scholarly journals Changes in mortality patterns and place of death during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive analysis of mortality data across four nations

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110409
Author(s):  
Sean B O’Donnell ◽  
Anna E Bone ◽  
Anne M Finucane ◽  
Jenny McAleese ◽  
Irene J Higginson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Death Certificate ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Place Of Death ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
At Home

Background: Understanding patterns of mortality and place of death during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to help provide appropriate services and resources. Aims: To analyse patterns of mortality including place of death in the United Kingdom (UK) (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) during the COVID-19 pandemic to date. Design: Descriptive analysis of UK mortality data between March 2020 and March 2021. Weekly number of deaths was described by place of death, using the following definitions: (1) expected deaths: average expected deaths estimated using historical data (2015–19); (2) COVID-19 deaths: where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate; (3) additional non-COVID-19 deaths: above expected but not attributed to COVID-19; (4) baseline deaths: up to and including expected deaths but excluding COVID-19 deaths. Results: During the analysis period, 798,643 deaths were registered in the UK, of which 147,282 were COVID-19 deaths and 17,672 were additional non-COVID-19 deaths. While numbers of people who died in care homes and hospitals increased above expected only during the pandemic waves, the numbers of people who died at home remained above expected both during and between the pandemic waves, with an overall increase of 41%. Conclusions: Where people died changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in deaths at home during and between pandemic waves. This has implications for planning and organisation of palliative care and community services. The extent to which these changes will persist longer term remains unclear. Further research could investigate whether this is reflected in other countries with high COVID-19 mortality.

Debates over Irish unification will gain traction

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Status ◽  
Scottish Independence ◽  
The Uk

Significance The differing perspectives of unionists and nationalists on the creation of Northern Ireland as a political entity within the United Kingdom, together with Brexit and tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP), have brought the contentious issue of Irish reunification onto the political agenda in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Impacts Scottish independence would likely increase momentum for a referendum on Irish unity. Successful implementation of the NIP, giving firms access to EU and UK markets, may support arguments for maintaining the status quo. If the UK government abandons the NIP, the adverse trade impact on Northern Irish firms could increase support for unification.

scholarly journals Resolving international border disputes: The Irish experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Coakley
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Territorial Dispute ◽  
Civil Unrest ◽  
Good Friday ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
The Uk ◽  
International Border

This article explores the value of a specific model of norm replacement in accounting for the circumstances leading to Ireland’s Good Friday agreement (1998), which formally and finally settled the long-running territorial dispute between Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK). Drawing on the theoretical literature, it identifies three phases in this process. First, from the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 until the civil unrest in Northern Ireland peaked in 1972 the irredentist norm was substantially unchallenged. It was embedded in the 1937 constitution, which defined the national territory as extending over the whole island of Ireland – including Northern Ireland, a part of the UK. The second phase, from about 1972 to 1998, was one of norm competition. The irredentist norm was severely challenged by new political realities in Northern Ireland, and was potentially destabilising for the state itself. It was increasingly challenged by an alternative ‘consent’ norm, one embracing in effect the geopolitical status quo. The third phase, from 1998 onwards, was one of consolidation of the new norm, now written into the Irish constitution to replace the wording of 1937. The article suggests that this model plays a valuable role in accounting for the changing status of the Irish border, but also that the Irish experience has implications for the broad shape of the model.

scholarly journals Between intergovernmental relations and paradiplomacy: Wales and the Brexit of the regions

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Hunt ◽  
Rachel Minto
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Intergovernmental Relations ◽  
State Sovereignty ◽  
Nation State ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Awareness Raising ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Regional Interests ◽  
Domestic Level

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) is an assertion of UK nation-state sovereignty. Notwithstanding this state-centrism, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have distinct interests to protect as part of the Brexit negotiations. This article explores how the interests of one regional case, Wales, were accommodated in the pre-negotiation phase, at a domestic level—through intergovernmental structures—and an EU level through paradiplomacy. We explore the structures for sub-state influence, Wales’ engagement with these structures and what has informed its approach. We argue that Wales’ behaviour reflects its positioning as a ‘Good Unionist’ and a ‘Good European’. Despite the weakness of intra-UK structures, Wales has preferred to pursue policy influence at a UK (not an EU) level. In Brussels, regional interests inform the context for Brexit. Here, Wales has focused on awareness-raising, highlighting that the UK Government does not command the ‘monopoly on perspectives’ towards Brexit in the United Kingdom.

