In today’s newsletter: The number of patients both in and seeking support has risen drastically since 2015 – the reasons why are complicated
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Good morning. About 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, and that number, say psychologists and campaigners, is rising sharply.
The reasons why people experience conditions like anorexia and bulimia are complex and, despite their prevalence, still not well understood. Nor can experts fully explain why their numbers are increasing so quickly – including among children. Experts stress these conditions are treatable. People can and do make full recoveries, but the key can be getting early treatment – and that is often not happening.
Economy | The Bank of England has warned businesses and households that the cost of borrowing will remain high for at least the next two years as it raised interest rates for the 14th consecutive time to 5.25%.
Climate | Four Greenpeace activists have been arrested after ending their rooftop protest at Rishi Sunak’s Yorkshire mansion, which they mounted to “drive home the dangerous consequences of a new drilling frenzy”. The campaigners draped the prime minister’s Grade II-listed manor house with an oil-black fabric on Thursday morning.
Retail | Budget retailer Wilko has said it plans to appoint administrators in a move that could put 12,000 jobs at risk. The chain, which has about 400 stores, said that it had appointed the advisory firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in recent months to try to find a buyer.
Governance | The UK’s parliamentary ombudsman has found that the Foreign Office “failed to notice signs of torture” when officials visited a British academic imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates.
US news | Pop star Lizzo has spoken out in response to several of her tour dancers levelling allegations of sexual harassment against her, calling their claims “sensationalised stories”. Earlier this week, a lawsuit filed by three of the singer’s tour dancers alleged that Lizzo created a hostile work environment between 2021 and 2023.
