Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to decide the future of the NHS’s controversial contract with US technology company Palantir. Labour MPs and campaigners want the government to use a contractual break clause to end the deal, but no decision to cancel it has yet been announced. (WIRED) The dispute raises a question many NHS patients are likely to have: does Palantir actually have access to their medical records, and what would happen if the government ended the contract? What’s actually true about the £330m NHS contract? The contract is for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), a…
Author: Editor
Clinics in established medical tourism markets commonly bundle non-clinical services into treatment pricing under the description “all-inclusive”. The term is applied inconsistently across the sector, and its commercial logic is worth setting out. Standard inclusions ComponentTypical provisionAccommodationSix nights, arranged by the clinicAirport transfersPrivate vehicle, arrival and departureClinic transfersPrivate vehicle for each appointmentDiagnostic imagingCT and panoramic imaging on siteCoordinationA named coordinator for the duration of treatmentFlightsNot included — patient responsibility Flights are excluded from essentially all such packages. Where they are advertised as included, the cost has been incorporated into the treatment price. Threshold economics Packages are conditional on a minimum…
A parliamentary by-election does not normally make a London neighbourhood unsafe. For people living, working or staying in Holborn and St Pancras, the 8 October 2026 by-election is more likely to mean extra campaign activity, journalists, political events and occasional visible policing than a major change in personal safety. This contest is attracting more attention than an ordinary vacancy because the seat was represented by Sir Keir Starmer from 2015 until his resignation from Parliament on 1 September 2026. Starmer also served as Prime Minister between July 2024 and July 2026. The official Camden Council notice confirms that voting will…
A text message claiming you are owed a tax refund can be tempting to act on, particularly if it arrives when you are expecting money back from HMRC. But scammers regularly use the promise of a refund to trick people into handing over personal details, banking information or access to their accounts. The key question is not simply whether the message looks genuine, but how you can check whether you are actually due a refund without putting your money or personal information at risk. What’s actually true about HMRC tax refund texts? HMRC does send some legitimate text messages, so…
Customer expectations have changed considerably as digital technology has become part of everyday life. People are now accustomed to completing tasks independently through mobile apps, websites, digital payments, and automated services, and they increasingly expect the same convenience when interacting with businesses in physical environments. Working with an experienced self-service kiosk manufacturer can help organisations create intuitive digital touchpoints that give customers greater control while supporting efficient service delivery. From retail and hospitality to healthcare, leisure, transport, and corporate environments, self-service technology is changing how people access information, complete transactions, and interact with organisations. Customers Increasingly Value Greater Control Modern…
Almost 7 million UK adults may be heading towards retirement without knowing what State Pension they are currently on track to receive. New research published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) says one in eight adults has never checked their State Pension forecast — a simple check that can reveal gaps in a National Insurance record and show when someone is expected to qualify. The finding matters because leaving the check until retirement can mean discovering important information later than is ideal. What’s actually true about the State Pension HMRC’s latest research found that 12.5% of UK adults had never…
Nearly three decades after Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman first played the Owens sisters, Practical Magic 2 has finally arrived in UK cinemas. But after years of anticipation, the big question for fans is whether the sequel has managed to recreate the charm of the 1998 cult favourite — or whether nostalgia has done more of the work than the new story. The early answer is mixed. The film is now playing in UK cinemas, but critics have been considerably less enchanted than many fans hoped. What’s actually true about Practical Magic 2? The sequel was released in UK cinemas…
Starting a franchise can be an exciting way to run a business using an established brand, business model, and support system. However, before signing a franchise agreement, it is important to understand what the agreement says. This legal document explains the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee and sets out the rules both sides must follow. Many new business owners may ask, what is a franchise agreement and why is it important? A franchise agreement is a legal contract between a franchisor, who owns the business brand and system, and a franchisee, who receives permission to operate a business under…
John Bishop has cancelled upcoming comedy appearances after breaking his ankle in a motorbike accident, leaving fans wondering whether the injury could affect his wider touring plans. The immediate cancellations are confirmed, but there is currently no indication that his planned 2027 UK and Ireland tour has been cancelled. What’s actually true The 59-year-old comedian has confirmed that he broke his ankle after a motorbike ride with astronaut Tim Peake. Bishop has spoken about the injury on social media, saying he was due to see a specialist to get a clearer idea of how the ankle would heal. The injury…
Expanding a business is an exciting opportunity, but it can also present complex challenges. Whether you are planning to franchise an established company or exploring franchising as a way to enter new markets, having the right guidance can make the process more manageable. A franchise consultant can provide valuable expertise, strategic direction, and practical support to help business owners develop sustainable growth plans. By understanding your goals and evaluating your business model, a consultant can help you identify opportunities while avoiding common mistakes that could slow your expansion. Developing a Clear Franchise Growth Strategy One of the first ways a…