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Baroness Boothroyd Remembered: Tributes from Parliamentary Speakers

UK Parliament mourns the loss of its first female Speaker, Betty Boothroyd.

The UK Parliament is paying tribute to the trailblazing Betty Boothroyd, Baroness Boothroyd, following the announcement of her death. Baroness Boothroyd, the first and only female Speaker of the House of Commons, passed away at the age of 93.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, expressed his sadness, describing her as an “inspiring woman” and a “formidable politician.” Reflecting on her groundbreaking role, he remarked, “To be the first woman Speaker was truly groundbreaking, and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache.” He also admired her no-nonsense approach, humor, and charm, which earned her respect across the political spectrum.

Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, highlighted her extraordinary contributions, noting, “Betty has firmly secured her place in the history books.” He praised her exemplary leadership as Speaker from 1992 and her continued service in the House of Lords for over two decades. He recalled her last parliamentary contribution in 2020, at the age of 90, as a testament to her enduring commitment to public service.

Baroness Boothroyd’s legacy as a sharp, witty, and steadfast defender of parliamentary integrity will remain a significant part of the UK’s political history. Condolences have been extended to her family and friends as the nation honors her remarkable life and career.

Stacey Solomon Shares Heartwarming Family Photo with Baby Belle

Stacey Solomon Shares Heartwarming Family Photo with Baby Belle

The TV star embraces motherhood with her newborn and older children.

Stacey Solomon has captured the hearts of her followers by sharing a delightful family photo featuring her newborn baby Belle, along with her one-year-old daughter Rose and three-year-old son Rex. The TV personality welcomed her and husband Joe Swash’s third child earlier this month and has been keeping her fans updated on her postpartum journey.

In her latest Instagram post, Solomon, 33, is seen breastfeeding baby Belle on the sofa, surrounded by her two older children, who are cuddled up close. The joyful scene shows Solomon beaming as Rex and Rose laugh and snuggle against her.

In her caption, she expressed her happiness, writing: “My happy place [teary eyed emoji].”

Solomon and Swash, who tied the knot in July 2022 at their home in Essex, have a blended family that includes Solomon’s sons from previous relationships—14-year-old Zachary and 10-year-old Leighton—as well as Swash’s 15-year-old son Harry.

Earlier this week, Solomon opened up about having “a little cry” after Belle achieved a new milestone during a routine health check. “For the first time in five babies, Belle is above her birth weight of 5lb 10 ounces and is now 6lb 8 ounces,” she shared, expressing her joy that breastfeeding is going well. “I had a little cry! My little piggy,” she added.

The arrival of baby Belle was announced by the couple on 11 February, just weeks after Solomon revealed her surprise pregnancy. In a heartfelt Instagram update, she wrote: “She’s here. Our beautiful daughter born at home with all of your brothers and sisters ready to snuggle you forever and ever. You literally flew into our world… And none of us can quite believe your thick dark head of hair that we just can’t get over. We can’t believe you’re here.”

Finding out she was pregnant with Belle was a “huge surprise,” Solomon told her fans, describing it as a “shocker.”

Woman’s Rare Condition Causes Temporary Blindness While Driving

Woman’s Rare Condition Causes Temporary Blindness While Driving

Shannen Broodryk’s alarming experience highlights the dangers of a little-known brain disorder.

Shannen Broodryk, 28, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition that caused her vision to sporadically “switch off,” even while driving on the M5 motorway. During a journey from Oxford to Bristol, she suddenly found herself unable to see.

In a miraculous turn of events, Shannen managed to pull over onto the hard shoulder just in time, narrowly avoiding a potential disaster. She had previously experienced episodes of temporary blindness but felt her concerns were not adequately addressed by healthcare professionals.

Eventually, she was referred to an eye hospital, where she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition characterised by increased pressure on the brain. This condition can lead to swelling of the optic nerve, double vision, nausea, memory issues, and even speech difficulties.

To alleviate her symptoms, Shannen underwent surgery to insert a shunt, a thin tube designed to redirect excess fluid from her brain. Despite this, she continues to struggle with blurred vision.

Recalling her terrifying experience on the motorway, Shannen said, “I was on my way back from Oxford and lost my vision while driving. I could see light but had no idea what was in front of me. It felt like someone had put frosted glass over my eyes. I must have had an angel looking over me.”

Living in Horsham, Wiltshire, with her husband Joshua, Shannen had complained of dizziness and blurred vision in the months leading up to the incident. “I had a terrible headache and a ringing in my ears. It felt like my head was going to explode,” she recalled.

After the frightening episode, Shannen drove home and contacted her GP, subsequently visiting Bristol Eye Hospital for an examination. “I was in denial that anything was seriously wrong, but my vision still wasn’t right. I was panicked and terrified of causing an accident,” she added.

At the hospital, the doctor suggested inviting her family to sit with her, which heightened her fears. “I was scared I was going to lose my life. They needed to check for a large tumour, a blood clot, or IIH,” she explained.

