📰 openDemocracy · 26
United KingdomFarage blames Makerfield defeat on anti-Starmer votes
Nigel Farage expressed disappointment with Reform UK's performance in the Makerfield by-election, attributing the loss to voter frustration with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He suggested that voters wanted to remove Starmer from office, leading to an 'emphatic' Labour victory over Reform's candidate. Farage acknowledged that some votes were also lost to the right-wing party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. He urged Restore voters to support Reform as the main challenger to Labour. The by-election was seen as an opportunity for Reform to establish itself as the main
Palestine Action BANNED from Britain as judges rule Home Office was allowed to make them a proscribed organisation
The UK Home Office has been granted permission to ban the organization Palestine Action after five appeal court judges ruled that the group 'overtly promotes unlawful violence amounting to terrorism.' The ban, which was initially imposed in July 2023, makes membership or support for the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ruling overturned a previous High Court decision that had found the initial proscription unlawful. The judges emphasized that the decision struck a fair balance between freedom of expression and national security. The case may still be takento
Girls as young as 9 feel pressured to lead ‘perfect lives’ with ‘boyfriend and good skin’ due to influencers
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey found that girls as young as nine feel pressure to live 'perfect lives' influenced by social media content creators. The research involved interviews with girls in years seven to 10 across schools in southeast England. Participants discussed how influencers promote ideals such as physical appearance, relationships, and career success. Younger girls expressed concerns about self-esteem and sought validation from family and peers, while older girls highlighted issues like comparison culture and the lack of diverse representation among
Under-16s to be banned from TikTok, YouTube and other social media by next spring, Starmer says
The UK government has announced plans to ban under-16s from accessing several major social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, starting in spring 2027. The policy aims to protect children from potential harms associated with social media. Tech companies have expressed concerns that such a ban could push younger users into less safe online spaces. The government has not yet released the complete list of affected platforms but indicated that Facebook and X will also be included. Verification measures for users aged 16 and older may be introduced, though many existing adult
Inside the doomsday ‘cult’ spreading climate disinformation to global leaders
A group called AllatRa, described as a 'doomsday cult' by openDemocracy, has been promoting climate disinformation to global leaders. Founded in Ukraine in 2014 and based in the US, AllatRa claims humanity faces extinction by 2036 due to a combination of plastic pollution and a periodic 'cosmic' phenomenon. The group previously claimed nanoplastics in the ocean prevent the Earth's core from cooling, leading to catastrophic events like the rupture of the Mariana Trench. These claims contradict the scientific consensus on climate change.
Saumitra Jha on why he changed his mind about climate change, and unexpected tricks that work to reduce polarization
This article discusses strategies for reducing societal polarization and changing perspectives on issues like climate change. It features an interview with Saumitra Jha, a professor of political economy, who shares insights from financial experiments in various regions. The discussion includes topics such as 'skin in the game' incentives, historical uses of finance to resolve conflicts, the risks of hero worship, and the evolving understanding of climate change as a non-luxury issue.
Secret ‘terror’ trials in the UK
The article discusses secret 'terror' trials in the UK, highlighting concerns over pro-Palestine activists being labeled as terrorists without formal convictions. It also touches on various other topics including far-right violence in Belfast, potential changes to social media regulations, international political developments involving Trump and Netanyahu, economic policies, data privacy issues with Palantir, and historical cases related to far-right exploitation.
Netanyahu faces a new threat: The collapse of Western support
The article discusses the recent escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the shooting down of a U.S. Apache helicopter by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It notes a shift in U.S. policy under former President Donald Trump, suggesting a move toward a more measured approach rather than immediate military retaliation. The piece also highlights declining public support for the war in the U.S., alongside waning support for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
Andy Burnham’s promises of ‘growth’ rely on real investment in social care
Andy Burnham argues that the UK requires an alternative economic model to end '40 years of neoliberalism,' emphasizing the need for increased investment in social care and infrastructure. He criticizes the current focus on traditional infrastructure like roads and railways, suggesting that social care and other services also require attention. Burnham highlights issues such as stagnant living standards and inequality, positioning himself as a potential challenger to Keir Starmer within Labour.
Far-right chaos won’t define Northern Ireland – solidarity will
The author describes their experience living in Northern Ireland and reflects on recent far-right violence sparked by a knife attack involving an asylum seeker. They contrast the actions of extremist figures like Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage with the efforts of local residents to support each other and resist division.
After the aid cuts: Eight lessons from a leaner past
The article discusses the impact of aid cuts on organizations working in the democracy, rights, and governance (DRG) sector, highlighting challenges such as layoffs, project closures, and reduced funding. It reflects on historical practices from the 1990s, when DRG work was less formalized and relied on community engagement and diverse funding sources rather than large donor grants. The piece suggests that adapting to a leaner, more community-focused approach could provide a path forward for the sector.
Cuba’s revolution is dying. What comes next is unclear
The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding Cuba's future amid the decline of its revolutionary government. It references the U.S. Department of Justice indicting former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by Cuban dissidents. The article draws a comparison between the U.S.'s legal actions against Castro and those taken against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, noting differences in international law implications due to Castro's current status.
