Do the EU elections matter in Britain?
Written By:
- Date published:
9:03 am, June 16th, 2024 - 15 comments
Categories: Brexit, elections, Europe, International, uk politics -
Tags: Alt-Right, EU elections, nick kelly, nigel farage, populism, UK General Election 2024
Originally published on Nick Kelly’s blog
Last weekend the EU elections saw a significant increase in support for the populist/alt-right in European elections.
I deliberately avoid using the term far-right. It would be too simplistic and inaccurate to paint a picture of Europe re-living the 1930s and entering fascism. It is not.
The actual result was that across the EU bloc, the centre-right maintained control. But in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria and various other countries the populist right increased their share of the vote. They are not a majority but a significant bloc in the European Parliament. A bloc that could destabilise the EU.
This is significant for two reasons.
One, these ‘populists’ do not agree on very much. They disagree on the issue of supporting Ukraine or on whether to reform or break up the EU.
Two, the rise in support for the populist right in the EU elections, collates with their increased support for these parties at national polls. The last three European countries I visited (Italy, Netherlands, and Portugal) all elected governments with alt-right parties playing significant roles shortly after I visited. I was gaining a complex but remembered that I had never been to Hungary and it’s been years since I visited Austria, both nations where the populist right won at the ballot box.
Why did Macron dissolve parliament and call an election for the end of the month? Possibly he is banking on tactical voting against Le Pen’s National Rally Party in the second round of voting. A high-risk strategy, and one where Macron’s centrist Renaissance Party risk being wiped out.
Why do we not see a similar right of the populist alt-left? Green Parties did make some gains in Europe last week, but to say the green movement is populist left is inaccurate. Some sections of it are, but much of the green movement in Europe, as in other democracies is mainstream and often part of the political establishment. Green politics are mainstream and as such get tarred with the same brush as other mainstream parties. Moreover, they are often the target of alt-right politician’s wrath.
Given the UK is no longer in the EU, will these results impact the coming UK election?
One recent poll had Nigel Farage’s Reform party level pegging with the Conservatives at 18%. The same rejection of mainstream politics and a desire for governments to be stronger on immigration has fuelled support for these parties in Europe, is also helping the Reform Party in the UK. Farage, who played a leading role in campaigning for Britain to leave the EU is now openly trying to replace the Conservative Party as the main right-of-centre party in UK politics. If this sounds far-fetched, it is what the alt-right has already achieved in France, Italy, Portugal and various other European nations in recent years.
While not being talked about much on the campaign trail, Labour if elected will seek to renegotiate the deal with Europe. The UK will not rejoin the single market, in the short term at least, but closer alignment is on the cards. Under the current EU leadership, this will be challenging, but not possible. The growing populist-right bloc does make things more unpredictable.
The right of the political spectrum is going through a significant transformation. The European elections are the latest example of populism gaining at the expense of the old mainstream parties. While Labour is likely to win the 2024 UK election, polls suggest the rise in the populist right is a European trend Britain is following.
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- Release: Environment cuts show govt’s disregard for future generationsCutting a third of the staff at Ministry for the Environment will undermine years of work to clean up our fresh water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and leave us unprepared for a changing climate. ...2 weeks ago
- Workers’ rights must be respected in review of Holidays ActThe Government must ensure workers’ rights are at the core of any changes made to the Holidays Act 2003. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Barbara Edmonds post-Budget speechMy world view is shaped by resilience through adversity. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More than $1.5 billion slashed from housingFewer public homes, maintenance funding slashed and millions gone from rangatahi youth transitional housing and Māori housing. ...3 weeks ago
- Reserve Bank chair reappointed
Professor Neil Quigley has been reappointed as Chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board for a further term of two years, until 30 June 2026. “Professor Quigley has played a key role in establishing the new Board after the commencement of the new RBNZ Act on 1 July ...2 days ago - School attendance increasesSchool attendance data released today shows an increase in the number of students regularly attending school to 61.7 per cent in term one. This compares to 59.5 per cent in term one last year and 53.6 per cent in term four. “It is encouraging to see more children getting to ...2 days ago
- Record investment in public transport servicesThe Government has announced a record 41 per cent increase in indicative funding for public transport services and operations, and confirmed the rollout of the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) that will enable contactless debit and credit card payments starting this year in Auckland, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This Government is ...2 days ago
- GDP data shows need to strengthen and grow the economyGDP figures for the March quarter reinforce the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows GDP has risen 0.2 per cent for the quarter to March. “While today’s data is technically in ...2 days ago
