Jun202017

News story: Hepatitis A among gay and bisexual men

HM Government
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Public Health England (PHE) is urging gay and bisexual men to take extra precautions against infection of hepatitis A, as cases are increasingly reported in the community. Those attending World Pride in Madrid are encouraged to visit their genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic to request the vaccine.

Those not travelling to World Pride are advised to ask about vaccination at their next sexual health check-up.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus causing inflammation of the liver, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and a flu-like illness. While it can be transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces, the recent cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) are believed to have been spread through oral or anal sex.

Those most at risk are MSM with multiple partners, while some cases have been linked to those visiting Spain and other European countries.

Cases are more prevalent in London. However, as people travel within the UK or further abroad this summer, it is feared more will be exposed to the virus.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said:

Hepatitis A among gay and bisexual men is significantly higher than usual, making it important to take extra care – especially if travelling to other countries. MSM and bisexual men are at highest risk and should ask about the hepatitis A vaccine next time they visit a GUM clinic.

The Spanish government has asked those attending the World Pride event in Madrid to get protected but there are some vaccine shortages locally. Therefore, those intending to travel should ask at their GUM clinics before they leave.

For those not vaccinated, infection can be avoided through careful hygiene during and after sex. The advice is to:

  • wash your hands after sex (ideally buttocks, groin and penis too)
  • use protection for fingering, rimming and fisting
  • change condoms between anal and oral sex
  • avoid sharing sex toys

Hepatitis A is usually mild, although it can last for several weeks and in some cases requires hospitalisation.

PHE is working with partners including Terrence Higgins Trust to raise awareness of the preventative measures, as well as symptoms of hepatitis A, to avoid further spread of the virus.

Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

We’re concerned about the outbreak of hepatitis A, a virus which affects the liver. Gay and bisexual men are particularly affected so we would urge them to follow PHE’s advice around vaccination, be aware of the symptoms and follow the prevention advice.

By following these easy steps, you will stay protected and can enjoy a safe, healthy and happy Pride season.

Symptoms of Hep A can include:

  • a short, mild, flu-like illness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
  • itchy skin

Jun202017

After seven years of failure, the Conservatives have no plan to fix the housing crisis – John Healey

Labour
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John
Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow
Secretary of State for Housing, commenting on new statistics showing that
the number of government-funded social rented homes has fallen by 97 per cent
since 2010, said:

“These
disastrous figures show that Conservative Ministers have washed their hands of
any responsibility to build the homes families on low and middle incomes need.
The number of government-funded social rented homes built has plummeted by 97
per cent since 2010.

“After seven years
of failure, the Conservatives have no plan to fix the housing crisis. A Labour government would invest
in the affordable homes that the country needs.”

Jun202017

Press release: Cabinet meeting statement: 20 June 2017

HM Government
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In this morning’s Cabinet meeting, ministers discussed upcoming Parliamentary business, including tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech which heralds an historically important two-year session to help deliver the legislation for a successful Brexit.

Ministers also discussed the awful events of the past week. The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation of the police and emergency services for their bravery and professionalism.

On Grenfell Tower, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government updated Cabinet on the efforts to ensure everything is being done to help victims’ families and other survivors, as well as looking ahead to the longer-term recovery effort. On the tragic incident at Finsbury Park, the Prime Minster and Home Secretary discussed the importance of ongoing government work in reviewing its Counter Terrorism Strategy and ensuring that police and security services have the powers they need.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer provided Cabinet with an update on the economy and public finances, emphasising the underlying strengths of the UK economy and setting out the importance of making the case for a market economy, sound money and growth as well as prioritising rising productivity.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also provided an update to progress on talks to restore power-sharing institutions.

Jun202017

RAF soar over Buckingham Palace for HM The Queen's Birthday

MOD
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On Saturday, 17 June 2017, 29 Royal Air Force Aircraft soared over Buckingham Palace, Central London, in an impressive flypast to mark the annual Queen’s Birthday Parade.

15 types of RAF aircraft took part in the Flypast, including two of the RAF’s world-class display teams – the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – the Red Arrows.

