Should schools be reopening despite Covid?

British schools reopened to all students this week, following a winter break in which Covid-19 cases rose by over 127,000. While the Tories believe this is the best option for students, the YCL argues that properly supported remote learning will promote greater student well-being, and slow the spread of Covid-19.

Russia calls for de-escalation of tensions in Ukraine

Russia has called for an end to military escalation by NATO along its border with Ukraine, ahead of talks with US and NATO representatives later this month.

NHS staff and testing shortages leave staff overworked

Shortages of staff and testing kits have left the NHS stretched thin, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise across Britain.

Former South Korean President to be pardoned, four years after corruption scandal

Park Geun-hye, former President of South Korea, is to be pardoned by President Moon Jae-in on Friday (December 31st). Park was serving prison time for bribery and abuse of power following 2017’s “Choi Soon-sil gate” scandal.

British and French governments sued for manslaughter over migrant deaths in Channel

The French and British governments are being sued over their handling of a November 24 migrant crossing in the Channel, that led to 27 deaths.

Socialist candidate Gabriel Boric wins Chilean presidential election

Gabriel Boric, socialist candidate for Chilean President, has won the nation’s presidential election. Boric ran as candidate for the Approve Dignity coalition, comprised of various progressive parties including the Communist Party of Chile, Democratic Revolution, and the Commons.

Raab’s human rights reforms criticised as a government ‘power grab’

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has proposed changes to the Human Rights Act that would make it much harder for “serious criminals” to escape deportation. As part of a new “bill of rights” which Raab seeks to establish, those who have commited certain offences would be unable to call on the “right to a family life”, article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Biden’s ‘Summit for Democracy’ an arrogant display of American exceptionalism

On the 9th and 10th of December, US President Joe Biden held a virtual “summit for democracy”, which was sold on the themes of “defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights”. However, even before it had begun, this summit showed itself to be nothing more than a farce.

Tory Borders Bill passes in Commons, threatening rights of millions

The Tory government’s Nationality and Borders Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Such a bill, spearheaded by Home Secretary Priti Patel, will allow the Home Office to remove someone’s British citizenship without notifying them, and further criminalises attempts by refugees to enter the country.

Socialist Xiomara Castro wins clear victory in Honduran general election

Twelve years of right-wing rule have come to an end for Honduras, following the election of socialist Xiomara Castro as president last week. The incumbent National Party lost the presidency to Castro, candidate for the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre).