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ROBOTIC surgery will slash waiting lists in a decade, the head of the NHS will say today.

NHS England estimates robotic systems will be used in half a million operations a year by 2035, compared with 70,000 last year.

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Robotic surgery will slash waiting lists in a decade, the head of the NHS will say[/caption]

That will include nine out of ten keyhole ops in the gut and pelvis, and increasing numbers of emergency surgeries.

Health service boss Sir Jim Mackey will say at an NHS conference today: “We have pledged to return to shorter elective waiting times by 2029 and we are using every tool at our disposal.

“Robotic surgery will play a huge part in this.

“Not only does it speed up the number of procedures the NHS can do, but it also means better outcomes, faster recoveries and shorter hospital stays.”

Waiting lists in England are stubbornly high at 7.4million.

The total increased in March as demand soared at a time of staff and cash shortages.

Robot-assisted surgery uses super-precise mechanical arms that are electronically controlled by a surgeon and do internal operating work through tiny incisions on the body.

They can be used for many common operations including hernia repairs, organ removals, hip and knee replacements and cancer treatment.

Patients often have less blood loss, less scarring and need less anaesthetic, helping them recover faster.

More than 140 robots are already in use across the UK.

The NHS spending watchdog Nice recently approved 11 machines for use in England in the hope it will end a postcode lottery in their use.

BRITAIN will keep taking in nearly 300,000 people a year even after sweeping crackdowns on immigration, a Government adviser said. 

Prof Brian Bell said net migration will fall from 430,000 to around 200,000 next year, but is likely to bounce back to just below 300,000 in the long term. 

AP

Britain will still take nearly 300,000 migrants a year long-term, a government adviser has said[/caption]

That’s the equivalent of adding a city the size of Nottingham to the UK population every single year. 

The chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) blamed the drop on falling job vacancies and tough new rules from both the Tories and Labour. 

He said it could fall lower depending on the impact of Labour’s proposed reforms to tighten work visa rules. 

Sir Keir Starmer’s White Paper plans to restrict visas to graduate-level jobs, block the overseas recruitment of foreign care workers, and raise English language requirements. 

He said: “I think we’ll revert to about 300,000, although probably a little lower given the White Paper’s recent changes which, if enacted, will reduce net migration by perhaps about 80,000. 

“So somewhere just below 300,000 would seem like a plausible medium-term scenario.”

His committee also sounded the alarm over plans to raise the salary required to bring a foreign spouse to Britain from £29,000 to £38,700.

He warned the move will likely breach human rights laws protecting family life. 

FREEVIEW’S successor will appear on even more screens after landing a deal with one of the world’s biggest TV brands.

Freely, made from the same company as Freeview, is encouraging viewers away from the humble TV aerial to using Wi-Fi instead.

Freely

Now Roku TVs will come with Freely on them[/caption]

This means you don’t need to worry about pesky signal issues – nor having to place your telly near the aerial port in the wall.

For the moment, the service is hybrid so it can take Freeview channels the traditional way as well as via broadband.

Just recently, more than a dozen channels you can’t get with an aerial were added.

This includes a channel for game show favourite The Chase, all Channel 4’s best property shows on 4Homes, plus 5 Cops for all ofmi 5’s real crime hits.

Freely – which is run by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5’s Everyone TV – has been adding a number of device partners since bursting onto the scene over a year ago.

Fire TV was a big newcomer but now Roku is getting on board too.

Freely will be available on the next generation of smart TVs powered by the Roku operating system.

Roku can be found on a number of major TV models, such as Sharp, Polaroid, and METZ.

“Offering Freely on the Roku operating system is a major milestone for us, as we continue to expand reach for the free streaming platform,” said Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV.

Just last month, Freely announced some new features to rival premium services like Sky’s own streamed TV alternative Sky Glass.

A new backward TV guide was introduced, allowing people to scroll back on the screen and instantly see what’s been on recently, with a quick link directly to a catch up stream if one is available.

You can scroll back a full seven days.

A Never Miss feature was also added, which highlight programmes coming up, on now, and those you just missed, alongside the biggest and best shows available on demand.

And My List will let you save up to 50 of your favourite shows from the UK’s biggest free-to-air broadcasters all in one place so you can keep track of them.

FREELY ON A STICK?

So far, Freely has only been made available on new smart TVs for sale.

But BBC boss Tim Davie recently hinted that a Fire Stick-like device with Freely on it could come in the future.

“We have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world,” he said during a speech at Salford’s Lowry Theatre.

“We want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband.

