UK Politics

Steady ship: Labour maintains lead as Conservatives lag behind

— A recent YouGov survey indicates consistent support for the Labour Party, significantly ahead of the Conservatives. Labour also leads in voter preferences for the position of Prime Minister, with Keir Starmer surpassing Rishi Sunak.

Long-Read

Immigration and asylum rows are another sign of Brexit’s total failure

— Brexit has not only failed to deliver on its promise of reducing immigration and controlling borders, it has also made the immigration issue worse and more difficult to manage. The government’s chaotic and ineffective immigration policies, such as the Rwanda policy, have only added to the problem.

Brexit

No turning back: Sunak rejects Von der Leyen’s EU rejoin speculation

— While Ursula von der Leyen recently acknowledged mistakes made by European leaders in handling Britain’s departure from the EU, in contrast, Rishi Sunak reaffirms his commitment to Brexit.

Long-Read

What the COVID Inquiry tells us about Brexit

— The Hallett Inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic unveils dysfunction in the UK government, revealing intersections with Brexit. Testimonies depict Boris Johnson’s incompetence, a toxic culture, and how Brexit hampered pandemic planning.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s decision to bring back David Cameron has distracted us all for now, but the long-term strategy is flawed

— Rishi Sunak’s appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary raises questions. Cameron, not a popular figure, is linked to Brexit and an era of austerity, conflicting with Sunak’s strategy. The move may have short-term benefits but poses risks for the Conservative Party.

Long-Read

Brexit has driven the Tory Party mad

— The influence of Brexit on the Conservative Party has bolstered populism and pushed the party further from moderate conservatism towards the influence of Nigel Farage, which is characterised by detachment from reality and ideological purity.

Brexit

Why Labour’s plan to ‘rewrite Brexit’ might not be as politically risky as it sounds

— Once upon a time, questioning the terms of Britain’s exit from the EU was effectively taboo. But times have changed, and the public might be more on board now than before.

Long-Read

Brexit: Unsettled and still not settleable

— Brexit has failed to secure public support for its current form, with the latest opinion poll showing roughly half of the population would vote to rejoin the EU, and a clear majority thinks it was a mistake to leave the EU.

Long-Read

It’s limited, but Labour’s post-Brexit policy does offer voters a choice

— The domestic political landscape is shaping up with Labour offering a closer and more harmonious relationship with the EU, while the Tories maintain a more distant approach. Time is running out to address the economic and geopolitical consequences of Brexit.

EU Citizens

EU Citizens: Cruel and unjust refusals in the EU Settlement Scheme

— The Home Office’s stringent policies are resulting in unnecessary hardship for EU citizens. Recent immigration rule adjustments have resulted in unfair rejections and a convoluted administrative process.

Brexit

Tears, compromise, divorce – what it’s like to leave the UK because of Brexit

— The plight of those who felt compelled to leave when that reality ended is often overlooked.

Science

The UK has joined the EU’s Horizon science funding scheme – but if we want the UK to lead, the hard work has just begun

— The deal will bring relief to UK scientists after Brexit led to uncertainty over funding and collaborative projects.

Analysis

The EU is making overtures for a post-Brexit defence collaboration with the UK – but London isn’t listening

— The UK government is reluctant to sign a treaty or cooperate formally with the EU, despite the latter’s interest and the urgent need due to the Ukraine crisis.

Long-Read

UKCA: A symbol of the folly of Brexit

— The UK government has announced an indefinite extension to the use of CE marking for British businesses, which shows that products meet EU standards. This is a major U-turn from the previous plan to introduce a UKCA system, which would have created costly duplication and reduced consumer choice.

UK Politics

Goldsmith on Government’s green policies: Gove is a monster, Shapps is backward, Sunak not interested

— In a recent interview, Zac Goldsmith, former international environment minister, criticised fellow Tories for their handling of climate commitments.

UK Politics

The UK’s island identity has long shaped its political outlook – is that why it currently feels so adrift?

— Geographical happenstance became a matter of national identity in imperial times and is now a handy rhetorical device for Brexit enthusiasts.