Environment

Meat and dairy industry’s attempt to change how we measure methane emissions would let polluters off the hook

— Major polluting industries lobbied at COP28, aiming to use a new emissions measurement method to avoid substantial cuts. This new way of measuring emissions may let the biggest polluters evade their responsibility to tackle climate change.

Politics

US election: How populists encourage blind mistrust – and how to push back

— Populism is surging, exemplified by Donald Trump’s strategy of undermining trust in democratic institutions. This global trend features populist leaders portraying themselves as champions of the people, making unfounded allegations of collusion, and fostering widespread distrust.

UK Politics

As another lobbying scandal erupts in the Conservative party, are tougher rules finally on the horizon?

— Tory MP Scott Benton faces a 35-day suspension for alleged lobbying rule breaches, including leaking a gambling white paper. Lobbying regulations in the UK remain weak despite periodic scandals.

Public Health

How much could the NHS save if people had healthier lifestyles? Hundreds of millions, according to research

— Encouraging lifestyle changes like vaping, moderate alcohol intake, and increased exercise could save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds annually, improving public health and reducing economic strain.

UK Politics

How the bill to declare Rwanda a ‘safe’ country for refugees could lead to a constitutional crisis

— Rishi Sunak’s bill, deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, passes despite right-wing Tory MPs abstaining. It challenges the Supreme Court’s ruling, sparking concerns about the government’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional principles, possibly leading to a crisis.

COVID-19 Inquiry

Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: Sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy

— Boris Johnson’s demeanour during the COVID inquiry reveals a loss of confidence. His apology lacks clarity, reflecting his leadership style. The inquiry aims to learn, not blame, but public disillusionment may intensify, impacting future elections and anti-political sentiment.

UK Politics

Why did Keir Starmer pen the ‘Margaret Thatcher’ article for the Telegraph?

— Keir Starmer has faced criticism for publishing an article in the right-wing Telegraph and praising Margaret Thatcher. However, a study suggests that when the public perceives a party becoming more right-wing, the party gains more votes, particularly during recessions.

Water Pollution

PFAS forever chemicals found in English drinking water – why are they everywhere, and what are the risks?

— The Royal Society of Chemistry warns that PFAS chemicals, linked to cancer and fertility issues, exceed safe levels in England’s drinking water. Current standards are insufficient, demanding urgent revision for public health.

Climate Change

Why are people still flying to climate conferences by private jet?

— Over 70,000 delegates, including Rishi Sunak, David Cameron, and King Charles, attend COP28 in Dubai, but over 300 private jet journeys raise environmental concerns. The carbon footprint analysis urges sustainable travel choices.

Climate Change

COP28: Inside the United Arab Emirates, the oil giant hosting 2023 climate change summit

— Critics argued that having oil and gas producers lead climate talks raised a conflict of interest, given the industry’s role in carbon emissions. Indeed, the UAE is reportedly planning to increase oil production and has been accused of flaring more gas than reported.

Far-Right

Geert Wilders: How election victory in the Netherlands for Party for Freedom fits into a wider picture of European radical-right populism

— Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom’s victory in the Dutch election marks a historic shift with the extreme right becoming the largest party. Potential coalition talks may impact the Netherlands’ EU stance, echoing the complexities seen in Italy’s recent political landscape.

Children Poverty

Around a million children in the UK are living in destitution – with harmful consequences for their development

— Recent analysis reveals a 61% increase in destitution in the UK since 2019, with 3.8 million people affected in 2022. Of concern is the steep rise in destitution among children (an 88% increase), impacting their long-term development and perpetuating societal inequalities.

Disabilities

UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people

— UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people. Progressive welfare reform would tackle disablist policies, banning sanctions and raising benefits to reflect the true costs of living.

Extremism

Look to the mainstream to explain the rise of the far-right

— We cannot pretend to stand against the far-right while referring to its politics as “legitimate concerns”. We must stand unequivocally by and be in service of every one of the communities at the sharp end of oppression.

UK Politics

Autumn statement: What to expect, what they’re not saying, and the traps for Labour

— The budget aims to address the Tories’ economic strategy and the cost of living crisis ahead of the general election. Given the challenging economic outlook, the budget may include tax cuts and measures to boost growth, but challenges like inconsistent policies and pressure to cut benefits persist.

COVID-19

From COVID to gastro, why are cruise ships such hotbeds of infection?

— Cruise ships’ close quarters and shared spaces pose infection risks, historically linked to respiratory and gastro pathogens, emphasising the need for stringent hygiene measures.