Politics

Government reveals employment reforms

The government has published the ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’, striving to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate.

MPs to vote on landmark smoking bill

MPs are voting on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on November 26, 2024. The bill aims to protect future generations from “a life imprisoned by addiction”.

Government urged to prioritise dentistry

Dental Protection has called on the government to prioritise access to NHS dentistry in its 10-year health plan for England.

Tobacco sales ban garners support from Northern Irish minister

Mike Nesbitt, health minister for Northern Ireland, has welcomed the introduction of the ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill receives cross-party support

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smoking and Health, a cross-party group of parliamentarians who campaign on tobacco control, welcomed the return of the ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’ to...

‘Change in approach’ needed for NHS dentistry, says the BDA

The British Dental Association (BDA) has published an open letter to the chancellor, stressing that the government must extend the relief from National Insurance contributions offered to hospitals, to...

‘Postcode penalty’ for poorest families must end, says Scottish Labour

The SNP must “end the postcode penalty” which means the poorest families in Scotland are more likely to get rotten teeth as children, Scottish Labour has said.

Millions of workers set to receive pay boost in 2025

The chancellor of the exchequer has confirmed the national living wage will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025.

Government’s ‘rescue plan’ faces criticism

The British Dental Association (BDA) has expressed concerns over the government’s ‘rescue plan’ for dentistry, as it appears that the treasury has squeezed plans for investment.

Government urged to invest in a smokefree country

In an open letter published by The BMJ, health professionals have warned that unless smoking is addressed, there is no prospect of delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitment to halve the gap in...

Hundreds of Scottish dentists retiring early adding to shortage, says minister

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has revealed that Scotland is losing dozens of dentists every year to early retirement despite dentist shortages across the country.

Scottish minister calls for changes to dental practice funding scheme

Changes to a scheme designed to improve patient access to dentists are needed, according to Scottish Labour. This follows information that just nine dental practices received funding from the scheme...