What The Experts Say

Expert reaction to MPs debating tobacco and vapes bill

— The expert reactions to the ongoing debate on the tobacco and vapes bill from distinguished scientists provide compelling arguments in favour of the proposed legislation.

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.

UK Politics

Labour’s leadership crisis: Angela Rayner’s tax probe casts shadow on Labour’s security agenda

— Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner is under scrutiny as a police probe into her tax affairs overshadows Keir Starmer’s defence rhetoric.

2024 General Election

Polls predict total wipeout for the Tories – and Britain’s constitution makes it a real possibility

— Recent polls suggest the Tories could face a historic loss in the next general election, with projections showing a potential loss of 250 MPs, leaving them under 100 seats, and both the Prime Minister and Chancellor losing their constituencies.

2024 General Election

YouGov MRP model predicts a Labour landslide: What does it mean for the upcoming election?

— YouGov’s latest MRP model predicts a landslide victory for Labour in the upcoming general election, with a projected 154-seat majority and significant declines for the Conservatives.

OPINION

A Tory solution to a Tory-made problem

— The UK’s Criminal Justice Bill faces criticism for criminalising homelessness with new police powers, amidst housing crises and Conservative policies, sparking controversy and dissent even among some Tory MPs.

Politics

How right-wing beliefs shape your view of the past – while left-wingers look to the future

— When right-wing politicians talk of bringing back greatness, they are doing it for a reason.

COMMENT

Erasing Easter? Cancelling Christmas? Britain’s culture wars go on

— A controversy over Easter egg labelling in Lincolnshire highlights tensions over cultural identity, with critics fearing the erosion of Christian traditions amidst broader societal shifts.

2024 General Election

China’s UK election hack – how and why the Electoral Commission was targeted

— British elections are pencil and papers affairs, which makes them difficult to hack. But the breach of millions of people’s details is still a deeply serious matter.

UK Politics

Theresa May leaves legacy of cruelty for domestic workers

— Theresa May’s heartless policies will go on tormenting migrant domestic workers long after she steps down as MP.

UK Media

Ofcom has rules on broadcaster impartiality – so why is GB News getting away with breaking them?

— Ofcom finds GB News breached the impartiality code in 5 programmes, totalling 12 violations in 18 months. Despite criticism, no sanctions were imposed. The debate continues on media regulation and freedom of expression.

UK Politics

How seriously should we take a plot to replace Rishi Sunak with Penny Mordaunt? The answer lies in the Tories’ own recent history

— Penny Mordaunt’s potential bid to replace Rishi Sunak in the Conservative Party leadership mirrors past slogans, highlighting Tory uncertainties and leadership challenges.

Immigration

I’ve spent time with refugees in French coastal camps and they told me the government’s Rwanda plan is not putting them off coming to the UK

— Refugees, despite enduring relentless hardships and evictions, persist in seeking sanctuary in the UK through perilous crossings, displaying unwavering determination.

Housing Crisis

England’s rural housing crisis could be solved by fixing land prices and bringing land into public ownership

— Rural planning authorities largely operate according to the rationale that housing and service needs can more effectively be met in towns than in the countryside.

2024 General Election

Labour’s economic plan is finally taking shape – but will it be enough?

— Labour’s surge in polls since 2022 prompts Rachel Reeves to unveil the party’s economic vision. Focusing on stability against Brexit and geopolitical challenges, she proposes “securonomics”, akin to Bidenomics but with smaller-scale ambitions.

Immigration

Rwanda asylum deportation plan faces more delays

— The UK government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faces legal hurdles in Parliament. Despite attempts to pass a bill, delays persist, raising doubts about the feasibility of the scheme.