2024 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.
Brexit
The withdrawal of the UK from the European Union on 31 January 2020, after a referendum that took place on 23 June 2016 when UK voters chose to leave the EU by 52% to 48%.
EU Citizens
— Despite living in the UK since infancy, Lucrezia Bosio, who holds settled status but not British citizenship, cannot vote in elections. High costs and complex immigration laws bar many migrants, like her, including elected members of government and NHS doctors, from voting on 4 July.
2024 General Election
— A YouGov poll shows Reform UK leading the Conservatives for the first time, 19% to 18%. Despite this, both parties are essentially tied. Nigel Farage’s leadership has boosted Reform’s support, affecting Conservative vote shares and potentially aiding Labour and Liberal Democrats.
Children's Health
— Research indicates a significant decline in the health and well-being of primary school children from 2014 to 2022, exacerbated by events like Brexit and the pandemic.
Long-Read
— The Brexit process caused significant shifts. Two recent announcements — one about a delayed Brexit-related import control, another on a potential EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme — highlight the ongoing complexities and political strategies surrounding Brexit negotiations and their impacts.
Long-Read
— UK and EU leaders, including Gibraltar and Spain, report nearing a post-Brexit agreement for Gibraltar, dubbed the last major Brexit issue. Gibraltar’s complex status and its 96% EU support contrast starkly with broader UK sentiment.
Long-Read
— The UK government’s new ‘common user charge’ on EU imports adds significant costs, affecting particularly small firms and highlighting the ongoing economic and political instability post-Brexit, with broader impacts on sectors like agriculture and financial services.
Politics
— When right-wing politicians talk of bringing back greatness, they are doing it for a reason.
Long-Read
— Brexit was expected to end the blame on the EU and foster political accountability. Yet, Brexiters like Truss, Anderson, and Braverman shift blame to globalism and wokeism, fuelling radical Brexitism, seeking new targets, and desiring to “smash the system.”
Long-Read
— Brexit’s repercussions on UK-EU ties, notably in defence, are evident amid recent events like Navalny’s death and Russian threats. Despite challenges, closer integration seems unavoidable, exposing Brexiters’ impractical expectations.
Long-Read
— Brexit fractures the UK’s geopolitical strategy, hindering cooperation with the EU on security. Amidst the Russian threat and potential European conflict, deeper UK-EU security ties are crucial for stability.
UK Politics
— Keir Starmer, if he becomes prime minister, faces global populism amid elections favouring anti-establishment figures around the world. Navigating instability, he must defend NATO and counter divisive forces in a changing political climate.
Long-Read
— Brexit’s promises prove illusory with issues like stalled UK-Canada trade talks and delayed import controls exposing failures. Changes in Northern Ireland reveal ongoing challenges, while public opinion increasingly sees Brexit as a failure, prompting calls for accountability.
Long-Read
— Brexit’s impact is complex and hard to disentangle from other factors. It hasn’t helped issues like medicine shortages, steel jobs, or environmental protection. Brexit promised concrete benefits, not just abstract ideas, and has failed to deliver.
Long-Read
— Last week’s focus on the Horizon Post Office scandal prompts reflection on the ongoing EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) issues affecting EU citizens in the UK, revealing a systemic problem requiring attention.
UK Politics
— With a general election on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to curl up with one of these expert political book recommendations.
