Brexit Reset

Keir Starmer takes first steps in UK-EU ‘reset’ – can he get the deal he wants?

— Keir Starmer’s EU summit dinner last week marked a UK-EU diplomatic thaw, highlighting security cooperation amid geopolitical shifts. Both sides seek deeper ties, but trust-building remains key ahead of May’s institutional summit.

OPINION

Starmer’s moral cowardice on Gaza

— Trump’s Gaza plan, a blatant violation of international law, proposes mass Palestinian displacement for profit. While global leaders react, Keir Starmer’s muted response highlights a troubling lack of moral courage, Wee Ginger Dug writes.

UK-US Relationship

How should Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump – and how is it going so far?

— Keir Starmer and Donald Trump’s overlapping terms create diplomatic uncertainty. Historical tensions suggest a strained relationship, exacerbated by past criticisms. Starmer faces transactional Trump diplomacy, challenging UK-US ties amid major global policy disagreements.

OPINION

Scotland has no future in Farage’s English nationalist UK

— The rise of Reform UK reflects the UK’s political shift to the far-right, driven by nationalist rhetoric, austerity appeals, and billionaire backing, now even threatening Scotland’s self-governance and the future of the NHS.

Analysis

Mandelson goes to Washington – or does he? Why neither is a good option now

— The UK faces a diplomatic dilemma as Lord Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the US clashes with Trump-era tensions. His credentials impress, but political baggage risks rejection.

Analysis

Tulip Siddiq resigns: There’s no evidence she broke any rules, but here’s why she had to go anyway

— Tulip Siddiq has resigned as anti-corruption minister following corruption allegations involving her family ties and property transactions. Despite no proven misconduct, public perception and ministerial code concerns sealed her fate.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The UK government wants to unleash AI’s huge potential. While welcome, we need to carefully consider the risks

— The UK’s AI action plan outlines 50 ambitious recommendations to maintain global AI leadership, focusing on growth, skills, public service efficiency, and ethical challenges, while addressing safety, privacy, and governance.

UK Politics

All British politicians should immediately distance themselves from the foreign interference of Elon Musk

— Elon Musk’s online interventions in UK politics, including accusations against Keir Starmer and backing far-right figures, highlight undemocratic interference and volatile alliances. Politicians must distance themselves to preserve democratic integrity.

UK Foreign Policy

UK foreign policy: The top five priorities for 2025

— The UK government’s foreign policy in 2025 will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU relations, Trump’s presidency, and defining “progressive realism”. Challenges include conflicts, alliances, and economic considerations.

OPINION

Looking down the storm drain of 2025

— Higher energy bills mark 2025, alongside discontent with Labour’s unfulfilled promises and Keir Starmer’s declining popularity. Rising far-right influence threatens Westminster, bolstering Scottish independence momentum amid political dissatisfaction.

OPINION

Starmer’s Waspi betrayal will come back and sting him

— Labour faces backlash for scrapping pensioner benefits and denying compensation to 1950s-born Waspi women, contradicting prior pledges and ombudsman recommendations, sparking criticism for alienating key voter groups.

UK Politics

Is Reform really pulling ahead of Labour? What to really make of Farage’s supposed lead

— Reform’s recent surge in polling reflects discontent with Labour’s policies and rising protest votes. While correlations suggest fragmented party dynamics, Labour must prioritise delivery to regain dominance.

Education

Early years funding boost: Why the UK government is prioritising getting children school ready

— The UK Government pledges £75m to expand nursery staff and places, raising early years pupil premium by 45% to boost opportunities for disadvantaged children, addressing school readiness and long-term inequalities.

Long-Read

Post-Brexit Britain’s Trump problem goes much deeper than trade tariffs

— The debate over Brexit resurfaces amid economic challenges and Trump’s return. Key concerns include UK-EU relations, trade uncertainties, and Labour’s struggle to reconcile Brexit’s political and economic implications.

COMMENT

Why is a Labour government keeping Rishi Sunak’s finances under wraps?

— Keir Starmer pledged integrity before his election, yet his government supports secrecy over Rishi Sunak’s investments. A tribunal outcome could reshape transparency on ministers’ financial interests, challenging promises of honesty and public trust.

Assisted Dying

Assisted dying: How to understand the increasingly angry debate between MPs over this controversial bill

— A Labour MP’s assisted dying bill faces its first major test amid intense criticism over its procedural handling as a private member’s bill. MPs remain divided ahead of Friday’s vote.