Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Kahn
Credit - AP Photo/Alastair Grant
29
MAY
2025
Is it Time the UK Legalises Cannabis?
Yesterday, the London Drugs Commission, chaired by Labour peer and former cabinet minister Lord Charlie Falconer, published a report endorsed by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, advocating for the decriminalisation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. The report has sparked a lively debate about whether it’s time for the UK to move towards decriminalisation, with benefits such as cost savings and relief from anxiety amid concerns over public health, disproportionate policing, and racial disparities.
Opposition to decriminalisation remains strong, notably from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who links cannabis to broader crime issues, such as violence and antisocial behaviour. Rowley argues that drug use drives significant community harm, and with prisons already overcrowded, loosening laws could exacerbate strain on the criminal justice system. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who previously stated that drug policy was “settled,” has consistently opposed changes to cannabis laws, aligning with the Home Office’s stance that there is “no intention” to reclassify cannabis from a Class B substance.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also dismissed the idea, light-heartedly referencing her own past drug use while firmly rejecting reforms to reclassification. This governmental resistance contrasts with the commission’s call for a “more equitable and just system,” highlighting a divide between policymakers and those advocating for reform.
Public opinion is deeply divided. A January YouGov poll found that 45% of Britons support legalisation, while 42% oppose it, with Labour voters showing stronger support, at 39% favouring full legalisation compared to 33% of the general public preferring decriminalisation. Conservative voters take a harder line, with 64% opposing legalisation, while Reform UK and Liberal Democrat voters show more mixed views. Concerns about rising crime rates, particularly in large urban areas like London, where drug-related violence is an ever-increasing issue, further complicate the debate.
Critics like Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warn that decriminalisation may mirror outcomes in some U.S. and Canadian cities, where relaxed drug policies have been linked to increased crime and public disorder. Yet, advocates argue that decriminalisation could redirect police focus to violent crime and reduce the estimated £500 million the Home Office spends annually on enforcing cannabis possession laws.
The debate over cannabis decriminalisation in the UK reflects a broader struggle between social justice, public safety, and resource allocation. While advocates highlight the potential to reduce policing disparities, save millions in enforcement costs, and redirect focus to violent crime, opponents caution against risks of increased drug use and crime, particularly amidst prison overcrowding, when places are at a premium. With public opinion split and claims of “two-tier” policing in our forces, the UK must navigate this contentious issue with great care, ensuring any reform prioritises both equity and community well-being.
New Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns
Credit - Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
05
MAY
2025
The Reform UK Revoloution: How to Shatter the Two Party System
Last week’s elections were a game-changer for Reform UK, as they stormed to victory with 677 council seats, took control of 10 councils, and bagged two mayoralties, plus a parliamentary by-election win. Nigel Farage called it a “historic” moment, saying it’s shaking up politics across the country, with his party challenging the status quo in Labour and Tory heartlands.
Leading the charge was Reform UK’s first female elected icebreakers, with Andrea Jenkyns winning big as Greater Lincolnshire’s first mayor, dominating in historically Brexit-loving county. At the same time, Sarah Pochin made history as Reform’s first female MP in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, showing the party isn’t just a male stronghold. Meanwhile, former Olympic gold medallist boxer Luke Campbell landed the blow winning the Hull and East Yorkshire mayoralty, adding star power to Reform’s increasing popularity. These wins signal a shift, with voters hungry for a change from the 2 party system.
Reform UK took advantage of Tory and Labour struggles, sealing 41% of votes nationwide, well ahead of the Conservatives’ 23% and nearly matching Labour’s 33%. Reform successfully uses voter anger with promises to cut immigration, scrap green projects, and ditch diversity initiatives. With these protest votes particularly hammering the Tories, while Labour’s unpopularity grew after government missteps like cutting benefits such as the removal of the winter fuel payments to pensioners and a change to personal independence payments.
Their rise reflects a global surge to the populist right, which is currently being seen in Europe and the US, where voters reject establishment politics.. The two-party system is certainly fracturing in the UK, with Reform, Lib Dems, and Greens gaining ground healthy numbers. This multi-party shift and populist wave challenge the outdated first-past-the-post system, pushing demands for fairer voting.