Following an MRI and a CT venogram to rule out the tumour and blood clot, doctors discovered an abnormal level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). “They pulled out an unusually high amount of CSF during my lumbar puncture. Most people have levels between 10 and 17, but mine was above 45,” Shannen noted.

Transferred to Southmead Hospital, Shannen underwent further treatment to preserve her sight. “I couldn’t see the doctors, but the shunt they inserted saved my vision,” she said.

Despite the intervention, Shannen continues to deal with the repercussions of her condition, requiring medication to manage her symptoms. “The swelling has decreased, but the effects are still very much present. The pressure ruptured both of my retinas, leading to the loss of my driving licence for two years and my job,” she added.

Phil Jones Hails Marcus Rashford as the World’s Best Player

Phil Jones Hails Marcus Rashford as the World’s Best Player

Rashford’s impressive form continues to shine since his World Cup return.

Manchester United’s Phil Jones has declared that Marcus Rashford is “probably the best player in the world” based on his current form. Rashford has been in remarkable scoring form, netting 16 goals in 18 appearances since his return from the World Cup.

His contributions have been vital, helping United reach the Carabao Cup final and advance to the knockout stages of the Europa League, while the team remains competitive in the title race, trailing behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Jones spoke to Sky Sports, emphasising Rashford’s exceptional performance. “He came back from the World Cup probably not starting as many games as he would have liked [for England],” Jones noted. “He’s knuckled down and become sharper and stronger, which is evident in his performances this season.”

Jones highlighted the difficulties defenders face against Rashford, noting his versatility in attack, including goals from various positions and his recent success with headers. “His all-round game has hit heights he probably didn’t think he was going to reach. He’s been brilliant, and on current form, he’s probably the best player in the world.”

When asked about Rashford’s physical development, Jones remarked, “His body shape and strength in the gym show he’s worked really hard on himself. The club has supported him well. I’m delighted for him; he deserves it, and I hope he can make a significant impact today.”

Latest NHS reforms will not succeed until Government fixes longstanding problems

Major NHS reform faces significant challenges due to systemic issues and lack of clear plans.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has released a report warning that the latest NHS reforms, particularly the introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), will not succeed unless the Government addresses deep-rooted issues plaguing the National Health Service. These reforms aim to better integrate NHS services with local government efforts to focus on prevention. However, the PAC argues that without clear evidence of patient benefits or a timeline for improvements, these changes are unlikely to resolve the fundamental problems within the system.

The Committee highlights several critical areas that must be addressed for the reforms to succeed. Chief among them is the massive backlog of elective care, which has now surpassed seven million cases. The NHS and social care workforce are struggling with severe shortages, and demand for services continues to rise at an unsustainable rate. The estate in which NHS services are delivered is also deteriorating, with the cost of necessary maintenance reaching £9 billion, half of which is classified as high or significant risk.

The report also stresses that national leadership is crucial to addressing these challenges, but the new ICS framework lacks adequate oversight. Key national projects, such as the NHS Workforce Plan and capital funding strategy, have been repeatedly delayed, leading to what the Committee describes as “paralysis by analysis.” This lack of decisive action on these issues poses a significant risk to the success of the reform and to the health of the nation.

Furthermore, there are growing concerns about the governance of ICSs, particularly regarding the management of proceeds from the sale of NHS assets. These unresolved issues add further uncertainty to an already strained system. The PAC also points out that not enough is being done to focus on preventing ill-health, an essential element of the reforms.

In addition, the report raises alarm over the underfunding of NHS dental care. The lack of adequate access to NHS-funded dental services could lead to more severe dental health problems down the line, exacerbating existing pressures on the healthcare system.

The PAC concludes that the Government must provide a clear strategy for how ICSs will lead to tangible improvements for patients and the healthcare system at large. Without this, the much-needed reforms will fail to meet their objectives, leaving the NHS vulnerable to further decline.

Foreign Affairs Committee issues call for evidence on UK universities and autocracies

The Foreign Affairs Committee seeks public input on university engagement with autocracies to guide future work.

The Foreign Affairs Committee has issued a call for written evidence regarding the relationships between UK universities and autocratic regimes. This inquiry aims to assess the implications of such ties and is a follow-up to the Committee’s report “A Cautious Embrace: Defending Democracy in an Age of Autocracies.” The report raised concerns over academic institutions’ collaboration with governments that do not uphold democratic values, focusing on the potential risks these partnerships could pose to both academic freedom and national security.

The Committee has expressed the need to explore whether UK universities’ engagements with autocracies are compromising their commitment to democratic principles. Given the current global political climate, this inquiry aims to scrutinize how such relationships could potentially weaken democratic structures and values, especially in the context of growing autocratic influence worldwide.

One of the major concerns is the potential for universities to become a platform for regimes that suppress free speech, human rights, and democratic governance. As academic institutions are often seen as custodians of free thought and open debate, these collaborations may inadvertently lend legitimacy to undemocratic regimes, which could undermine public trust in the role universities play in fostering a democratic society.

