Society
-
Johnson triumph as Labour loses Hartlepool
Do morals no longer matter in politics? As the Conservatives celebrate victory today, many wonder how a politician so mired in scandal as Boris Johnson can keep winning elections.
-
UK heads for biggest election in 50 years
Does English politics need a new progressive alliance? As Labour prepares for the worst in tomorrow’s elections, some think the Left will never recover unless it learns to pull together.
-
Capitalism failing, warns investment kingpin
Is capitalism broken? Today, as experts digest the warnings of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, many are wondering if the system that dominates the globe is working for everyone.
-
Growing ‘assault on truth’ poses world threat
Can journalism ever claim to be the truth? Yesterday, on World Press Freedom Day, the BBC’s head issued a ringing defence of impartiality – but many believe that it is impossible to achieve.
-
Cheugy: the Gen Z word making waves online
Does language change how we see the world? Today, a new word invented by an American teenager is going viral on TikTok. But can “cheugy” really influence the way we think about others?
-
Death threats for thinkers who deny free will
Is free will an illusion? This week it was reported that a growing chorus of scientists now agrees that humans have no real choice. But outraged critics feel it robs their lives of meaning.
-
PM sinks into swamp of lies and infighting
Is this the endgame for Boris Johnson? This morning, pressure is mounting on Britain’s leader from every corner. Will the ultimate survivor find a way to claw his way out of the quagmire?
-
Londoners mourn the death of a young hero
Should there be a new memorial for ordinary heroes? Tributes to the bravery of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole continued to pour in yesterday, prompting a debate about how to remember him.
-
Begone, dull languishing! It’s time to YOLO
After languishing in 2020, will 2021 be the year of YOLO? Social observers believe that the pandemic has reminded many people life is alarmingly short. In other words: You Only Live Once.
-
Chinese film director shatters Oscar barriers
Does it always take an outsider to see our inner truth? This morning, Chloé Zhao won best director and her film Nomadland, about America’s van-dwellers, won best film and best actress.
-
‘Apartheid in death’ for Black and Asian troops
Is it too late to apologise for World War One racism? Yesterday, the British government said it deeply regrets the failure to properly commemorate thousands of Black and Asian conscripts.
-
‘Pizzly bears’, genes and the climate crisis
Will evolution help defeat climate change? Yesterday, Joe Biden launched a “decisive decade” of environmental action. Now it seems that nature might also offer a helping hand.
-
Sili nu speling rools set kritiks larfing
Should English spelling be simplified? Campaigners argue that its complicated rules hold too many students back, and the time has come to introduce some fundamental changes.
-
Young Leonardo da Vinci laid bare in new drama
Is Leonardo’s life story relevant today? The new series about the Renaissance genius may be hugely entertaining. But can a tale of a 15th-Century artist have a message for modern viewers?
-
New era begins for UK’s longest serving heir
Will the British monarchy change with Prince Charles as deputy head? After Prince Philip’s funeral tomorrow, many believe the Queen’s closest adviser will become her son – the future king.