Longer waiting lists on the NHS 'unless a £10bn black hole is plugged'

By Gerri Peev
Last updated at 7:29 AM on 27th December 2010

Warning: Letter to Danny Alexander said the government is complacent about the pace of reform needed to hit efficiency targets.

Patients will face longer waiting times if ministers do not increase health budgets to plug a looming £10bn shortfall, Whitehall experts have warned.

A damning letter to Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander warned the government is complacent about the pace of reform needed to hit efficiency targets.

The Independent Challenge Group, which was set up to scrutinise Whitehall thinking at the time of the spending review, said ministers will face an ‘unpalatable trade-off’ between longer waiting times for patients or having to increase the health budget.

Social care budgets could be in line for ‘even greater’ cuts than the anticipated £3.4 billion reduction and cancer research funding could also be affected, it warned.

It also said that the government would have to stop its ‘very bad policy’ of hiring all doctors on graduation.

The letter, obtained by the Guardian, said that plans to hand power of commissioning health services to GPs could at best have ‘patchy’ results.

Healthcare costs are expected to rise from the current £100bn a year to £126bn by 2014/5. This would leave a shortfall of £10bn a year based on projections that health spending should cost around £115bn a year.

The letter said proposed savings of £16bn a year under the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme, which is the body that will push through efficency savings, ‘may not be achievable’.

It comes as Health Secretary Andrew Lansley faces more pressure to deliver on his reforms: the NHS is one of just two areas of government spending that was protected from severe cuts, the other was international aid.

Funding charities such as Cancer Research UK to the tune of £200 million a year was also unaffordable, experts warned.

Andrew Lansley: Running a ¿rogue department and operating in isolation from his colleagues¿, claimed shadow health secretary John Healey

The letter was written by Adrian Beecroft, the former chief investment officer at APAX private equity group; Legal Services Commission boss Carolyn Downs and director of climate change adaptation at the department of energy and climate change, Robin Mortimer. The experts warned the the NHS could ‘face a significant budget shortfall by the end of the SP [spending] period’.

‘The NHS typically deals with such shortfalls by limiting treatments, leading to increased waiting times. The government will be faced with a choice between dealing with the fallout from increased waiting times or increasing the DH’s budget, perhaps by as much as £10bn per year. To avoid this unpalatable trade-off, the DH settlement needs to build in much greater non-QIPP efficiency savings from the outset.’

A department spokesperson said: ‘The independent challenge group was established as part of the spending review process. The points raised by the group were considered as part of the spending review process. Its work has now concluded.

We consulted on our reforms and received a huge number of responses: over 6,000.

These have helped us to refine our plans. We have responded to concerns around implementation and are testing several areas of reform to make sure we have the best arrangements in place.’

Labour’s shadow health secretary, John Healey, said the letter was evidence that the ‘high-risk, high-cost reorganisation Andrew Lansley is forcing on the NHS is a massive distraction from improving patient care and making the sound efficiency savings Labour previously planned’.

He added that it confirmed Mr Lansley was running a ‘rogue department and operating in isolation from his colleagues’.

Prime Minister David Cameron has asked his minister Oliver Letwin to keep a closer eye on Mr Lansley’s progress with health reforms.

Why Prezza's not very ship- shape...

First his risque jokes upset fellow cruise passengers. Now he may have norovirus

By Gerri Peev
Last updated at 7:35 AM on 27th December 2010

Heavy going: Critics say Lord Prescott tripped over his words

Given his early job as a ship’s steward and the ups and downs of his political career, John Prescott should be used to choppy waters.

But he may be finding his new role as a guest speaker on a luxury cruise liner surprisingly heavy going.

First of all, some of his humour was decidedly ‘below decks’ and didn’t go down at all well with his upmarket audience aboard the Queen Mary 2.
And now there are reports that Lord Prescott and his wife Pauline may have fallen victim to an outbreak of the vomiting bug norovirus.

The 72-year-old Labour peer, who served as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair, had been booked to give two talks in the ship’s theatre.

But it seems he has upset some passengers, who claimed he gave a stumbling performance, tripping over his words and losing his notes several times before launching into risqué jokes.

With Lady Prescott, his wife of 49 years, watching, he told bawdy anecdotes about his days as a steward, including the racy gifts he used to bring home for her. He told his captive audience: ‘I used to bring knickers back from the USA in boxes of seven, one for every day, didn’t I love? My favourite was the black pair for Saturday.’

