Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair claimed in a recent article that by the end of this decade, the UK could be spending more on incapacity and disability benefits than on defence. This is correct, but missing important context: it is already the case that the UK spends more on health and disability benefits than defence. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has said that in 2025/26 the UK was forecast to spend £83.4 billion on health and disability benefits, compared to planned defence spending of £62.2 billion. By 2028/29, health and disability spending is expected to reach £99.6 billion, while defence spending is set at £73.5 billion.
Footage shared thousands of times on social media shows a group of people wearing masks attacking a church, with claims it depicts recent events in Yorkshire. However, the video was actually filmed in Mexico. We traced the clip to reports of an incident showing people damaging the doors of the Church of San Francisco in Santiago de Queretaro in March 2026, following International Women's Day demonstrations. There is no evidence of protesters recently attempting to set fire to any churches in Yorkshire.
False claims that wearing sunglasses prevents tanning and raises your risk of skin cancer have been spreading online. A Facebook post contains video clips of Andreas Moritz, a 'medical intuitive' who reportedly died in 2012. Mr Moritz claims sunglasses block UV light from reaching the eyes, preventing the brain from producing a hormone needed for melanin production, leaving skin 'susceptible' to sunlight. This theory has no scientific basis. Melanin is produced locally by cells in the skin in direct response to UV exposure, not dependent on light entering the eyes. The NHS recommends verified sunglasses to protect eyes from UV damage, and evidence shows they reduce the risk of ocular melanoma.
