Water Pollution

PFAS forever chemicals found in English drinking water – why are they everywhere, and what are the risks?

— The Royal Society of Chemistry warns that PFAS chemicals, linked to cancer and fertility issues, exceed safe levels in England’s drinking water. Current standards are insufficient, demanding urgent revision for public health.

Climate Change

Why are people still flying to climate conferences by private jet?

— Over 70,000 delegates, including Rishi Sunak, David Cameron, and King Charles, attend COP28 in Dubai, but over 300 private jet journeys raise environmental concerns. The carbon footprint analysis urges sustainable travel choices.

Climate Change

COP28: Inside the United Arab Emirates, the oil giant hosting 2023 climate change summit

— Critics argued that having oil and gas producers lead climate talks raised a conflict of interest, given the industry’s role in carbon emissions. Indeed, the UAE is reportedly planning to increase oil production and has been accused of flaring more gas than reported.

Far-Right

Geert Wilders: How election victory in the Netherlands for Party for Freedom fits into a wider picture of European radical-right populism

— Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom’s victory in the Dutch election marks a historic shift with the extreme right becoming the largest party. Potential coalition talks may impact the Netherlands’ EU stance, echoing the complexities seen in Italy’s recent political landscape.

Children Poverty

Around a million children in the UK are living in destitution – with harmful consequences for their development

— Recent analysis reveals a 61% increase in destitution in the UK since 2019, with 3.8 million people affected in 2022. Of concern is the steep rise in destitution among children (an 88% increase), impacting their long-term development and perpetuating societal inequalities.

Disabilities

UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people

— UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people. Progressive welfare reform would tackle disablist policies, banning sanctions and raising benefits to reflect the true costs of living.

Extremism

Look to the mainstream to explain the rise of the far-right

— We cannot pretend to stand against the far-right while referring to its politics as “legitimate concerns”. We must stand unequivocally by and be in service of every one of the communities at the sharp end of oppression.

UK Politics

Autumn statement: What to expect, what they’re not saying, and the traps for Labour

— The budget aims to address the Tories’ economic strategy and the cost of living crisis ahead of the general election. Given the challenging economic outlook, the budget may include tax cuts and measures to boost growth, but challenges like inconsistent policies and pressure to cut benefits persist.

COVID-19

From COVID to gastro, why are cruise ships such hotbeds of infection?

— Cruise ships’ close quarters and shared spaces pose infection risks, historically linked to respiratory and gastro pathogens, emphasising the need for stringent hygiene measures.

UK Politics

Rwanda plan: Rishi Sunak has insisted on pushing ahead – here’s where he could take it next

— Rishi Sunak remains committed to stopping small boat crossings while exploring alternative “safe” countries. The PM stands firm, citing European examples, amid the political dispute over the European Court’s role in immigration strategy.

Geopolitics

What Joe Biden’s meeting with Xi Jinping means for geopolitical tensions

— In a high-stakes meeting at the APEC summit, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to ease tensions in a complex relationship shaped by economic interdependence. Resolving grievances requires ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

Immigration

Supreme Court rules Rwanda plan unlawful: A legal expert explains the judgment, and what happens next

— The UK Supreme Court deems the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful, citing concerns about refoulement and lack of respect for non-refoulement principles. The ruling challenges the government’s Illegal Migration Act, necessitating a reevaluation of asylum policies.

UK Politics

David Cameron: Lessons from other ex-prime ministers who returned to government

— Rishi Sunak’s surprising choice of David Cameron as foreign secretary, despite his 2016 political exit, sparks divided opinions. This move echoes historical instances where ex-prime ministers returned for experience and unity, with Cameron being the first in 50 years.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s decision to bring back David Cameron has distracted us all for now, but the long-term strategy is flawed

— Rishi Sunak’s appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary raises questions. Cameron, not a popular figure, is linked to Brexit and an era of austerity, conflicting with Sunak’s strategy. The move may have short-term benefits but poses risks for the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman: How much of a threat is sacked home secretary from the backbenches?

— Rishi Sunak’s removal of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known for appealing to the cultural right, and the appointment of former PM David Cameron as foreign secretary reveals his struggle to balance diverse factions within the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman’s comments comparing Gaza protests with Northern Ireland are a grave misunderstanding of the facts

— Suella Braverman’s controversial Times article suggests a desire to replace Sunak as Tory leader by aligning with the party’s right. Drawing comparisons between protests in Northern Ireland and pro-Palestinian protests in London, she introduces malicious confusion.