Explainers: UK & global politics explained clearly

Students sitting at desks and writing in a classroom during an exam or study session, with a London-themed wall mural in the background.

Will schools close as temperatures hit 38C in the June heatwave?

Jordon Scott Jun 18, 2026

Teachers and unions say classrooms become unbearable in extreme heat - but official guidance still says schools should stay open.

Close-up image of a kirpan lying on a rough concrete surface. The blade is partially exposed beside its decorative sheath.

Explainers Politics UK

Who can carry a kirpan in the UK? Religion, law and the question of risk

Jasjit Singh Jun 4, 2026

Would banning the kirpan have prevented Henry Nowak's murder? The short answer is no.

Calculator and red pens on a desk beside a folder labelled “Taxes”.

Explainers

What is Council Tax? The UK property tax explained

Jordon Scott Jun 2, 2026

Council Tax is one of the most familiar household bills in Britain. Here is how it works, what the bands…

Universal Credit graphic showing benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support.

Explainers

What is Universal Credit? The UK benefits system explained

Jordon Scott Jun 1, 2026

Here is everything you need to know about what it is, who can claim it and how much you get

A robotic arm holds out a white coffee mug to a man with a white beard and glasses, who is reaching to take it while holding a notebook. The scene illustrates human interaction with automation and artificial intelligence technology.

Business & Economy Explainers Politics UK US

The AI layoff trap: economists prove automation could collapse the economy it is meant to power

Jordon Scott May 31, 2026

Economists at Wharton and Boston University have published a mathematical proof that competitive AI automation could destroy the very consumer…

Protesters gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square outside the National Gallery beside a giant banner reading “Scrap Digital ID #together”.

Explainers Politics UK

Why digital IDs are back on the UK government’s agenda

Tim Holmes May 22, 2026

Six months after the government retreated from compulsory ID cards following a massive public backlash, digital identity is back -…

Keir Starmer speaks to Sky News during local election coverage.

Explainers Opinion UK

Why removing Starmer is harder than it looks – and why the rules mean he can choose to keep fighting

Nicholas Dickinson May 13, 2026

Here is why removing Starmer is considerably harder than it looks.

Split image showing Keir Starmer with healthcare workers and Nigel Farage speaking outdoors during an interview.

Explainers Politics UK

Local elections May 7 2026: how to vote, what’s at stake and who the polls say will win

Jordon Scott May 6, 2026

Thursday. 7am to 10pm. Photo ID required. 5,000+ seats. 136 councils. Scotland. Wales. Reform vs Labour vs Greens. Everything you…

Aerial view of Coventry city centre showing Coventry Cathedral, church spires and surrounding buildings.

Coventry Explainers Local

All 54 Coventry Council seats up for grabs on May 7: why this election is unlike any the city has seen in over 20 years

Joe Connor May 6, 2026

Here is everything you need to know before you vote.

A wide shot of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London, taken from across the River Thames under a cloudy sky, with a construction crane visible in the background.

Explainers

What is first past the post – and why is Britain debating changing it?

Joe Connor Apr 11, 2026

First past the post is the voting system used in British general elections - and it is increasingly under scrutiny.…