Outbreak: The vomiting bug norovirus has hit 29 people on the Queen Mary 2 cruise

Lord Prescott has been given a first class cabin on the liner. But since the speech, neither he nor his wife have been seen dining in the Queen’s Grill, reserved for first class passengers.

It is not known whether the speech so embarrassed Lady Prescott that she did not want to be seen in public with her husband, or whether the couple may have fallen victim to the outbreak of norovirus.

A spokesman for cruise operator Cunard confirmed that Lord and Lady Prescott were on board the ship, bound for the Caribbean.

Stand by your stand-up comedian: Lady Prescott is understood to be embarrassed by her husband's speech to fellow passengers

Referring to the norovirus, the spokesman added: ‘It’s a relatively modest outbreak with 29 passengers out of a total of about 2,500 displaying symptoms.’

Queen Mary 2 is described by Cunard as ‘the most magnificent ocean liner ever built’. First class guests receive sugar-iced strawberries and champagne on arrival, and are greeted by a butler who unpacks their belongings.

Secret affair: John Prescott, pictured in 2002 when he was Deputy Prime Minister, with his diary secretary and lover Tracey Temple

The 15-night ‘grand Caribbean cruise’, which departs from New York, costs from £3,098.50. But for a first-class cabin such as the Prescotts’, prices rise to £9,728.50 per person.

Whatever they paid, it seems some passengers will not appreciate the entertainment. ‘Certainly Prescott’s next speech is not something everyone is looking forward to,’ one told a Sunday newspaper. ‘However it gets worse – Des O’Connor is also due to perform.’

Jab that could help you drop two dress sizes in six months

By Fiona Macrae
Last updated at 9:45 AM on 27th December 2010

A diet drug that helps women drop two dress sizes in six months could be available in just three years.

The jab has produced ‘phenomenal’ results helping men and women who have struggled with their weight for years shed a stone and a half.

This makes the drug, called liraglutide, more than twice as good as anything on the market.

Dropping clothes sizes: The jab has produced 'phenomenal' results in testing and could be available in two years

It also lowers blood pressure, raises ‘good’ cholesterol and can prevent and even cure diabetes.

And it could even make dieting a pleasure, with slimmers who take it saying it produces a ‘feel-good’ factor.

Liraglutide is already used to treat diabetes. Its manufacturer, Danish firm Novo Nordisk, is carrying out large-scale, definitive trials on 5,000 obese men and women.

These are expected to finish in 2013, the company says.

If they prove as successful as those already carried out, the drug could be routinely given to the overweight and obese in three years. With Britain battling the worst weight problem in Europe and just one obesity drug on the market, there is an urgent need for new weapons in the battle against the bulge.

Researchers have already tested liraglutide on more than 550 obese men and women.

Some were given daily doses. Others were given dummy pills or orlistat, the ‘gold standard’ obesity treatment regularly prescribed by GPs.

Those who took liraglutide lost an average of a stone and a half over six months – more than twice as much as those on orlistat.

In addition, 28 per cent of those on the highest dose of liraglutide shed at least 10 per cent of their body weight – almost three times the figure for orlistat.

The women dropped an average of three inches from their waistline, while male pot bellies also shrank.

When they continued to take the drug for a further 18 months, the weight stayed off. But those on orlistat began to pile the pounds back on. The results were released at an obesity conference.

Liraglutide, which, like insulin, can be injected from a pen, is based on a gut hormone which tells the brain that it is time to stop eating but is broken down within minutes of being produced. In contrast, the drug stays in the body for hours.

Viggo Birch, managing director of Novo Nordisk, said: ‘We have had phenomenal results from the first clinical trials in obesity.’

Great result: Women who took part in the test lost an average of three inches from their waistlines

He added that the effects on confidence and health were ‘life-changing’.

Nick Finer, a University College London expert in hormones and weight loss, said the jab could cut the need for gastric bands, stomach stapling and other expensive and potentially dangerous operations.

He added: ‘The growing numbers of people with obesity is affecting health and placing a huge burden on the NHS. While diet and lifestyle interventions can be helpful, they are of limited efficacy for the seriously obese.’

n More than 60 per cent of women in relationships do not feel comfortable eating in front of their partner, research suggests.

And almost half get shy when undressing. The survey for dieting product manufacturer Shapesmart also found that two-fifths of 5,000 women surveyed feel like they are always dieting or are constantly concerned about their weight.

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 7:50 AM on 27th December 2010

With the snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures hitting England, you can't blame Bianca Gascoigne for wanting to escape.

The glamour model, 24, escaped to Spain with best friend, former WAG Charlotte Mears for a break in the sun.

