Four questions that need answering in 2026 |
Government in crisis and the people divided – 2025 has not been an easy year. But perhaps there are signs of hope, says Mark Smith
I’m thinking about 2025 and trying to be positive but it’s hard. See the pools of blood. In June, a woman is shot dead for her opinions: Democrat politician Melissa Hortman. In September, a man is shot dead for his opinions: political activist Charlie Kirk. In December, 16 people are shot dead for their religion: on Bondi Beach in Sydney. More than four hundred people are killed in mass shootings in the US and more than 240,000 (at the very least) are killed in wars and conflicts. Try being positive in the face of all that.
The domestic situation in the UK has also been a drag on our optimism to put it politely, particularly if you voted Labour in 2024. We knew Keir Starmer lacked charisma but some of us hoped that at least he would be efficient. Instead, he’s the least popular prime minister on record, his approval ratings falling so far and fast that it’s unprecedented in the modern era (and we’ve had some very bad prime ministers in the modern era). A pattern has emerged: bad decision made, bad decision reversed, bad vibes linger (latest example: the farm tax) and the lasting impression is indecision, dysfunction, and dismay.
Read more
The BBC and the Commonwealth Games: why we should be worried | The Herald
Live from Glasgow … the reason The Pogues’ f-word really matters | The Herald