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.
Palestinians File German Complaint on Media Giant Axel Springer’s Business in Israeli Settlements
3 December 2024 @ 11:00 am
“Contributing to land theft and unlawful evictions of Palestinians in the West Bank would be a direct violation of the Supply Chain Act.”
The post Palestinians File German Complaint on Media Giant Axel Springer’s Business in Israeli Settlements appeared first on The Intercept.
Three Teachers Tried to Give Palestinian Students a Safe Haven — and It Cost Them Their Jobs
3 December 2024 @ 10:00 am
The Philadelphia school ordered teachers to “stay neutral” on Israel’s war on Gaza, but they helped students make pro-Palestine posters.
The post Three Teachers Tried to Give Palestinian Students a Safe Haven — and It Cost Them Their Jobs appeared first on The Intercept.
Documents Contradict Google’s Claims About Its Project Nimbus Contract With Israel
3 December 2024 @ 2:33 am
A previously undisclosed email and new documents show the Project Nimbus deal isn’t covered by Google’s general terms of service.
The post Documents Contradict Google’s Claims About Its Project Nimbus Contract With Israel appeared first on The Intercept.
These Tech Firms Won’t Tell Us If They Will Help Trump Deport Immigrants
2 December 2024 @ 7:26 pm
The Intercept asked companies that store personal data if they will help Trump conduct mass deportations. Few had anything to say.
The post These Tech Firms Won’t Tell Us If They Will Help Trump Deport Immigrants appeared first on The Intercept.
How Universities Are Trying to Stop Another Year of Anti-War Activism
2 December 2024 @ 5:53 pm
Big public universities, historically at the forefront of catalyzing activist movements, are now using legal action, disciplinary efforts, and rule changes to chill speech and dissent.
The post How Universities Are Trying to Stop Another Year of Anti-War Activism appeared first on The Intercept.
Biden Makes His Own Attack on Nonprofit Over Palestine
29 November 2024 @ 2:24 pm
Climate Justice Alliance was the only program grantee to speak out on Palestine — and the only one whose funding is delayed.
The post Biden Makes His Own Attack on Nonprofit Over Palestine appeared first on The Intercept.
Happy Native American Heritage Month From the Army That Brought You the Trail of Tears
28 November 2024 @ 10:15 am
After 250 years of armed attacks, forced relocations, ethnic cleansing, and genocide of Native Americans, the U.S. military wants to celebrate.
The post Happy Native American Heritage Month From the Army That Brought You the Trail of Tears appeared first on The Intercept.
The “Palestine Exception”
27 November 2024 @ 7:30 pm
On The Intercept Briefing, we discuss college crackdowns on Palestine solidarity protests and the chilling effect on free speech.
The post The “Palestine Exception” appeared first on The Intercept.
Biden Has “Pardoned” Eight Turkeys. Will He Spare the Lives of 40 Human Beings?
27 November 2024 @ 4:27 pm
With Trump returning to the White House, only mass commutations will stop another federal execution spree.
The post Biden Has “Pardoned” Eight Turkeys. Will He Spare the Lives of 40 Human Beings? appeared first on The Intercept.
There’s a Ceasefire in Lebanon, but Israel Keeps Gaslighting Palestinians About Ending the Assault on Gaza
27 November 2024 @ 3:34 pm
Palestinians from Gaza feel relief for the people of Lebanon. We are also heartbroken that we are still being slaughtered.
The post There’s a Ceasefire in Lebanon, but Israel Keeps Gaslighting Palestinians About Ending the Assault on Gaza 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/pub/
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.
Starmer ‘utterly’ rejects choice between US and EU — Lord Mayor’s Banquet speech in full
3 December 2024 @ 8:36 am
The prime minister has “utterly” rejected any suggestion that the UK must choose between closer ties with the United States or the European Union. Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London’s Guildhall, an annual event held by the City of London Corporation where the PM traditionally addresses international issues, Keir Starmer said his government... Read more »
The post Starmer ‘utterly’ rejects choice between US and EU — Lord Mayor’s Banquet speech in full appeared first on Po
Ambitious climate action plan essential if Keir Starmer is to deliver on green leadership pledge
3 December 2024 @ 8:15 am
Speaking at the recent G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Keir Starmer pledged to “restore the UK’s role as a climate leader.” With the warning signals flashing red, a planet battered by increasingly severe floods, storms and heatwaves, and the election of president Trump who has called the climate crisis “a big hoax”, the need... Read more »
The post Ambitious climate action plan essential if Keir Starmer is to deliver on green leadership pledge appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Keir Starmer says British state needs ‘complete re-wiring’ as new top civil servant appointed
2 December 2024 @ 3:35 pm
The prime minister has said the British state needs to be completely “re-wired” as he unveiled the appointment of new cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald. Sir Chris, currently permanent secretary at the Department for Health and Social Care, will replace Simon Case as cabinet secretary, becoming the UK’s most senior civil servant. Case, who was... Read more »
The post Keir Starmer says British state needs ‘complete re-wiring’ as new top civil servant appointed appeared first on Politics.co.uk
What Keir Starmer can learn from Rishi Sunak’s failure
2 December 2024 @ 2:26 pm
As Keir Starmer prepares to "reset" with a series of pledges, the unravelling of his predecessor's government serves as a cautionary tale.
The post What Keir Starmer can learn from Rishi Sunak’s failure appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Elon Musk should donate to Reform UK, says father Errol
2 December 2024 @ 8:54 am
The SpaceX owner has repeatedly issued fierce criticisms of the UK government and prime minister Keir Starmer.