- Women continue to make up over 50 per cent on public sector boardsWomen’s representation on public sector boards and committees has reached 50 per cent or above for the fourth consecutive year, with women holding 53.9 per cent of public sector board roles, Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says. “This is a fantastic achievement, but the work is not done. To ...2 days ago
- Government supporting Māori business successThe Coalition Government is supporting Māori to boost development and the Māori economy through investment in projects that benefit the regions, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “As the Regional Development Minister, I am focused on supporting Māori to succeed. The Provincial Growth Fund ...2 days ago
- Better solutions for earthquake-prone buildingsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced that the review into better managing the risks of earthquake-prone buildings has commenced. “The terms of reference published today demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring we get the balance right between public safety and costs to building owners,” Mr Penk says. “The Government ...2 days ago
- Prime Minister wraps up visit to JapanPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has just finished a successful three-day visit to Japan, where he strengthened political relationships and boosted business links. Mr Luxon’s visit culminated in a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio followed by a state dinner. “It was important for me to meet Prime Minister Kishida in person ...2 days ago
- Major business deals signed on PM’s Japan tripSignificant business deals have been closed during the visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Japan this week, including in the areas of space, renewable energy and investment. “Commercial deals like this demonstrate that we don’t just export high-quality agricultural products to Japan, but also our world-class technology, expertise, and ...3 days ago
- Strategic Security speech, TokyoMinasan, konnichiwa, kia ora and good afternoon everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today and thank you to our friends at the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies and NEC for making this event possible today. It gives me great pleasure to be here today, speaking with ...3 days ago
- National Infrastructure Pipeline worth over $120 billionThe National Infrastructure Pipeline, which provides a national view of current or planned infrastructure projects, from roads, to water infrastructure, to schools, and more, has climbed above $120 billion, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “Our Government is investing a record amount in modern infrastructure that Kiwis can rely on as ...3 days ago
- Making it easier to build infrastructureThe Government is modernising the Public Works Act to make it easier to build infrastructure, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk announced today. An independent panel will undertake an eight-week review of the Act and advise on common sense changes to enable large scale public works to be built faster and ...4 days ago
- NZ enhances North Korea sanctions monitoringNew Zealand will enhance its defence contributions to monitoring violations of sanctions against North Korea, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. The enhancement will see the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) increase its contributions to North Korea sanctions monitoring, operating out of Japan. “This increase reflects the importance New Zealand ...4 days ago
- Speech to Safeguard National Health and Safety ConferenceGood afternoon everyone. It’s great to be with you all today before we wrap up Day One of the annual Safeguard National Health and Safety Conference. Thank you to the organisers and sponsors of this conference, for the chance to talk to you about the upcoming health and safety consultation. ...4 days ago
- Ōtaki to north of Levin alliance agreements signedTransport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone for the Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance (RoNS), following the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) signing interim alliance agreements with two design and construction teams who will develop and ultimately build the new expressway.“The Government’s priority for transport ...4 days ago
- Improvements to stopping Digital Child ExploitationThe Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is making a significant upgrade to their Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System, which blocks access to websites known to host child sexual abuse material, says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “The Department will incorporate the up-to-date lists of websites hosting child sexual ...4 days ago
- New vaccine research aims to combat prevalent bovine diseaseA vaccine to prevent an infectious disease that costs New Zealand cattle farmers more than $190 million each year could radically improve the health of our cows and boost on-farm productivity, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says. The Ministry for Primary Industries is backing a project that aims to develop ...4 days ago
- Making it easier to build granny flatsThe Government has today announced that it is making it easier for people to build granny flats, Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop say. “Making it easier to build granny flats will make it more affordable for families to live the way that suits them ...5 days ago
- High Court Judge appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Auckland King’s Counsel Gregory Peter Blanchard as a High Court Judge. Justice Blanchard attended the University of Auckland from 1991 to 1995, graduating with an LLB (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (English). He was a solicitor with the firm that is now Dentons ...1 week ago
- Health workforce numbers riseHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti says new data released today shows encouraging growth in the health workforce, with a continued increase in the numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives joining Health New Zealand. “Frontline healthcare workers are the beating heart of the healthcare system. Increasing and retaining our health workforce ...1 week ago
