Articles
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
The SNP lost far more seats than it expected to in the General Election and it now has major problems. Largely due to Corbyn's positive national campaign and despite a negative campaign by Scottish Labour the Party won an additional 6 seats. Though the Tories were the main beneficiaries of the SNP's decline if Scottish Labour learns the lessons of Corbyn's campaign then it could again be the biggest party in Scotland.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
There was an increase of 5% in the number of people voting in London in the General Election. The swing to Labour, however, was more than twice that demonstrating that it is winning over voters across the board and in the process gaining 4 more seats. It now holds 49 of the capital's 73 seats.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Despite Labour's much improved performance across Britain it still lost 5 seats in the north of England. Even though these were lost vote share for Labour improved and the losses were largely due to UKIP voter going to the Tories.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Mansfield and North East Derbyshire were two of the seats Labour lost at the General election, despite increasing its vote share. Whilst there were local factors at work and changing demographics, the principle cause was the strong support for Leaving the European Union among the electorate. As in other parts of the country the UKIP vote collapsed and largely went to the Tories and here that was sufficient to enable them to win the seats.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
The Saudi war in Yemen is causing a humanitarian disaster and is being supported logistically and through the sale of arms by the United States and Britain. However, opposition to the war is growing and Saudi credibility and its strategy in the area is being undermined.
Friday, September 8, 2017
The success of the Syrian government in retaking control of large parts of the country has forced the United States into an acceptance of this reality. the US has not, however, given up its aim of dividing the country and still offers support to terrorist groups in areas outwith government control, where other parties to the conflict like Turkey also pursue their own interests.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
US strategy in Iraq has been similar to the one it is pursuing in Syria. a main plank of this is trying to fragment the country to better control its energy resources. It uses terrorist groups to support its aims, plans to maintain a military presence in Iraq and promotes ethnic and religious divisions.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Saudi Arabia's attempts to role back Qatar's influence in the Gulf have been largely unsuccessful and have created more divisions. This has caused some re-alignment of forces in the region with powers such as Russia, China and Iran taking advantage to extend their influence. The US has interests in both Saudi Arabia and Qatar but has also sought to divide and rule. This is further evidence that it is creating instability and problems that it cannot control.