Health minister decries criticism of vaccinations by heads of four authorities as ‘dangerous and utterly irresponsible’ A third of Reform UK’s council leaders across the country have expressed vaccine-sceptic views, openly questioning public health measures that keep millions safe. The leaders of four of the 12 councils where Reform is in charge or the largest party – Kent, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Durham – are among those in the party who have publicly criticised vaccinations. Continue reading...

Fifty-one pedestrians had been killed on the state’s roads this year as of Saturday – the most in any calendar year since 2008.

The 70-metre-long cloth about the Norman invasion has not been seen in England since it was created in 11th century The Bayeux tapestry will be insured for an estimated £800m when it returns to the UK in 2026 for the first time in more than 900 years. The Treasury will insure the 70-metre embroidered cloth, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings, for damage or loss during its transfer from France and while it is on display at the British Museum from September. It will back the cover under the Government Indemnity Scheme, an alternative to commercial insurance that allows art and cultural objects to be shown in the UK. The Financial Times reported the Treasury had provisionally approved an estimated valuation for the tapestry with the final valuation expected to be about £800m. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “The Government Indemnity Scheme is a longstanding scheme that allows museums and galleries to borrow high value works for major exhibitions, increasing visitor numbers and providing public benefits. “Without this cover, public museums and galleries would face a substantial commercial insurance premium, which would be significantly less cost effective.” Continue reading...