Sewage Crisis

Renationalising water could fix sewage crisis – but no major party will do it

— Privatised water companies discharged raw sewage into UK waters for 3.6 million hours in 2023. Politicians promise reform, but current plans lack detail. The public demands cleaner water and stricter regulation.

2024 General Election

What would a Reform surge do to Labour and the Liberal Democrats? Two scenarios mapped

— Labour’s Keir Starmer and LibDem’s Ed Davey appear to have a tacit agreement to avoid campaigning against each other, focusing on defeating the Conservatives. The Reform party could further divide the Conservative vote and increase their chances in marginal seats.

2024 General Election

Political parties plans for EU citizens in the UK ahead of the 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.

UK Politics

What the election date betting scandal really tells us about the state of British politics

— Political scandals often showcase stupidity, as seen in Partygate and the 2009 expenses scandal. Recent gambling on election dates by Tory candidates shows political fatigue. After 14 years, the Conservatives seem drained, making unforced errors, signalling it’s “time for a change”.

Disabled People

The UK doesn’t work for Disabled people. Neither party will change that

— So far, we’ve heard more about Starmer and Sunak’s parents than the UK’s 16 million Disabled UK citizens. Both main parties overlook significant reforms, prompting Disabled people to demand systemic change through collective action and a unified manifesto.

2024 General Election

What does the law say about gambling on election dates with inside information?

— Rishi Sunak’s associates are being investigated by the Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on a July 4 general election before it was public.

2024 General Election

Three ways politicians always promise to raise money without increasing taxes – and why they rarely deliver

— Both Labour and Conservative parties exaggerate their opponents’ plans, relying on uncertain income streams for funding. Their common strategies include tax evasion crackdowns, efficiency savings, and welfare cuts, often proving difficult to implement and yielding less than expected.

2024 General Election

Leaving the European convention on human rights won’t stop the boats – but it will create other problems for the UK

— Rishi Sunak threatens to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address illegal migration, but this won’t legally allow the UK to “stop the boats.” Withdrawal could damage the UK’s international standing, breach the Good Friday Agreement, and strain UK-EU relations.

UK Politics

BBC Question Time: Analysis of guests over nine years suggests an overuse of rightwing voices

— The BBC’s Question Time faces scrutiny for potential bias. Our study shows a reliance on right-wing guests, challenging its impartiality claim. Debate on balance persists amidst public service broadcasting norms.

2024 General Election

Has Reform really overtaken the Tories in the polls? And does that mean it could beat them on July 4?

— 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.

OPINION

It’s all over for the Tories

— Rishi Sunak’s struggles in the general election campaign are highlighted by his embarrassing attempts to be relatable and his party’s failure to fulfil pledges. The Tories face disarray, with internal conflicts and a lack of campaign strategy.

2024 General Election

Election 2024: How many seats every party in Westminster is defending – and what they are aiming for on July 4

— Polls predict major losses for the Conservatives and gains for Labour. Each party in Westminster faces unique challenges, with Conservatives bracing for opposition and Labour aiming for a majority. Smaller parties also navigate significant electoral dynamics.

2024 General Election

Why doesn’t economic good news shift the polls for Rishi Sunak? An analysis of 27 past elections explains the problem

— Despite falling inflation, which should boost the Conservative government, voter intentions remain unchanged, with Conservatives trailing Labour by over 20%. This suggests other factors, like the NHS and immigration, overshadow economic improvements.

Education

Why UK government policies have failed to recruit enough teachers for years

— England’s secondary teacher shortage persists despite recruitment efforts and financial incentives. Systemic issues, political influences, and low acceptance rates for ethnic minorities hinder effective teacher supply planning.

OPINION

Nasty Tories in a panic

— The Tories’ reputation as the “Nasty Party” is highlighted by the Scottish Tory Leader’s behaviour in Scotland, while Rishi Sunak’s political missteps, such as leaving D-Day commemorations early, add to the party’s woes. The Tories face a bleak electoral future.

2024 General Election

How Sunak came up with disputed Labour tax figures – and what’s wrong with them

— In the first televised debate, Rishi Sunak claimed every working family would pay £2,000 more in tax under Labour. This figure, based on dubious Conservative calculations, has been widely discredited.