Long-Read

The limits and limitations of post-Brexit choices

— Chris Grey critiques Trump’s victory and Brexit’s deepening incoherence, highlighting Labour’s state-driven budget as a shift from neo-liberalism. Yet, Brexit’s financial toll limits Britain’s capacity to navigate these challenges.

UK Politics

Nigel Farage, AI and the revolt of the squeezed middle: Class politics is about to get messier than ever

— Disillusioned working-class voters, largely ignored by major parties, increasingly risk shifting to Reform UK, especially those prioritising issues like immigration. Labour’s grip on key constituencies remains vulnerable, with slim majorities at stake.

UK Politics

Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform

— The Reform Party did not significantly undermine the Conservative vote in the last general election. In fact, both parties drew support from different demographic groups and were electoral allies rather than rivals.

Far-Right Riots 2024

Riots in the UK: Online propagandists know how to work their audiences – this is what we are missing

— Far-right violence in English towns has highlighted the need to rethink our approach to combating online propaganda. Current strategies fail as hate-filled content thrives on social media. Instead of merely fact-checking, we should target the audiences and algorithms that amplify extremist views.

OPINION

Let Glasgow flourish against fascism

— British politics has seen alarming far-right normalisation, driven by figures like Nigel Farage and extremist groups. To counter their growing influence, anti-fascists and Scottish independence supporters must unite.

Misinformation

How misinformation exploded in Southport after the tragic stabbing

— The Southport riots, triggered by a tragic stabbing incident, have highlighted the dangers of misinformation. False rumours have fuelled public anger and violence, prompting calls for stricter media regulations and greater transparency.

Podcasts

French and British politics experts discuss what their election results mean for the right

— Keir Starmer’s landslide win as British PM ended 14 years of Conservative rule, while a left-wing coalition triumphed in France. A political shift that highlights growing left-wing influence in Europe.

OPINION

The end of the Tory nightmare, a worse one on the horizon

— As the general election campaign concludes, polls suggest the end of 14 years of damaging Tory government. Food bank usage has soared, highlighting the severe social damage. Labour may win, but lacks plans to reverse austerity, paving the way for potential far-right resurgence.

2024 General Election

Why Nigel Farage’s anti-media election interference claims are so dangerous

— With election day approaching, Nigel Farage has accused the media of undemocratic actions following a Channel 4 investigation revealing racist comments by a Reform UK canvasser. Farage claims media bias and election interference, echoing Donald Trump’s rhetoric.

2024 General Election

Why is Nigel Farage taking on the Daily Mail?

— Nigel Farage and the Daily Mail were previously close ideological bedfellows. Now, the leader of Reform UK is feuding with the newspaper over a controversial headline linking him to Putin’s ideology. Farage accuses the Mail of dishonesty and even threatens legal action.

UK Politics

Major donor to Nigel Farage’s Reform party owns Russian assets

— After Nigel Farage faced criticism for claiming the West provoked Putin’s Ukraine invasion, it emerged that a major donor to his Reform party, with significant Russian business interests, owns vast farmland in Russia.

2024 General Election

Another election, another round of Nigel Farage hype, with no lessons learned

— Nigel Farage, never elected to the House of Commons, is again shaping the UK agenda. Despite low electoral success, media hype, and mainstream elites bolster his far-right influence, diverting attention from crucial issues.

UK Politics

BBC Question Time: Analysis of guests over nine years suggests an overuse of rightwing voices

— The BBC’s Question Time faces scrutiny for potential bias. Our study shows a reliance on right-wing guests, challenging its impartiality claim. Debate on balance persists amidst public service broadcasting norms.

2024 General Election

Has Reform really overtaken the Tories in the polls? And does that mean it could beat them on July 4?

— A YouGov poll shows Reform UK leading the Conservatives for the first time, 19% to 18%. Despite this, both parties are essentially tied. Nigel Farage’s leadership has boosted Reform’s support, affecting Conservative vote shares and potentially aiding Labour and Liberal Democrats.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: How many seats every party in Westminster is defending – and what they are aiming for on July 4

— Polls predict major losses for the Conservatives and gains for Labour. Each party in Westminster faces unique challenges, with Conservatives bracing for opposition and Labour aiming for a majority. Smaller parties also navigate significant electoral dynamics.

2024 General Election

Sunak and Starmer’s first TV debate: a tetchy PMQs where no one dared mention the F-word

— The first 2024 election debate felt anticlimactic, with Rishi Sunak indirectly addressing the absent Nigel Farage. Sunak’s aggressive tactics against Labour’s Keir Starmer suggested future ambitions over current priorities.