Half of disability benefit rise since Covid is due to mental health
New analysis reveals that over half of the rise in disability benefit claims since Covid is due to mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. The number of working-age adults on sickness benefits has surged by nearly a million, with 2.9 million now receiving disability benefits. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns of a real decline in mental health, pointing to increased NHS mental health referrals, antidepressant prescriptions, and a 24% rise in 'deaths of despair' - including suicides and drug-related fatalities. The government is considering £5 billion in cuts to disability benefits, arguing the system is unsustainable. However, mental health experts caution that reducing support could worsen financial hardship and increase suffering. Critics argue that addressing root causes such as economic stability, job quality, and early mental health intervention is key to tackling this crisis. As mental health struggles continue to rise, prayer is needed for wise leadership and compassionate solutions for those affected.
Assisted suicide: activists continue to reject safeguards
As the Assisted Dying Bill continues through committee review, concerns have grown over insufficient safeguards for vulnerable patients. MPs backing the bill have rejected multiple amendments aimed at preventing coercion, medical misjudgments, and unsafe practices. Despite warnings of ‘doctor shopping’, where patients seek multiple approvals until they find a doctor who consents, MPs voted against stricter oversight. Concerns were also raised over the lack of judicial review, meaning life-ending decisions could be made without proper legal scrutiny. Evidence from Oregon revealed serious complications and prolonged suffering in some assisted suicides, contradicting claims of quick and painless deaths. MPs rejected a proposal to require doctors to warn patients of these risks. Coercion remains a major concern, with an amendment requiring doctors to ask why patients are seeking assisted suicide being voted down. Many fear patients may feel pressured due to illness, loneliness, or financial burdens, rather than making a truly independent choice. With serious ethical and medical concerns unresolved, prayer is needed for wisdom, compassion, and support for the doctors, nurses and hospices on the front line.
Christian preacher acquitted after being prosecuted for criticising Islam
A judge has thrown out the case against Christian preacher Karandeep Mamman, who was arrested after being threatened and assaulted by an Islamic mob while publicly sharing his faith. Despite being harassed and surrounded in Walsall town centre, Mamman was later prosecuted for causing religiously aggravated harassment. His preaching, which included critiquing Islam’s depiction of Jesus, angered a group of 20-30 people who threatened to beat him and cut his throat. CCTV footage confirmed that he was the victim of aggression, yet police charged him instead of those who attacked him. His lawyers successfully argued that prosecuting him violated free speech rights, and the judge ruled not guilty after the prosecution withdrew evidence. Mamman praised God for the outcome, warning that Christians must not be silenced for publicly sharing the Gospel. As free speech in the UK faces growing challenges, believers must pray for boldness in proclaiming Christ.
Christian preacher acquitted after being prosecuted for criticising Islam
A judge has thrown out the case against Christian preacher Karandeep Mamman, who was arrested after being threatened and assaulted by an Islamic mob while publicly sharing his faith. Despite being harassed and surrounded in Walsall town centre, Mamman was later prosecuted for causing religiously aggravated harassment. His preaching, which included critiquing Islam’s depiction of Jesus, angered a group of 20-30 people who threatened to beat him and cut his throat. CCTV footage confirmed that he was the victim of aggression, yet police charged him instead of those who attacked him. His lawyers successfully argued that prosecuting him violated free speech rights, and the judge ruled not guilty after the prosecution withdrew evidence. Mamman praised God for the outcome, warning that Christians must not be silenced for publicly sharing the Gospel. As free speech in the UK faces growing challenges, believers must pray for boldness in proclaiming Christ.
