The National Audit Office, says the NHS isn't using its spending power to the full - with some hospitals paying double the price for medical equipment compared to others.

 

Darwin Friend from the Taxpayers' alliance calls on the NHS to be stronger in procurement negotiations.

 

 [audio - I/V]

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An NHS spokesperson insists they're 'determined' to 'provide the best value for money' and are committed to working with their partners to improve procurement.

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The SNP will launch their 2024 General Election campaign later today, as they aim to keep seats won in 2015.

That election saw the SNP experience a landslide win, snatching 40 seats from the Scottish Labour Party.

At the last election they won 48 out of 59 Scottish seats.

But, eminent Scottish Politics professor, James Mitchell, says the SNP could face a change in fortunes.

[audio - I/V]
 

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((BIZ - PM ROUNDUP))

In the City, the FTSE's closed down 33 points at 76-89

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The Natwest chairman has responded to growing outrage following comments he made this morning about homebuying.

Sir Howard Davies told an interviewer it "wasn't difficult" to get on the property ladder.

He says he "didn't intend to underplay" the serious challenges for people involved in buying a house.

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Strikes on the London Underground are going ahead from this evening.

Last minute talks have failed to resolve a pay dispute.

Members of the RMT Union are walking out for seven days.

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Eight of the least profitable Revolution Bars are closing, as the company claims its customers are "disproportionately" affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The owners also says the national living wage increase makes conditions more "challenging".

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And, Danish company, Maersk, is to divert ships away from the Red Sea for the foreseeable future.

Its commercial vessels are among those which have come under attack from Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent weeks.