UK Politics

Rwanda plan: Rishi Sunak has insisted on pushing ahead – here’s where he could take it next

— Rishi Sunak remains committed to stopping small boat crossings while exploring alternative “safe” countries. The PM stands firm, citing European examples, amid the political dispute over the European Court’s role in immigration strategy.

Geopolitics

What Joe Biden’s meeting with Xi Jinping means for geopolitical tensions

— In a high-stakes meeting at the APEC summit, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to ease tensions in a complex relationship shaped by economic interdependence. Resolving grievances requires ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

Immigration

Supreme Court rules Rwanda plan unlawful: A legal expert explains the judgment, and what happens next

— The UK Supreme Court deems the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful, citing concerns about refoulement and lack of respect for non-refoulement principles. The ruling challenges the government’s Illegal Migration Act, necessitating a reevaluation of asylum policies.

UK Politics

David Cameron: Lessons from other ex-prime ministers who returned to government

— Rishi Sunak’s surprising choice of David Cameron as foreign secretary, despite his 2016 political exit, sparks divided opinions. This move echoes historical instances where ex-prime ministers returned for experience and unity, with Cameron being the first in 50 years.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s decision to bring back David Cameron has distracted us all for now, but the long-term strategy is flawed

— Rishi Sunak’s appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary raises questions. Cameron, not a popular figure, is linked to Brexit and an era of austerity, conflicting with Sunak’s strategy. The move may have short-term benefits but poses risks for the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman: How much of a threat is sacked home secretary from the backbenches?

— Rishi Sunak’s removal of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known for appealing to the cultural right, and the appointment of former PM David Cameron as foreign secretary reveals his struggle to balance diverse factions within the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman’s comments comparing Gaza protests with Northern Ireland are a grave misunderstanding of the facts

— Suella Braverman’s controversial Times article suggests a desire to replace Sunak as Tory leader by aligning with the party’s right. Drawing comparisons between protests in Northern Ireland and pro-Palestinian protests in London, she introduces malicious confusion.

UK Poverty

How much income is needed to live well in the UK in 2023? At least £29,500 – much more than many households bring in

— The government should align benefit increases with inflation to provide certainty and enhance the safety net. Removing the two-child limit could lift a quarter of a million children out of poverty.

UK Legal System

Why the attorney general’s power to deal with contempt of court is a conflict of interest

— The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, is facing potential accusations of contempt of court after making comments that may impact the fairness of an upcoming trial. A situation that underscores the conflict of interest issue when politicians can initiate such proceedings in England and Wales.

UK General Election

New Labour dominance in the 1990s is now weakening the Conservative voter pipeline

— A study on voting trends in Britain spanning 55 years reveals that growing older doesn’t directly lead to increased Conservative support. Instead, age appears to have a greater influence on Labour voting.

Climate Change

Storm Ciarán is breaking records and research suggests more severe weather in future

— Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and severe storms, such as Storm Ciarán, emphasising the need for emission reduction and resilient infrastructure.

COVID-19 Inquiry

Dominic Cummings has exposed a hole at the heart of the British government – and a glaring problem with the way we choose prime ministers

— Giving evidence to the COVID inquiry, Boris Johnson’s former adviser exposed the dysfunction of an administration lacking in the expertise needed to manage a crisis.

Long-Read

Brexit has driven the Tory Party mad

— The influence of Brexit on the Conservative Party has bolstered populism and pushed the party further from moderate conservatism towards the influence of Nigel Farage, which is characterised by detachment from reality and ideological purity.

Brexit

Why Labour’s plan to ‘rewrite Brexit’ might not be as politically risky as it sounds

— Once upon a time, questioning the terms of Britain’s exit from the EU was effectively taboo. But times have changed, and the public might be more on board now than before.

Immigration

Labour’s immigration policy: Will focus on ‘security’ win an election?

— Labour’s immigration policy emphasises border security and targeting smuggling gangs, aiming to win back “red wall” voters concerned about immigration. Labour’s strategy can talk tough on security while not demonising migrants themselves, offering a nuanced position.

Food

No UK politician is calling for a meat tax – but maybe they should

— Misinformation is a challenge, but the success of the UK’s sugar tax suggests the feasibility of a tax on food. If implemented effectively, a meat tax could tackle health and environmental issues.