Giving a preview of her saucy 2011 calendar, Bianca showed off her assets in a tiny Missoni string bikini.

Ready for water sport action: Bianca Gascoigne heads down to the beach in Spain for some snorkelling

The designer two-piece just managed to contain her surgically-enhanced breasts.

The reality TV star, former stepdaughter of footballer Paul Gascoigne, has undergone two breast enhancement operations.

After having her first boob job when she was 19, she then 'treated' herself to a second one for her 21st birthday three years ago.

Tan and tanner: Bianca was joined on her girlie holiday with best friend, former WAG Charlotte Mears

Flipping out: Bianca puts on her flippers and snorkel as she prepares to dive into the warm sea

Naturally an A cup, Bianca went up to a C in 2005 and then a 34DD.

Topping up her tan with Mears, 25, the pair then boarded a yacht for an afternoon cruise.

The two women also rode around their holiday resort on quad bikes and partook in some water sports.

Aye aye sailor: Something catch Bianca's eye as she enjoys a spot of snorkelling

Howdy cowgirl: Later in the week, Bianca teamed a khaki bikini with a cowboy hat

Bianca was spotted goofing around on the shore with a snorkel as she prepared to check out the sealife.

After starring in various reality TV shows, Bianca has now been making a name for herself as a DJ.

More recently, she starred in Celebrity Coach Trip along with Welsh Big Brother star Imogen Thomas.

What a poser: Bianca shows off her surgically-enhanced assets as she leans over the back of the yacht

Topping up their tans: The two women made sure there was plenty of tanning time

Mears leaped to fame in 2006 when she accepted England footballer Jermain Defoe's proposal and later featured on ITV2 reality show WAGS' Boutique.

But the couple split in November 2007 when he started dating her former friend Danielle Lloyd.

Last year, Mears briefly dated The Only Way Is Essex reality star Mark Wright, during a split from his on/off girlfriend Lauren Goodger.

Travelling in style: The two friends whizzed around on a Quad Bike

Public 'don't want Murdoch to control more of news media'

By Sam Greenhill
Last updated at 12:01 AM on 27th December 2010

Public opposition: News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch's planned takeover of BSkyB is a cause of public concern

An overwhelming majority of the public is opposed to Rupert Murdoch having greater control of Britain’s news media, a survey reveals today.

In an ICM poll, 84 per cent said they were against any single organisation exerting too much influence.

The media tycoon is trying to take over broadcaster BSkyB, with his company News Corporation bidding to buy the 61 per cent of shares it does not already own.

But 63 per cent of the public believes there should be an independent investigation into the purchase, the poll showed. Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will receive an initial report from the regulator Ofcom on the implications of the planned deal by Friday.

He then has until January 15 to decide whether or not to refer it to the Competition Commission for a full-scale review.

Mr Hunt could ask the commission to examine whether the takeover would reduce the plurality of the UK media, and should therefore be blocked.

Decision: Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will decide if the deal should undergo an independent review

The survey was commissioned jointly by BT, Guardian Media Group, Associated Newspapers – which owns the Daily Mail – Trinity Mirror, Northcliffe Media, and Telegraph Media Group.

It discloses the depth of public concern over the proposed takeover, which has already been cleared on competition grounds by the European Commission.

Seventy-five per cent of respondents said it was important to have competing independent sources of news in the UK, and 44 per cent opposed the deal outright, with only 5 per cent saying they were in favour of it.

Among Conservative voters, 43 per cent opposed the deal, with five per cent in favour, while among Liberal Democrats the figures were 53 per cent against and four per cent in favour.

Last night a spokesman for the alliance of media groups said: ‘This deal marks a significant change of control and the public is clearly concerned.

‘A clear majority of the public wants a full and independent investigation into News Corporation’s bid to take over BSkyB. The Competition Commission provides that mechanism.

‘The public’s concern that no one organisation should control too much of the news – as News Corporation would under the planned deal – is also very striking.’

Royals are accused of 'ostentatious cruelty' over their fur hats

By Vanessa Allen
Last updated at 7:40 AM on 27th December 2010

The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall came under fire from animal rights campaigners ­yesterday after they both wore fur hats on Christmas Day.

The Russian-style hats they wore to attend a church service in ­Sandringham with other members of the Royal Family were made from fur from different types of fox, claimed experts.

Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, said: ‘This strikes me as an ostentatious display of cruelty. To parade fur in 2010 says something unpleasant about the person ­wearing it.’

