The kettle and the cage: rising authoritarianism in the UK

A reaction to being kettled and reflection on the authoritarian turn of the British state through policing It produces a horrible feeling.  Animal instincts and feelings swell up as you are trapped in an enclosed space by other animals.  They form a tight circle around you and slowly constrict that circle, coming closer to you,… Continue reading The kettle and the cage: rising authoritarianism in the UK

Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality

Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has said that a Labour government would not raises taxes on wealth, capital gains or higher incomes. She does not, she said, see “the way to prosperity as being through taxation.” Britain is asset rich. National wealth – a mix of property, business, financial and state assets – stands at… Continue reading Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality

Thomas Daw: a Green voice for the future – fighting for fairness, sustainability and change

Thomas Daw, a Green Party councillor for Wrington, Elections Officer for the South West Green Party and MP candidate for Weston-super-Mare, is passionately committed to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today, from homelessness and housing to environmental sustainability. During a recent interview, Daw shared his vision for tackling the housing… Continue reading Thomas Daw: a Green voice for the future – fighting for fairness, sustainability and change

Labour MP forced to retake Parliamentary oath after omitting part of it as protest

Clive Lewis would have been at risk of a byelection if he did not pledge allegiance to ‘heirs and successors’ of the king Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, has been forced to retake his parliamentary oath after omitting a crucial part of the pledge in a protest against the monarchy. During a… Continue reading Labour MP forced to retake Parliamentary oath after omitting part of it as protest

Trump triumphs in 2024 election: implications for America and the world

In a stunning political comeback, Donald Trump secured victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This unexpected turn of events marks a significant shift in the American political landscape, with profound implications for domestic policies and international relations. Election Results and Immediate Reactions Donald Trump’s victory has sent shockwaves throughout the nation,… Continue reading Trump triumphs in 2024 election: implications for America and the world

The recent Georgian elections: protests, vote-rigging claims and implications for European politics

he recent elections in Georgia have stirred considerable unrest and debate, casting a long shadow over the nation’s democratic integrity. Amidst allegations of vote-rigging, widespread protests erupted, reflecting a populace increasingly disillusioned with its political leadership. The events unfolding in Georgia resonate beyond its borders, prompting reactions from European leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor… Continue reading The recent Georgian elections: protests, vote-rigging claims and implications for European politics

Venezuela’s contentious election stirs hope and fear for the nation’s future

Ernest C Withers, I Am a Man: Sanitation Workers Strike, Memphis, Tennessee, March 28th 1968, 1968. Silver gelatin print © Dr. Ernest C. Withers, Sr. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division / Withers Family Trust

In the midst of a polarised and tense political landscape, Venezuela has once again become a focal point for international observers as its recent elections unfolded with high stakes and fervent expectations. The preliminary outcomes, though not yet fully confirmed, have already set the stage for significant political, social, and economic repercussions in the country.… Continue reading Venezuela’s contentious election stirs hope and fear for the nation’s future

Hereditary peers to lose seats in House of Lords under new plans

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will sweep away the remaining hereditary peers as the first step to reforming the House of Lords. New legislation will end what officials called the “outdated and indefensible” presence of members of the upper chamber who are there by right of birth. The Government also plans changes to the Commons, with… Continue reading Hereditary peers to lose seats in House of Lords under new plans

Runners and riders: Who will seek to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader?

Tom Tugendhat has joined James Cleverly in publicly declaring his candidacy in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader. There will potentially be a crowded field in the contest as Mr Cleverly acknowledged he was not the only one giving it “serious thought” ahead of nominations opening on Wednesday evening. Sunak, who… Continue reading Runners and riders: Who will seek to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader?

UK slides in corruption perception index after series of political scandals

The UK has fallen down Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index (CPI) after a year of high-profile government scandals. The CPI is not a measure of corruption itself but a measure of how much corruption is perceived to exist across a country’s public sector. For the UK government, already focusing very much on the next general election amid multiple scandals, perception matters.… Continue reading UK slides in corruption perception index after series of political scandals