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.
Two Boat Strike Survivors Become First Known Prisoners in Trump’s War on “Narcoterrorists”
17 October 2025 @ 5:41 pm
The two survivors of a U.S. attack on a boat in the Caribbean are now being held on a Navy warship.
The post Two Boat Strike Survivors Become First Known Prisoners in Trump’s War on “Narcoterrorists” appeared first on The Intercept.
“Antifa” Protesters Charged With Terrorism for Constitutionally Protected Activity
17 October 2025 @ 5:19 pm
After shots were fired at a protest against ICE, federal prosecutors pursued guilt-by-association charges against two protesters.
The post “Antifa” Protesters Charged With Terrorism for Constitutionally Protected Activity appeared first on The Intercept.
Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Deal Is Already Failing Palestinians
17 October 2025 @ 10:00 am
James Zogby and Jonah Valdez on what it will take for this ceasefire to succeed, and Palestinian writer Taqwa Ahmed Al-Wawi shares her hopes and fears.
The post Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Deal Is Already Failing Palestinians appeared first on The Intercept.
Zohran Mamdani Has Pushed the Liberal Consensus on Palestine. The Left Isn’t Satisfied.
17 October 2025 @ 1:11 am
The debate over Mamdani’s candidacy highlights the ongoing identity crisis within the Democratic Party as voters turn against Israel over its genocide.
The post Zohran Mamdani Has Pushed the Liberal Consensus on Palestine. The Left Isn’t Satisfied. appeared first on The Intercept.
The Pentagon Is Learning It’s Not So Easy to Sink a Boat
16 October 2025 @ 9:24 pm
Videos of U.S. attacks in the Caribbean suggest boats have been obliterated in a single strike. The reality is a lot messier.
The post The Pentagon Is Learning It’s Not So Easy to Sink a Boat appeared first on The Intercept.
Unions Sue to Stop AI Surveillance Powering Trump’s “Catch and Revoke” Deportation Scheme
16 October 2025 @ 7:42 pm
From pro-Palestine students to Charlie Kirk commenters, the immigration system is being weaponized against people whose views Trump doesn’t like.
The post Unions Sue to Stop AI Surveillance Powering Trump’s “Catch and Revoke” Deportation Scheme appeared first on The Intercept.
He Tweeted Charlie Kirk “Won’t Be Remembered as a Hero.” The State Dept. Revoked His Visa.
15 October 2025 @ 7:19 pm
Nota Baloyi is one of several people who lost a visa to visit the U.S. because he spoke ill of Charlie Kirk on social media.
The post He Tweeted Charlie Kirk “Won’t Be Remembered as a Hero.” The State Dept. Revoked His Visa. appeared first on The Intercept.
Trump Fabricates Story of Hand-to-Hand Combat Between Troops and Child Gangsters in D.C.
15 October 2025 @ 6:29 pm
Trump’s claim that National Guard members beat child gang members on the streets of Washington was disputed even by the military.
The post Trump Fabricates Story of Hand-to-Hand Combat Between Troops and Child Gangsters in D.C. appeared first on The Intercept.
Israel’s Mounting Ceasefire Violations in Gaza
15 October 2025 @ 3:39 pm
“The matter is not a ceasefire — we are talking about a managed genocide, a managed forcible displacement.”
The post Israel’s Mounting Ceasefire Violations in Gaza appeared first on The Intercept.
Episode Two: A Death in the Dark
15 October 2025 @ 10:00 am
How the pre-planned no-knock raid — a violent, volatile tactic that became a common tool of the drug war — led to tragic consequences, in the story of Ryan Frederick and Detective Jarrod Shivers.
The post Episode Two: A Death in the Dark 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. The Good Law Project fight cases that defend, define or change the law and we use litigation to engage and educate. The Good Law Project challenge abuses of power, exploitation, inequality, and injustice.
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.
