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.

COMMENT

Government says it won’t ‘look the other way’ on sewage dumping

— Ministers pledge action on sewage pollution after public pressure, but critics call plans vague and inadequate. Activists demand urgent, meaningful steps to hold water companies accountable and protect clean water access.

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.

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

Tulip Siddiq and the fall of Bangladesh’s most powerful family

— UK anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq resigned after being implicated in Bangladeshi corruption probes involving her family, including deposed PM Sheikh Hasina. Legal and financial misconduct allegations intensify amid Bangladesh’s ongoing investigations.

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.

UK Politics

Attacks on Jess Phillips show how online abuse of women is intended to keep them out of the public square

— British MP Jess Phillips’ online abuse from Elon Musk highlights the pervasive silencing of women in public life. Such targeted attacks threaten safety, deter participation, and undermine democracy globally.

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.

OPINION

Musk vs. Farage, speed hating goes wrong

— Elon Musk’s criticism of Nigel Farage highlights the billionaire’s deepening involvement in British politics, promoting far-right agendas, stoking racial tensions, and undermining democracy, Wee Ginger Dug writes, adding that urgent reforms to political donations are essential.

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.

UK Politics

Who are Reform UK’s members?

— Reform UK’s membership has surged to over 100,000, overtaking the Conservatives. A new study reveals a predominantly older, middle-class, and online-savvy base deeply aligned with Nigel Farage’s populist leadership and right-wing values.

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.

TikTok Ban

Trump team urges US Supreme Court to halt looming TikTok ban

— Donald Trump’s legal team requested the US Supreme Court delay a January 2025 TikTok ban to allow his administration to negotiate. Critics cite national security; supporters argue free speech violations.

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.

Analysis

Protesting farmers are having to fight off the radical right, conspiracy theorists and climate sceptics

— UK farmers have protested inheritance tax changes and financial pressures, resisting radical-right co-option. Distrust in government and tensions over net-zero targets risk escalating unless sustainable, fair solutions are implemented.

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.