Education

Why UK government policies have failed to recruit enough teachers for years

— England’s secondary teacher shortage persists despite recruitment efforts and financial incentives. Systemic issues, political influences, and low acceptance rates for ethnic minorities hinder effective teacher supply planning.

2024 European Elections

EU parliament election sees shaken centre hold – but far-right now has chances to show its strength

— The European parliamentary election highlighted a fragile centre amid a rightward shift, with significant far-right gains in France, Germany, and Italy. The EPP retained centre-ground dominance, but far-right successes may influence future EU policies.

2024 General Election

How Sunak came up with disputed Labour tax figures – and what’s wrong with them

— In the first televised debate, Rishi Sunak claimed every working family would pay £2,000 more in tax under Labour. This figure, based on dubious Conservative calculations, has been widely discredited.

2024 General Election

Sunak and Starmer’s first TV debate: a tetchy PMQs where no one dared mention the F-word

— The first 2024 election debate felt anticlimactic, with Rishi Sunak indirectly addressing the absent Nigel Farage. Sunak’s aggressive tactics against Labour’s Keir Starmer suggested future ambitions over current priorities.

2024 General Election

Teenagers have gone through enough – Rishi Sunak’s national service is too much to ask

— Rishi Sunak proposes reintroducing national service for 18-year-olds if the Conservatives win the general election. Critics argue it burdens youth already impacted by pandemic disruptions and severe cuts to youth services, worsening social and economic inequalities.

2024 General Election

What we know so far about Labour’s plan for Great British Energy

— Labour’s energy plan includes Great British Energy, aiming to reduce bills, boost energy security, and create jobs. Focused on renewables and energy efficiency, it avoids nationalisation, stressing investment in local and future energy sources.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: Rishi Sunak has already lost control of the narrative

— Rishi Sunak struggles to control the narrative against Labour’s Keir Starmer. Criticised for lacking an engaging personal story, Sunak’s failure to seize narrative control risks undermining his leadership.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: Scotland headed for huge change with SNP set to lose dozens of seats to Labour

— After taking the vast majority of seats in the last two elections, the SNP looks set for major losses at the next general election.

Immigration

New data shows net migration falling − What’s actually behind the numbers

— Making election promises about migration numbers is much easier than keeping them.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: Up to 8 million people are not properly registered to vote

— The general election on 4 July faces challenges, with 8 million potentially unregistered voters. Because of the Tory Government, voter ID is now required for the first time in a general election, and young people, especially students, are at risk of being excluded.

UK Rail

Britain’s railways were never properly privatised – Here’s how they could return to greater public control

— Public ownership, as advocated by Churchill, led to British Rail’s success. Privatisation under Thatcher and Major, however, resulted in inefficiencies and higher subsidies. Renationalisation, now Labour policy, is seen as a remedy for the current fragmented and costly system.

Israel-Hamas Conflict 2023-24

Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel are becoming increasingly isolated internationally – they need to listen to their friends

— International pressure on Israel is mounting, with recent ICC war crime warrants and ICJ rulings against Israeli actions in Gaza. Norway, Spain, and Ireland recognise Palestinian statehood, signalling shifting global attitudes.

2024 General Election

Little evidence suggests Rishi Sunak will benefit from a football feelgood factor by holding a July election – it may even be an own goal

— Rishi Sunak’s election announcement coincides with the July 4 Euros rest day, aiming to capitalise on national pride. However, history shows little evidence that sports events significantly influence political outcomes.

2024 General Election

What the economic data told Rishi Sunak about the best date for a general election

— Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a general election for July 4 surprised many. Citing economic stability, lower inflation, and GDP growth, it aims to benefit Conservatives against Labour’s call for change. Voters seek evidence-based policies for economic growth and security.

2024 US Presidential Election

What a second Trump presidency might mean for the rest of the world

— Six months before the US election, global attention focuses on Trump’s potential return, especially his foreign policies towards China, NATO, Ukraine, and Gaza. A second term might increase US isolationism and weaken international alliances.

China

Chinese nationalist groups are launching cyber-attacks – often against the wishes of the government

— The Chinese Communist Party has inadvertently given the country’s nationalist movement influence that it’s struggling to contain.