Jon Stone

Poetry isn’t a medium typically associated with towering beasts. Lyric poems tend to be short, tender and concerned with minor everyday incidents. That, or abstract concepts like love and death. Poems also tend to be thought of, wrongly or not, as true accounts – the inverse of creature feature films with preposterous special effects.

The U.S. president-elect's return to the world stage comes as Britain and the EU are resetting relations. Brussels sees an opportunity.

But here’s why poets shouldn’t worry, yet.

While AI-generated poetry may have momentarily outshone human poets in a study, its appeal largely hinges on its ability to simplify and cater to unseasoned readers

With money tight, ministers are looking for novel ways to finance new trains. The solution might lie across the channel.

Background Robust epidemiological data regarding population incidence and prevalence of functional neurological disorder (FND) would be helpful with regards to resource allocation and planning for this disorder, particularly given high symptom burden and high healthcare utilisation. We therefore aimed to systematically review and synthesise available data on FND incidence and prevalence.Methods PubMed was searched to identify original research articles that reported on the incidence or prevalence of FND. Risk of bias assessment for each study was conducted. Incidence and prevalence rates of FND were additionally estimated by extrapolating data from low risk of bias studies on functional seizures alone.Results Thirty-nine articles were included. Nineteen reported on FND incidence, 21 reported on prevalence. Comparison between studies was difficult due to methodological differences and significant heterogeneity of incidence and prevalence estimates was found. The incidence of FND was estimated at 10–22/100 00, while minimum prevalence of FND was estimated at 80–140/100 000, with a possible range of 50–1600/100 000. Incidence of paediatric FND was estimated to be between 1 and 18/100 000.Conclusions The range of incidence and prevalence varies widely across studies, with significant heterogeneity among studies and most studies likely provide underestimates due to methodological challenges. However, using our best method as a conservative estimate, there are likely a minimum of 50–100 000 people with FND in the UK, as an example country. Given that FND appears to be more prevalent than many other well-known and well-funded neurological disorders, incidence and prevalence data suggested here indicate the need for greater research and clinical funding allocation to FND programmes.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. Not applicable.

The specter of Farage’s Reform party looms large as Britain seeks a reset in relations with the EU.

To get talks back on track in the coming year, Keir Starmer and his team are filling their diary with trips to Brussels.

Gisela Stuart's role in recruiting the new negotiator has some British pro-Europeans spooked.

Michael Ellam was No. 10 director of communications before working for HSBC. LONDON — Keir Starmer has appointed Gordon Brown's former spin doctor to lead negotiations with the European Union.