Reform UK will now surelty set their sights on the Welsh and Scottish elections in 2026, with the next English election expected before 2029. Polls in Wales show them challenging Labour, and in Scotland, they’re gaining from fellow defectors. Polls in England now place Reform as the largest party, surpassing Labour and Tories. With their core message resonating with voters that are fed up with “the big two”, and Farage’s headline-grabbing style keeps their momentum in the mainstream media will certainly help their efforts for what promises to be a tight call as we look to the next election.
29
APR
2025
Did Trump Hand Mark Carney the Canadian Election?
Yesterday, Canadians headed to the polls in a highly anticipated election marked by its surprising timing and an unexpected high early turnout. The election followed a remarkable turnaround in polling history, with tactical voting playing a significant role as voters sought to counter the Conservative Party's momentum. The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, has secured a minority government, projected to win approximately 168 seats—which is 172 short for an overall majority. This outcome sets the stage for a complex political landscape as the Liberals navigate governance without a clear mandate.
On January 6, 2025, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, with his approval ratings at 22% in December, despite a slight surge due to the "Trump effect". Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, assumed the role of Prime Minister and, nine days later, called a general election. At the time, the Liberal Party polled at 21.9%, trailing the Conservatives at 44.8%. Following Carney’s appointment, support for the Liberal Party surged to 42%.
Approximately two-thirds of Canada’s registered electors participated in the election, casting 7.3 million votes. Key issues dominating the campaign included U.S. tariffs, housing prices, and the economy, which overshadowed other prominent concerns in the Western world, such as migration and climate change.
In a devastating blow to Canada’s right wing, the Conservative Party capitulated, winning only 144 seats and leader Pierre Poilievre losing his Carleton riding. But could this largely be down to Donald Trump’s disruptive influence? With 25% tariffs and “51st state” scaremongering turned into sparked defiant Canadian nationalism, which has slowly dissolved the country’s MAGA movement and questioned Poilievre’s Trump-like populism. Trump’s ridicule of Poilievre as “not MAGA enough” alienated voters, with 39% citing Trump as a top concern. This has shaken the global populist surge, with Canadians’ defiance empowering the Liberals to champion sovereignty, exposing the dangers of an uncertain America.
Mark Carney’s Liberal sudden popularity shows us that political turnarounds really are possible. Yet, past elections such as Kamala Harris’s or Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential campaigns, or the failed prediction of a hung parliament in the 2015 UK election, aren’t always reliable. Current foreign influences, like U.S. tariffs and attitudes to Canada, also reshaped Canada’s election, which blindsided global issues and highlighted the power of leadership and external factors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Credit - SEAN KILPATRICK/THE CANADIAN PRESS/FILE
Norwood Primary School, Eastleigh
Credit - Google Maps
08
APR
2025
Are Schools Becomming T0o Diverse?
Last month, Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, announced its decision to cancel its traditional Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service in 2025.
Despite Norwood Primary having no religious affiliation, headteacher Stephanie Mander explained in a letter to parents that this was done "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented within our school community", aiming to create a more inclusive atmosphere for all students and families.
The decision also escalated to the point of protests outside Norwood Primary when demonstrators from the Christian group Disciples of Christ rallied against what they saw as the "erasure of Christianity. This was , however, countered by a smaller group of parents who supported Mander’s decision. This further triggered backlash from parents and locals who have questioned whether other Christian traditions such as Christmas may be next.
The school later clarified that Easter would still be acknowledged through lessons and craft activities, but the cancellation of the specific events remained a flashpoint.
To further emphasise Mander’s claim to make the school more inclusive, she has repeatedly said her school will be celebrating Refugee Week, which has further escalated frustration from right-wing figures such as former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who has criticised the decision, labelling it “disgraceful" and “cultural surrender".
Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has also criticised the decision in an interview with the Daily Echo, supporting the planned protests, whilst suggesting the move was out of touch with British values.
People have argued that this has only happened to Easter in the name of inclusivity and would not similarly extend to foreign traditions such as Ramadan or Diwali, while the choice to celebrate Refugee Week is seen by some as an attempt to replace British Christian traditions under the guise of diversity, raising questions about whether the identity and heritage of these traditions are still being respected.