“And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.”

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Roku is used on some TVs by Sharp, Polaroid, and METZ[/caption]

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

You can welcome the full moon for the deep questions it asks about the direction you are taking.

If you know you are setting your own needs aside and following someone else’s map, this can be the wake-up call you need.

In love, valuing feelings ahead of finances, can restore partnership balance.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

A meaningful full moon happens in your transformation zone – so you can be ready to reassess your life, and end the day with big choices to make.

What’s right for you can also be right for others, keep that fact at the forefront of your mind.

Mercury and Venus put planet heads together to find a way to reunite hearts

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Your cash chart is confident and clear – but the full moon may challenge you to choose who should share any good fortune.

The most positive people may be the ones who say the least – suspend judgment until you see the truth yourself.

You are a keen love detective, following up on a mystery message can prove it.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Unexpected, maybe “unsuitable” health plans can be the effects of the full moon on your chart – but anything is possible, so do give every offer equal consideration.

This can include a passion proposal that links to your oldest friend, or perhaps your newest relative.

The luck factor handwrites a story or speech.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

The best creative ideas can come out of the blue – and can happen today.

You may not understand everything that springs to mind, but get it all down in writing.

You can start a store of personal genius that will come into its own when the time is right.

Looking for love? The One can be a multiple-times winner.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Facts and figures from your past can have significance in your future – you can find out how tonight.

Get files and documents in order, and follow up anything unusual you find.

A building you first see by moonlight can be a home for your heart – either a perfect new address, or the site of a fateful meeting.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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A few well-chosen words can break a stalemate[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Trusting yourself to “know” when something or someone is right for you is not always easy – but Venus and Saturn support you in different areas, to build confidence in this.

You always see every side of a situation – but at work, it’s OK to focus on your own needs first.

A few well-chosen words can break a stalemate.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Mixed feelings over a friend’s recent change are healthy – but if you feel yourself becoming too bogged down in these, your chart offers the support you need.

Jupiter adds great judgment, while Venus boosts team-building skills.

Mars reminds you what you can achieve, when you set your mind to it.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

A full moon offers you permission to go deeper, both into your own true self, and other people’s vision for your life.

You can ask difficult questions, and deal well with any answers.

In the love sphere, there’s a special something about you that draws interesting names closer.

Some can be friends – one a fantasy lover.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Your true place in a team is your focus – as you are ready to admit to recent unsettled feelings.

This can be a signal you need more – freedom, or maybe commitment.

Getting balance back may take time, but you have the determination to make this work.

Two families who often travel together could win together too.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Do leave room in your day for fun and flirtation with a sultry Scorpio[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

With the full moon in your celebrity and social media zone, you could make a mark when you don’t expect to – perhaps with a surprise, even secret, recording.

But you discover speaking from the heart is easier, and more healing, than you expect.

An “S” set of books or documents can have secret value.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Put half-hearted dreams on pause, as you have a chart of ambition on fast forward, and it calls for your attention.

You can see how and where you may have been wasting your time – and how to channel your skills in a more productive direction.

But do leave room in your day for fun and flirtation with a sultry Scorpio.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

TEMPLEGATE tackles Wednesday’s action confident of building the bank for Royal Ascot.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

WATEEN (4.00 Lingfield, nap)

This sharp filly improved markedly to finish second at Doncaster last time, posting a strong speed figure in the process. She’s bred to be speedy, is drawn well, and has more to offer in a race where most of her rivals lack experience.

MAKES ME WONDER (2.45 Yarmouth, nb)

She showed her liking for this track when scoring here over seven furlongs in April. The form of that contest has worked out very nicely and anything like that performance would be good enough.

BANKSMAN (5.15 Yarmouth, treble)

He has his sights lowered slightly here after going down in a photo at Brighton last time out. He is drawn to attack and this looks a cracking chance to get off the mark for in-form trainer Jack Channon.

SAWGRASS (3.30 Lingfield, Lucky 15)

Has been knocking on the door and looked in need of this longer trip when third at Beverley last time. She can score off this mark.

Templegate’s tips

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Shane Lowry has a score to settle in this week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he let a four-shot, final-round lead slip through his hands in 2016.

Perry is currently on her “Lifetimes” tour, which began on April 23 and runs through Dec. 7.

Joshua Crutcher, 31, and Dion Michaels, 22 – part of the entourage of the Memphis-based rapper, who was set to perform at the famed music festival – were cornered by security as they tried to enter the VIP area Sunday, the sources said. 

When are we headed back to the precinct?