COVID-19 Inquiry

Matt Hancock knew COVID tier system would not work

— Matt Hancock foresaw the failure of the October 2020 COVID tier system, admitting in a witness statement that he was in despair over implementing a policy he knew wouldn’t work.

Children Poverty

Around a million children in the UK are living in destitution – with harmful consequences for their development

— Recent analysis reveals a 61% increase in destitution in the UK since 2019, with 3.8 million people affected in 2022. Of concern is the steep rise in destitution among children (an 88% increase), impacting their long-term development and perpetuating societal inequalities.

Disabilities

UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people

— UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people. Progressive welfare reform would tackle disablist policies, banning sanctions and raising benefits to reflect the true costs of living.

UK Politics

Autumn statement: What to expect, what they’re not saying, and the traps for Labour

— The budget aims to address the Tories’ economic strategy and the cost of living crisis ahead of the general election. Given the challenging economic outlook, the budget may include tax cuts and measures to boost growth, but challenges like inconsistent policies and pressure to cut benefits persist.

UK Politics

New environment secretary’s financial ties to climate denial group funder raise concerns

— Environment Secretary Steve Barclay received a £3,000 donation from climate change sceptic Sir Michael Hintze, raising concerns about Barclay’s stance on environmental issues and potential conflicts of interest, prompting scrutiny of the government’s commitment to environmental goals.

UK Politics

Rwanda plan: Rishi Sunak has insisted on pushing ahead – here’s where he could take it next

— Rishi Sunak remains committed to stopping small boat crossings while exploring alternative “safe” countries. The PM stands firm, citing European examples, amid the political dispute over the European Court’s role in immigration strategy.

Long-Read

What the COVID Inquiry tells us about Brexit

— The Hallett Inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic unveils dysfunction in the UK government, revealing intersections with Brexit. Testimonies depict Boris Johnson’s incompetence, a toxic culture, and how Brexit hampered pandemic planning.

OPINION

Reshuffling the sleaze

— Rishi Sunak, who previously positioned himself as a “change” candidate, abandons the claim by appointing David Cameron, known for austerity and the Brexit referendum, back into a senior government role. The move is a risky gamble amid internal party tensions and public backlash.

Immigration

Supreme Court rules Rwanda plan unlawful: A legal expert explains the judgment, and what happens next

— The UK Supreme Court deems the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful, citing concerns about refoulement and lack of respect for non-refoulement principles. The ruling challenges the government’s Illegal Migration Act, necessitating a reevaluation of asylum policies.

UK Politics

David Cameron: Lessons from other ex-prime ministers who returned to government

— Rishi Sunak’s surprising choice of David Cameron as foreign secretary, despite his 2016 political exit, sparks divided opinions. This move echoes historical instances where ex-prime ministers returned for experience and unity, with Cameron being the first in 50 years.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s decision to bring back David Cameron has distracted us all for now, but the long-term strategy is flawed

— Rishi Sunak’s appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary raises questions. Cameron, not a popular figure, is linked to Brexit and an era of austerity, conflicting with Sunak’s strategy. The move may have short-term benefits but poses risks for the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

British prime ministers reshuffle more than other leaders – What the latest changes tell us about Rishi Sunak’s government

— Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle, triggered by the firing of Suella Braverman, indicates a politically driven move rather than a focus on policy outcomes. The reshuffle suggests a focus on political survival over a coherent policy agenda, raising questions about government effectiveness and stability.

UK Politics

David Cameron returns: How can a prime minister make someone who isn’t an MP foreign secretary? And what happens now?

— Rishi Sunak’s decision to appoint former PM David Cameron as foreign secretary, even though Cameron is not a current member of the Commons, highlights the influence of patronage exercised by the PM and raises concerns about democratic legitimacy.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman: How much of a threat is sacked home secretary from the backbenches?

— Rishi Sunak’s removal of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known for appealing to the cultural right, and the appointment of former PM David Cameron as foreign secretary reveals his struggle to balance diverse factions within the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak is wrong: We polled the British public and found it largely supports strong climate policies

— The UK Government is backtracking on climate legislation and directing funds towards the expansion of the oil and gas industry. Research, however, highlights widespread public support for robust climate measures, contradicting the government’s narrative.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman’s comments comparing Gaza protests with Northern Ireland are a grave misunderstanding of the facts

— Suella Braverman’s controversial Times article suggests a desire to replace Sunak as Tory leader by aligning with the party’s right. Drawing comparisons between protests in Northern Ireland and pro-Palestinian protests in London, she introduces malicious confusion.