Refreshingly Independent Politics – smerconish.com is to create a clearinghouse for non-ideological thinking. We want to give people a chance to contribute to, and consume media that isn’t predicated on the usual, extreme talking points of the polarized media. Instead, we aim to promote independent thinking and diversity of thought.
Tag: politics
theintercept.com
The Intercept is an award-winning news organization dedicated to holding mainstream views and misinformation.
A “Scheme” Against Dobbs: SCOTUS Dissent Hints at Next Phase of Abortion Rights Fight
16 May 2026 @ 10:14 am
Justice Clarence Thomas argues the Comstock Act, passed in 1873, prohibits the mailing of abortion medication.
The post A “Scheme” Against Dobbs: SCOTUS Dissent Hints at Next Phase of Abortion Rights Fight appeared first on The Intercept.
Internal Pentagon Report Reveals Hegseth Is Willfully Putting Civilians in Danger
15 May 2026 @ 9:33 pm
A damning Department of War report finds that the Pentagon didn’t fully implement any required civilian harm mitigation measures.
The post Internal Pentagon Report Reveals Hegseth Is Willfully Putting Civilians in Danger appeared first on The Intercept.
CDC Didn’t Tell New York About Resident on Hantavirus-Plagued Cruise
15 May 2026 @ 8:41 pm
There’s no indication that the New Yorker had imminent plans to return to the U.S. But public health experts said the city and state still should’ve been informed.
The post CDC Didn’t Tell New York About Resident on Hantavirus-Plagued Cruise appeared first on The Intercept.
“We Will Find You and We Will Kill You”
15 May 2026 @ 11:30 am
The Trump administration’s new counterterrorism strategy turns its political enemies into enemies of the state.
The post “We Will Find You and We Will Kill You” appeared first on The Intercept.
How Trump’s New Counterterrorism Strategy Puts You at Risk
15 May 2026 @ 11:08 am
The Intercept annotated the White House document to show how the U.S. government is bringing its war on terror home.
The post How Trump’s New Counterterrorism Strategy Puts You at Risk appeared first on The Intercept.
DOJ Escalates War on Trans Youth Healthcare With Criminal Subpoenas
14 May 2026 @ 5:30 pm
We already know how high the stakes are for patients and their families — and rolling over now could hurt all of medicine.
The post DOJ Escalates War on Trans Youth Healthcare With Criminal Subpoenas appeared first on The Intercept.
“It’s Overwhelming But It’s Amazing”: Richard Glossip Released From Jail After Three Decades
14 May 2026 @ 4:22 pm
After nine execution dates, three last meals, and a Supreme Court ruling in his favor, Richard Glossip should soon walk free.
The post “It’s Overwhelming But It’s Amazing”: Richard Glossip Released From Jail After Three Decades appeared first on The Intercept.
This California Congressional Hopeful Opposes a Billionaire Tax. So Do His Tech CEO Backers.
14 May 2026 @ 10:07 am
The largest individual donor to a PAC backing Scott Wiener has spent millions fighting billionaire tax measures.
The post This California Congressional Hopeful Opposes a Billionaire Tax. So Do His Tech CEO Backers. appeared first on The Intercept.
Miami Beach Official Hired Billboard Truck to Call Pro-Palestine Activists “Jew Hater,” Lawsuit Alleges
13 May 2026 @ 4:40 pm
City Commissioner David Suarez is accused of hiring the trucks to single out members of the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace.
The post Miami Beach Official Hired Billboard Truck to Call Pro-Palestine Activists “Jew Hater,” Lawsuit Alleges appeared first on The Intercept.
FBI Quietly Closed a Probe Into Mahmoud Khalil While He Was in ICE Detention
12 May 2026 @ 7:29 pm
Two days before Khalil’s arrest, an anonymous tip accused him of calling for violence. The FBI found it did not “warrant further investigation” — but the Trump administration kept calling him a threat.
