Matt Hancock foresaw the failure of the October 2020 COVID tier system, admitting in a witness statement that he was in despair over implementing a policy he knew wouldn’t work.

Recent analysis reveals a 61% increase in destitution in the UK since 2019, with 3.8 million people affected in 2022. Of concern is the steep rise in destitution among children (an 88% increase), impacting their long-term development and perpetuating societal inequalities.

UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people. Progressive welfare reform would tackle disablist policies, banning sanctions and raising benefits to reflect the true costs of living.

The budget aims to address the Tories’ economic strategy and the cost of living crisis ahead of the general election. Given the challenging economic outlook, the budget may include tax cuts and measures to boost growth, but challenges like inconsistent policies and pressure to cut benefits persist.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay received a £3,000 donation from climate change sceptic Sir Michael Hintze, raising concerns about Barclay’s stance on environmental issues and potential conflicts of interest, prompting scrutiny of the government’s commitment to environmental goals.

Rishi Sunak remains committed to stopping small boat crossings while exploring alternative “safe” countries. The PM stands firm, citing European examples, amid the political dispute over the European Court’s role in immigration strategy.

The Hallett Inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic unveils dysfunction in the UK government, revealing intersections with Brexit. Testimonies depict Boris Johnson’s incompetence, a toxic culture, and how Brexit hampered pandemic planning.