Long-Read

Not dealing with Brexitism

— Trump's flimsy UK ‘trade deal’ masks retreat from tariff chaos, while India pact offers rare Brexit trade gain. Yet neither offsets Brexit’s economic harm nor ends Britain’s Brexitist politics.

Trump 2.0

What happens when leaders have loyalists in charge of men with guns: Lessons for the US from Nicaragua, Syria and other authoritarian countries

— Donald Trump’s Pentagon purge and appointment of loyalists to security agencies raise concerns about personalising U.S. security forces — echoing strongman tactics worldwide, potentially undermining democracy, and entrenching power through repression.

Homelessness

Homeless Britons say cost of addiction is forcing them into modern slavery – so why are they not being recognised as victims?

— Addiction and homelessness fuel modern slavery in the UK, with victims coerced into forced labour and exploitation. Addressing addiction through better support and policy reform is crucial to breaking this cycle.

Investigation

Abramovich may owe UK £1bn in unpaid tax

— Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich may owe up to £1bn in UK tax on offshore hedge fund profits, a joint investigation reveals. Leaked documents suggest potential tax avoidance, raising serious questions for HMRC.

Long-Read

The rise and rise of national populism (Part 2 – “Musk’s case of self-radicalisation”)

— Elon Musk’s self-radicalisation stems from his reliance on X’s algorithm-curated feed, which amplified far-right narratives, creating a feedback loop that entrenched his beliefs and shaped his radical political discourse.

Long-Read

The Trump revolution: Where it came from and where it’s going

— Donald Trump’s second presidency heralds a transformative right-wing revolution, threatening US democratic institutions and global stability. Rising inequality, populism, and mistrust in government magnify economic and political challenges worldwide.

Long-Read

The rise and rise of national populism (Part 1 – “Divide and rule”)

— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.

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.

Long-Read

The limits and limitations of post-Brexit choices

— Chris Grey critiques Trump’s victory and Brexit’s deepening incoherence, highlighting Labour’s state-driven budget as a shift from neo-liberalism. Yet, Brexit’s financial toll limits Britain’s capacity to navigate these challenges.

Long-Read

The Brexit quart won’t fit into Labour’s pint pot

— Labour’s Brexit policy centres on minor adjustments, avoiding rejoining debates despite economic drawbacks. Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted Brexit’s economic costs, while backbenchers push for closer EU ties, challenging Labour’s restricted approach.

Lobbying

Lovebombed by lobbyists: How Labour became the party of Big Business

— A year before its historic election win, Labour engaged with major corporate lobbyists, including arms, oil, and financial sectors. This unprecedented access influenced Labour’s policies, risking a significant corporate sway over future government decisions, potentially harming public interests.

US Politics

The Gospel of Matthew Trewhella: How a militant anti-abortion activist is influencing Republican politics

— Wisconsin Pastor Matthew Trewhella campaigns against abortion, gun laws, and the US government, using his affable demeanour and religious arguments to gain influence. Once a fringe figure, he is now courted by mainstream Republicans.

Long-Read

The day the country turned on the Tory Party

— Brexit, barely discussed during the general election campaign yet ever-present, catalysed the Tory downfall, culminating in a significant vote share drop. The new Labour government faces challenges, but now is a moment to celebrate the defeat of a damaging political ethos.

Long-Read

(Still not) facing up to Brexit

— The Brexit process caused significant shifts. Two recent announcements — one about a delayed Brexit-related import control, another on a potential EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme — highlight the ongoing complexities and political strategies surrounding Brexit negotiations and their impacts.

Long-Read

Gibraltar, and reviewing the Brexit ‘bill of goods’

— UK and EU leaders, including Gibraltar and Spain, report nearing a post-Brexit agreement for Gibraltar, dubbed the last major Brexit issue. Gibraltar’s complex status and its 96% EU support contrast starkly with broader UK sentiment.

Long-Read

Britain’s Brexit drift

— The UK government’s new ‘common user charge’ on EU imports adds significant costs, affecting particularly small firms and highlighting the ongoing economic and political instability post-Brexit, with broader impacts on sectors like agriculture and financial services.