United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 2001
Ownership
openDemocracy is a UK-based independent global-affairs platform launched in May 2001 (founded c.2000 by Anthony Barnett, David Hayes, Susan Richards and Paul Hilder). It is published by openDemocracy Limited, owned by a non-profit foundation, the openDemocracy Foundation for the Advancement of Global Education. There is no commercial proprietor, party or state owner.
Funding
Funded by grants from charitable foundations - including the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - together with direct reader donations. It carries no state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Its editorial stance is progressive/left-leaning, with strong investigative and pro-transparency, human-rights and anti-corruption reporting, but it is governed by an independent non-profit foundation rather than any party, government or owner. Because it is a privately governed charitable nonprofit free of party or state control, it is INDEPENDENT (consistent with the site's INDEPENDENT/LEFT guess).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Progressivebased on 33
71/100
Factual
64/100
Objective
33
Articles
33
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Trump Jr.’s UK Drones, Burnham-Rayner’s Donors
This article discusses several politically charged topics related to UK politics and defense contracting. It reveals that a U.S.-based military drone company linked to Donald Trump Jr., Anduril, is acquiring former UK military personnel and Ministry of Defence insiders to secure a large autonomous drone contract worth £220 million. Additionally, the piece highlights concerns over funding sources for Labour politicians, including Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner, who received financial backing from corporate entities and lobbying groups. The article also explores the influence of right-wing think tanks and fossil fuel industries on climate policy, as well as challenges facing the UK's food supply system due to extreme weather and profit-driven logistics.
Anduril: Trump-linked US defence firm eyes UK military contracts
The article discusses the growing influence of Anduril Industries, a US defense firm linked to Donald Trump and his allies, in the UK defense sector. Initially presented as an 'Anglo-American' entity, Anduril UK had minimal local presence and was reluctant to invest without UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracts. However, following increased UK defense spending pressures under Trump's influence, Anduril has expanded significantly, employing over 150 people in the UK, including former defense personnel. The firm is part of a group awarded £2.5m to develop 'Wingman' drones for military helicopters, potentially leading to a £200m contract. Anduril, along with other Trump-backed firms like Palantir, is positioned to benefit from heightened military tensions and increased defense spending, supplying technologies such as drones, border towers, and software to UK authorities.
Angela Rayner takes cash from war-profiteering advisory firm
The article discusses Charles Myers, founder of Signum Global Advisors, a firm specializing in investment opportunities arising from post-conflict reconstruction. Myers organized a high-profile trip to Venezuela after a U.S. military action there, positioning the country as a lucrative investment opportunity despite potential legal concerns. He emphasized the economic potential of Venezuela's oil resources. Myers' firm has also engaged with UK politicians, including Labour leader Angela Rayner, who accepted £10,000 for a speaking engagement and later donated £20,000 from Signum to charity. Signum has hosted several Labour MPs and planned an event with the new UK prime minister, though it was canceled. The article raises questions about the alignment of Signum's interests with those of the Labour Party.
Climate Breakdown is here: Why won’t governments act?
The article discusses the increasing severity of heatwaves and their deadly impacts, particularly on elderly populations, as well as broader climate trends such as accelerated warming in Europe and reduced carbon absorption by forests. It highlights the growing number of heat-related deaths in the UK and the role of natural climate cycles like El Niño in exacerbating global heating. The piece argues that governments are failing to adequately address climate breakdown despite scientific warnings and the urgent need for systemic changes, including decarbonization, behavioral shifts, and economic restructuring. It criticizes the current economic model as inadequate for addressing the scale of the crisis.
When the climate crisis reaches the supermarket shelf
The article discusses the growing impact of the climate crisis on the UK's food system, highlighting how extreme weather conditions are disrupting agricultural production and increasing vulnerability in food supply chains. It argues that the current food system, designed for efficiency rather than resilience, relies on global imports and is susceptible to disruptions caused by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and labor shortages. The piece emphasizes that food insecurity affects millions of Britons, with over nine million relying on food banks, particularly among lower-income households. It critiques the 'just in time' model of food distribution, which leaves little room for error and exacerbates inequalities in access to affordable, nutritious food.
Burnham is the new captain, but he's charting the same course on Israel
Andy Burnham has become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after replacing Keir Starmer, marking a shift in leadership within the Labour Party. Burnham has positioned himself as a leader capable of driving significant change, emphasizing policies such as a bus fare cap, ending rough sleeping, and reforms in education and social care. His administration has seen improved public approval ratings, with Labour polling ahead of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. However, criticism arises regarding Burnham's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite issuing an apology for Labour's delayed response to the conflict, critics argue that the party's previous support for Israeli military operations and its allowance of British spy flights over Gaza indicate a lack of genuine change. The article highlights the contradiction between Burnham's promises of reform and the party's historical alignment with Israel's actions.
How we twist political violence to self-defence
The article discusses the increasing prevalence of political violence in democracies, focusing on the UK where politicians, particularly women and those of color, report heightened concerns about harassment and safety. There has been a notable rise in alleged crimes against members of Parliament, prompting increased spending on their protection. Former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Moudant highlights the ongoing legal challenges she faces even after leaving office. The piece explores how political identities influence responses to such violence, noting that individuals who strongly identify with certain ideologies may exhibit cognitive rigidity and a greater willingness to endorse or justify violence as a form of self-defense. This phenomenon is linked to both personal beliefs and broader societal factors.