The post FBI Quietly Closed a Probe Into Mahmoud Khalil While He Was in ICE Detention appeared first on The Intercept.
questioneverything.io
To critically evaluate the global response to COVID-19 and present a series of responsible pandemic exit strategies to help ensure that total harms are minimised.
thefreedomcycle.com
THE PEOPLE’S UNION OF BRITAIN
Taking back sovereignty through common law.
goodlawproject.org
The Good Law Project is a not-for-profit campaign organisation that uses the law to protect the interests of the public. Also a bit woke, and does not protect womens sports.
whocanivotefor.co.uk
An updated list of candidates you can vote for the up and coming UK elections.
politics.co.uk
Politics news from the UK.
Patrick Gordon Walker’s 1965 defeat is a cautionary tale for Andy Burnham
15 May 2026 @ 10:00 am
Andy Burnham’s sensational announcement that he will once again seek a return to parliament sealed a day of immense political drama. The move marks Burnham’s second attempt at a parliamentary comeback, after Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), Starmer-in-council, thwarted his prospective candidacy for the February 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election. That contest proceeded without Burnham... Read more »
The post Patrick Gordon Walker’s 1965 defeat is a cautionary tale for Andy Burnham appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary – letter in full
14 May 2026 @ 12:17 pm
Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary, saying it is now clear that Keir Starmer will not “lead the Labour Party into the next general election.” Streeting, who has headed the Department of Health and Social Care since the 2024 general election, described the 2026 local and devolved parliament elections as “unprecedented”. In his resignation... Read more »
The post Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary – letter in full appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Jess Phillips resigns
12 May 2026 @ 12:05 pm
Jess Phillips has resigned as a Home Office minister. In a letter addressed to the prime minister, Phillips called on Keir Starmer to step down, saying she could not “keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress”. Phillips is the second minister to resign from the government since the 2026 local elections... Read more »
The post Jess Phillips resigns appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
First minister to resign says Starmer has lost ‘confidence of the public’
12 May 2026 @ 8:33 am
The first minister to resign from Keir Starmer’s government has called for the prime minister to step down and oversee “an orderly transition” to a new leader. Miatta Fahnbulleh stepped down as minister for devolution, faith and communities on Tuesday morning. In a letter addressed to the prime minister, she said that the government had... Read more »
The post First minister to resign says Starmer has lost ‘confidence of the public’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Keir Starmer is ‘listening’ to mutinous colleagues, says ‘sad’ cabinet ally
12 May 2026 @ 7:15 am
Keir Starmer is in “listening” mode, a senior cabinet ally has suggested as the prime minister faces a chorus of calls to resign. Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, insisted that Starmer is “getting on with the job” but appeared to confirm that he is now considering his political future. Jones recognised... Read more »
The post Keir Starmer is ‘listening’ to mutinous colleagues, says ‘sad’ cabinet ally appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Ministerial aides quit as calls for Starmer to resign grow
12 May 2026 @ 6:31 am
Keir Starmer has suffered his first resignations as the calls for him to step down as prime minister grow. Tom Rutland, a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, was the first to issue a statement announcing his decision to resign. A PPS acts as an unpaid parliamentary assistant,... Read more »
The post Ministerial aides quit as calls for Starmer to resign grow appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Starmer’s attempt to save his premiership – speech in full
11 May 2026 @ 1:05 pm
Keir Starmer vowed to prove his “doubters” wrong in a make-or-break speech on Monday morning. The prime minister warned of “very dangerous opponents”, alluding to insurgent political forces on the right and left, and pledged to embrace a closer relationship with Europe. Read Starmer’s speech in full. The election results last week were tough, very... Read more »
The post Starmer’s attempt to save his premiership – speech in full appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Angela Rayner says Starmer must ‘meet the moment’ – statement in full
10 May 2026 @ 4:18 pm
Angela Rayner has criticised what she calls a “toxic culture of cronyism” in a 1000-word statement issued after this week’s local elections. Rayner, who resigned as deputy prime minister in September 2025, has called on the Labour Party to “live up to our name: we must be the party of working people.” She further warned... Read more »
The post Angela Rayner says Starmer must ‘meet the moment’ – statement in full appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
The stalking horse returns: what Thatcher’s 1989 challenge tells us about Starmer’s test
10 May 2026 @ 12:01 pm
A prime minister under not inconsiderable political pressure faces a leadership challenge from an obscure backbench MP posing as a proxy for more prominent pretenders. These words accurately describe the political landscape Keir Starmer, Britain’s incumbent embattled premier, faces after Catherine West announced her plan to launch a leadership bid. West’s plan, hastily organised in... Read more »
The post The stalking horse returns: what Thatcher’s 1989 challenge tells us about Starmer’s test appeared first on
Starmer’s ‘stalking horse’: who is Labour challenger Catherine West?
