Immigration

Irregular, not illegal: What the UK government’s language reveals about its new approach to immigration

— Keir Starmer’s government has scrapped the Rwanda asylum plan, replacing harsh immigration rhetoric with more humane language. Labour aims to tackle smugglers and improve the asylum system while addressing anti-migrant sentiments.

UK Politics

Historians of the Labour Party put Britain’s new government into context

— Historians suggest Keir Starmer’s Labour government may resemble Harold Wilson’s administrations, balancing promises of economic growth with party unity challenges amid historical lessons.

UK Politics

Keir Starmer’s first prime minister’s questions: Four things we learnt

— In his first PMQs as PM, Keir Starmer criticised his predecessors and rival parties, while Rishi Sunak focused on Ukraine, avoiding direct attacks, and the SNP challenged Starmer on Labour’s internal issues, revealing ongoing tensions.

UK Immigration Policy

Labour promised to scrap the Rwanda policy. But its new approach aims to be just as tough on asylum seekers

— Labour’s new migration policy focuses on border security and reducing asylum claims by targeting criminal gangs. They have scrapped the Tories’ Rwanda plan, aiming to deter migration with international aid and tougher enforcement, yet face criticism for potentially dehumanising asylum seekers.

Environment

Why Westminster’s new backbench MPs may unlock progress on climate change

— Climate policy differences between Labour and Conservative MPs reveal Labour’s pro-climate stance. The new Labour government swiftly removed windfarm restrictions. However, Labour faces challenges in implementing its climate plans, including opposition from rural MPs and unions.

2024 General Election

Election 2024 polls were wide of the mark on Labour’s margin of victory – this is what may have happened

— The 2024 UK election campaign was heavily focused on polls, revealing a mix of accurate and inaccurate predictions. While Labour’s lead was often overestimated, varying accuracy among pollsters highlighted challenges in achieving representative samples.

2024 General Election

Young people led surge for smaller parties but no Reform ‘youthquake’, says UK election survey

— The General Election highlighted a stark age divide: young voters rejected the Conservatives, favouring Labour, Greens, and the Liberal Democrats. Turnout among young people, especially from poorer backgrounds, was also significantly lower, indicating rising political disengagement.

Green Policies

Labour’s Green promise: A new dawn or mere words?

— Labour’s recent election victory spurs promises to review housing planning laws and lift the onshore wind ban. These pledges signal a potential shift towards sustainable energy and housing, boosting local communities’ autonomy and environmental benefits.

UK Politics

Keir Starmer: What we know about Britain’s new prime minister and how he will lead

— Keir Starmer, known for his methodical, professional, and pragmatic approach, contrasts with visionary leaders. With experience as director of public prosecutions, he prioritises outcomes, focusing on delivering solutions amidst high expectations.

UK Politics

Rachel Reeves is the UK’s first female chancellor. Why that’s so significant

— Rachel Reeves has become the UK’s first female chancellor, promising transformative economic policies. Her goals include closing the gender pay gap, promoting flexible working, and boosting economic growth through women’s empowerment.

UK-US Relationship

The UK’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer – hoping for a Democrat in the White House, preparing for Trump

— Keir Starmer is preparing for potential challenges in US-UK relations, particularly with a possible Trump presidency. He aims to maintain strong transatlantic ties, navigating diplomatic and military strategies.

Lobbying

Lovebombed by lobbyists: How Labour became the party of Big Business

— A year before its historic election win, Labour engaged with major corporate lobbyists, including arms, oil, and financial sectors. This unprecedented access influenced Labour’s policies, risking a significant corporate sway over future government decisions, potentially harming public interests.

Brexit

Starmer must seize the chance to rethink the UK-Europe relationship

— PM Keir Starmer faces the challenge of improving UK-EU relations amid Brexit’s unpopularity. Key strategies include leading on migration and security, aligning with EU regulations, and addressing both domestic and European concerns.

2024 General Election

Labour sweeps to victory in historic General Election

— The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has achieved a monumental victory in Thursday’s General Election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule with a landslide win.

OPINION

They’re gone – but we won’t be shedding any tears

— Fourteen years of Tory rule have caused incalculable harm. This morning we can breathe a sigh of relief. But Labour won’t be able to fix all the problems. We’ve been thinking hard about our work under a new government.

2024 General Election

Tory downfall is democracy rectifying its mistakes

— Democracies, despite their mistakes, excel at correcting them. The 2024 British general election’s defeat of the Conservatives highlights democracy’s power to renew. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer must now restore government integrity and address national damage.