The most frequent topics of discussion were defence and foreign policy, with multiple posts on RAF upgrades, NATO, and international relations. Health, particularly the National Cancer Plan, was also a prominent theme.
The post with the highest engagement was from Shabana Mahmood MP on the policy of closing asylum hotels, which received over 398,000 views. A post from the Ministry of Defence on deploying RAF Typhoon jets to Qatar received the most likes, with over 1,500.
Three Major Themes
- Illegal Migration Policy: Shabana Mahmood MP announced that the opening of Crowborough military barracks to house asylum seekers is “just the start” and stated, “I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities.”
- Defence and Security Upgrades: John Healey stated that the RAF Typhoon fleet is the “backbone of Britain’s air defence” and announced an investment of “half a billion pounds to upgrade” the jets. Separately, the Ministry of Defence announced that RAF Typhoon jets have been deployed to Qatar “in a defensive capacity.”
- National Cancer Plan: Wes Streeting and the Department of Health and Social Care promoted a National Cancer Plan. Mr. Streeting stated it will help ensure people in coastal towns or rural villages “deserve the same chance at survival as everyone else.” The department added the plan will tackle health inequalities and “end the postcode lottery of cancer care.”
John Healey stated that the RAF Typhoon fleet is the “backbone of Britain’s air defence” and that upgrades will make Britain safer. The Northern Ireland Office reported on a meeting between ministers and pupils in Belfast ahead of the East-West Council, where they discussed a school twinning programme pilot. The House of Lords announced a new committee to consider a participation requirement and retirement age for its members. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office noted that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was in Davos to “protect British interests, safety and prosperity.”
Shabana Mahmood MP stated that illegal migration places “immense pressure on communities,” and announced a policy of closing asylum hotels, stating Crowborough is “just the start.” In a subsequent post, she announced the “opening of Crowborough military barracks to house more than 500 asylum seekers.” Keir Starmer stated that what happens on the world stage “matters directly to people here at home” and that millions of homes will be upgraded. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced a “£1.5 BILLION investment” for museums, libraries, and arts venues. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and Steve Reed MP separately announced that the Holocaust Memorial Bill has received Royal Assent. The Ministry of Justice also confirmed the Sentencing Act is now law.
Yvette Cooper welcomed news that the “Rafah crossing may open in the coming days.” John Healey reiterated the investment of “half a billion pounds to upgrade” RAF Typhoons, noting it secures jobs in Edinburgh. The Ministry of Defence announced that RAF Typhoon jets have “deployed to Qatar in a defensive capacity.” Douglas Alexander stated that a UK Labour Government “recognises the seriousness of these times and is acting to strengthen our country’s defences.” He also attended a business reception in Edinburgh with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Darren Jones MP spoke on BBC Newscast about “plans to move fast and fix things in government.”
The Department of Health and Social Care stated that its National Cancer Plan will “tackle health inequalities head on” because “Cancer care shouldn’t depend on your postcode.” Wes Streeting added that the plan will help ensure people in coastal towns and rural villages have the “same chance at survival as everyone else.” John Healey commented on NATO, stating that “more than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan” after the UK and allies answered the US call when Article 5 was triggered. Yvette Cooper stated it was “just wrong” to suggest British and NATO troops did not fight side by side with American friends in Afghanistan. Bridget Phillipson announced an expansion of the “successful twinning programme to another 300 schools” to strengthen ties with Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence published its latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
Shabana Mahmood MP stated, “I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed.” The Department of Health and Social Care stated its National Cancer Plan “will bring the latest technology to NHS cancer care” and “will end the postcode lottery of cancer care.” The Ministry of Justice stated the new Sentencing Act “will ensure that” a breakdown of law and order never happens. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that £1.5 billion in funding “will support capital projects” at cultural institutions. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government noted the Holocaust Memorial Bill “will help enable the delivery of a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.”