10 May 2026 @ 11:03 am
Catherine West has threatened to launch a leadership bid that could topple the prime minister. The Labour MP issued a momentous intervention after her party’s drubbing in the elections this week. On Saturday afternoon, West called on the cabinet to “reorganise themselves” and put forward their “best communicator” to replace Starmer. Speaking to BBC News... Read more »
The post Starmer’s ‘stalking horse’: who is Labour challenger Catherine West? appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
artsparty.org.uk
Introducing arts thinking into politics and promoting creative, scientific and evidence based ideas that improve the lives of as many people as possible, while mindful of the few.
Arts Party Conference 2019
16 August 2019 @ 9:30 am
The Arts Party welcomes it’s first party conference from the heart of where water meets dirt, Brighton. We will be hosting debates for purposes of socialising, conversation and recreation. Located in Camelford Street, Brighton, BN2 1TQ, United Kingdom. All are welcome to attend, please use the contact form below to register your interest. [Fully booked]
The post Arts Party Conference 2019 appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Dinner for few
9 June 2019 @ 12:41 pm
A short and stark reminder of the state of play in politics today/yesterday. Thanks to a Dinner for a few, award winner from Nassos Vakalis. DINNER FOR FEW from Nassos Vakalis on Vimeo.
The post Dinner for few appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Scotland takes steps to put culture at the forefront of policy-making
6 July 2018 @ 9:31 am
A CULTURE STRATEGY FOR SCOTLAND – reflecting the past, challenging the present, shaping the future . The strategy seeks to stimulate a step change that will bring about a shift in how society and government view and value culture. It aims to build collaborative alliances that will help to realise the full potential of culture …
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Arts teachers in decline
5 July 2018 @ 9:35 am
As well as a fall in teaching hours, the arts has lost almost a quarter (9000) of teachers working in secondary schools in England since 2011. Sourced from https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-teacher-numbers-plummet-almost-quarter
The post Arts teachers in decline appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Why the Arts Matter
12 May 2018 @ 7:11 am
We’ve come across a great graphic that really sums up why the Arts matter – enjoy!
The post Why the Arts Matter appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Creativity and politics
17 April 2018 @ 11:19 am
Heather McGhee talks about the influence that music, film, and other arts can have on social change. https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/heather-mcghee-on-creativity-and-politics/
The post Creativity and politics appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Why is creativity the most important political concept of the 21st century?