Olivia Blake: ‘Why cross-party leadership on climate policy is essential’
17 October 2025 @ 7:06 am
It’s official. The Conservative Party leadership has joined the ranks of climate deniers, in a race to the bottom with Nigel Farage and Donald Trump to see whose head can sink deepest into the sand. Kemi Badenoch’s speech at her party conference last week smashed a decades-long consensus that our climate is changing, and getting... Read more »
The post Olivia Blake: ‘Why cross-party leadership on climate policy is essential’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Alistair Strathern: ‘Play in Healthcare Week – making every child’s right to play a reality’
15 October 2025 @ 7:00 am
A child facing surgery, having a blood test or needing an MRI shouldn’t have to feel terrified. Yet too often they do, unless they’re lucky enough to be in a hospital with a health play professional. This week is Play in Healthcare Week – a nationally-recognised celebration highlighting the crucial role of play for children... Read more »
The post Alistair Strathern: ‘Play in Healthcare Week – making every child’s right to play a reality’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Frontline NHS services have no money to spare – here’s where to find it
13 October 2025 @ 7:00 am
As party conference season concludes and MPs and peers return to Westminster, attention will turn to the next major date in the political calendar: 26 November – budget day. In the midst of what will no doubt be ever-increasing levels of speculation about what actions could be taken, two realities will be at the forefront... Read more »
The post Frontline NHS services have no money to spare – here’s where to find it appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Justice delayed is justice denied: Fujitsu must be barred from new government contracts
12 October 2025 @ 7:00 am
In a week when the UK government responds to the Horizon inquiry report recommendations, it is important to take stock of where we are. The Post Office Horizon scandal destroyed lives. Over 1,000 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted, and thousands more had their reputations shattered and livelihoods torn away. Families were broken, some victims died before... Read more »
The post Justice delayed is justice denied: Fujitsu must be barred from new government contracts appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Week-in-Review: Starmer and Badenoch repel their pretenders – for now
11 October 2025 @ 8:45 am
It took the power of Andy Burnham’s example to tame Robert Jenrick. Expectations heading into the Conservative Party’s annual conference suggested the shadow justice secretary would continue to strut his stuff in front of his activist admirers. But Jenrick, by his usual insubordinate standards, was a model of servility. For this, Kemi Badenoch likely has... Read more »
The post Week-in-Review: Starmer and Badenoch repel their pretenders – for now appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Obama in London: Have Starmer and Labour already shown they were listening?
6 October 2025 @ 7:00 am
They say never meet your heroes, but I have to disagree. Last week in London I met president Barack Obama. He radiated charisma, charm and patience to all the many people he encountered. I especially appreciated how kind and attentive he was when he met my two daughters. “Daughters are the best”, he said to me,... Read more »
The post Obama in London: Have Starmer and Labour already shown they were listening? appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Week-in-Review: The calling of Keir Starmer
4 October 2025 @ 10:30 am
“Now, the Tories – do you remember them?” Keir Starmer had spoken for a full 50 minutes before acknowledging the existence of Labour’s historic rival. The line was met with laughter – a fleeting moment of levity in an otherwise headstrong conference speech. Even then, Kemi Badenoch’s party was reduced to a rhetorical device, rather... Read more »
The post Week-in-Review: The calling of Keir Starmer appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Animal health ‘fundamental’ to rebuilding trust with rural communities, says Labour MP
2 October 2025 @ 3:40 pm
A Labour MP has described animal health as “fundamental” to a wider attempt to rebuild trust with rural communities. Speaking on the Labour conference fringe, Josh Newbury, the MP for Cannock Chase, pointed to animal health and engagement on related issues as areas the government and the farming community “can all agree on”. He framed... Read more »
The post Animal health ‘fundamental’ to rebuilding trust with rural communities, says Labour MP appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Labour branded ‘nasty party’ after minister calls Ed Davey ‘fat bloke in wetsuit’
29 September 2025 @ 7:50 am
A senior minister has referred to the Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, as a “fat bloke in a wetsuit”. Torsten Bell, who serves jointly as a pensions and Treasury minister, delivered the remarks while speaking to a fringe event at Labour Party conference. Bell said: “What Britain needs to tackle [Reform UK leader Nigel] Farage... Read more »
The post Labour branded ‘nasty party’ after minister calls Ed Davey ‘fat bloke in wetsuit’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Clive Lewis: ‘Robin Cook showed us politics at its most serious. Labour has lost that balance’
29 September 2025 @ 7:00 am
Delivering the Robin Cook memorial lecture was one of the greatest privileges of my time in Parliament. But it wasn’t just a privilege – it was a burden too. The name Robin Cook still carries a weight that few in politics today can match. To honour it properly meant going beyond platitudes, to wrestle with... Read more »
The post Clive Lewis: ‘Robin Cook showed us politics at its most serious. Labour has lost that balance’ 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 …
Continue reading "Scotland takes steps to put culture at the forefront of policy-making"
The post Scotland takes steps to put culture at the forefront of policy-making appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
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 …
Continue reading "Drawing the Future"
The post Drawing the Future appeared first on ARTS PARTY.
