Long-Read
— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.
OPINION
— Trump’s election victory has fuelled far-right nationalist gains, threatening minority and migrant rights in the US and intensifying right-wing populism in Scotland. Reform UK’s recent growth in Scotland now signals a potential rise in anti-immigration and climate-sceptic influence at Holyrood.
UK Politics
— Dominic Grieve has sharply criticised Robert Jenrick’s video on the European Convention on Human Rights, accusing him of misleading the public, misrepresenting legal principles, and promoting dangerous rhetoric that should disqualify him from high office.
Far-Right Riots 2024
— The far-right protests in England, triggered by disinformation around the Southport stabbings, have been linked to Russian disinformation. We looked at the digital footprint and spoke to protesters. The deeper issue lies in pervasive anti-migrant sentiments.
2024 US Presidential Election
— JD Vance’s vice-presidential candidacy has spotlighted his Catholic beliefs, which align with Catholic Integralism — a view integrating spiritual and worldly aspects with religious values guiding policies which critics argue are unworkable and conflict with broader religious freedoms.
Far-Right Riots 2024
— 48 locations face potential far-right mobilisations in the UK this evening, with up to 100 events possible. A Telegram list targeting refugee service providers has spread fear, prompting community counter-protests.
2024 French Elections
— Marine Le Pen’s efforts since 2011 to moderate her far-right party’s image and mainstream its far-right politics, alongside voter dissatisfaction with Macron’s policies, have led to the party’s surge in France’s elections, where the party won 33% of the vote and is now just a step away from power.
UK Politics
— Tory MP Lee Anderson, suspended from the Conservative Party, joins Reform UK, a climate science denial party. He opposes net zero policies, supports fossil fuels, and works with GB News, known for climate denial.
Ireland
— Tension has boiled over into threats of violence and suspicious fires at hotels accommodating asylum seekers.
UK Politics
— From new immigration laws to the COVID inquiry’s module on vaccines, 2024 is more than just a year to head to the polls.
COMMENT
— The UK media sensationalised a political meeting between Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni, labelling it a “love-burst”. Instead, the event in Rome focused on migration controls and blurred lines between the Conservative and far-right politicians.
OPINION
— The Tory government enforces stringent visa rules for UK citizens bringing foreign spouses, disproportionately affecting families and increasing NHS fees. Despite this, a Tory rebellion aims for stricter immigration policies, considering Boris Johnson’s return and Nigel Farage’s involvement.
Immigration
— The Court of Appeal has declared the Immigration Exemption in the Data Protection Act 2018 unlawful, protecting migrants’ fundamental data rights. This triumph reflects years of determined advocacy from the3million and Open Rights Group.
Immigration
— The current government is the most aggressively anti-refugee administration in British history, with laws threatening to send asylum seekers to Rwanda and language used to discuss refugees linked to increasing unrest. Yet, Suella Braverman warns that millions more people will come to Britain, “uncontrolled and unmanageable”. A migration “hurricane” is
Immigration
— Amidst the ongoing debate about asylum seekers being housed on barges, Tory MP Lee Anderson’s populist views have stirred controversy.
UK Immigration Policy
— Semi-carceral facilities accommodating irregular migrants are designed to be hostile spaces that expose people to substandard conditions and keep them on the move, detached from wider society.