20
MAR
2025
Why Are So Many Young People Out of Work?
On Tuesday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced that the government plans to implement the “largest welfare reforms in a generation” in an effort to reduce the welfare budget by £5 billion.
One of the most affected groups by this decision is young people aged 18 to 24 who rely on the benefit system. This raises the question: why are so many young people out of work?
The number of 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK who are unemployed and not actively seeking work has risen to 789,000 according to the latest statistics. This increase may be attributed to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education and reduced the availability of entry-level jobs.
Additionally, the decline of the high street, driven by the rise of online shopping and store closures, may also contribute. As of this month, the retirement age has been raised to 66 for both men and women, potentially increasing job competition. Growing up on benefits, which can often be more lucrative than low-wage work, might discourage young adults from seeking employment. This situation risks long-term economic inactivity for this age group.
Support from schools could significantly assist young people in entering the workforce. By shifting the focus beyond university—often presented as the primary path forward—schools can better prepare students for various career options.
Currently, curricula and career guidance heavily emphasise higher education. In 2023, 47% of UK 18-year-olds applied to university; however, alternative routes, such as apprenticeships and vocational training, received less attention despite high demand in fields like technology and trades. Introducing practical skills—like coding, construction basics, and real-world mathematics—earlier in education, along with mentorship from industry professionals, could better equip students for employment and reduce reliance on benefits.
Looking ahead, the future for 18 to 24-year-olds will largely depend on how the UK addresses the intertwined issues of work and welfare. With technology transforming jobs, climate-driven industries emerging, and an ageing population raising the retirement age, opportunities may expand if young people receive the proper support. Targeted policies and a reimagined education system could transform today’s challenges into a prepared workforce for the future, balancing economic pressures with a fair chance at stability.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall
Credit - Getty Images
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage
Credit - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch
Credit - (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
11
MAR
2025
Who Represents the Voice of the Right in the UK?
In recent years, the UK's political landscape has changed significantly due to the rise of right-leaning ideologies and the impact of Brexit. The Conservative Party now faces competition from Reform UK, which has leveraged Euroscepticism and populism. This shift reflects a broader global trend towards populism, amplified by digital media and viral campaigns. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, the dynamics between these parties and the digital sphere provide a unique perspective on the evolving right in British politics.
For decades, the Conservative Party has been the voice of the right, offering law and order, limited government, and low taxes. However, since the party’s catastrophic defeat at the 2024 general election, new leader Kemi Badenoch has a mammoth task on her hands to take a party in disarray back into government. With only 121 MPs and 23.7% of the vote share, the Tories lost votes to all sides, which also led to a surge in Reform UK.
But why was this? For years, the economy was a large issue with former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s mini-budget in 2022, which caused inflation to hit 11% and raised the cost of living. Reform UK argued that Tories failed to deliver a “proper Brexit,” especially on issues such as the NHS and immigration, which ultimately split the right-wing vote and cost the Conservatives almost 100 seats.
On the back of the election, Reform’s momentum was driven by Nigel Farage’s leadership on pushing anti-woke rhetoric and a hard stance on immigration. Reform is successfully capitalising on the public’s frustrations with the cost-of-living crisis and political correctness with a primary policy freezing immigration. This has led to them polling at 23% for the next election, just one point behind Labour and one in front of the Tories.
In recent years, the right of populism has reshaped global politics, fuelled by isolationism, anti-woke, and anti-establishment beliefs. Leaders like Trump, Meloni, and Orban have created global momentum for those who feel left behind by the failure of successive past governments. There has also been a huge uprising of online figures such as Tommy Robinson in the UK who have built loyal fan bases to blur the lines between politics and conspiracy theories, leading to an ever-growing post-truth society.
As the UK navigates an increasingly polarised society, the future of the right in this country could lead to one question: can it unite? With the Tories struggling to maintain their traditional base and Reform gaining increasing ground, the right could risk fracturing. If the right were to mount a credible challenge to Labour’s majority, they may need to set aside their differences and find common ground and unite to shape the future of British politics.
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