Local elections likely to reflect immense voter disillusionment
The 1 May local elections in England are set to reflect deep public disillusionment with the traditional two-party system, according to a recent poll for Channel 4. Of those surveyed, 41% said ‘none of the above’ when asked who they trusted most to govern effectively: Nigel Farage scored 23%, and Keir Starmer only 19%. With over 1,600 council seats across 23 councils up for grabs, experts predict that a record number of councils may end up with no single party in control. Support is highly fragmented: Reform leads with 26%, followed closely by the Conservatives at 25%, Labour at 18%, the Liberal Democrats at 17%, Greens at 8%, and others at 6%. Reform’s surge reflects voter priorities such as immigration, while traditional parties are seen as out of touch. Voters are driven by national concerns - cost of living, healthcare, and governance - more than local issues. Both Labour and the Conservatives must urgently reconnect with a public tired of political stagnation and broken promises.
Climate change: government plans are ‘dangerously inadequate’
A scathing new report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns that government efforts to protect people and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change are dangerously inadequate. The report found that of 46 key adaptation measures, none are rated ‘good’, and progress has been glacial or even regressive. Despite climate threats already affecting homes, farmland, railways, schools, and hospitals, adaptation remains a low priority. Forecasts show that by 2050, over half of England’s best farmland and critical infrastructure will be at flood risk, while heat-related deaths could exceed 10,000 annually. Businesses, farmers, and scientists are calling for urgent action, stressing that ignoring adaptation now will bring national security risks and economic costs. The Government may claim that it is prioritising climate resilience, but budget cuts - including to flood defences - cast doubt. Experts, pointing to successful models abroad, are urging clearer targets, better planning, and private sector engagement to prevent worsening climate disasters.
Britain set for a new trade partnership with EU
Britain and the EU are set to formalise a new strategic partnership to strengthen trade ties and present a united front against Donald Trump's global tariff agenda. A leaked draft declaration, dated 25 April, affirms a mutual commitment to ‘free and open trade’ and to maintaining global economic stability. The agreement will be signed at a UK-EU summit on 19 May, marking a key moment in post-Brexit relations. Meanwhile, the Government is engaged in separate negotiations with the USA, aiming to soften the impact of existing tariffs - currently 10% on UK goods and 20% on EU exports. US press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that talks are ‘moving in a very positive way’. Rachel Reeves met with US treasury secretary Scott Besent last week, emphasising that both UK-EU and UK-US trade relationships are vital. Despite Trump reportedly viewing the 10% UK tariff as a minimum, British officials remain optimistic about securing a mutually beneficial deal.
Already over ten thousand migrant Channel crossings this year
Over ten thousand asylum-seekers have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far in 2025 - an increase of 40% compared to the same period in 2024. The rise has intensified political debate over border security and asylum reform. Labour, now in government, has pledged to dismantle people-smuggling networks, treating smugglers like terrorists under a new proposed bill. Measures include a new criminal offence of endangering the lives of others at sea, and imposing travel bans and communication restrictions on suspects. The Home Office says 5,400 migrant attempts have been thwarted this year, and over 24,000 individuals without legal status were removed between July 2024 and March 2025. Opposition parties blame both Labour and the previous Conservative government for policy failures. Reform UK calls for strict deportations, while the Green Party wants to see legal safe routes for asylum-seekers. As the crisis escalates, public frustration grows, with leaders divided over whether deterrence or compassion should define immigration policy.
