This is turning out to be a weird election opinion polls gyrating, reputations fluctuating, the unpredictable quickly becomes conceivable, or not. Theres been farce, and sadly, there has been more tragedy in this campaign than weve experienced before. Yet, a week to go to the vote, and it feels as though some of our structural problems have yet to get a mention. So were going to start with one tonight, even at the risk of looking like we are off the subject of the campaign. The question is how we deal with britains lopsided, low productivity economy . For all the rhetoric of us being the fifth, or is it now sixth largest economy in the world, its not firing on all cylinders. Do the labour and conservatives parties really have any idea as to how to improve things . Well ask them that, and some other questions. But first, a quick look at the journey weve taken, and the problem weve arrived at. Through the monstrous scenery of slag heaps, chimneys, piled scrap iron, foul canals, paths. No
Its 5 oclock. Our main story is that Record Numbers of patients spent more than four hours in accident and emergency units in england in january, according to figures leaked to the bbc. During a difficult winter for the nhs, january seems to be the worst performing month in the past 13 years. The figures also suggest Record Numbers of people waited longer than 12 hours for a hospital bed, once theyd been seen in a e. The bma said the Prime Minister could no longer bury her head in the sand over increasing pressure in the nhs. And it accused the government of failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Our Health Correspondent Dominic Hughes reports. For months now, accident and Emergency Departments across england have been struggling. Last week, the bbc was given exclusive access to the royal blackburn hospital, where the pressure on a e was plain to see. We need beds and staff. Its just like banging your head you need a bed. Definitely. Its distressing. Its really distressing
Death is still with him, 20 years after Princess Diana was killed. He was speaking in a bbc documentary on the London Marathon. Police say they want to speak to Arthur Collins about a suspected acid attack at an east london nightclub. Good morning from westminster, where mps are expected to give their approval this afternoon to the Prime Ministers plan for a Snap General Election injust seven weeks. Theresa may says shes going to the polls three years early to help her make a success of brexit and secure a better dealfor britain. Opposition parties have accused mrs may of a u turn, but say they wont vote against the election. This morning theresa may has denied claims of political opportunism and insisted that its in the National Interest to hold a Snap Election. Speaking on the today programme, the Prime Minister has said she is not seeking a mandate for a blank cheque on brexit. So you are committed to fighting the election without spelling anything new out at all . Nothing new about
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