Last year, over 9% of NHS referral letters needed translation, up from 3.78% in 2020/21. Urdu topped the list of requested languages, followed by Bengali and Polish. Critics believe this increase suggests a failure in immigrant integration. 

There are growing calls for the NHS to reform its translation services. Some politicians, including Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, argue for stricter immigration policies and emphasize the importance of migrants learning English.

In foreign affairs, Donald Trump's recent statements have alarmed European leaders. His openness to negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine threatens the transatlantic alliance. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claim that America will no longer be the primary guarantor of European security has added to the unease.

At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President J.D. Vance's remarks, seemingly supportive of the "far right" Alternative for Germany party, have further unsettled Europe about its security and its ties with the U.S.

The Digest, 2/16/2025 @200PM, CDT

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