Immigration

New data shows net migration falling − What’s actually behind the numbers

— Making election promises about migration numbers is much easier than keeping them.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: Up to 8 million people are not properly registered to vote

— The general election on 4 July faces challenges, with 8 million potentially unregistered voters. Because of the Tory Government, voter ID is now required for the first time in a general election, and young people, especially students, are at risk of being excluded.

OPINION

Don’t listen to latest Tory claims – Slavery and empire made Britain rich

— A Tory think tank’s book claims Britain’s economic success was due to British genius, dismissing the role of colonialism and slavery. Critics argue it’s politically motivated, ignoring scholarly consensus on colonial impacts.

UK Rail

Britain’s railways were never properly privatised – Here’s how they could return to greater public control

— Public ownership, as advocated by Churchill, led to British Rail’s success. Privatisation under Thatcher and Major, however, resulted in inefficiencies and higher subsidies. Renationalisation, now Labour policy, is seen as a remedy for the current fragmented and costly system.

2024 General Election

Little evidence suggests Rishi Sunak will benefit from a football feelgood factor by holding a July election – it may even be an own goal

— Rishi Sunak’s election announcement coincides with the July 4 Euros rest day, aiming to capitalise on national pride. However, history shows little evidence that sports events significantly influence political outcomes.

2024 General Election

What the economic data told Rishi Sunak about the best date for a general election

— Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a general election for July 4 surprised many. Citing economic stability, lower inflation, and GDP growth, it aims to benefit Conservatives against Labour’s call for change. Voters seek evidence-based policies for economic growth and security.

2024 General Election

UK election called for 4 July – what happens next?

— Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for 4 July, surprising many, including his own MPs. He argues only the Conservatives can lead through current challenges, despite criticism over their role in creating them. Polls suggest a Labour lead, potentially ending the Conservatives’ long tenure.

2024 General Election

Rishi Sunak fires election starting gun with a damp whimper – but Labour will want to play down talk of a landslide

— Rishi Sunak’s election prospects look grim after a poorly executed speech in the rain outside Downing Street. Labour leads in polls, but internal issues and voter apathy threaten their potential victory.

UK Politics

UK ‘taking back control’ of its borders risks rolling back human rights protections

— The High Court in Belfast ruled key parts of the UK’s Illegal Migration Act incompatible with the Windsor framework, violating asylum seekers’ human rights in Northern Ireland, highlighting the UK’s commitment to human dignity and peace.

UK Politics

Natalie Elphicke defection: Keir Starmer risks feeding the perception that politics is ‘all just a bit of a game’

— Natalie Elphicke, a pro-Brexit Tory right-winger, defected to Labour, sparking controversy and highlighting Labour’s shift under Keir Starmer. The move targeted disaffected Tory voters but drew criticism from the left, questioning Labour’s principles.

Student Protests

Gaza campus protests: What are students’ free speech rights and what can universities do?

— Universities have a difficult balance to strike between protecting student speech rights and ensuring campus safety.

Voter ID

If even the prime minister who introduced voter ID can forget his, do we need a rethink?

— Ironically, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who implemented the voter ID laws, was turned away from voting in the local elections due to not having proper identification, spotlighting significant flaws in the policy as a general election looms.

UK Politics

The size of the swing to Labour in the Blackpool South by-election made this such an unpleasant night for Rishi Sunak

— Debates ponder if the upcoming general election will mirror the close 1992 or landslide 1997 outcomes. Amid significant shifts, including in Blackpool South, Labour sees unprecedented by-election success, while the Conservatives face potential annihilation, struggling even against the Reform party.

OPINION

How right-wing do you need to be not to be welcome in the Labour Party?

— Marking a continuation of notable Tory defections to Labour, Natalie Elphicke, a staunch right-wing Conservative MP, has defected to Labour this week, highlighting shifts in party ideologies and stirring questions about Labour’s embrace of centre-right values under Keir Starmer’s leadership.

UK Politics

If Rishi Sunak is ousted, should Tory MPs or members pick his replacement?

— Rishi Sunak faces a potential Tory leadership challenge as 52 MPs could trigger a confidence vote. Leadership rules emphasize parliamentary support, yet member ballots could shift influence, reflecting broader legitimacy and control mechanisms within the Conservative Party.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak claims the UK is heading for a hung parliament — let’s check his maths

— In recent local elections, the Conservative Party lost 478 councillors, suggesting a hung parliament may loom, despite Labour’s strong performance and a 10% swing in their favour.