- Government to overhaul firearms lawsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has today announced a comprehensive programme to reform New Zealand's outdated and complicated firearms laws. “The Arms Act has been in place for over 40 years. It has been amended several times – in a piecemeal, and sometimes rushed way. This has resulted in outdated ...1 week ago
- Government delivers landmark specialist schools investmentThe coalition Government is delivering record levels of targeted investment in specialist schools so children with additional needs can thrive. As part of Budget 24, $89 million has been ringfenced to redevelop specialist facilities and increase satellite classrooms for students with high needs. This includes: $63 million in depreciation funding ...1 week ago
- Major health and safety consultation beginsA substantial consultation on work health and safety will begin today with a roadshow across the regions over the coming months, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. This the first step to deliver on the commitment to reforming health and safety law and regulations, set out in ...1 week ago
- Growing the potential of New Zealand’s forestry sector in partnershipForestry Minister Todd McClay, today announced the start of the Government’s plan to restore certainty and confidence in the forestry and wood processing sector. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth,” Mr McClay says. “Forestry’s success is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, boosting ...1 week ago
- Government cancels forestry ETS annual service charges for 2023-24Annual service charges in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be cancelled for 2023/24, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “The sector has told me the costs imposed on forestry owners by the previous government were excessive and unreasonable and I agree,” Mr McClay says. “They have said that there ...1 week ago
- Speech to the LGNZ Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Thank you for having me here today and welcome to Wellington, the home of the Hurricanes, the next Super Rugby champions. Infrastructure – the challenge This government has inherited a series of big challenges in infrastructure. I don’t need to tell an audience as smart as this one that ...1 week ago
- Government boosts Agriculture and food trade with ChinaTrade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard welcomed outcomes to boost agricultural and food trade between New Zealand and China. A number of documents were signed today at Government House that will improve the business environment between New Zealand and China, and help reduce barriers, including on infant formula ...1 week ago
- NZ and China launch Services Trade NegotiationsTrade Minister Todd McClay, and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, today announced the official launch of Negotiations on Services Trade between the two countries. “The Government is focused on opening doors for services exporters to grow the New Zealand’s economy,” Mr McClay says. As part of the 2022 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement Upgrade ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister Luxon meets with Premier LiPrime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Government House in Wellington today. “I was pleased to welcome Premier Li to Wellington for his first official visit, which marks 10 years since New Zealand and China established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Mr Luxon says. “The Premier and ...1 week ago
- Government and business tackling gender pay gapThe coalition Government is taking action to reduce the gender pay gap in New Zealand through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. “Gender pay gaps have impacted women for decades, which is why we need to continue to drive change in New Zealand,” Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston ...1 week ago
- Funding Boost for Rural Support TrustsThe coalition Government is boosting funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide more help to farmers and growers under pressure, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced today. “A strong and thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the New Zealand economy and one of the ways to support it is to ...1 week ago
- Latest data shows size of public service decreasingSpending on contractors and consultants continues to fall and the size of the Public Service workforce has started to decrease after years of growth, according to the latest data released today by the Public Service Commission. Workforce data for the quarter from 31 December 23 to 31 March 24 shows ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Law AssociationThank you to the Law Association for inviting me to speak this morning. As a former president under its previous name — the Auckland District Law Society — I take particular satisfaction in seeing this organisation, and its members, in such good heart. As Attorney-General, I am grateful for these ...1 week ago
- 25 years on, NZ reaffirms enduring friendship with Timor LesteNew Zealand is committed to working closely with Timor-Leste to support its prosperity and resilience, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “This year is the 25th anniversary of New Zealand sending peacekeepers to Timor-Leste, who contributed to the country’s stabilisation and ultimately its independence,” Mr Peters says. “A quarter ...1 week ago
- Inquiry requested into rural bankingPromoting robust competition in the banking sector is vital to rebuilding the economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “New Zealanders deserve a banking sector that is as competitive as possible. Banking services play an important role in our communities and in the economy. Kiwis rely on access to lending when ...1 week ago
