Environment
— The ex-cabinet minister’s comments have been described as a ‘damning indictment’ of the Conservative government.
UK Politics
— By attending a conference in Budapest hosted by Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-migrant PM, along with members of European far-right parties, three Tory MPs have exposed the Tories’ wider ties with such groups and provoked public outrage.
OPINION
— The Government is trying to block the COVID Inquiry from accessing unredacted WhatsApp messages that could reveal how Rishi Sunak ignored scientific advice and launched the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme in 2020, which caused a surge in infections.
Immigration
— High immigration rates correlate with increased support for the governing party and lower unemployment rates. Legal immigration has little economic impact, but illegal immigration causes fear and anxiety. To win elections, parties must address irregular arrivals and emphasize immigration benefits.
COVID-19 Inquiry
— Good Law Project challenged the Cabinet Office’s refusal to disclose Rishi Sunak’s WhatsApps on the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, which caused COVID surge in cases and deaths.
UK Politics
— After Liam Fox lobbied PM Sunak on behalf of a group that paid him £16k for 21 hours’ work, Bradshaw Advisory faced a penalty for violating legislation, while Fox was cleared due to the fee payment structure.
Brexit
— After Brexit, the UK has had fewer migrants from the EU, but they have been far outstripped by people coming from elsewhere.
Health
— The health secretary has announced a delay in the delivery of the 40 new hospitals in England that Boris Johnson had pledged as Prime Minister until beyond 2030.
UK Politics
— Foreign Secretary James Cleverly recently used a luxury business jet for his eight-day tour of the Caribbean and Latin America despite the cost of living crisis.
OPINION
— Two polls show conflicting results for SNP and the Scottish Independence, with one indicating significant losses for the party in the next UK General Election. The second poll, however, shows support for independence at 53%. Will the SNP have time to develop strategies to stem potential vote loss?
OPINION
— The NatCon conference in London displayed hard-right Tory views, blaming UK’s issues on migrants, the EU, and the liberal elite. The event showcased extremist politics and culture war tropes, with controversial speakers, representing the “Trumpification” of British politics.
OPINION
— The recent National Conservatism conference in the UK attracted a mostly male audience, with focus on immigration, gun ownership, and anti-clean energy sentiments.
Investigation
— WhatsApp messages reveal VIP COVID testing contracts awarded to Tory donors. Conversations expose lobbying efforts and raise concerns about political donations influencing government decisions during the pandemic.
OPINION
— Wee Ginger Dug argues that Labour leader Keir Starmer aims to adopt conservative policies and move the party further right, targeting English nationalist Brexit voters and that Scotland’s interests aren’t his priority as he focuses on winning in England to secure power.
UK Politics
— Former Tory minister Rees-Mogg calls voter ID law “gerrymandering”, saying it hurt elderly Conservative voters in the recent local elections. Government ministers have denied partisan motives.
UK Politics
— Electoral forecasting is a difficult science that relies on past data. Different techniques produce different outcomes for the next UK general election. Looking back at the relationship between local elections and subsequent general elections puts Labour on course for a House of Commons majority.
