Afternoon Briefing Monday 26th October

Senior doctors in the UK are set to strike for two days on November 25 and 26, as the British Medical Association (BMA) accuses the government of neglecting their concerns regarding workload and well-being. After 18 months without formal negotiations, the BMA states that the decision to strike is not taken lightly, but necessary. They plan to provide Christmas Day levels of service during the strike.

In political discussions, Andy Burnham expresses a desire for Britain to rejoin the EU, although he rules it out for the current Parliament. He advocates for a conversation about restoring freedom of movement, citing dissatisfaction with the outcomes of Brexit, including its contribution to the small boats crisis. However, this stance has caused division within his cabinet, with concerns about reigniting the Brexit debate.

New measures aimed at combating persistent antisocial behavior are implemented across England and Wales, introducing curfews and bans from public spaces. Violating these orders could lead to criminal charges and significant penalties. Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst emphasizes the importance of not only punishing offenders but also providing support to help them change their behavior.

In royal news, investigations in the Philippines reveal troubling allegations against Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, following the discovery of incriminating materials by his son. The allegations, which include accusations of being a sex offender, are being thoroughly examined by authorities, while Thomas Markle denies any wrongdoing.

The Times Radio news briefing for the afternoon of Monday 26th October. For more on these stories throughout the day tune into Times Radio - on DAB, online, through your smart speaker or on the Times Radio app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.