Politics

There’s no age limit for politicians − As people live longer, should that change?

— While there are minimum age requirements for people who want to hold political office in the US, there are no limits on when someone must retire.

Ukrainian Refugees

Why thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the UK are now homeless

— Schemes to house Ukrainian refugees are set to last for three years. But halfway through, they are already proving unsuccessful.

2024 US Presidential Election

8 GOP candidates debate funding to Ukraine, Trump’s future and – covertly, with dog whistles – race

— From immigration and federal spending to Ukraine and the state of American schools, eight GOP presidential candidates had a lot to say.

Environment

Let’s protect nature, but not merely for the sake of humans

— Environmentalists highlight our lasting impact on Earth. While some see recovery and advocate human-centric care, others stress the importance of protecting habitats for all species. Some argue that no matter what humans do, life will persist. Is that right?

Public Health

Air pollution linked with global rise in antibiotic resistance

— A recent study suggests that air pollution could be facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance. This global study analysed data from 116 countries, further emphasising the need for improved air quality.

Refugees

Bibby Stockholm: Legionella is not the only health threat on the asylum barge

— Asylum seekers were evacuated from the Bibby Stockholm barge due to legionella bacteria. The barge, which has been controversial for its cramped conditions and impact on the local community, is feared to increase the risk of mental health issues and infectious diseases among residents.

Immigration

Hiring refugees is not just ‘doing a good thing’ – research shows it can also help businesses

— Refugees can help fill labour shortages and skills gaps, while also boosting diversity and competitiveness.

War in Ukraine

Western firms still doing business in Russia finance the war

— Some Western companies have continued operating in Russia since it invaded Ukraine, while others have left the country altogether. By still doing business in Russia they finance the war.

Immigration

Sending UK asylum seekers to Ascension Island is a legal non-starter – if the government really is planning to do it

— The UK government is briefing that a remote patch of land in the South Atlantic, Ascension Island, could become a processing hub for people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Analysis

The EU is making overtures for a post-Brexit defence collaboration with the UK – but London isn’t listening

— The UK government is reluctant to sign a treaty or cooperate formally with the EU, despite the latter’s interest and the urgent need due to the Ukraine crisis.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s green backtracking contrasts strongly with previous prime ministers’ efforts

— Past prime ministers could afford to talk big on climate change – but now the impact of the environmental crisis is manifestly real, Rishi Sunak can’t afford to appease those who oppose green policies.

Climate Change

We asked the British public what they really think about net zero – here’s what we found

— Research found people were not confident about the government’s leadership in meeting net zero.

Housing Crisis

Homelessness in England has reached record levels

— Without state investment, strategic consideration and political support, the lessons learned since the start of the pandemic on the importance to society of a place to call home will be lost.

Public Health

How austerity made the UK more vulnerable to COVID

— Evidence shows austerity has wide-ranging consequences for health.

UK Immigration Policy

‘Performative cruelty’: The hostile architecture of the UK government’s migrant barge

— Semi-carceral facilities accommodating irregular migrants are designed to be hostile spaces that expose people to substandard conditions and keep them on the move, detached from wider society.

Immigration

Rwanda plan is in legal limbo, but history shows such migration deals are unlikely to disappear

— The UK government wants to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the court says it’s illegal. The deal is part of a wider policy to deter irregular migration and make deals with other countries. Similar schemes have been tried before in history.