The post Elon Musk should donate to Reform UK, says father Errol appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
How every MP voted on the assisted dying bill
29 November 2024 @ 2:33 pm
MPs voted by 330-275 — a majority of 55 — in favour of the assisted dying bill at second reading on Friday.
The post How every MP voted on the assisted dying bill appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
MPs vote in favour of legalising assisted dying — as it happened
29 November 2024 @ 2:25 pm
MPs have voted in favour of legalising assisted dying, as a historic piece of legislation cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons. The commons voted by 330 to 275 in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The proposed legislation now progresses to committee stage where MPs will debate and... Read more »
The post MPs vote in favour of legalising assisted dying — as it happened appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Heidi Alexander appointed new transport secretary after Haigh resignation
29 November 2024 @ 12:31 pm
Heidi Alexander has been appointed as the new transport secretary, it has been announced, following the resignation of Louise Haigh. Alexander, the Labour MP Swindon South, had been serving as a justice minister until promotion her on Friday afternoon. She had previously served as London mayor Sadiq Khan’s deputy for transport between 2018-2021. Alexander had... Read more »
The post Heidi Alexander appointed new transport secretary after Haigh resignation appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Where do Labour cabinet ministers stand on assisted dying bill?
29 November 2024 @ 9:30 am
How Labour cabinet ministers have voted on previous assisted dying legislation and their public statements on the contentious issue.
The post Where do Labour cabinet ministers stand on assisted dying bill? appeared first on Politics.co.uk.
Transport secretary Louise Haigh resigns over stolen phone ‘mistake’
29 November 2024 @ 7:25 am
Louise Haigh has resigned as transport secretary, making her the first cabinet minister to leave Keir Starmer’s government. The Labour MP admitted she pleaded guilty to an offence connected with incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013. In a statement on Thursday night, Haigh said she discovered “some time later” that... Read more »
The post Transport secretary Louise Haigh resigns over stolen phone ‘mistake’ 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. …
Continue reading "Why is creativity the most important political concept of the 21st century?"
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. …
Continue reading "Creativity and the arts in decline"
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
Call for participants
2 December 2024 @ 11:42 am
mySociety wants to help you use FOI in a campaign or advocacy project mySociety has the capacity to support a limited number of organisations working with marginalised populations in the UK. We’ll help you to make and analyse Freedom of Information (FOI) requests so you can use the data in your campaigning and advocacy. Sounds…
Using citizen assemblies to set standards and support for MPs
28 November 2024 @ 10:18 am
The new House of Commons Modernisation Committee has made a call for submissions to reform House of Commons procedures, standards and working practices. We’re going to make a submission to the Committee, focused around a set of practical fixes. But there are also bigger issues that will take longer to work through. Over the next…
WhoDoesWhat – a great idea we didn’t get funded (but we’ll keep trying)
22 November 2024 @ 9:02 am
A key part of my job is to think about problems that exist in the UK, understand where technical approaches can make a difference, and help make pitches to funders who care about those problems (or who like technical solutions), that we’re a good place to spend their money. A big part of that process…
Modernising the House of Commons and stand-in MPs
21 November 2024 @ 8:55 am
The new House of Commons Modernisation Committee has made a call for submissions to reform House of Commons procedures, standards and working practices. We’re going to make a submission to the Committee, focused around a set of practical fixes. But there are also bigger issues that will take longer to work through. Over the next…
TICTeC 2025: call for session proposals now open
20 November 2024 @ 10:04 am
TICTeC will be returning in 2025: 10 & 11 June in Mechelen (Belgium), and online. Registration is open now. This year we are framing our call for session proposals around ‘pro-democracy technology’. This blog post contains information about the audiences, themes, and formats for the conference – and information on how to submit proposals. Read…
Keeping track of citizens assemblies
19 November 2024 @ 12:38 pm
Citizens Assemblies are processes that bring together a representative group of citizens from different walks of life to discuss problems. These can be used to overcome political gridlock and to use diverse perspectives to improve policy approaches. Assemblies in the UK have been held by several of the UK’s Parliaments, by local authorities, NHS Trusts,…
Save the date: Join us in Mechelen (and online) for TICTeC 2025
7 November 2024 @ 10:12 am
The TICTeC conference will be returning next year: on 10 & 11 June 2025 in Mechelen (Belgium), and online. In light of the exceptional political times we’re living through, and that 2025 marks 10 years since TICTeC began, TICTeC 2025 will have a renewed focus on what we’re calling “Pro-Democracy Technology”. TICTeC 2025 will bring…
Pro-democracy tech – reframing civic tech for the current moment
7 November 2024 @ 10:12 am
In how we’re framing TICTeC and our wider work, we’re talking less about civic tech and more about what we’re calling Pro-Democracy Tech (PDT). The reason for this is we’re finding civic tech is a less helpful term for the kind of convening work we want to do. It won the argument of its time, and…
A fairer society and a more sustainable future – with help from PJMF
6 November 2024 @ 11:30 am
We are thrilled that the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation has chosen to support our work for another year, enabling us to put technology and data to use in service of a fairer society and a more sustainable future. This funding will enable us to: Improve our democracy sites to make them more effective in helping…
Better declarations of interest for Parliamentary Questions
31 October 2024 @ 10:41 am
In our WhoFundsThem work, we want to make MPs’ financial interests much easier to understand and more transparent. One of the ways we think our work can make a difference is in highlighting processes that don’t make sense, and prodding Parliament to see what happens. In this case, we’ve noticed an issue in how declarations…