They were cheaper in the short term (thereby freeing New Labour from having to make responsible decisions about taxes and spending) but are much more expensive in the long term, as NHS trusts around the country are still bankrupting themselves paying back private loans at ruinously high interest rates.
Health secretary Wes Streeting says private financing of public services – so-called PFIs – could be the way to make the NHS fit for purpose (Metro, Tue).
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden have joined Nato, more than doubling the mileage of Russian territory bordering countries which are part of the alliance.
A good comedy does make you feel better and sets you up for a good day.
Nigel Farage’s suggestion in June 2024, for example, that the West provoked Putin by expanding Nato eastwards was an unhelpful exaggeration – but, yes, an animal is most dangerous when cornered.