EU signals flexibility over Northern Ireland protocol

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Legal Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Notable Change ◽  
The Uk

Significance However, there has been a notable change in the EU’s tone. In July, the European Commission unexpectedly paused legal action against the United Kingdom for an alleged breach of the NIP, and when London announced on September 6 that it was suspending key elements indefinitely, the EU’s response was muted. Impacts France is so deeply aggrieved over AUKUS that any further UK breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement could prompt a bad-tempered response. The possibility of an early assembly election in Northern Ireland would complicate EU-UK attempts to resolve the NIP issue. The exclusion of high profile, pro-EU politicians in the UK cabinet reshuffle shows how important the Brexit agenda remains for London.

Northern Ireland

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Graham
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Uk

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom with its own Regional Assembly, but is subject to direct rule from the UK Parliament in Westminster in relation to certain reserved matters. The law relating to mental capacity in Northern Ireland is in a period of change.

scholarly journals ABORTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS: REFLECTIONS FROM THE UK SUPREME COURT

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-494
Author(s):  
Bríd Ní Ghráinne ◽  
Aisling McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
International Law ◽  
European Convention ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
Uk Supreme Court ◽  
The Uk

AbstractOn 7 June 2018, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UKSCt) issued its decision on, inter alia, whether Northern Ireland's near-total abortion ban was compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). This article critically assesses the UKSC's treatment of international law in this case. It argues that the UKSCt was justified in finding that Northern Ireland's ban on abortion in cases of rape, incest, and FFA was a violation of Article 8, but that the majority erred in its assessment of Article 3 ECHR and of the relevance of international law more generally.

Fatal Self-poisoning in the UK and the Paracetamol/Dextropropoxyphene Combination

1984 ◽  
Vol 3 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 145s-174S ◽  
Author(s):  
P.S. Dwyer ◽  
I.F. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Combination Product ◽  
Analgesic Drugs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Direct Investigation

1 Coroners' files have been examined to ascertain the numbers of deaths involving self-poisoning with analgesic drugs with specific reference to the paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene combination. The period of study was 1976-1980. This report concentrates on cases in England, although reference is made to similar deaths occurring in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 2 Data have been collected extensively on a wide range of issues concerning fatal self-poisonings mainly by visiting coroners' offices in England to make direct investigation of records. 3 The total number of cases where the paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene combination can be considered as ingested in the self-poisoning episode is underestimated. The number of cases involving alcohol and/or other drugs taken together with the combination product is particularly underestimated. 4 Involvement of people aged 30 years and below comprises 32% of all cases. 5 'Gesture' overdoses comprise an estimated 14% of all cases in England. 6 An analysis of fatalities from cases where quantities in post-mortem blood of dextropropoxyphene < 1 μg/ml and paracetamol < 50 μg/ml are found and of cases where death occurs within 2 h of ingestion of the overdose has been carried out. The results are inconclusive. In most cases alcohol and/or other drugs are found to be involved. Critical inspection of coroners' files shows relatively few of these cases where the combination product is ingested on its own. 7 There is wide variability in the data available in coroners' files. In many cases data of value to this research are not recorded. Medical history and quantitative levels of drugs suspected (particularly dextropropoxyphene) are particular examples of factors which may not be recorded. 8 Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) mortality data are based on certified causes of death. Because of the underestimate of the involvement of this combination product and the under-reporting of other drug and/or alcohol ingestion with the combination, care must be exercised in quoting or drawing conclusions from OPCS statistics.

scholarly journals The British-Irish Border in the Context of Brexit

2020 ◽  
pp. 229-242
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Balawajder
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Border Crossing ◽  
Free Movement ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk

