Analysis

Does AI have a right to free speech?

— If we decide that AI helps us think freely, we may need to give it rights too.

Language in Politics

Donald Trump’s truth: Why liars might sometimes be considered honest – new research

— A study highlights how belief-speaking in politics, even when detached from factual accuracy, can shape political discourse and influence public perception of honesty in politics.

War in Ukraine

Ukraine War: Mixed signals among Kyiv’s allies hint at growing conflict fatigue

— As the war nears 600 days, there are signs that support for Ukraine could be beginning to waver in some parts.

UK Politics

Age, not class, is now the biggest divide in British politics

— The latest findings from the British Social Attitudes survey suggest younger voters appear to have little faith that public spending will be directed their way.

Climate Policy

How Sunak’s back-pedalling on net zero could damage efforts to decarbonise Britain’s homes

— The government’s unpredictable approach to energy-efficiency has cost progress to net zero before.

Electric Vehicles

Why delaying the ban on petrol and diesel cars won’t slow UK’s shift to electric vehicles

— The switch to electric vehicles is already well under way in the UK. Research even suggests it may now be unstoppable – regardless of what the government does.

COVID-19

Why are those lost to COVID not formally memorialised? How politics shapes what we remember

— Hundreds of thousands of red hearts adorn a wall directly opposite parliament, yet successive prime ministers have nothing to say about officially marking the lives lost in the pandemic.

Public Health

Why taxing ‘junk food’ to tackle obesity isn’t as simple as it seems

— Tony Blair has called on ministers to tighten food regulation, including adding levies to foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.

Long-Read

Why the UK’s wealthiest 10% are turning their backs on the rest of society

— You may feel little sympathy for people in the top bracket of earnings, but don’t let that stop you from reading. Like it or not, their views and actions matter to everyone.

Criminal Justice System

Daniel Khalife: Escapes are just one symptom of a failing prison system

— Escapes are rare, and overshadow the security breaches going on inside prisons every day.

Science

The UK has joined the EU’s Horizon science funding scheme – but if we want the UK to lead, the hard work has just begun

— The deal will bring relief to UK scientists after Brexit led to uncertainty over funding and collaborative projects.

UK Economy

The UK economy’s COVID bounceback was stronger than we thought – but here’s why people are still feeling financial pain

— An economist explains why new official figures have eased the gloom surrounding the UK economy, but haven’t fully dispelled all fears.

UK Politics

The Conservatives have seized on cars as a political wedge – it’s a bet on the public turning against climate action

— Today, as in the past, pro-car sentiment is a backlash against nascent environmental protest.

RAAC

School concrete crisis: How RAAC has been used well beyond its expiry date

— Modern building materials are often designed with a limited design life. Exceeding that limit – and not properly maintaining the structures – is risky.

Russia

Ukraine war: Two good reasons the world should worry about Russia’s arms purchases from North Korea

— Despite the UN sanctions against North Korea, Russia is apparently trading weapons and technology which could help Pyongyang’s missile programme.

Politics

There’s no age limit for politicians − As people live longer, should that change?

— While there are minimum age requirements for people who want to hold political office in the US, there are no limits on when someone must retire.