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.

Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

The global food system is owned by an ever smaller number of companies – it’s damaging our health, our communities and the planet

— Over 800 million people face hunger, and 2 billion lack food access despite sufficient global production. This imbalance stems from market concentration, where a few big firms dominate, prioritising profit over sustainability.

Health

Artificial sweetener could harm your gut and the microbes that live there

— The new generation of artificial sweeteners was meant to be less harmful than the previous generation. A new study suggests they might be just as harmful.

UK Politics

The hypocrisy at the heart of racist riots

— Misinformation after a Southport stabbing sparked Islamophobic violence, exposing how racial biases and political scapegoating fuel racism and unequal responses to crimes based on the perpetrator’s race.

English Nationalism

The trouble with England – Why rioting in the UK has not spread to Scotland and Wales

— The recent violent unrest in England reflects deep-seated English identity issues linked to post-imperial decline, national confusion, and resentment over devolution. Scotland and Wales, which have adopted more progressive, inclusive narratives, have remained largely unaffected.

Legitimisation of the Far-Right

Refusing to call out Islamophobia has emboldened the far-right – and the current violence is the result

— The recent riots, triggered by misinformation and targeting Muslims, highlight deep-seated Islamophobia in the UK. Despite clear evidence, politicians avoid labelling it as such, instead calling it far-right thuggery or anti-immigration protests.

Geopolitics

China needs to pick a side, and it just might pick the West

— Russia’s frustration with China’s limited support for its Ukraine war led to a North Korean peace treaty aimed at pressuring Beijing. Meanwhile, Western criticism of China’s role intensifies, urging it to reconsider its alignment.

Analysis

Retirement as we know it is ending – It’s time to rethink the idea of working age

— Retirement ages are rising, yet the OECD’s working age definition (15-64) remains unchanged despite shifts in job markets and longevity. Alternative metrics like functional or cognitive age may offer better insights into workforce contributions.

Social Media

Southport riots: Why social media’s role in unrest is overblown

— Riots erupted after three young girls were fatally stabbed in Southport, with far-right extremists clashing with police and targeting a mosque. Misinformation online fuelled tensions, but social media’s role in inciting violence is debated.

AI

Philosophy is crucial in the age of AI

— OpenAI predicts “superintelligent” AI within this decade and is seeking top talent to ensure it aligns with human values. Philosophy has shaped AI from its origins and remains crucial for addressing future ethical and consciousness questions.

2024 US Presidential Election

A Trump-Vance White House could undermine European security – and end up pushing Russia and China closer

— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.

UK Immigration Policy

Labour promised to scrap the Rwanda policy. But its new approach aims to be just as tough on asylum seekers

— Labour’s new migration policy focuses on border security and reducing asylum claims by targeting criminal gangs. They have scrapped the Tories’ Rwanda plan, aiming to deter migration with international aid and tougher enforcement, yet face criticism for potentially dehumanising asylum seekers.

Environment

Why Westminster’s new backbench MPs may unlock progress on climate change

— Climate policy differences between Labour and Conservative MPs reveal Labour’s pro-climate stance. The new Labour government swiftly removed windfarm restrictions. However, Labour faces challenges in implementing its climate plans, including opposition from rural MPs and unions.

2024 US Presidential Election

Trump’s raised fist – A loaded gesture

— Donald Trump’s raised fist after Saturday’s assassination attempt was a gesture of defiance. This gesture, which happens to be his favourite, has been used historically by fascists, socialists, communists, Black Power advocates, and sportspeople.

2024 General Election

Election 2024 polls were wide of the mark on Labour’s margin of victory – this is what may have happened

— The 2024 UK election campaign was heavily focused on polls, revealing a mix of accurate and inaccurate predictions. While Labour’s lead was often overestimated, varying accuracy among pollsters highlighted challenges in achieving representative samples.