UK Politics

Keir Starmer’s first prime minister’s questions: Four things we learnt

— In his first PMQs as PM, Keir Starmer criticised his predecessors and rival parties, while Rishi Sunak focused on Ukraine, avoiding direct attacks, and the SNP challenged Starmer on Labour’s internal issues, revealing ongoing tensions.

UK Politics

Suella Braverman: “I want Trump to be president.”

— Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has thrown her support behind Donald Trump’s presidency, citing global stability and peace as her reasons. An endorsement coming at a pivotal moment in her own turbulent political career in the UK.

Long-Read

The day the country turned on the Tory Party

— Brexit, barely discussed during the general election campaign yet ever-present, catalysed the Tory downfall, culminating in a significant vote share drop. The new Labour government faces challenges, but now is a moment to celebrate the defeat of a damaging political ethos.

2024 General Election

Tory downfall is democracy rectifying its mistakes

— Democracies, despite their mistakes, excel at correcting them. The 2024 British general election’s defeat of the Conservatives highlights democracy’s power to renew. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer must now restore government integrity and address national damage.

2024 General Election

Grieving and unheard, the British public has voted for change – in weariness more than in hope

— The 2024 General Election was defined by a public mood of loss and anger over deteriorating public services and political scandals. Voters felt neglected, seeking significant change amid fears of rising illiberalism.

2024 General Election

After a historic defeat, what will Rishi Sunak’s legacy be?

— After the defeat, will Rishi Sunak be remembered as a failure, a PM who inherited a mess... or just not at all?

COMMENT

Tories lacking transparency: 14 years of undermining Freedom of Information

— Freedom of Information in the UK is declining, with full request approvals dropping from 55% in 2013 to 34% recently. Successive Conservative governments have increasingly restricted it, undermining transparency and accountability.

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

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

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.

2024 General Election

Political parties plans for EU citizens in the UK ahead of the General Election

— The upcoming general election could significantly impact EU citizens’ lives in the UK. Each party’s stance on immigration, EU relations, and civic rights will affect their residency, work, and social conditions.

UK Politics

What the election date betting scandal really tells us about the state of British politics

— Political scandals often showcase stupidity, as seen in Partygate and the 2009 expenses scandal. Recent gambling on election dates by Tory candidates shows political fatigue. After 14 years, the Conservatives seem drained, making unforced errors, signalling it’s “time for a change”.

Disabled People

The UK doesn’t work for Disabled people. Neither party will change that

— So far, we’ve heard more about Starmer and Sunak’s parents than the UK’s 16 million Disabled UK citizens. Both main parties overlook significant reforms, prompting Disabled people to demand systemic change through collective action and a unified manifesto.

2024 General Election

What does the law say about gambling on election dates with inside information?

— Rishi Sunak’s associates are being investigated by the Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on a July 4 general election before it was public.

2024 General Election

Leaving the European convention on human rights won’t stop the boats – but it will create other problems for the UK

— Rishi Sunak threatens to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address illegal migration, but this won’t legally allow the UK to “stop the boats.” Withdrawal could damage the UK’s international standing, breach the Good Friday Agreement, and strain UK-EU relations.