Austerity

Child health is in crisis in the UK – here’s what needs to change

— 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

Oil firms want to drill in four of the UK’s areas of outstanding natural beauty

— 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

Michael Gove’s extremism definition: Four things about his announcement that make no sense

— 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

Ukraine war: Ten years after Putin annexed Crimea, Russia’s grip on the peninsula looks shaky

— 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

Disinformation threatens global elections – here’s how to fight back

— 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

If you follow the degrowth agenda, it leads to an economy that looks a lot like the sickly UK

— 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

How the failures of Brexit feed Radical Brexitism

— 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

What George Galloway’s win ‘for Gaza’ means for Labour’s standing with Muslim voters

— 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

UK banks are reporting huge profits – but there are many reasons why this may not last

— High interest rates have been a big earner for the last couple of years.

War in Ukraine

Macron won’t rule out using Western ground troops in Ukraine – but is NATO prepared for war with Russia?

— 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

US election: Haley’s supporters believe radically different things to Trump. So where do they go next?

— 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.

UK Politics

Lee Anderson’s Islamophobia 101: How the Conservatives dodge responsibility for the prejudice that is rife in their ranks

— Despite the uproar over Lee Anderson’s attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the Conservative Party, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, fails to address it as blatant Islamophobia. This reflects a persistent issue within the party.

Populism

The maths of rightwing populism: Easy answers + confidence = reassuring certainty

— Right-wing populists thrive by simplifying messages in a noisy information landscape. Communication theory elucidates how misinformation polarises society, favouring certainty over complexity, especially on the political right.

Long-Read

Britain is slowly learning what Brexit means

— Brexit’s repercussions on UK-EU ties, notably in defence, are evident amid recent events like Navalny’s death and Russian threats. Despite challenges, closer integration seems unavoidable, exposing Brexiters’ impractical expectations.

Climate Change

Ditching meat could release vital land to produce energy and remove carbon from the atmosphere

— Potential exists for a significant reduction in animal product consumption, unlocking vast agricultural land. Plant-based alternatives, including lab-grown meat, could replace traditional products, benefiting the environment and climate.

2024 US Presidential Election

Joe Biden has raised more than Trump so far – Here’s how US election fundraising is working out

— Research shows that US campaign spending in elections tends to mobilise people to vote rather than to switch support.