National News

Widening health inequalities are Labour's most shameful NHS failure

Health inequality as measured by life expectancy and infant mortality has got worse since Labour came to power, a government report said today. Babies born to poor families now have a 17% higher than average chance of dying, compared to a 13% higher than average chance 10 years ago. And the life expectancy of people living in poverty has fallen further behind the average, particularly for women since around Labour's election.

14 Mar 2008
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Hitch for blind marathon runner

A blind man hoping to complete seven marathons in seven days has had to alter his route just weeks before his first challenge. Dave Heeley, 50, will run his first marathon in the Falklands Islands but is not allowed to use Argentinian air space to reach Chile for his second. Organisers said the second challenge would now take place in Brazil.

14 Mar 2008
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House debates looped blind cords

A debate on the banning of looped cord blinds took place in the House of Commons this week. Ochil and South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks wants the UK brought into line with America, which outlawed the cords 10 years ago.

14 Mar 2008
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Dyslexia link to school failures

Many schoolchildren could be failing reading and writing tests because they are unaware they are dyslexic, new government-funded research suggests. A study by Hull University academics of 1,300 children said dyslexia was a major cause of failure.

14 Mar 2008
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Blinded cadet's reduced cash

An Army cadet blinded in an IRA bombing in west London has been compensated only for the loss of one eye because he was already partially sighted.

14 Mar 2008
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