Jul52017

Statement by the Spokesperson on the launch of a ballistic missi

EU

Earlier today, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a ballistic missile in flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The DPRK’s own claims that it, in fact, launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, are as yet unverified. We expect the DPRK to halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and to abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, as required by the United Nations Security Council.

The High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini will speak in the coming days to the Foreign Ministers of international partners to discuss the international response, including the possibility of further U.N. Security Council measures, as called for by the President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in. The European Union, for its part, will consider an appropriate response, in close consultation with key partners and in line with U.N. Security Council deliberations, including possible additional restrictive measures.

The European Union expects the DPRK to refrain from any action that could further increase regional tensions and engage, in good faith, in a credible dialogue with the international community aimed at pursuing the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The European Union is ready to support such a process for dialogue.

Jul52017

Majority of cancer patients in Wales say they receive high quality care – new survey shows

Welsh Government

The survey, of more than 6,700 cancer patients, was conducted on behalf of the Welsh Government and Macmillan Cancer Support. It has been designed to measure and understand patient experience of cancer care and treatment in Wales to help drive improvement at the national and local level.

The survey showed that overall, patients reported high levels of patient satisfaction for cancer care in Wales, improvements in the allocation of a key worker and experience among lung cancer patients.

This survey has highlighted many positive aspects of cancer care in Wales. These include:

  • 93% of respondents rated their overall experience as 7/10 or more;
  • 97% of respondents who had a choice of treatments said that their treatment options were explained to them;
  • 90% of respondents rated the overall administration of their care as “good” or “very good”;
  • 86% of respondents reported that they were given the name and contact details of their Key Worker.

The survey highlights areas for continued focus, such as information quality, offer of a written care plan, and experience in certain cancers such as sarcoma and brain cancer.

The findings of the survey will help support ongoing efforts to deliver more person-centred cancer care as part of the Cancer Delivery Plan for Wales.

Welcoming the survey, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said:

“I would like to thank the more than 6,700 individuals who took the time to respond to the survey. From their effort we can now start to paint a picture of cancer services in Wales and give health boards and trusts important detail on how we can all do better, both policy makers and those delivering services directly to people affected by cancer.

“It is a tremendous testament to the dedication, skill and compassion of those delivering cancer care that 93% of respondents rated their care seven or more out of ten. This is exceptional and is only possible due to the quality and dedication of healthcare professionals across Wales.

“Whilst it would be very easy to focus on only the positive outcomes of this survey – it is vital that we do not lose sight of areas where we can do better. We will not rest until all these issues are addressed. We have a new cancer plan, a new cancer network and new commitment to person-centred cancer care. We will continue to work with key partners such the cancer alliance and cancer network to support progress in these areas.”

Susan Morris, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said:

“Macmillan was pleased to carry out the Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey with the Welsh Government for the second time as it gives us an in-depth insight into what people with cancer think about their care.

“The survey asked people about their experience from when they suspected they had cancer through to their diagnosis, treatment and end of care and we would like to thank the 6,714 people who took the time to answer questions about this.

“Macmillan believes having a good experience of care is as important as having excellent medical treatment and these results show us what is working well in cancer care in Wales and where improvements are needed.”

Jul42017

Victims demand judicial inquiries because of the need for independent and impartial scrutiny – Jeremy Corbyn

Labour

Commenting on residents’ concerns about the inquiry into the Grenfell disaster, Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party said:

“Victims demand judicial inquiries because of the need for independent and impartial scrutiny. To earn the trust of the community and the wider public, the Grenfell inquiry must:

– Swiftly set wide-ranging terms of reference, after consultation with local residents.
– Be delivered in two parts: the first on the incident itself, and the second on the wider national issues it raises.
– Operate with the highest level of transparency, putting the residents’ interests at its heart.
– Broaden the inquiry team to include greater expertise and engage fully with victims, residents, the emergency services and local community.”