theyworkforyou.com
Keeping tabs on the UK’s parliaments & assemblies
Can better data can help end violence against women and girls?
17 October 2025 @ 10:53 am
This year, we’ve been working with the End Violence Against Women coalition (EVAW). We wanted to see whether we could replicate a successful model that we’ve already established in our work with The Climate Coalition, building the Local Intelligence Hub – we had an idea that the same approach could benefit coalitions of other types,…
AI and government: keeping the human in democracy
6 October 2025 @ 9:26 am
mySociety was founded on one seismic technological change: the arrival of the internet, bringing radical new possibilities to the ways in which we engage with democracy. Now we’re seeing a second upheaval, just as potentially explosive: the wide adoption of generative AI and machine learning tools — particular kinds of artificial intelligence — not least…
Putting transparency to the test: evaluating FOI in practice
2 October 2025 @ 1:36 pm
In our latest online webinar, we convened three experts to tell us about how Freedom of Information works in practice – in other words, how does the law work when it comes into contact with the real world? You can rewatch the video on our YouTube channel. Speakers were: Toby Mendel, founder and Executive Director…
Beyond websites: How pro-democracy projects reach their audiences
24 September 2025 @ 4:21 pm
Once again, the TICTeC Communities of Practice have given us all the opportunity to learn from those at the frontline of civic tech: this week’s session, Beyond websites: how pro-democracy projects reach their audiences saw practitioners from Georgia, Nigeria and Uganda explaining the ways in which you can engage with audiences beyond a website. You…
Proxy use of WriteToThem
15 September 2025 @ 1:29 pm
Our WriteToThem website makes it easy for anyone to send an email to their elected representatives. That’s the core concept, and it works brilliantly for millions of users every year — but that said, we’re aware that even when a website is simple and built with usability at its core, not everyone has an equal…
Supporting democratic engagement in Wales
15 September 2025 @ 1:21 pm
Thanks to new funding from the Welsh Government’s Democratic Engagement Grant, we’re going to be doing some really exciting work around WriteToThem over the next couple of years, specifically focused on helping people in Wales. This grant is both an opportunity for us to improve our approach, and to help get our tools into the hands…
Using FOI for a cross-border investigation into immigrant detention
4 September 2025 @ 8:19 am
Did you know that Home Office data doesn’t include the reason that individuals have been taken to immigrant detention centres? Or that the UK is the only country in Europe with no limit on how long they can hold someone in such facilities? One organisation keeping a careful eye on the situation is Spanish investigative…
How FOI feeds into public conversation
3 September 2025 @ 8:50 am
Often, responses published on our Freedom of Information site WhatDoTheyKnow result in newspaper stories, or feed into campaigns or research. When this happens with one of your own requests, you can add a link to the page. These then appear in the side column, like this: It’s a great way for other users of the…
“We can all be improvers of our built environment”, with FixMyStreet
21 August 2025 @ 7:55 am
Nothing makes us happier at mySociety than finding out that our work is doing some good in the world — and an unexpected email from a happy FixMyStreet user certainly put a big smile on all of our faces. Michael, who lives and works in London, wrote: “FixMyStreet has allowed so many people to report…
New ways in to Freedom of Information
20 August 2025 @ 8:05 am
We launched WhatDoTheyKnow with two goals: to make Freedom of Information more accessible to all; and to provide a free public archive of all the information that is released as a result. Today, 17 years later, those goals still guide us, and there’s more we can do towards them every day. Most recently, we’ve developed…