- Ministry for Regulation targets red tape to keep farmers and growers competitiveRegulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced a regulatory sector review on the approval process for new agricultural and horticultural products. “Red tape stops farmers and growers from getting access to products that have been approved by other OECD countries. ...1 week ago
- Government to reverse blanket speed limit reductionsThe Coalition Government will reverse Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions by 1 July 2025 through a new Land Transport Rule released for public consultation today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. The draft speed limit rule will deliver on the National-ACT coalition commitment to reverse the previous government’s blanket speed limit ...1 week ago
- Chair appointments for NZSO, CNZ and NZ On AirMinister Paul Goldsmith is making major leadership changes within both his Arts and Media portfolios. “I am delighted to announce Carmel Walsh will be officially stepping into the role of Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, having been acting Chair since April,” Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Carmel is ...1 week ago
- Government focus on long-term food, fibre growthFood and fibre export revenue is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6b in 2028 as the Government focuses on getting better access to markets and cutting red tape, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones say. “This achievement is testament ...1 week ago
- Govt consulting on cutting red tape for exportersA new export exemption proposal for food businesses demonstrates the coalition Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory barriers for industry and increasing the value of New Zealand exports, which gets safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The coalition Government has listened to the concerns ...1 week ago
- Christopher Luxon gets a 'C' on Japan trade trip
Power Play - The trade mission was overshadowed by a distraction for which the prime minister has only himself to blame. ...2 hours ago - Ministry of Education staff 'constantly in tears' during 'unfair' job loss proce...The redundancies have been an "emotional rollercoaster", workers say, with flip-flops on decisions and managers ill-informed of changes. ...2 hours ago
- How to beat the Spotify algorithm
How great is Spotify? One hundred million music tracks at your fingertips … no need to hunt for that CD or record … suggestions for new tunes you’d otherwise never listen to. More than one million New Zealanders have an account. But lately it seems there’s been a change in ...2 hours ago - The secret press conference of the PMPrime Minister, how are you feeling about the trade delegation you are leading to Japan? That’s a great question and thank you for asking it because it’s a very exciting delegation. It’s obviously a lot more exciting than the delegations Jacinda Ardern led. I mean they were just a complete ...2 hours ago
- The Weekend: The darkest day is behind us
Editor Madeleine Chapman reflects on a (literally) dark week. Mōrena and welcome to The Weekend, we’re officially on our way back towards the light. There’s something that happens in June where it feels like everyone is moving through molasses and it’s somehow dark by the time you leave the office. ...3 hours ago - ‘I have chills’: Simone Nathan picks the most patriotic ad in NZ historyThe star of TVNZ comedy Kid Sister talks Country Calendar, cartoons and an unexpected early TV crush. Simone Nathan is worried that her career may have peaked early. Several years ago, the New Zealand screenwriter and actor was living in New York and taking a friend’s dog for a walk ...3 hours ago
- ‘I couldn’t really hear anything’: The Beatles in Wellington, reviewed 60 years laterIt was 60 years ago today… that The Beatles played to a roaring crowd in Wellington’s town hall. Alex Casey’s dad was there, straining to hear a single note. Normally my Dad answers my calls with a cheery “Sunny Takeaways” – a reference to the local fish and chip shop ...3 hours ago
- Pacific profiles: The man behind Junk & Disorderly and the Central Flea MarketThe Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public. Today, Richard Stewart. All photos by Geoffrey Matautia. Richard’s nominee wrote: Richard Stewart is the son of two Pacific Island immigrants and has ...3 hours ago
- The Sunday Essay: Can NYC ever live up to the hype? After three decades of inhaling American-dominated, disproportionately New York-based media, Sharon Lam’s first time in the city became a traipse through a collage of movie sets rather than any real place. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. ‘Excuse me, how do I get ...3 hours ago
- ‘Cheesy disco gold’: Earth Tongue share their perfect weekend playlistHeavy-psych duo Earth Tongue share the songs to soundtrack their perfect weekend. If your idea of a relaxing weekend is binge-watching old Italian horror movies and having your face melted off, then look no further than Earth Tongue. The heavy-psych duo Gussie Larkin and Ezra Simons released Great Haunting last ...3 hours ago
- The pick of the Matariki picture booksA selection of beautiful books to relax and reflect with this Matariki. Now is the time for snuggling up on the couch and connecting with loved ones through the power of storytelling. If you’re looking to add bookish rituals to your Matariki celebrations, here’s a selection of Matariki-inspired books for ...3 hours ago
- Anne Salmond: In this waka togetherOften, this country is described as ‘New Zealand Inc.’ In a recent article, I argued that this image is mistaken. A democracy is not a business. Rather than making a profit for shareholders – or the funders of political parties – a democracy is about delivering good lives for its ...3 hours ago
