Five-day doctor strike will go ahead, says BMA
A five-day strike by resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in England will proceed starting 25 July, following talks between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government that failed to produce a resolution. Despite five days of discussion, the BMA stated that no credible offer for pay restoration was made. Health secretary Wes Streeting urged the union to postpone the strike, promising to continue talks, but the BMA maintained that pay remains central to the dispute. The Government offered non-pay improvements, such as exam fee coverage, greater rota transparency, and potential student loan forgiveness, but could not offer further pay increases. Resident doctors received a 5.4% pay rise this year, following a 22% increase over the past two years. However, the BMA argues real-terms pay remains 20% lower than in 2008. NHS England is attempting to limit disruption by restricting the cancellation of non-urgent treatments, a move some doctors warn could jeopardise safety. The strike risks renewed pressure on an already strained health system.
‘A crisis boiling over’: Essex community divided over violent migrant protests
Epping, a historic Essex town, remains divided following ten days of protests outside the Bell Hotel, which houses asylum seekers. Tensions erupted after an Ethiopian resident was charged with sexual assault, prompting both peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes. Smoke flares, injuries to police, and arrests followed, with far-right figures reported among the protestors. While some locals insist the protests were motivated by child safety concerns, not race, others fear Epping is being manipulated by outsiders stirring hate. A growing police presence and physical barriers now surround the hotel, with more demonstrations expected. Local MP Dr Neil Hudson has urged the government to close the hotel and condemned violence as 'deeply troubling.' Residents voice mixed views - some fearful and disturbed, others dismissing the unrest as exaggerated by the media. The charity Hope Not Hate warns that far-right groups are exploiting community tensions to spread division. Amid growing anxiety and fractured public opinion, many call for the legal process to be respected and for peace to be restored to the community.
Minehead: Community's pain after deadly school bus crash
Minehead is mourning the loss of a 10-year-old boy after a tragic school bus crash injured several others. The bus, carrying over 60 students and staff, veered off the road while returning from a trip to the zoo. Churches in the town have responded swiftly, offering prayer, pastoral care, and safe spaces for grieving. Tommy Pratt, a trainee minister at Minehead Baptist Church, described the incident’s deep impact on the close-knit community. Church members with ties to the school were among those affected, and many locals are still 'processing' the shock. Churches across denominations are coordinating efforts to support families, school staff, and medical workers. The Hub café has opened its doors for prayer and conversation, and churches are preparing Sunday services with space for lament and reflection. A GoFundMe appeal has raised over £15,000 for affected families. Amid sorrow, the community’s unified and compassionate response has become a source of strength. Church leaders are praying for God’s peace, healing, and comfort during this time of collective grief.
Ukraine: new peace talks, says Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine and Russia will engage in another round of talks on 23 July in Turkey. This comes at a time of intensified Russian drone attacks and continued escalation in the long-running conflict, now in its fourth year. While earlier talks have led to prisoner exchanges, little progress has been made toward achieving a lasting peace. Russia’s conditions for ending the war include Ukraine’s full withdrawal from the regions of the country now occupied by Russia, and international recognition of territories it has claimed since 2014, including Crimea. Ukraine, on the other hand, seeks a ceasefire, restoration of its borders (to 2013), return of all abducted children, release of civilians, and the exchange of prisoners of war. Donald Trump has voiced support for increased sanctions on Russia to pressure a resolution, urging both sides to reach an agreement swiftly. The world watches closely as diplomatic efforts resume amid deep divisions and ongoing violence.