17 April 2018 @ 11:15 am
There is no concept more politically important today than creativity. I’ll give four reasons why but first a definition. ‘Creative’ has narrow, broader and even broader connotations in English. It’s the last of these we should be most interested in. The narrow meaning immediately leads one to think of activities directly associated with the arts. …
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The post Why is creativity the most important political concept of the 21st century? appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Arts can help children avoid a lifetime of gang crime
14 April 2018 @ 11:05 am
Andria Zafirakou, who won the $1million title in Dubai last month, said subjects such as art, music and drama can transform the lives of vulnerable young people and give them the confidence to walk away from gangs. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/arts-can-help-children-avoid-a-lifetime-of-gang-crime-says-1m-prizewinning-teacher-a3813071.html
The post Arts can help children avoid a lifetime of gang crime appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Creativity and the arts in decline
1 February 2018 @ 11:34 am
Creative arts subjects are being cut back in many secondary schools in England, a BBC survey suggests. More than 1,200 schools responded – over 40% of secondary schools. Of the schools that responded, nine in every 10 said they had cut back on lesson time, staff or facilities in at least one creative arts subject. …
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The post Creativity and the arts in decline appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
Drawing the Future
20 January 2018 @ 10:34 am
A report launched by Education and Employers and found that children’s career aspirations only marginally differ from age 7 to age 17. It also showed that some sectors vital for economic health look set to be badly under-resourced in future. In the biggest survey of its kind, primary school children aged seven to 11 were …
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theyworkforyou.com
Keeping tabs on the UK’s parliaments & assemblies
FOI Network 3: hearing from information officers
11 May 2026 @ 10:18 am
For the the third in our series of discovery workshops, we invited people working with FOI in public authorities to discuss how a network might support them — and we had more than 50 attendees joining us from a range of organisations and specialities. Discussion was lively and informative, with many expressing a thirst for…
FOI Network: what we discovered in workshop 2
20 April 2026 @ 11:42 am
We continue with exploratory work that will help shape what the FOI Network will become, and how it will best serve specific types of those who use Freedom Of Information. Last week, in our second workshop of three, we convened journalists and specialist users to help us understand what the barriers are to their use…
Scorecards “create a level of accountability across the whole organisation to play their part”
20 April 2026 @ 8:28 am
Liz Vango-Smith is Sustainability and Climate Change Officer at Hart District Council, where she manages the climate change programme, helping to meet their carbon reduction targets both internally, and across the district. She recently took the time to speak to us about the part that the Council Climate Action Scorecards play in her work. Liz…
How data might help solve the sewage problem (with a little help from WriteToThem)
16 April 2026 @ 8:03 am
Have you visited sewagemap.co.uk? If you care about your local rivers, lakes and seas, you might want to take a look at this very graphic display of where sewage is being discharged across England. If you’re wondering which sense of ‘graphic’ we mean, well, it’s both: first, it’s easy to see the information at a…
Responding to AI-driven demand on public systems
14 April 2026 @ 12:51 pm
LLMs can increase demand on public systems by removing the friction that previously limited access. One potential result of this is new forms of unconsidered rationing that recreate that friction. Instead, we should move away from zero sum systems and aim for technical and policy approaches that turn unscalable private benefits into efficient collective ones. …
FOI Network: how can we strengthen access to information?
14 April 2026 @ 8:03 am
The FOI Network is an informal coalition of civil society organisations, journalists and academics with an interest in Freedom of Information, convened by mySociety and State of the Future. Last week, we held our first meet-up, in the shape of an online workshop, to discuss and prioritise the ways in which we might strengthen and…
Building skills and capacity in youth organisations, with the Social Investment Business
13 April 2026 @ 11:05 am
We’ve just started a new project exploring how improved data and training could help youth services in England – building their financial sustainability and representing their communities at a national policy level. Working with the Social Investment Business (SIB), which coordinates the government’s Youth Investment Fund, we’ll be talking to youth organisations across the North…
The growing case to protect FOI
8 April 2026 @ 2:36 pm
In a recent blog post, we set out why proposals to reduce the Freedom of Information cost limit would reduce government transparency, without meaningfully reducing the burden on public authorities, since then the opposition to the move has grown. What’s the problem? On 18 March 2026, The Financial Times reported that the government is considering…
How can we tell when AI is actually the right tool for the job?
24 March 2026 @ 9:11 am
Generative AI is good at solving some kinds of problems, and bad at solving others. With the rush to apply AI approaches across the public and private sector, we want to encourage people to use the right tool for the right problem. This blog post proposes a test that makes it easy to understand whether…
Reducing FOI cost limits will reduce government transparency
19 March 2026 @ 3:46 pm
Key points Lowering the cost limit time would reduce the scope of the Freedom of Information Act, giving government departments greater leeway to deny requests. This will have a disproportionate effect on high-impact Freedom of Information requests made by journalists and researchers. It represents a new restriction on public scrutiny of government, counter to promises…