Palantir is turning the NHS into a tool for mass surveillance
openDemocracy reports concerns over Palantir's involvement in managing the NHS England’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), suggesting it could enable mass surveillance through the use of patient healthcare data. Critics, including Duncan McCann from the Good Law Project, warn of parallels with Palantir's role in U.S. immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump. The article highlights the lack of transparency regarding what data Palantir collects, the legal basis for its operations, and the purpose of the data gathering. It also notes that 69% of regional NHS Trusts have adopted Fd
Two ceasefires, no peace: the Middle East’s dangerous pause
The article discusses two ongoing ceasefires in the Middle East: one between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and another between the United States and Iran. It argues that these ceasefires are interconnected due to the relationship between Hezbollah and Iran, and Israel's broader regional conflict with Iran. The article also touches on historical context, including Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill passes amid chaos as law’s backers call for recall
Ghana's parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, an anti-LGBTQ+ measure that criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+ with potential prison sentences. The bill bypassed standard procedural requirements, leading to confusion and calls for reconsideration from some supporters. Previous versions of the bill were passed in 2024 but not signed into law due to legal challenges and financial concerns.
Government must defend free speech consistently or risk deepening division
The article discusses the importance of consistent government defense of free speech in light of recent events, including local election results and protests following the death of student Henry Nowak. It highlights concerns about 'two-tier policing' and the impact of legislation on free expression, referencing various incidents such as travel bans and counter-terror measures.
Gaza-bound land convoy forced to abandon mission after arrests in Libya
A land convoy aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was forced to abandon its mission after facing obstruction, violence, and arrests in eastern Libya. The convoy became stuck due to Libyan militias refusing to allow passage through a checkpoint near Sirte. Ten members of a negotiating delegation were detained and taken to an unknown location, while another volunteer had previously been arrested near the Tunisian-Libyan border. The convoy faced further attacks from militias, leading to the destruction of their camp.
There is no such thing as a safe minority
The article discusses the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed by Vikrum Digwa, a British-born Sikh who falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack. The court found Digwa's account fabricated and sentenced him to life in prison. The article highlights the ongoing investigation into the police handling of the incident and mentions the potential review of Digwa's sentence.
“We are going to die”: The frontline costs of Uganda’s new US health agreement
The article discusses the impact of a new $2.3 billion health agreement between Uganda and the United States on access to post-abortion care (PAC) and HIV/AIDS services. It highlights concerns raised by health workers, activists, and patients about reduced availability of these services due to the integration of donor-funded programs into Uganda's public health system and the reduction of NGO roles. The article references a case where a young woman died after seeking alternative care due to limited access to clinics.
The return of class politics: What Colombia’s election reveals about the left
Colombia's upcoming presidential runoff between leftist senator Iván Cepeda and far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella highlights a resurgence of class-based politics. De la Espriella, known for representing drug traffickers, has gained prominence through a blend of authoritarian populism and radical economic liberalism. Meanwhile, incumbent President Gustavo Petro, leading Colombia's first left-wing government, faces challenges despite his party's strong showing in the first round.
Inside the campaign that stopped The Gambia reversing its FGM ban
In July 2024, The Gambia narrowly avoided repealing its 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) after sustained efforts by feminist organizers and community groups. The National Assembly rejected a bill to repeal the ban by a margin of 34 to 19. Supporters of the repeal had previously pushed for it, arguing that FGM is an Islamic practice and that the ban was a Western imposition. However, these claims were refuted as incorrect, as FGM is not required by Islamic law. The article highlights this as a significant victory for feminist movements in Africa and emphasizes the importance of such草
One in four of us is Disabled. It’s time the UK government heard us
The article discusses the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the UK, highlighting issues such as poverty, inadequate healthcare and social care, and systemic barriers in various aspects of daily life. It criticizes the current Labour government under Kier Starmer for failing to address these issues and calls for a shift in policy to create a more inclusive and equitable society for disabled citizens.
The precariat, the far right and the world’s coolest dictator
The article discusses the rising popularity of authoritarian leaders like El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, who has high approval ratings and implemented strict measures against gang violence. It references Professor Guy Standing's concept of the 'precariat'—a group characterized by chronic insecurity rather than unified political goals—and suggests that progressive analysts may be misunderstanding the appeal of such leaders.
The precariat election: Ignoring class and insecurity imperils Labour
The article discusses the 'precariat'—a group characterized by unstable employment, low wages, and reliance on money income rather than non-wage benefits. It argues that traditional center-left political parties have failed to mobilize support from this class due to a misunderstanding of its characteristics. The author suggests that ignoring the issues faced by the precariat poses risks to Labour's political strategy.
The $3.6trn illusion: Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield won’t make US safer
The article discusses Donald Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, comparing it to the 1980s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). It highlights concerns about the project's feasibility, rising costs, and potential inefficacy against a large-scale nuclear attack. The article cites estimates from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office and independent organizations like Physicians for Social Responsibility, suggesting the program's costs could reach up to $3.6 trillion.
What our readers are saying about Gaza, abortion and political accountability
The article shares reader responses to recent openDemocracy pieces covering topics such as a Gaza aid convoy stuck in Libya, Reform Party's stance on abortion, and discussions around political accountability. One highlighted comment praises the efforts of individuals attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza despite obstacles.