Northern Ireland
— Northern Ireland’s largest strike in 50 years, involving 150,000 public sector workers, protests a 7.2% real pay cut, worsening public services, and the ongoing political crisis in Stormont.
UK Politics
— David Cameron’s ties with China present challenges for the current UK Government. As Foreign Secretary, Cameron’s more dovish stance clashes with the party’s current China-sceptic position, creating internal tensions and complicating UK foreign policy.
OPINION
— In an election year, a struggling right-wing British nationalist government, facing a 20% poll gap, deploys military action in Yemen, hoping for a Falklands-like boost, disregarding the consequences.
UK Politics
— Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho accepted a donation from Lord Michael Hintze, a funder of climate science denial group GWPF, raising concerns about government commitment to net zero policies.
UK Politics
— A recent survey conducted by YouGov asked Brits to assess the current state of the UK in comparison to 2010. If Rishi Sunak and the Tories believe they have a chance to win a general election this year, the findings of this survey suggest they may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
UK Politics
— Rishi Sunak faces increasing pressure and public scrutiny, with recent instances of irritable responses to questions. Drawing parallels with past leaders such as John Major and Gordon Brown, displaying irritability is risky in an era of heightened media attention.
COMMENT
— While Rishi Sunak hints at delaying the next general election, countering earlier expectations, criticism grows over the PM’s narrative, including handling PPE contracts, his views on the Rwanda scheme, and underscoring accountability concerns.
UK Politics
— Rishi Sunak has hinted at a general election in the second half of the year, giving the Conservatives time to narrow Labour’s lead. Sunak hopes for signs of economic recovery, with anticipated tax cuts in the spring potentially boosting the polls.
UK Politics
— From new immigration laws to the COVID inquiry’s module on vaccines, 2024 is more than just a year to head to the polls.
UK Politics
— With a general election on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to curl up with one of these expert political book recommendations.
COVID-19
— For a nation grappling with an invisible enemy, COVID-19, leadership became the compass, the difference between weathering the storm and succumbing to its fury. Yet, at the helm of the UK stood Boris Johnson, a man whose relationship with science resembled a blind date gone disastrously wrong.
COMMENT
— The UK media sensationalised a political meeting between Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni, labelling it a “love-burst”. Instead, the event in Rome focused on migration controls and blurred lines between the Conservative and far-right politicians.
COVID-19 Inquiry
— In the ongoing saga of the COVID-19 pandemic and its political fallout, a new chapter has emerged, shrouded in digital fog and unanswered questions.
UK Politics
— The recent revelation that Rishi Sunak personally intervened to save a £40 million helicopter contract for VIP transport has sparked public debate about the use of public funds and the prime minister’s own travel habits.
UK Politics
— The awarding of lucrative NHS contracts to a company owned by major Tory Party donor Frank Hester and the provision of a paid helicopter ride for Rishi Sunak prompts concerns about transparency, accountability, influence, and potential conflicts of interest.
UK Politics
— 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.
