2024 US Presidential Election

A Trump-Vance White House could undermine European security – and end up pushing Russia and China closer

— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.

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.

Health

Artificial sweetener could harm your gut and the microbes that live there

— The new generation of artificial sweeteners was meant to be less harmful than the previous generation. A new study suggests they might be just as harmful.

Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

The global food system is owned by an ever smaller number of companies – it’s damaging our health, our communities and the planet

— Over 800 million people face hunger, and 2 billion lack food access despite sufficient global production. This imbalance stems from market concentration, where a few big firms dominate, prioritising profit over sustainability.

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 US Presidential Election

Trump’s raised fist – A loaded gesture

— Donald Trump’s raised fist after Saturday’s assassination attempt was a gesture of defiance. This gesture, which happens to be his favourite, has been used historically by fascists, socialists, communists, Black Power advocates, and sportspeople.

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.

Westminster

What a House of Commons with fewer privately educated MPs could mean for the UK

— The UK parliament is becoming more diverse, with more women, ethnic minorities, and state-educated MPs. Despite progress, significant gaps remain in representing working-class backgrounds and educational diversity, which is crucial for truly reflecting society.

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.

2024 French Elections

French election: It’s impossible to know what sort of government might emerge from the current state of chaos

— Emmanuel Macron’s early elections led to a fragmented parliament, ushering in political instability and potential constitutional reforms. The runoff vote has resulted in an unrecognisable national assembly and nobody knows what happens next.

2024 General Election

Why Labour should worry this election will be more like 2001 than 1997

— Labour fears a low voter turnout may jeopardise their anticipated landslide victory. Historical data, particularly from 2001, shows turnout significantly impacts election outcomes. Many voters are undecided or complacent, threatening Labour’s confidence.

2024 General Election

What are the Conservatives really saying when they say ‘don’t surrender’ to the Labour Party?

— What does it mean to talk of “fighting” and “surrender” in a democratic election? The use of these words by Rishi Sunak calls the democratic process into question.

Sewage Crisis

Renationalising water could fix sewage crisis – but no major party will do it

— Privatised water companies discharged raw sewage into UK waters for 3.6 million hours in 2023. Politicians promise reform, but current plans lack detail. The public demands cleaner water and stricter regulation.

2024 General Election

There was a telling difference between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer’s use of pronouns in the final election debate

— Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer’s final debate highlighted their contrasting language styles. Sunak emphasised “I” and “me,” while Starmer balanced personal and collective pronouns, showcasing differing leadership approaches.

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.

2024 General Election

What would a Reform surge do to Labour and the Liberal Democrats? Two scenarios mapped

— Labour’s Keir Starmer and LibDem’s Ed Davey appear to have a tacit agreement to avoid campaigning against each other, focusing on defeating the Conservatives. The Reform party could further divide the Conservative vote and increase their chances in marginal seats.