The term ‘Judeo-Christian’ serves political agendas. 1000 Words/Shutterstock Upcoming elections in the Netherlands and Germany in 2021 will test the strength of the radical right, which has a distinct vision of European identity. In contrast to those who view democratic values as essentially secular and universal, and not tied toContinue Reading
Still image from the 1940 propaganda film 'Christmas Under Fire' produced by the Crown Film Unit. BFI Archive At Christmas 1939, Britons had been able to maintain a semblance of normality. The blackout prevented displays of lighted Christmas trees in front windows, but there was no rationing and Britain’s keyContinue Reading
robzs/Shutterstock The government is planning to change the law so that social media companies like Facebook and Twitter will have no choice but to take responsibility for the safety of their users. Plans to impose a duty of care on online services mean companies will have to determine if contentContinue Reading
Now that restrictions are tighter in a number of areas, avoiding paying the price in 2021 may be more achievable Shyntartanya/Shutterstock The festive period heightens the sort of inner conflicts that have characterised 2020. On one hand, it is socially responsible to keep our distance. On the other, it feelsContinue Reading
British tourists hoping to travel to Europe in the new year will need to cancel or postpone their trips until the restrictions are lifted Andy Rain/EPA The combined forces of COVID-19 and Brexit have created massive uncertainty over where British people can and cannot travel. A number of countries rapidlyContinue Reading
In order to honour the rights of victims of crime, chronic under-funding in the criminal justice system needs to be addressed. Andy Rain/EPA Nearly a quarter of a million victims and witnesses of crime in London are waiting to have their cases heard in court, according to the city’s mayor.Continue Reading
Yet another deadline in the negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal has been missed. This one had been set by the European Parliament, which claimed that if its members didn’t have eyes on a deal by December 20, they would not have time to scrutinise and ratify it before theContinue Reading
Girts Ragelis/Shutterstock A new, potentially more infectious variant of the coronavirus is thought to be behind rising COVID-19 case numbers in southern parts of the UK. Fearing this version of the virus could spread out of control, the government has introduced a stricter level of restrictions across much of England:Continue Reading
Sam Wordley/Shutterstock All around the world, Christmas dreams are becoming nightmares. As R numbers increase and the epidemic spikes, people are seeing long cherished plans go up in smoke. In England, plans have been curtailed as the five-day Christmas bubble which would have allowed three households to celebrate together hasContinue Reading
BBC/YouTube At 3pm UK time on Christmas day, the Queen’s Christmas message is broadcast across the Commonwealth. Each year the format is largely the same, with the Queen giving her own account of the main personal, national and international events of the year and reflecting on the meaning of Christmas.Continue Reading
