COMMENT
— The Conservative Party faces accusations of Islamophobia, with former deputy chairman Lee Anderson implicating London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, triggering debates over terminology and the party’s stance on religious discrimination.
UK Politics
— Recent YouGov surveys illuminate public perception of UK Conservative Prime Ministers since 2010. Liz Truss is heavily criticised, Boris Johnson polarises, while Rishi Sunak’s leadership receives mixed responses.
Climate Change
— Green MP Caroline Lucas pulls the curtain back on the UK Government’s net-zero strategy, revealing a plan riddled with “inherent uncertainties and risk,” reliant on unproven technologies, and lacking concrete policies.
UK Politics
— Keir Starmer, if he becomes prime minister, faces global populism amid elections favouring anti-establishment figures around the world. Navigating instability, he must defend NATO and counter divisive forces in a changing political climate.
UK Politics
— A legal battle unfolds as new voter ID rules threaten to disenfranchise marginalised groups. Is this about preventing fraud or something more sinister?
UK Politics
— The Tories’ by-election losses in Wellingborough and Kingswood reflect substantial shifts towards Labour amid a backdrop of resignations and controversies, dissatisfaction, particularly in economic stewardship and leadership, where Labour demonstrates strength.
Children in Care
— We investigated whether rates of children in care have been growing or falling across all English local authorities according to their party political leadership.
Right-Wing Politics
— A study challenges stereotypes by identifying five traits associated with right-wing views. Beliefs about the world, genes, and environment contribute to being right-wing.
Thread
— Following a boundary change in a safe Tory seat in Kent, the party’s new candidate issued a pamphlet lacking substance. Despite working for controversial figures, her past is omitted, revealing Conservative hesitancy in transparency in the upcoming general election.
UK Politics
— The UK’s approval of North Sea oil and gas licenses, including for a major Conservative donor’s subsidiary, sparks controversy. Critics question environmental impact, conflicts of interest, and adherence to climate goals.
UK Politics
— In the 2024 election campaign, TikTok gains prominence alongside traditional platforms. Parties use diverse digital advertising channels like Google and YouTube, focusing on specific demographics.
UK Politics
— The UK Government faces challenges in its asylum plan to send refugees to Rwanda, amid legal debates, prompting it to instruct civil servants to ignore European Court of Human Rights’ rule 39 orders. Persistent violations risk expulsion from the Council of Europe, impacting human rights.
Long-Read
— Brexit’s impact is complex and hard to disentangle from other factors. It hasn’t helped issues like medicine shortages, steel jobs, or environmental protection. Brexit promised concrete benefits, not just abstract ideas, and has failed to deliver.
Northern Ireland
— DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson ends nearly two years of power-sharing protest in Northern Ireland, aiming for a deal with Sinn Féin and UK government concessions on Brexit-related checks. Challenges and symbolism complicate the return to governance.
Northern Ireland
— Northern Ireland’s largest strike in 50 years, involving 150,000 public sector workers, protests a 7.2% real pay cut, worsening public services, and the ongoing political crisis in Stormont.
UK Politics
— David Cameron’s ties with China present challenges for the current UK Government. As Foreign Secretary, Cameron’s more dovish stance clashes with the party’s current China-sceptic position, creating internal tensions and complicating UK foreign policy.