Additionally, the inquiry will examine the national security implications of UK universities maintaining ties with autocracies. Some universities may receive funding or research partnerships from foreign governments that might be involved in activities contrary to the interests of the UK. This is especially relevant as foreign interference in academic institutions has become a growing concern globally.

The Committee also intends to gather evidence on the potential benefits that such collaborations might bring. These benefits could include opportunities for academic exchange, research, and international cooperation. However, the Committee aims to weigh these benefits against the risks posed by collaborating with regimes that have authoritarian tendencies.

The evidence submitted will help inform the Committee’s ongoing work and influence future recommendations. The Foreign Affairs Committee is inviting submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Through this inquiry, the Committee aims to develop a more informed and balanced approach to the relationships between UK universities and autocracies, helping to safeguard the principles of democracy, academic freedom, and national security in the years to come.

Lord Speaker’s thanks to President Zelenskyy

The Lord Speaker expresses gratitude for President Zelenskyy’s address to Parliament on 8 February 2023.

On 8 February 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine addressed both Houses of the UK Parliament in Westminster Hall. Following his powerful speech, the Lord Speaker thanked him for his inspiring words and leadership.

In his remarks, the Lord Speaker highlighted the bravery, resilience, and fortitude displayed by President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. He compared their determination to the enduring strength of Westminster Hall, which had withstood fires and bombings throughout history, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of both the UK and Ukraine in times of crisis.

He emphasized that the presence of President Zelenskyy and his leadership has been a beacon of hope not only for Ukraine but for people around the world. The Lord Speaker noted how, even under threat, President Zelenskyy remained visible and steadfast in his commitment to defend his nation, offering reassurance to Ukrainians and the world alike.

The Lord Speaker further praised President Zelenskyy for his vision of a reconstructed Ukraine that would play a significant role in Europe’s future, an inspiring message that continues to guide the Ukrainian people through the challenges they face.

Lastly, the Lord Speaker acknowledged the selflessness and unity that President Zelenskyy exemplifies, qualities that make him a great leader. He concluded by expressing the solidarity of the UK Parliament with Ukraine, wishing President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people strength and success in their fight for freedom.

Coming up in the Commons 27 February- 3 March

Overview of scheduled debates and upcoming business in the House of Commons.

From 27 February to 3 March, the House of Commons is set to hold a variety of important debates and discussions. The business was announced in the Commons Chamber by the Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt MP, on Thursday, 23 February. However, it is important to note that the schedule is subject to changes throughout the week, and updates will be provided as necessary.

The Commons will address several pressing topics, including debates and questions on matters of national importance. While the specific debates were not outlined in the announcement, members are expected to tackle a range of issues relevant to both domestic and international concerns.

As part of the usual parliamentary procedure, there will also be opportunities for urgent questions and statements to be raised. These will allow MPs to seek clarity on immediate or urgent matters that require the government’s attention or a formal response.

For those interested in specific topics or questions, the Order of Business will provide a full list of scheduled questions and any urgent matters to be addressed on the day. Additionally, the Question Book will contain advanced details on any questions that MPs plan to raise during this period.

As usual, the proceedings in the Commons will cover a wide range of issues that are critical to public policy and the functioning of government, allowing MPs to challenge the government’s plans and hold ministers accountable for their decisions.

These sessions are a key part of the democratic process, enabling MPs to scrutinize legislation, address concerns, and ensure that government actions are in line with public expectations and needs.

Be sure to stay updated on any potential changes to the schedule as the week progresses.

MPs to Debate Registered Sex Offenders Changing Their Name

Discussion to focus on the legal implications and safety concerns around name changes.

On 2 March, MPs will hold a general debate regarding the issue of registered sex offenders changing their names. This debate, led by Sarah Champion, will explore the potential risks and legal challenges posed by name changes for individuals on the sex offender register.

The Backbench Business Committee, responsible for organizing such debates, meets weekly to determine which subjects will be addressed in Parliament, taking into account the time constraints.

The debate will be streamed live on Parliament TV, and a full transcript will be available on Commons Hansard within three hours after its conclusion.

This discussion will aim to evaluate current laws and regulations, and determine if changes are needed to better protect the public and improve transparency.

MPs to Hold Debate on Welsh Affairs

Discussion set to focus on key issues affecting Wales and its future.

On 2 March, MPs will gather to debate Welsh affairs, with a focus on the region’s economic and social challenges. The debate, introduced by Carolyn Harris, will address critical issues that impact Wales, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The Backbench Business Committee, which organizes debates based on MPs’ requests, will oversee the discussion. The committee meets weekly to decide which topics will be prioritized during the limited time available in Parliament.

The session will be broadcast live on Parliament TV, and a full transcript will be available on Commons Hansard within three hours of the debate’s conclusion.

This debate offers MPs an opportunity to voice concerns and propose solutions for Wales, ensuring that the nation’s unique issues are addressed in the wider context of UK policy.