UK Politics

Is Reform really pulling ahead of Labour? What to really make of Farage’s supposed lead

— Reform’s recent surge in polling reflects discontent with Labour’s policies and rising protest votes. While correlations suggest fragmented party dynamics, Labour must prioritise delivery to regain dominance.

UK Politics

Kemi Badenoch’s views on inequality should worry Black Britons

— Kemi Badenoch champions anti-woke conservatism over systemic inequality reforms, but her policies largely avoid addressing systemic racial disparities affecting Black Britons.

Long-Read

Post-Brexit Britain’s Trump problem goes much deeper than trade tariffs

— The debate over Brexit resurfaces amid economic challenges and Trump’s return. Key concerns include UK-EU relations, trade uncertainties, and Labour’s struggle to reconcile Brexit’s political and economic implications.

Immigration

Why do the UK’s net migration numbers keep being revised — and can we trust the data?

— The UK’s net migration figures have seen significant revisions, reflecting methodological challenges and evolving migration behaviour. Despite uncertainty, improved data sources highlight record migration driven by work and study trends.

COMMENT

Why is a Labour government keeping Rishi Sunak’s finances under wraps?

— Keir Starmer pledged integrity before his election, yet his government supports secrecy over Rishi Sunak’s investments. A tribunal outcome could reshape transparency on ministers’ financial interests, challenging promises of honesty and public trust.

Tories

Ministers helped ‘stage manage’ Shell’s relocation to UK, emails show

— Tory ministers worked closely with Shell on its relocation to London ahead of COP26 in 2021, newly revealed documents show. Despite barring fossil fuel sponsorship, the government privately supported Shell’s move, downplaying climate concerns and avoiding reputational risks.

UK Farmers

Tough news for protesting farmers: Labour doesn’t actually need their votes

— Labour’s rural gains don’t hinge on the farmers’ votes, as most rural seats can be won without significant agricultural support. However, broader rural discontent could still pose political challenges.

Assisted Dying

Assisted dying: How to understand the increasingly angry debate between MPs over this controversial bill

— A Labour MP’s assisted dying bill faces its first major test amid intense criticism over its procedural handling as a private member’s bill. MPs remain divided ahead of Friday’s vote.

Brexit

Bresignation: British people are ready to turn a page on the EU referendum vote

— The UK public feels more “bresignation” than “bregret” over Brexit, with limited appetite for rejoining the EU now. A reset in UK-EU relations requires evidence-driven communication and depoliticised trade reforms.

NHS

Wes Streeting must rule Palantir out of his NHS technology revolution

— Wes Streeting is planning to put our intimate health data on central care records. It’s time for him to address the elephant in the room.

OPINION

Why it’s time for the UK to introduce a new law to allow assisted dying

— Noel Conway wanted to die with dignity, yet he died slowly in pain. This month MPs can finally help others like him.

UK-US Relationship

The return of Trump means Britain must rethink its defence strategy – and role in the world

— Britain faces urgent defence challenges, from poor readiness to unclear strategy. With Trump’s return, reliance on the US for nuclear deterrence and NATO commitments demands reassessment. Britain must redefine its role.

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

Secrets from the throne: Queen’s quiet dismay at Boris Johnson’s leadership

— New revelations expose former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s contentious relationship with Queen Elizabeth II regarding the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 and his handling of constitutional matters during his time in Downing Street.

Education

Student fees are set to rise, but at what cost to graduates’ mental health?

— The UK government’s 2025 tuition fee hike to £9,535 annually may worsen graduates’ mental health, with recent research linking higher fees to increased depression, anxiety, and financial strain decades post-graduation.

Long-Read

The Brexit quart won’t fit into Labour’s pint pot

— Labour’s Brexit policy centres on minor adjustments, avoiding rejoining debates despite economic drawbacks. Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted Brexit’s economic costs, while backbenchers push for closer EU ties, challenging Labour’s restricted approach.