NHS England grants contractors access to patient data
On May 11, 2026, NHS England granted contractors from Palantir and other companies unrestricted access to identifiable patient data as part of the Federated Data Platform project, according to an internal briefing note. This decision allows external personnel to work more effectively on the National Data Integration Tenant, which serves as a secure repository for data before it is pseudonymised and shared. The move, while aimed at enhancing data collaboration, raises significant concerns regarding patient privacy and data security.
SNP Wins Fifth Consecutive Term in Scottish Parliament
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has secured another five years in office following the Scottish Parliament election, marking its fifth consecutive victory since the parliament's establishment in 1999. SNP leader John Swinney described the win as 'significant and emphatic,' despite the party's vote share and total seats declining from 64 to 58, leaving it short of the 65 needed for a majority in the 129-seat parliament. Labour and Reform UK are tied for second place, each with 17 seats, while the pro-independence coalition, including the SNP and the Scottish Greens, holds a combined total of 73 seats.
UK to lose 163,000 jobs amid economic challenges
The Item Club forecasts that the UK will lose 163,000 jobs this year due to economic challenges stemming from the Iran war, with London expected to be particularly affected, losing around 25,000 positions in the retail and hospitality sectors. Lower income regions, such as South Wales and the Humber, are projected to suffer the most, with job losses of 5,700 and 2,800 respectively, as rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions impact manufacturing and construction industries.
Rayner criticizes Starmer over Labour's election losses
Angela Rayner has criticized Sir Keir Starmer for fostering a 'toxic culture' within the Labour Party following significant local election losses, urging for Andy Burnham's return to Westminster. Labour lost nearly 1,500 councillors and control of over 25 councils, with major gains for Nigel Farage's Reform UK and the Greens, leading Rayner to warn that the party faces its 'last chance' to address issues of inequality and living standards.