- Traffic engineers build roads that invite crashes because they rely on outdated research and faulty ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Marshall, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Colorado Denver A car fails to yield as a family attempts to cross a road in Long Beach, Calif. Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images “Can you name the truck with four-wheel ...7 hours ago - Pacific Media Conference to celebrate 30th birthday of Pacific Journalism ReviewBy Mark Pearson Journalists, publishers, academics, diplomats and NGO representatives from throughout the Asia-Pacific region will gather for the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference hosted by The University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, next month. A notable part of the conference on July 4-6 will be the celebration ...8 hours ago
- A big change is coming for higher education funding. What would a ‘hard cap’ on domestic places ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy, Australian National University Back in February, the Universities Accord final report recommended major changes to university funding. It proposed a new body, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, to oversee funding and ...11 hours ago
- Bell Shakespeare’s new King Lear understands the joy of a good tragedySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirk Dodd, Lecturer in English and Writing, University of Sydney Brett Boardman/Bell Shakespeare It is a common reflex to reach for Aristotle’s Poetics to determine what a good tragedy should be. Aristotle says there are good reasons to enjoy a good ...13 hours ago
- Vladimir Putin’s Asia-Pacific trip was intended to send a message. Australia should be taking noti...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Tesch, Visiting Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies, Australian National University Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent trips to North Korea and Vietnam are noteworthy for the timing and focus, not to mention for highlighting his contempt for the rule ...15 hours ago
- Azithromycin: how to manage while this antibiotic is in short supply for childrenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asha Bowen, Team Lead, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention, Telethon Kids Institute Odua Images/Shutterstock Antibiotic shortages have become a big challenge for child health. For example, amoxicillin and cephalexin are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for children, used to treat ...15 hours ago
- The mystery of the massive sporting comeback: what’s the psychology of momentum in sports?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlin Fox-Harding, Lecturer/Researcher, Edith Cowan University The unpredictability of sport is in many ways its greatest attraction, and unforgettable come-from-behind victories are especially captivating. During these epic comebacks, one team or athlete is generally said to have captured or capitalised on ...16 hours ago
- Hollywood didn’t know exactly what to do with Donald Sutherland – so they did everything with hi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Sparkes, Senior Lecturer (Media Studies and Production), University of Southern Queensland I don’t think Hollywood knew what to do with Donald Sutherland, who has died at age 88. He was not your classically handsome A-list actor like contemporaries Warren Beatty or ...16 hours ago
- How would a switch to nuclear affect electricity prices for households and industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Dargaville, Director Monash Energy Institute, Monash University Peter Dutton has announced that under a Coalition government, seven nuclear power stations would be built around the country over the next 15 years. Experts have declared nuclear power would be expensive and ...16 hours ago
- The Week in Politics: Scrutiny Week takes off while PM's plane gets groundedAnalysis - The PM's plane breaks down, but Luxon tries to keep things rolling, while MPs face tough questions at home, Peter Wilson writes. ...16 hours ago
- Fast Track bill has more supporters than opponents – Taxpayers Union-Curia pollA Taxpayers Union-Curia poll suggests more New Zealanders support the government's fast-track bill than oppose it. ...17 hours ago
- Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy policy will do nothing to ease Australians’ hip-pocket pain, now o...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Of all the debates unleashed by the Coalition’s nuclear energy announcement this week, energy prices is among the hottest. As Australians struggle with the skyrocketing cost of living, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan gives little ...17 hours ago
- Does One NZ’s new ad campaign connect? Many adopted people might not think soSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll, Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury One NZ/YouTube Adoption is often portrayed as a beautiful, loving act. It enables people to become parents to a child who is given a second chance at being part of ...17 hours ago
- Why can’t I sleep? It could be your sheets or doonaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chin Moi Chow, Associate Professor of Sleep and Wellbeing, University of Sydney Ground Picture/Shutterstock It’s winter, so many of us will be bringing out, or buying, winter bedding. But how much of a difference does your bedding make to your thermal ...17 hours ago
- NZ Samoa citizenship bill: Committee receives 24,000 plus public submissionsPublic submissions have closed on a bill which would offer a pathway to New Zealand citizenship to a group of Samoans born between 1924 and 1949. Public hearings on the Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship Act Bill start on Monday. In 1982, the Privy Council ruled that because those born ...18 hours ago
- Energy Minister orders Electricity Authority review into pylon collapseSimeon Brown has ordered the Electricity Authority to review the Northland outage. ...18 hours ago
- Education Ministry breached collective agreement in job cuts process – PSAThe union has told the Employment Relations Authority the ministry has grossly underestimated its obligations to staff. ...18 hours ago
- Northland Power Outages Could Be Mitigated With Increased Battery Storage. Government Must Prioritis...
