Welcome to the BBC News on 1st January 2025. Happy New Year.
The WHO report that for the third year running, the number of deaths worldwide from COVID is so small that they have been unable to measure it. They ascribe this good news to the scientific progress made both in vaccination and in treatments, and to the unprecedented international co-operation in addressing the biggest health challenge of our age.
Following her party's huge victory in last year’s general election, Prime Minister Tracy Brabin has confirmed that plans for the complete overhaul of the NHS, including vastly improved funding and support for those at the coal face, are now being implemented. Universal Basic Income is proving to be a huge success with no children reported to be living in poverty in the UK.
In foreign news, Scottish First Minister Kate Forbes has announced that preparations for the Scottish Independence Day celebrations on the 25 January are almost complete. This will be the first celebration of Independence Day since Scotland re-joined the EU last year. Ms Forbes expects to be joined at the celebrations by newly-elected USA President Kamala Harris and EU President Nicola Sturgeon.
Ah well, a girl can dream.