The Standard View: London lab is leading the battle against cancer

For decades, treatment for cancer was a blunt tool — everyone got the same, left to fight for their life chances against sometimes impossible odds. That is changing. Today, a breakthrough at a London research lab could lead to personalised treatments — in this case for advanced breast cancer.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, in conjunction with academics from Oxford and Cambridge, have discovered the key features of immune B cells which help them to target tumours — even when cancer has spread to a different part of the body. Identifying these anti-cancer immune cells raises the possibility of improved and, critically, personalised treatment to boost the body’s immune system’s response against breast cancer that has spread.

That this advanced, potentially life-changing research is being done in the capital is testament to the expertise of our health professionals and the strengths of the UK’s science research and innovation. But the benefits could be global.

Uber’s relationship with its competitors, and regulators, goes far beyond London. There is scarcely a major city in which the ride-hailing app has not raised some hackles. Most recently, thousands of black cab drivers have launched a £250 million lawsuit against Uber, claiming it misled Transport for London over the manner in which its ride-booking system operated, thereby breaching private hire licensing rules. A spokesman for Uber said: “These old claims are completely unfounded.”

Uber has previously faced issues over its licence to operate private hire vehicles in London, and was denied a licence by TfL in 2019, following concerns around passenger safety and transparency. But it was allowed to continue operating and in 2022 was granted a two-and-a-half-year licence in the capital. Uber provides a service on which many Londoners rely. But so too do black cabs. Passengers benefit from competition, but it must be a fair one.

Voting in this country is not compulsory. The choice not to support any party or candidate is a legitimate one, but fundamentally misguided for one reason: it allows other people to decide the fate of your town, city or country.

Londoners today have the opportunity to elect a Mayor and Assembly Members. Key issues include crime, affordable housing, air quality and transport.

This is everyone’s opportunity to make their voice heard. Put another way, if you don’t vote, it is harder to grumble about the consequences of elections. So our message is simple: check your polling card, bring your photo ID and vote.