Long-Read

Brexit, Brexitism, and the Trump and Russian threats

— Brexit fractures the UK’s geopolitical strategy, hindering cooperation with the EU on security. Amidst the Russian threat and potential European conflict, deeper UK-EU security ties are crucial for stability.

Post Office Horizon IT Scandal

Post Office scandal: What the lack of action tells you about Britain’s polarised politics

— The Post Office scandal, where over 700 sub-postmasters were wrongly convicted, reveals a systemic failure. Political inaction stemmed from the victims lacking a political constituency and now fuels opportunistic party warfare.

2024 US Presidential Election

Donald Trump is already flustering foreign leaders who are trying to prepare for a possible presidency

— Donald Trump’s influence on the 2024 US presidential race is unprecedented, shaping both domestic and foreign agendas, prompting policy changes, and causing global uncertainty, even without an official candidacy.

2024 US Presidential Election

Five reasons why Trump’s Republican opponents were never going to beat him

— Despite initial doubts, Donald Trump’s 2024 Republican nomination was inevitable due to boosted momentum from criminal prosecutions, ballot disqualifications, party machine support, and a genuine desire for Trumpism.

UK Politics

Wellingborough and Kingswood by-elections: It’s never been this bad for the Conservatives, and it could still get worse

— The Tories’ by-election losses in Wellingborough and Kingswood reflect substantial shifts towards Labour amid a backdrop of resignations and controversies, dissatisfaction, particularly in economic stewardship and leadership, where Labour demonstrates strength.

UK Economy

The collapse of The Body Shop shows that ‘ethical’ branding is not a free pass to commercial success

— The Body Shop, a UK high street icon for nearly 50 years, faces closure as its British arm enters administration. Its ethical branding didn’t evolve with market changes, contributing to its decline.

Vladimir Putin

Tucker Carlson’s Putin interview gave Russian leader a platform to boost his own cause – and that of Donald Trump

— Tucker Carlson, ex-Fox News host, has interviewed Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, US politics, and NATO. As a vocal critic of Biden, Carlson’s interview raises questions about humanising Putin.

Long-Read

Brexit: A mug’s eyeful

— Brexit’s promises prove illusory with issues like stalled UK-Canada trade talks and delayed import controls exposing failures. Changes in Northern Ireland reveal ongoing challenges, while public opinion increasingly sees Brexit as a failure, prompting calls for accountability.

Children in Care

Have Conservative councils started placing more children in care each year than Labour councils?

— We investigated whether rates of children in care have been growing or falling across all English local authorities according to their party political leadership.

Right-Wing Politics

Five signs that you might be rightwing

— A study challenges stereotypes by identifying five traits associated with right-wing views. Beliefs about the world, genes, and environment contribute to being right-wing.

US Politics

Should Donald Trump be disqualified from state ballots in presidential election? Here’s how the US Supreme Court might rule

— The US Supreme Court is set to hear Donald Trump’s appeal against exclusion from the Colorado Republican primary, facing constitutional issues on insurrection charges and Section 3 application. The outcome’s uncertainty raises concerns for American democracy.

UK Politics

Four trends you’ll see in online election campaigns this year

— In the 2024 election campaign, TikTok gains prominence alongside traditional platforms. Parties use diverse digital advertising channels like Google and YouTube, focusing on specific demographics.

European Union

Some EU countries use the eurozone as a credit card, with Germany picking up the tab

— The Eurozone’s single currency masks deep economic divisions. Trade imbalances create debt, with surplus countries like Germany refusing fiscal transfers. Germany’s economic woes could force a difficult choice: full union or fracture.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland deal to restore power-sharing after two-year gap – how it happened and what comes next

— DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson ends nearly two years of power-sharing protest in Northern Ireland, aiming for a deal with Sinn Féin and UK government concessions on Brexit-related checks. Challenges and symbolism complicate the return to governance.

2024 US Presidential Election

Joe Biden could still stand down before the election – here’s how and what would happen next

— When Joe Biden became president in 2021, expectations were to heal after Trump. Now, facing low approval and Trump’s rise, Democrats debate Biden’s 2024 run, fearing a risky legacy.

Death Penalty

Why the death penalty is incompatible with democracy

— Despite the global death penalty decline, Kenneth Eugene Smith’s recent Alabama execution raises concerns about democratic principles. The crucial point is that capital punishment violates democracy itself.