Helen Whately is in the news as Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, focusing on UK youth schemes and social issues. MP for Faversham since 2015.
The UK government announced a £1 billion scheme to create 200,000 jobs for young people over three years. The plan includes incentives for employers, expanded apprenticeships, and a widened Jobs Guarantee scheme, aiming to address rising youth unemployment and NEET figures, with a focus on those on benefits and long-term unemployed.
As of March 27, 2026, a meningitis B outbreak linked to a 'super-spreader' event at Canterbury's Club Chemistry nightclub has resulted in at least 29 confirmed and suspected cases, including two deaths. The infection has spread to multiple universities and schools in Kent and one case in London. Authorities have launched targeted vaccination and antibiotic treatment campaigns to contain the outbreak.