Public Affairs News Summary, First Half of December 2024
Tuesday 04-02-2025 - 20:56
Pressure on the NHS - Hospitals in Crisis during Winter
The concerning issue of hospital flu cases has been exacerbated, as the number of cases recorded in the first week of December 2024 was higher than that during that time in the past two years. The data released by the NHS reveals that there was an average of nearly 1,900 beds occupied by flu patients that week. Consequently, the A&E and the rest of the emergency system could potentially face the worst winters for delays and waits. Despite the ongoing struggling conditions, Health Secretary Wes Streeting instructed the hospitals to prioritise safety and the very longest waits, and he was confident that the patients could be treated on time again.
Source: BBC News ‘Hospitals hit by “tidal wave” of winter viruses’
The response by the South Korea’s President after declaring the martial law last week
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his decision to declare the martial law last week, as he explained that the purposes were preventing the collapse of democracy and counter the ‘parliamentary dictatorship’ from the opposition. Although Yoon would be under investigation and could be impeached by the parliament, he insisted that his decision was correct and was ready to fight to the end. On 7th December, the impeachment ended with a failure due to the protest from Yoon’s own ruling People Power Party. Yet, the opposition are set to hold another impeachment vote on the upcoming Saturdays until Yoon resigns from his position. Meanwhile, ex-defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned and announced the martial law, attempted suicide while in detention on Tuesday.
Source: BBC News ‘South Korea’s President Yoon vows to “fight to the end”’
