmer’s statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025

Mr. Speaker 

Less than a week since I called on this House to show the courage of our predecessors we see clearly before us – the test of our times. A crossroads in our history.   

So with permission I will update the House on my efforts to secure a strong, just and lasting peace following Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine. 

Mr. Speaker – it begins in this House where on Tuesday, I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.

But also – a rediscovery of the old post-war argument long-held on these benches that economic security is national security. 

Because Mr. Speaker, the demands we now have to make of Britain must come alongside a new foundation of security for working people. 

The tough choices we made last week, they are not done. We must use the process of getting to 3% of our national income spent on defence to fundamentally rebuild British industry. 

Use our investment in military spending to create new jobs and apprenticeships in every part of our country. 

And that’s why, last night, I announced a deal that perfectly symbolises this new era. 

A partnership with Ukraine that allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance to buy 5,000 air defence missiles, manufactured in Belfast. That means UK jobs, UK skills, UK finance , pulling together for our national interest.

Putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace and protecting innocent civilians from the terror of Russian drones. 

Mr. Speaker, my efforts continued on Thursday when I met President Trump in the White House to strengthen our relationship with America. 

Now, what happened in his subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy is something nobody in this House wants to see. 

But I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America for our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment. They are and always will be – indispensable. 

And we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if anything, the past week has shown that that idea to be totally unserious. Because while some people may enjoy the simplicity of taking a side, this week has shown with total clarity that the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine. 

So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US, confirmed by the President last week, because it is an opportunity I am determined to pursue. 

I welcome the positive discussions we had on European security, including his clear support for Article 5 of NATO. I welcome the understanding, from our dialogue that our two nations will work together on security arrangements for a lasting peace in Ukraine. 

And I also welcome the President’s continued commitment to that peace which nobody in this House should doubt for a second – is sincere. 

Mr. Speaker, I now turn to events this weekend and the moving scenes that greeted President Zelenskyy as he arrived in London on Saturday. 

Mr. Speaker I saw for myself that he was taken aback when the crowd in Whitehall cheered at the top of their voices, and they were speaking for the whole of our country.

A reminder – that this Government, this House and this nation stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine. 

Mr. Speaker, we resolved together to move forward the strong cause of just and lasting peace for Ukraine.  

And then on Sunday I hosted European leaders from across our continent, equally committed to this cause including President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, the leaders of NATO, the European Commission and Council and the Prime Minister of Canada, a vital ally of this country, the Commonwealth and Ukraine responsible for training over 40,000 Ukrainian troops.  

I also had the privilege beforehand of speaking online to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – each of whom, as close as they are to the frontline with Russia, stressed the urgency of the moment. 

And Mr. Speaker, it was a productive summit. Together, we agreed a clear strategy. That the United Kingdom, France and our allies will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, which we will then discuss directly with the United States. 

It is a plan that has four clear principles, which I will now share in full with the House:

First, that we must keep the military aid to Ukraine flowing, keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. And to that end, alongside our partnership on air defence we are doubling-down on military aid. 

Already this year we have taken our support to record levels but on Saturday we also agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine backed, not by the British taxpayer but by the profits from frozen Russian assets.

Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and security of Ukraine. And that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future. That is absolutely vital. 

Third, we agreed that in the event of a peace deal we will continue to boost Ukraine’s defences and Ukraine’s deterrence. 

And finally, fourth.we agreed to develop a “coalition of the willing” ready to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee the peace. 

After all, the Ukrainian position is completely understandable. For them, the war did not begin three years ago. That was merely the latest and most brutal escalation.  

They have signed agreements with Putin, before. They have experienced the nature of his diplomacy and the calibre of his word.  

We can’t accept a weak deal like Minsk again, No, we must proceed with strength and that does now require – urgently – a coalition of the willing. 

Mr. Speaker – we agreed on Sunday that those willing to play a role in this will intensify planning now.  And as this House would expect Britain will play a leading role. With, if necessary and together with others, boots on the ground and planes in the air. 

Mr. Speaker, it is right that Europe do the heavy lifting to support peace on our continent. But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing. 

I want to assure the House I take none of this lightly. I visited British troops in Estonia and no aspect of my role weighs more heavily than the deployment of British troops in the service of the defence and security in Europe.

And yet I do feel very strongly that the future of Ukraine is vital for our national security. 

Russia is a menace in our waters and skies, They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS, assassination attempts in our streets.  

In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do but we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so. Because if we do not achieve a lasting peace then the instability and insecurity that has hit the living standards of working people in Britain that will only get worse. 

And Putin’s appetite for conflict and chaos that will only grow. 

So a strong peace, a just peace, a lasting peace, that has now to be our goal.  

It is vital, it is in our interest and its pursuit – Britain will lead from the front. 

For the security of our continent, the security of our country and the security of the British people we must now win the peace. 

And I commend this statement to the House.

UPDATE

Stakes have been raised since Starmer’s announcement to Westminster yesterday. A spokesman for the Trump government announced overnight that the USA is is to ‘pause’ military aid to Ukraine.

Trump’s USA is by far the biggest contributor to Ukraine’s military effort and this latest statement of American intent, if carried out, deals a grevious blow to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invaders.

Europe’s ‘coalition of the willing’ may have to come up with a revised plan – and quickly.