Two Exclusives! Farage’s Crypto Connection + Burnham’s AI Adviser
The article presents two exclusive investigations by openDemocracy. The first examines John Mappin, a figure linked to Reform UK, who promoted an 'anti-woke' cryptocurrency called 'Awoke,' which investors allege was a scam. Leaked messages reveal his connections to conspiracy theories, fraud, and offshore shell companies. The second investigation explores ties between Andy Burnham’s AI adviser, Starmer’s business advisor, major tech firms, and Hakluyt, a secretive advisory firm with MI-6 ties. Documents show how Hakluyt gained privileged access to influential AI policy figures. The piece highlights concerns over transparency, influence, and potential conflicts of interest in UK politics and technology sectors.
Nigel Farage denies link to crypto conspiracist John Mappin
Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK's Reform Party, has denied any connection to John Mappin, a cryptocurrency conspiracist associated with QAnon and a Scientology-linked business. Mappin, a hotelier and supporter of Russia, was involved in promoting Awoke Coin, a cryptocurrency accused of defrauding investors. The article reveals that Mappin and Farage were former business partners and that Mappin hosted Farage at his Cornwall hotel. It also notes that Mappin has a history of financial fraud, having duped someone in 2002. A joint investigation by openDemocracy and The Times questions Farage's association with Mappin, highlighting concerns about his network of controversial allies. The cryptocurrency project, Awoke Coin, saw a significant rise in value before collapsing, leading to accusations of a 'rug-pull' scam.
UK weather maps show 3 straight days of 36C or more as heatwave starts this week
The UK is set to experience a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures predicted to exceed 30°C this weekend and potentially reach up to 37°C in southern regions by next week. The Met Office forecasts that southern areas will see temperatures climb to 31°C on Sunday and Monday, while northern regions will reach around 28°C. Weather models suggest that temperatures could hit 35–36°C across much of the south, with Yorkshire experiencing up to 33°C. The southeast may reach 37°C on Thursday, with London seeing 36°C and the Midlands 34°C. These conditions would qualify as an official heatwave. In contrast, temperatures in Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain in the low to mid-20s, though parts of Wales could reach 29–30°C. Temperature anomaly maps indicate that the UK will be significantly warmer than the seasonal average. Both the Met Office and BBC predict continued warmth, with the BBC noting that while temperatures may not match recent extremes, they will still rise above average across much of England and Wales.
From Gaza to Trump, the age of ‘Big Security’ is here
The article discusses the growing influence of 'Big Security' in global politics, using Israel's policies toward Gaza and the broader geopolitical landscape as case studies. It critiques Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, arguing that Israeli politics are entrenched in a security paradigm prioritizing force, surveillance, and control over resolution. The piece highlights Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's potential successor, who shares similar hardline views on the Palestinian issue. The author references Ruben Andersson's book 'Age of Security: The Rise of a Global Obsession,' which examines how governments manage threats through increased control rather than addressing their roots. Andersson uses the metaphor of a pressure cooker to describe this trend, noting that Israel's 'smart fence' around Gaza, while costly and technologically advanced, ultimately failed to prevent the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The article expands on this theme globally, citing examples from countries like Russia, the UK, and the U.S., where security measures are used to maintain power and suppress dissent.
Burnham’s AI head secretly briefed tech giants at No 10 adviser’s investment firm
openDemocracy reveals that Ollie Ilott, the head of the UK’s AI Security Institute and later appointed to lead Burnham’s AI Taskforce, participated in a secret private briefing for major tech firms, including Microsoft and the Ellison Institute of Technology, while still employed by the institute. The event was hosted by Hakluyt & Company, an advisory firm linked to No 10’s top business adviser, Varun Chandra. The government did not disclose the meeting or retain any records, leaving the public unaware of the content shared with these tech giants. Hakluyt, founded by MI6 operatives, operates in a regulatory blind spot as a corporate intelligence firm, not required to disclose its clients. The article highlights concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest, as Ilott was later promoted to a senior role in Burnham’s government, raising questions about the influence of private firms on public policy.
Trump has announced a "historic" deal with Hamas for its disarmament, but Israel's refusal exposes the US president
The president of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a 'historic' agreement aimed at the 'complete disarmament' of Hamas, which he claimed would mark a major step toward lasting peace and security in the region. However, this agreement faces significant obstacles after Israel refused to accept the terms negotiated over weeks in Cairo between Hamas, representatives of Trump's Peace Board, and mediators including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Hamas has expressed commitment to the deal, which represents the second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan, and has agreed to surrender heavy weapons provided Israel halts all forms of aggression, withdraws its troops from Gaza, and begins reconstruction efforts in the devastated territory. According to Trump, Israeli forces would withdraw once disarmament is completed, but Hamas insists that the cessation of Israeli attacks must come before any troop withdrawal. Despite these clarifications, Israel remains opposed to the agreement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that his government did not accept the proposal and sent feedback back to Washington. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel will not retreat from its current positions until it