Poll of 2,000 people appears to underline experts’ concerns of growing ‘epidemic’ of addiction to alcohol or drugs One in four people in the UK fear that a partner, relative or friend drinks too much, while one in six worry that a loved one is taking too many drugs. The findings, from a representative survey of 2,000 adults, appear to underline what some experts say is a growing “epidemic” of addiction to alcohol or drugs such as cocaine and cannabis. 10% worry that they drink too much and 5% that they use drugs too often. 26% worry that a partner, family member or friend drinks too much. 16% are concerned about a loved one’s use of illegal drugs. Families that earn more than £50,000 a year are three times more likely to contain someone with an addiction problem. Continue reading...

Health secretary is due to speak at the Labour conference after announcing plans for an ‘online hospital’ aimed at cutting waiting times

French president and wife allege rightwing influencer Candace Owens is using defamatory attacks against them to boost media profile The French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife plan to present scientific evidence to a US court to prove that Brigitte Macron was not born a man, the lawyer representing them in a defamation suit has said. The couple filed the suit in July against Candace Owens, a rightwing influencer, and her business, alleging continuing defamatory attacks against them in order to boost the profile of her media platform, gain more audience and make money. Continue reading...