'Government needs to put a rescue plan in place for NHS dentistry as quickly as possible'

The dental crisis is so acute that people are queueing in the early hours to get an appointment - and when they can't find a solution, they're left in pain or turn to DIY dentistry

The government is well aware it inherited a broken health service from the Tories.

This is especially the case with dentists. Latest figures show 97% of new patients have been unable to find one on the NHS. It’s become so acute, people are queueing in the early hours to get an appointment.

The crisis not only leaves people in pain or drives them to DIY dentistry. It also puts more pressure on other parts of the health service as they turn to A&E and GPs in desperation. While the blame lies with the previous government, it is imperative the new one puts a rescue plan in place as quickly as possible.

This means reforming botched contracts which act as a disincentive to treat more NHS patients and delivering on the promise to create extra appointments for children. Ministers say they recognise the scale of the problem. They must also recognise that time is of the essence.

Life and death

Later this month, MPs will debate whether terminally ill people should be given the right to end their lives. It’s the first time Parliament will have addressed assisted dying in nearly a decade. In that time opinions have changed. A poll today finds that two-thirds of people want it legalised in the next five years.

However, the survey also reveals concerns about the vulnerable and infirm being pressurised into making the decision. It is right that MPs should review existing legislation. But it’s also essential both sides of the argument are taken into account before any new law is passed.

Nice one, Kate

It speaks volumes that the Princess of Wales joined Prince William when he met the families of children killed in the Southport knife attack. It was the couple’s first joint official outing since Kate completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Few royal visits will mean as much or be more appreciated.