The shortage of NHS dentists is yet another sign of how this Government has failed to look after the health service.
The exodus of talent has driven the number of NHS appointments available each month down from 3.5 million to 2.3 million. As a result, patients are left with a choice of paying to go private or resort to dangerous DIY dentistry.
Many people simply cannot afford to go private and nobody should be forced to live in pain or have to carry out their own procedures.
The British Dental Association says its members are leaving the NHS because the Government has cut funding for the service and created a perverse payment structure that leaves them out of pocket.
The Conservatives cannot be blind to how desperate the situation has become. The lack of NHS dentists was cited by voters in the Tiverton and Honiton by-elections as one of the reasons they backed Labour and the Lib Dems.
It is time the Tories realised you cannot provide NHS dentistry without NHS dentists.
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No trust issues
Prince Charles rightly takes great pride in his charitable work.
Organisations such as the Prince’s Trust, for instance, have transformed the lives of hundreds of young people. That great work now risks being tarnished by allegations surrounding the unconventional methods used to raise funds for his foundations.
Clarence House insists no rules were broken when the Prince reportedly received a suitcase of a €1million from a Qatari sheikh.
The donation may have been above board but it is not the first time his charitable work has come under scrutiny.
However honourable his intentions, for the reputation of the monarchy it is essential the Prince is not tainted by any cloud of suspicion.
Actor of God
Frank Williams graced our screens for years playing the vicar in Dad’s Army.
He was one of the reasons why the series was comedy heaven.
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