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A "culture of misogyny in the criminal justice system" could lead to men getting away with more lenient sentences, the victims' commissioner and domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales have said. In a joint letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland and Attorney General Michael Ellis, the commissioners have called for an independent review for every domestic homicide. They are also urging the government to review murder and manslaughter sentences in domestic abuse cases. In the letter, Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs and Victims' Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC call for "greater recognition of the devastation caused by domestic homicide" and a "programme of work to address deficiencies across the criminal justice system and statutory services". They write: "We have seen the effects of a culture of misogyny throughout the criminal justice system, to the detriment of women across England and Wales. Advertisement … [Read more...] about ‘Culture of misogyny’ could mean men get more lenient sentences – commissioners warn

The world's most expensive drug has been licensed for use on the NHS in England. Zolgensma has a reported list price of nearly £1.8m per dose, but the health service said it had struck a "landmark confidential deal" with its maker at a "price that is fair to taxpayers". The one-time gene therapy will be used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in infants. The often fatal muscle condition affects nerves in the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. In the UK, up to 80 babies a year are born with SMA. Children who have the most common form of it - type 1 - have a life expectancy of only two years. Zolgensma, which is made by Novartis Gene Therapies, replicates a missing gene and restores nerve and muscle function. Advertisement Studies have shown it can help infants to breathe without ventilators, sit up unaided, crawl and walk. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said there was "evidence of exceptional benefit to young … [Read more...] about Zolgensma: World’s most expensive drug licensed for use on NHS to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife have tested positive for COVID-19, his office has confirmed. Officials said 55-year-old President Assad and his wife Asma are both in "good health and in a stable condition". The pair will return to work after spending two to three weeks in isolation in their home. Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world In a statement, Mr Assad's office said the couple took PCR tests after they felt minor symptoms consistent with coronavirus. Advertisement Syria, which marks 10 years of war next week, has recorded nearly 16,000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 1,000 deaths from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. The country began a vaccination campaign last week, but no details have been given about the process. More from UK Meghan and Harry interview latest: Live updates as Duke of Sussex tells Oprah about awkward call with Queen Meghan and Harry interview: Queen … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and wife test positive for coronavirus

TO MARK International Women’s Day, we asked readers how the pandemic has impacted you – and the results make for sobering reading. It’s been a year like no other. While the pandemic has been tough for everyone, multiple studies suggest that women have been disproportionately impacted by it, both at home and at work. Globally, women are 1.8 times more likely to have lost their jobs in the last year, while the Women And Equalities Committee has warned that the government risks turning back the clock on gender equality unless it takes proactive steps to support women through the pandemic. So this International Women’s Day , a year since coronavirus swept the country , we spoke to almost 3,000 readers to find out how the toughest year on record has really impacted them. The results make clear that the pandemic has hit women’s mental and physical health hard. One In Ten readers lost their job during the pandemic Nearly half have felt more … [Read more...] about We asked four readers why it has been the toughest year ever for women

A guinea pig sanctuary faces being shut down after fans comments gushing over its 'piggies' on Facebook were wrongly interpreted as hate speech towards police. The future of Masons' Cavies is under threat after algorithms flagged up the harmless fan talk as harassment and bullying. Owners Sophie, 31, and Mark Mason, 45, and their members have received a string of warnings that their comments are offensive because they use the terms 'piggies', 'pigs' and 'guinea pigs.' The sanctuary's free Facebook page, which has reached 20 million people, is still in operation. But the centre has had its content and income stopped as the community site where fans donate has been blocked, according to The Sun . The wellbeing of its 89 animals is now in jeopardy as the sanctuary has lost its monthly revenue of up to £4,000. It comes as a concern given the centre's annual cost to care for its critters is £20,000. Sophie, from Lincoln, said: “It’s totally ridiculous because the … [Read more...] about Guinea pig sanctuary could close after Facebook views ‘pig’ chat as police hate