20170620-QBF-NLJThe formation flew over the Palace at 13:00BST, divided into eight elements, in roughly 30 second intervals.

Squadron Leader Jim Furness, Formation Lead and flying in one of the Tornado GR4s, said: “It’s an honour to take part in Her Majesty’s Birthday Flypast. Extensive preparation has taken place over several weeks and months to make sure that the different aircraft from all over the country deliver a safe and successful flypast over London – made more challenging by it being one of the busiest airspaces in the world.”

Air Vice Marshal Gerry Mayhew CBE MA RAF, the Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, said: “It is an honour for the Royal Air Force to mark HM The Queen’s 91st birthday with a flypast. The magnificent sight of over 25 aircraft flying over Buckingham Palace is another example of the superb efforts being made by the men and women of the Royal Air Force, who should be proud of their achievements both at home and overseas.”

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The flypast was led by a Chinook and a Puma helicopter, representing the backbone of the UK’s tactical troop-lifting capability. Currently deployed in Afghanistan the Puma has recently undergone a fleet upgrade programme, hugely enhancing its capability in supporting the Afghan National Army in Kabul.

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Following the helicopters was the unforgettable sound of Merlin engines powering a Supermarine Spitfire and two Hawker Hurricanes from the BBMF. Today these aircraft represent the rich 99 year history of the Royal Air Force and the sacrifices made by a great many of its personnel. This year BBMF are celebrating their 60th anniversary, having been formed in July 1957.

BBMF were followed by a Shadow R1 – an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Aircraft which was taking part this year for the first time. The Shadow was flanked by two King Air B200s. The King Airs from RAF Cranwell represent training aircraft from across the RAF but are specifically employed in multi-engine Pilot and Rear Crew training.

Next up were four of the RAF’s transport aircraft – demonstrating the RAF’s global reach and its ability to project air power around the world. First up, the C-17 Globemaster III, the RAF’s hugely capable strategic heavy-lift aircraft. With its cavernous cargo hold it is often found supporting the UK across the globe, flying long distance sometimes at very short notice. Behind it was the BAe 146. This aircraft provides transport to members of the Royal Family, senior Government Ministers, and Ministry of Defence personnel.

The second Air Transport element consisted of the state of the art A400M Atlas, only its second time in the flypast, and the C-130 Hercules. Whilst being able to employ impressive strategic reach, the Atlas is set to take over more of the tactical airlift role from the C-130. Both aircraft are based at the RAF’s largest base at Brize Norton, which is celebrating its 80th birthday this year.

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Next followed the Sentinel R1 – a long-range battlefield surveillance aircraft. This key capability is providing vital support to operations in the Middle East. Following the Sentinel R1 was four multi-role Typhoons. With control of UK sovereign airspace a vital task these agile, capable multi role fighters secure our skies 24/7. Currently deployed on operations in Romania, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands, Typhoon is the core of the Royal Air Force’s Combat Air capability.

The penultimate element consisted of the Voyager and Tornado GR4. The Voyager is the Royal Air Force’s largest aircraft and one which has provided a step change in strategic freight and troop carrying capability. It also is capable of air refuelling a variety of aircraft and is currently supporting operations at home and around the world. The Voyager was flanked by two Tornado GR4s from RAF Marham. This superbly capable aircraft continues to perform outstandingly on operations today, over 45 years since it first flew. Tornado GR4 crews tirelessly support our coalition partners in the Middle East.

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Finally, the iconic nine-strong Red Arrows, flying in a ‘Big Wing’ formation in their distinctive red Hawk aircraft, ended the flypast. The Red Arrows’ 53rd season is now underway, with the team expected to display more than 60 times across the UK and beyond. Since 1965 – which was the Red Arrows’ first season – more than 4,800 displays have been performed in 57 countries, which is equivalent to a quarter of the world.

Editor: Charlie Haines

Images: Sgt Mackie, Cpl Chapman, Cpl Hawke, Cpl Laurence, SAC Egan

© MOD Crown Copyright 2017

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