Extreme weather events, increased peak demand, and failures of supply are costing New Zealanders millions of dollars in lost revenue. ...18 hours ago - Kangaroo teeth grow forever – and keep a record of their owner’s age and sexSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Parker, PhD Candidate, Monash University How do you find out the age of a wild animal? For some Australian marsupials, we have discovered you can tell from their teeth. In a new paper published in Archives of Oral Biology, we ...18 hours ago
- A ‘generational win’ for NZ’s seabirdsNew rules to protect seabirds from fishing will help Aotearoa’s threatened albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. The 145 seabird species that frequent New Zealand waters will have stronger protection from capture on fishing lines, with new rules announced ...18 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Some boys’ by Nicola EasthopeA new poem by Raumati poet Nicola Easthope. Some boys Some boys pass you on skateboards fractionally faster than your smoking hot roller skates so that you don’t so much eat their dust as slowly choke on it. Some boys pass you by— their heads in the clouds, just not ...18 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 21The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. First, a quick PSA: Unity Books has a flash new website that lets you search and purchase ...18 hours ago
- High Levels Of Trust And Confidence In Firearms Regulation Undermine McKee’s Justification For Cha...New data from Police shows a big shift in trust and confidence in its work from the firearms community. ...19 hours ago
- Grassroots sport can help refugees find their feet in Australia – Brisbane’s Olympic planners ne...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diti bhattacharya, Senior research fellow, Griffith University As preparations for Paris’ Olympic and Paralympic Games gather momentum, South East Queensland is preparing its legacy strategy in anticipation for the 2032 Brisbane games. The Queensland government’s Olympic committee recently published its legacy ...19 hours ago
- Plucking numbers from the air: Victoria’s big build for housing relies on impossible targetsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock The Victorian government this week gave the state’s local councils a gargantuan task: solve the housing crisis by accelerating new housing. Each council now has a target for new ...19 hours ago
- When the siren wails: The comforts of dystopian fictionOn the darkest day of the year, Lucy Black considers the dystopian novels she loves, and why. When I was 22 I moved to a seaside village. My house was next to the ocean and very near the volunteer firefighters station. Regularly the peaceful rush of waves would be disturbed ...19 hours ago
- A dark day: Five big news stories you might have missed (according to RNZ)Friday June 21 will be remembered as the day Prince Philip died, Cardinal Pell was sentenced and Theresa May’s Brexit deal was voted down. There’s an understanding in journalism that bad news tends to drop on a Friday afternoon. This has been proven indisputably true today after RNZ sent out ...19 hours ago
- Former Green MP Keith Locke dies, age 80Locke, known as a human rights and anti-war advocate, was in Parliament from 1999 to 2011. ...19 hours ago
- The $60 million cost of the Northland power cutThe bill highlights the impact of a region too often cut off in recent years. ...19 hours ago
- Cabinet to consider Pharmac boost for promised cancer drugsCabinet ministers will consider a major cash injection for Pharmac after backlash from cancer patients, RNZ understands. ...19 hours ago
- Australia’s first civilian jury was entirely female. Here’s how ‘juries of matrons’ shaped o...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Neikirk, Program Convenor, Criminology, University of Newcastle A French jury of matrons in 1771. British Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA It’s hard to imagine now, but for almost 1,000 years, pregnant women in England could avoid the death ...20 hours ago
- Cabinet looking to boost Pharmac funding for promised cancer drugsCabinet ministers will consider a major cash injection for Pharmac after backlash from cancer patients, RNZ understands. ...20 hours ago
- The return of Kid Sister’s 30-year-old childThere’s plenty to love about season two of Simone Nathan’s comedy series. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. Lulu Emanuel is pushing like she’s never pushed before. Her hospital bed is surrounded by a midwife, Lulu’s mother and the rest of her ...20 hours ago