The Queen has come under fire from animal rights campaigners for her cream-coloured fur hat and matching fur coat trim, which experts claim was made from fur from different types of fox

The Cossack-style hat worn by Camilla was made from ‘vintage fur’, by designer milliner Philip Treacy, using a piece of fur which had previously belonged to the duchess’s mother.

A spokesman for the Queen said she could not confirm if Her Majesty’s cream-coloured hat and matching coat trim were made from real fur but experts said they were convinced it was.

Many fashion designers continue to use fur in their collections, and campaigners have expressed fears that it has come back into style. They have called on celebrities and members of the Royal Family to ‘set a good example’ by ­choosing not to wear animal pelts.

The Cossack-style hat worn by Camilla was made from 'vintage fur', using a piece of fur which had previously belonged to the duchess's mother

The Queen has worn fur in the past and her official robes for State occasions are trimmed with ermine, the winter coat of the stoat.

Camilla faced anger from animal rights organisations last year, when she wore fur twice during an official visit to Canada.

First she wore a grey rabbit stole when she visited Newfoundland, together with a hat trimmed with fake fur. She then donned a calf-length cape lined with grey fox fur.

Camilla and Prince Charles walk to the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church

Both pieces were said to have been ‘refashioned’ from vintage fur that had belonged to her grandmother, Sonia Cubitt, Baroness Ashcombe, whose mother, Alice Keppel, was a mistress of Edward VII.

The ethical question of ‘recycling’ vintage fur has split opinion, but Mr Tyler said: ‘It doesn’t matter when the animal was killed, it’s a body part and a product of cruelty.’

In 2000 Prince Edward’s wife Sophie apologised after she was seen wearing a fox fur hat. The Countess of Wessex said her decision to wear the hat on a skiing holiday in St Moritz, Switzerland, was ‘an error of judgment’.

The Queen out-glams her granddaughter Princess Beatrice as they stand together outside the Norfolk church

Legislation to ban fur farming in Britain was passed that same year following a lengthy campaign ­highlighting the physical and ­psychological distress suffered by animals in some fur farms.

However, it remains legal to import fur and in China, now the world’s leading fur exporter, millions of animals who are killed for their fur are often skinned alive, according to the campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

A Peta spokesman said: ‘Britain is a nation of animal lovers and more than 90 per cent of Britons refuse to wear fur. We hope that Her Majesty will choose to wear something more humane in future, that better reflects the values of the British people.

Elisabetta Canalis gets cheeky with boyfriend George Clooney as she flashes her pert bottom on their Mexico holiday

By Georgina Littlejohn
Last updated at 10:46 AM on 27th December 2010

First it was Cameron Diaz showing off her pert derriere down Mexico way.

And yesterday it was George Clooney's girlfriend's turn to flash her bottom for the cameras on their South American holiday.

Model Elisabetta Canalis, 32, was snapped in a very skimpy bikini while enjoying a Christmas break in Mexico.

Baci, baby: Elisabetta Canalis showers boyfriend George Clooney with kisses while showing off her pert bottom on holiday in Mexico

The couple, who have been dating for 18 months, stayed in the Los Cabos resort for Christmas.

And Elisabetta, 32, was hoping for an almost all-over tan in her very teeny tiny bikini as she strutted her amazing figure in the sun last week.

En route to the sun loungers, she couldn't resist grabbing her hunky actor boyfriend, 49, and giving him an affectionate kiss.

Happy boyfriend: George puts his arm around Elisabetta as they head inside their villa

And while she was happy to soak up the sun in her green and black bikini, Clooney stayed covered up in long shorts and a white t-shirt.

The pair were then snapped strolling inside the resort together, with George leading the way inside their villa.

Earlier that day, he was spotted greeting actress friend Cameron Diaz who was staying in the same resort with her baseball star boyfriend Alex Rodriguez and his children.

Time for lunch: George and Elisabetta, who stayed in her skimpy bikini, go to get some food

We've been spotted: Elisabetta notices the cameras as she and George stroll about the resort

Elisabetta's parents also joined their daughter and George earlier on in their holiday after they were spotted leaving a restaurant with them on December 17.

Reports in Germna tabloid Bild suggested that George had invited them in order to ask them for Elisabetta's hand in marriage.

The paper said friends of the Italian actress have revealed that they are set to marry and being 'very old school', he wanted to to things the old-fashioned way.

However, a rep for Clooney flatly denied the report.

Future in-laws: George and Elisabetta leave a restaurant in Mexico with her parents - but have denied reports they are getting married