Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whose father has Alzheimer's, has committed to reforming social care, acknowledging that millions of families face unfairness under the current system. Speaking from personal experience, Burnham praised the carers who looked after his father and stated they should be among the best-paid people in society, not the worst. Care workers perform demanding and intimate work, yet many survive on poverty wages while 1.9 million older people lack necessary support.
Decades of Inaction
For decades, governments have avoided reform due to difficult choices and political risks, leaving families to bear the burden. Cross-party talks must signal an end to delay and excuses. While accelerating the Casey Commission is welcome, Britain requires more than another report. A universal, properly funded care system would protect dignity, reward carers, and prevent families from facing the crisis alone.
Maternity Unit Closure Threatens Safety
Closing the maternity unit at England's most remote mainland hospital risks making childbirth dangerous. North Devon District Hospital lacks doctors, forcing pregnant women in the southwest to travel up to 90 minutes to Exeter. For women in fast labour, this could be catastrophic. Ministers must not treat this as a local staffing issue. Doctors should be brought in to keep births in Barnstaple, ensuring mothers and babies have access to safe, dignified care close to home.
Sara Pascoe Embraces TV Humiliation
Sara Pascoe has said that appearing on Celebrity Gladiators will fulfil her childhood dream of humiliating herself on television. She deserves credit for volunteering, though she may face giants in Lycra armed with pugil sticks. The bruises will be new, but the faces will be familiar.
