In July 2025 I took part in a protest against the proscription of Palestine Action.1 I am now among more than 2000 people who have been arrested for peacefully holding a sign reading “I oppose Genocide. I support Palestine Action,” and who now await prosecution for an action designed to highlight both the human cost of the genocide in Gaza, and the inappropriate use of antiterrorism legislation against the direct-action group Palestine Action. After my arrest, the GMC (General Medical Council) opened an investigation into my conduct and referred me to an interim orders tribunal to decide if my practice should be restricted while it “completes its investigation.”By contrast, the GMC took no immediate action when I was charged in 2022 for criminal damage after a protest undertaken to highlight JP Morgan’s role in driving the climate crisis, a case which has since resulted in my acquittal.2In the UK over...

Anxiety disorders are the largest class of mental health disorders and highly prevalent,1 yet substantial treatment gaps exist. Despite there being well established first-line treatments, only 25% of affected people globally receive treatment,2 ranging from about a third in high income countries34 to less in low and middle income countries.5 Of those receiving treatment, systematic reviews show overall response rates of about 50% for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)6 and medication.7 This stagnation in new effective treatments and response rates is exacerbated by a historic innovation drought in psychopharmacology: while the global burden of anxiety is projected to intensify—driven by evolving socioeconomic instabilities and the long-tail effects of the covid-19 pandemic—the development of novel psychotropic medications has remained disproportionately scarce. A new review in The BMJ provides a timely analysis of the emerging therapeutic landscape.8 However, while innovation is important, we must also target the barriers inhibiting equitable access to existing...

The UK health secretary has promised to end “outdated and misogynistic practices” in healthcare that leave many women feeling “gaslit” and in pain.The government’s relaunched women’s health strategy, published on 15 April, will tackle problems such as a lack of adequate pain relief during invasive gynaecology procedures, said Wes Streeting.1“The NHS has a problem with everyday sexism and an appalling culture of medical misogyny,” Streeting said at the strategy’s launch. “Being ignored, gaslit, humiliated, and disrespected are all too common experiences for far too many women.” He pledged to put women’s voices centre stage and “ensure no woman is left fighting to be heard.”The strategy sets out plans to tackle a crisis in gynaecology waiting lists, which in January stood at 565 000.2 Some conditions, such as endometriosis, can take nearly a decade to diagnose.3The strategy also pledges to redesign clinical pathways for heavy periods, urogynaecology, and menopause to speed...

Humanitarian aid and healthcare share a commitment to treat all lives equally. That promise is strained in war but should not be conditional. Since 2023, a record number of attacks have been recorded against healthcare infrastructure, health workers, and, more recently, medical research and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in Lebanon and Iran.1 Healthcare infrastructure, hospitals, and emergency services are no longer protected in conflict settings, in violation of international law.2 Healthcare services and humanitarian aid are increasingly treated by governments and armed groups as leverage to manage, pressure, and punish civilian populations.3In January 2026, Israeli authorities moved to deregister and suspend dozens of international non-governmental organisations in Gaza and the West Bank unless they complied with new registration requirements. The demands included disclosing identifying information about Palestinian staff and members of their families. This threatens humanitarian assistance at scale: international organisations run about 60% of field hospitals and deliver much of...

Wales will increase its minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol from £0.50 a unit to £0.65 from October, following in Scotland’s footsteps to help ensure its effectiveness is not eroded by inflation.1MUP is a targeted policy focusing on cheap, high strength, store bought alcohol.2 The largest falls in alcohol consumption and related harms with MUP have occurred in heavier drinkers—although there is limited evidence of benefit for those with alcohol dependence, where wider support is recommended.23 MUP disproportionately benefits people who are more deprived.23 Most stakeholders in the UK, including the alcohol industry, support MUP.4England has been left behind on effective alcohol policy and needs to act. Policymakers should learn lessons from MUP delivery and evaluation in Scotland, Wales, and other forward thinking regions. A future proofed mechanism to set the level of MUP, such as an inflation linked floor price, is important.5 Policymakers should also consider a minimum unit...