Local MP, Tim Farron has issued an ultimatum to NHS trust bosses as they meet today in Barrow, as they decide whether to proceed with plans to close the heart and stroke units at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal.
An attempt to force the Government to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war has failed, but the Government's majority was slashed to just 25. Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell commenting on the result said "The figures only tell part of the story. The Government was on the defensive. Ministers were unconvincing and their backbenchers were unconvinced. There is deep unease about Iraq in the House of Commons. And the Prime Minister ignores this at his peril."
Lib Dems on the County Council are today celebrating success in securing proper scrutiny for their alternative budget proposals.
Conservatives at Essex County Council are planning a series of cuts that are already biting into services provided for the more vulnerable members of the community. Cuts in library facilities have already taken place and there are proposals to drastically cut mobile library services. A proposed sell off of Greyfriars, an adult education centre in Colchester, will result in a nursery for children with special needs being put out on the street.
Tories plan cuts in library and education services
Regular exercise could reduce the risk of an age-related eye disease, US research has suggested.