News

Johnson proposes UK tax hike to support health and social care crisis

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2021

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to raise taxes to support the National Health Service

UK Prime Minister @BorisJohnson has announced a proposed tax hike in order to pay for @NHSuk insurance – but how much will citizens fork out? | @_Simon_Anderson reports from London. pic.twitter.com/FDA1R0t72Y
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) September 8, 2021

Johnson set out plans to raise taxes on workers, employers and some investors in an attempt to fix a health and social care funding crisis.

The proposal though has angered some in his governing party following the PM breaking election promises.

The UK government spend billions to fight the coronavirus pandemic – but now the Prime Minister is returning to an election pledge to address the United Kingdom’s creaking social care system – where costs are projected to double as the population ages over the next two decades.

Boris Johnson also attempted to try and tackle a backlog in Britain’s health system, which has seen millions waiting months for treatments such as operations from the state-run National Health Service.

The delays had been caused after resources were refocused to deal with COVID-19.

“It would be wrong for me to say that we can pay for this recovery without taking the difficult but responsible decisions about how we finance it,”
THE PM SAID IN PARLIAMENT

The UK’s history of health care struggles

Politicians in Britain have attempted to find a resolution to pay for social care for years, though successive Conservative and Labour prime ministers have ducked the issue because they feared it would anger voters and their own parties.

News

PM Keir Starmer facing his biggest leadership crisis yet

UK PM Keir Starmer faces pressure over Epstein links and party unrest, with approval at 20% amid resignation calls.

Published

17 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

PM Keir Starmer faces pressure over Epstein links and party unrest, with approval at 20% amid resignation calls.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under intense political pressure as he risks becoming the first UK leader linked to the Epstein scandal. His approval rating has plummeted to just 20 percent, leaving him vulnerable to criticism from within Labour and raising fresh questions about his leadership.

The party has faced further turbulence following the resignation of Peter Mandelson, who stepped down amid revelations over his ambassadorial appointment and an ongoing police investigation. This latest development has intensified scrutiny on Labour’s senior figures and added to concerns about instability at the top.

Opposition from Labour lawmakers continues to grow, with increasing calls for Starmer to resign despite support from cabinet members. Many fear that a leadership challenge could deepen divisions within the party and create wider economic uncertainty.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Sydney protests intensify as police arrest dozens during Herzog visit

Protesters clashed with police in Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests amid tensions over Israeli President Herzog’s visit.

Published

17 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Protesters clashed with police in Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests amid tensions over Israeli President Herzog’s visit.

Tensions flared in Sydney on Thursday as protesters clashed with police during a rally opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Authorities arrested 27 people, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after crowds attempted to breach barricades near the city.

Hundreds of police were deployed to enforce new protest restrictions, introduced following recent violent demonstrations, and pepper spray was used as officers tried to maintain order. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried signs condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza, voicing anger over the timing of Mr Herzog’s visit.

The unrest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding international politics and local security measures, with authorities balancing the right to protest against public safety concerns.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker