Rishi Sunak sidesteps question over whether campaign against Houthis will be ‘prolonged’ – UK politics live

Prime minister tells MPs no decision has been taken to embark on sustained campaign' as SNP questions how successful strikes will be

The UK is hosting the next meeting of the European Political Community, the group set up in 2022 to provide a forum where EU countries can discuss matters of common interest with non-EU European countries. The event is meant to happen before the middle of 2024.

But, according to a report in the Financial Times, Downing Street has not yet set a date - and European diplomats think that is because Rishi Sunak has not entirely ruled out a spring election. The FT says:

European diplomats believe the UK government's refusal to rule out a snap general election this spring lies behind delays" to an upcoming meeting of the European Political Community in Britain.

Several EU ambassadors have grumbled privately that officials in London have been dragging their feet over agreeing a date for the summit, which insiders said was initially expected to take place in March or April.

The population is ageing and growing. It is getting sicker too as the effects of austerity bite. There are also rising costs in the NHS especially with medical equipment and many drugs.

Of course the NHS needs more money.