The subject of the paper is reflections on the consequences of Brexit for the functioning of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The author explains what this border means when the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union, and thus the border may be a barrier to the free movement of people, goods, capital and services. At the same time, it is stressed that the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union will have a significant impact on the change of the function of this border, which from then on is no longer an internal border of the Union. The aim of the paper is therefore to analyse the consequences of this change, with a simultaneous indication of different models of the UK’s functioning with relation to the European Union and their impact on the British-Irish relations, especially with regard to the various dimensions of the border as a barrier. The article presents various scenarios of solutions that will determine their mutual relations as a result of negotiations between the European Union and Great Britain, especially with regard to access to the single European market, which in turn will be influenced by the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the scope of the free movement of people, goods, capital and services. The author used the system analysis method and the comparative method. The author puts forward the thesis that if the negotiations cause a fairly strong loosening of relations between the UK and the European Union, to mitigate the consequences of such a situation for the Irish-British relations, it will be necessary to find and develop bilateral solutions that will facilitate border crossing. The Smart Border 2.0 concept can constitute such a solution.

scholarly journals Transnationalism and Development: The Impact of Remittances to Timor-Leste

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brigida Brites Soares
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Great Britain ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Main Question ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

<p>The aim of this thesis is to Explorer the impact of remittances, sent from Timorese workers in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, South Korea and Australia, on the Development of Timor-Leste.  The research in this study is from three different perspectives. Firstly, the migration processes and the remittance service providers, which are involved in managing the transfer of remittances from Timorese workers overseas to their families at home. Secondly, the remittance is used by recipient familieson the consumption (durable and non durable goods). Finally, the remittance is used on human capital invest-ment and business investment. From these three perspectives, this thesis examines how remittances con tribute to the development of Timor-Leste. Using a qualitative method, the study addresses one main question: What is the impact of remittances to Timor-Leste?  The study was underpinned by qualitative research conducted in Timor-Leste, which has a total popula-tion of 1.1 million. I administered the field research in 7 locations to 30 participants. These included 10 remittance receiving households in the urban district of Dili and 10 from the rural areas of Baucau, Lospa-los, Viqueque, Ainaro, Covalima and Oecusse. Another 10 interviewees were migrant workers domiciled in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, South Korea and Australia. The interviews also conducted with relevant Government institutions regarding the process of emigration to work in United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, South Korea and Australia. Also, bank and non-bank institusions as the channel used to transfers remittances from the host countries of the migrants to their families at home.  In adopting a combination of theoretical approaches, especially the New Economy of Labour Migration, I argue that remittances have a positive contribution to the development of household participants‟ welfare, the development of human capital and they enable remitters and their families in Timor-Leste to start small and medium businesses. The study also found that the ultimate use of remittances is variously in-vested in productive and unproductive sectors. I further argue that the positive impact of remittances on peoples‟ lives significantly increases the numbers of overseas migrants, which attracts a greater flow of remittances into the country and that urgent government policies are needed to facilitate these more easily.</p>

scholarly journals Tracking Excess Deaths (TRACKED) – an interactive online tool to monitor excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. C. Poon ◽  
Paul M. Brennan ◽  
Kai Jin ◽  
Jonine D. Figueroa ◽  
Cathie L. M. Sudlow
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Excess Mortality ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Mortality Trends ◽  
Online Tool ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Excess Deaths

Background: We aimed to describe trends of excess mortality in the United Kingdom (UK) stratified by nation and cause of death, and to develop an online tool for reporting the most up to date data on excess mortality Methods: Population statistics agencies in the UK including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), National Records of Scotland (NRS), and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) publish weekly mortality data. We used mortality data up to 22nd May in the ONS and the NISRA and 24th May in the NRS. The main outcome measures were crude mortality for non-COVID deaths (where there is no mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate) calculated, and excess mortality defined as difference between observed mortality and expected average of mortality from previous 5 years. Results: There were 56,961 excess deaths, of which 8,986 were non-COVID excess deaths. England had the highest number of excess deaths per 100,000 population (85) and Northern Ireland the lowest (34). Non-COVID mortality increased from 23rd March and returned to the 5-year average on 10th May. In Scotland, where underlying cause mortality data besides COVID-related deaths was available, the percentage excess over the 8-week period when COVID-related mortality peaked was: dementia 49%, other causes 21%, circulatory diseases 10%, and cancer 5%. We developed an online tool (TRACKing Excess Deaths - TRACKED) to allow dynamic exploration and visualisation of the latest mortality trends. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of excess mortality trends and further integration of age- and gender-stratified and underlying cause of death data beyond COVID-19 will allow dynamic assessment of the impacts of indirect and direct mortality of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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