UK Politics
— Penny Mordaunt’s potential bid to replace Rishi Sunak in the Conservative Party leadership mirrors past slogans, highlighting Tory uncertainties and leadership challenges.
Analysis
2024 General Election
— Labour’s surge in polls since 2022 prompts Rachel Reeves to unveil the party’s economic vision. Focusing on stability against Brexit and geopolitical challenges, she proposes “securonomics”, akin to Bidenomics but with smaller-scale ambitions.
Russia
— Despite receiving advance warnings from the US about a potential attack weeks before the Crocus City Hall massacre, the Kremlin may have disregarded the CIA’s intelligence due to geopolitical tensions and suspicions towards Western sources.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Accusations against TikTok include data held in China, censorship, and disinformation. US Democrats face dilemmas over its potential closure, impacting their outreach to young voters and the 2024 election.
Immigration
— The UK government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faces legal hurdles in Parliament. Despite attempts to pass a bill, delays persist, raising doubts about the feasibility of the scheme.
Austerity
— Children are bearing the brunt of austerity. From obesity to infant mortality, child health is affected by sustained under-investment. What can be done to reverse the decline?
Environment
— The UK’s onshore oil industry, revitalised by higher prices and technological advances, faces scrutiny amid plans for new drilling in scenic areas. However, investing in renewable energy offers a more sustainable future.
UK Politics
— The UK government’s new extremism definition, aimed at curbing violence and intolerance, raises concerns. It is non-statutory, potentially politicised, lacks clarity on its role in counter-terrorism, and risks targeting specific communities unfairly.
War in Ukraine
— Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 hasn’t secured the region as Vladimir Putin hoped. Recent Ukrainian attacks expose vulnerability, leading to losses like the Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian successes challenge Russia’s grip.
Elections 2024
— In the run-up to the 2024 elections, disinformation poses a significant threat to democracies worldwide, prompting concerns from major organisations. While some sceptics question its impact, evidence suggests misinformation can sway election outcomes, influence beliefs, and erode public trust.
Analysis
— Degrowthers advocate cutting investment as a way to reduce the use of precious resources, which is exactly what the UK government has been doing for the last 40 years.
Long-Read
— Brexit was expected to end the blame on the EU and foster political accountability. Yet, Brexiters like Truss, Anderson, and Braverman shift blame to globalism and wokeism, fuelling radical Brexitism, seeking new targets, and desiring to “smash the system.”
UK Politics
— Labour’s loss in the Rochdale by-election to George Galloway, amidst candidate withdrawals and controversy, has had an impact on Muslim voter support. Galloway’s emphasis on Gaza raises concerns about Labour’s relationship with Muslim voters, sending a message to Keir Starmer.
Banking
— High interest rates have been a big earner for the last couple of years.
War in Ukraine
— French President Macron doesn’t exclude the possibility of deploying Western troops to Ukraine following a meeting with European leaders. However, the question remains: could the deployment of ground troops to Ukraine provoke a broader and more dangerous conflict with Russia?
2024 US Presidential Election
— In Republican primaries, voter perceptions of Biden’s 2020 election legitimacy may impact the 2024 race. Polls show Trump supporters doubting legitimacy, highlighting challenges for American democracy and accountability.
