UK Politics
— The Conservatives lost two more by-elections, and only just held Uxbridge by a whisker. The party faces its worst defeat since 1997 as Sunak lags far behind Starmer. Is there more trouble ahead?
Analysis
Our analyses thoroughly examine current events and complex issues, providing nuanced insights into politics, health, economics, and social trends. Supported by evidence-based perspectives from experts, these articles go beyond the headlines to explore underlying causes and impacts, fostering informed discussions on the forces shaping our world.
UK Immigration Policy
— The government has claimed that irregular migrants are falsely claiming to be victims of modern slavery to avoid being deported, but there is little evidence to support this.
UK Politics
— Geographical happenstance became a matter of national identity in imperial times and is now a handy rhetorical device for Brexit enthusiasts.
War in Ukraine
— Ukraine has damaged the Kerch Strait bridge that connects Russia and Crimea, in a symbolic strike against Russia’s illegal annexation of the peninsula. The attack is part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian supply lines and undermine its claim to Ukrainian territory.
Tech
— AI can manipulate a real event or invent one from thin air to create a ‘situation deepfake.’ These deepfakes threaten to influence upcoming elections, but you can still protect your vote.
Long COVID
— Research shows that people with long COVID have worse mental health than those without it. They may face disbelief, stigma and difficulties accessing healthcare.
Analysis
— Bringing up the subjects of autonomy and Norway has always been an effective way for Orcadians to draw attention to their grievances with central government.
China
— China’s new restrictions on gallium and germanium exports, in response to Western curbs on semiconductor equipment exports, could disrupt Western tech manufacturing. These elements, key in semiconductors and devices like smartphones, are predominantly supplied by China.
Analysis
— Prophets of the NHS’s demise have been proved wrong year after year.
Long-Read
— On the failure of Brexit and the lack of consensus on how to fix it. Professor Chris Grey criticizes some Brexiters who propose unrealistic or recycled solutions, such as mutual enforcement for Northern Ireland or no deal at all, suggesting that Brexit is a problem that needs a new approach.
COVID-19
— Matt Hancock said the UK’s pandemic planning was wrong and focused on the consequences rather than the prevention of COVID-19, and failed to recognise the similarities between COVID-19 and SARS.
UK Politics
— The Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal, which found that Rwanda’s asylum system is not fair and effective. Relief for refugees who faced being deported to a country where they could face persecution.
France Riots
— The death of a 17-year-old boy by a police officer has sparked riots and protests in France. The incident reflects the long-standing problems of marginalisation, discrimination and police brutality that affect the suburbs of large French cities.
Cost of Living
— A reduction in your energy bills may not provide immediate relief from your financial difficulties, as inflation and interest rates remain high and exert pressure.
Russia
— Yevgeny Prigozhin’s coup attempt exposed the weakness and fragility of Vladimir Putin’s regime and the war in Ukraine. The crisis also raised doubts about Russia’s reliability as a partner for its allies. The failed rebellion may have lasting repercussions for Russia and the region.
Climate Change
— Using computer models to simulate how different stresses and events can trigger tipping points in forests, lakes, lagoons and islands, scientists warn that more than 20% of the world’s ecosystems are at risk of collapsing due to human pressures and climate extremes.
