Professor Tim Bale

Benefit Reforms

Cutting welfare goes against Labour’s core values

— Labour’s welfare cuts spark outrage, but history shows such moves are strategic. By sacrificing party principles, leaders signal fiscal discipline to markets and voters — proving cruelty, ironically, is intentional.

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.

UK Politics

Six books (and one play) to read to understand British politics today

— With a general election on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to curl up with one of these expert political book recommendations.