- Watchdog Protests Minister Jones VisitCoromandel Watchdog of Hauraki will be protesting the visit from Minister Shane Jones to Kopu, near Thames on Friday June between 11am and 12 Noon. ...21 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: ‘Everything is negotiable, except independence’By Mong Palatino of Global Voices The situation has remained tense in the French Pacific territory of Kanaky New Caledonia more than a month after protests and riots erupted in response to the passage of a bill in France’s National Assembly that would have diluted the voting power of the ...21 hours ago
- Invercargill Mayor’s Behaviour Demonstrates Need For Recall ElectionsFollowing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from the Invercargill mayor, Nobby Clark, the Taxpayers’ Union is renewing calls for the Government to implement a recall option in local government to allow residents to remove embarrassing, inappropriate ...22 hours ago
- Local Government Minister Right To Put Wellington Regional Council On The Naughty StepLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has rebuked Wellington Regional Council after discussions were held around purchasing Wellington Airport shares from the City Council. Commenting in support of the Minister, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs ...22 hours ago
- How the Canterbury Rams became the hottest – and loudest – ticket in townLast year they won their first NZNBL title since 1992. This season they’re on the road to make it back-to-back. As Joseph Harper finds, the electric atmosphere inside Cowles Stadium is both the product of and secret to the Rams’ success. Aranui has a bad reputation in Ōtautahi. It rears ...22 hours ago
- Political Editors Panel: Scrutiny week, Luxon's plane problemsRNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch and Newsroom Political Editor Laura Walters look back on the first "scrutiny week", and the PM's trip to Japan. ...22 hours ago
- Green MP Darleen Tana OK’d migrant on fruit-picker visa for job in husband’s bike shopGreen MP Darleen Tana has been stood down since initial allegations of migrant exploitation at her husband's bike business. Now a worker's messages raise fresh questions. ...23 hours ago
- Rules for earthquake-prone buildings likely to 'become less onerous'A review into better managing the risks of earthquake-prone buildings has kicked off. ...23 hours ago
- PSA Takes Ministry Of Education To Employment Relations Authority TodayThe PSA action against the Ministry of Education in relation to job cuts begins this morning at 9.30am at the Employment Relations Authority. ...23 hours ago
- Chiropractors have been banned again from manipulating babies’ spines. Here’s what the evidence ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Fernandez, Senior lecturer and researcher in chiropractic, CQUniversity Australia Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock Chiropractors in Australia will not be able to perform spinal manipulation on children under the age of two once more, following health concerns from doctors and politicians. But what ...23 hours ago
- Australia needs large-scale energy production – here are 3 reasons why offshore wind is a good fitSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ty Christopher, Director Energy Futures Network, University of Wollongong ShutterDesigner, Shutterstock On the weekend, an area 20km off the Illawarra coast south of Sydney became Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy zone. It’s the most controversial zone to date, with consultation attracting ...23 hours ago
- Australian coal mine and power station workers’ prospects look bleak – unless we start offering ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Triggs, Visiting research fellow, Australian National University MarekVelechovsky/Shutterstock Workers who were made redundant in coal-fired power plants between 2010 and 2020 saw their incomes plummet by 69% in the year after they lost their jobs. This was the staggering finding ...23 hours ago
- Marriage, civil union or de facto: In 2024, which one should you choose?The legal status of each type of relationship is similar, so why opt for one over the others? We spoke to three couples on why they made the choice they did. After my Sunday Essay was published, exploring what a forever relationship looks like when you don’t believe in marriage, ...23 hours ago
- Resource management is always political – the Fast-track Approvals Bill is just honest about itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey McNeill, Honorary Research Associate, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University Getty Images The government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill has been widely criticised for potentially handing too much power to three cabinet ministers, and raising the risk of conflicts of ...1 day ago
- A huge shark terrorises people in new French hit Under Paris. When will we stop villainising these a...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brianna Le Busque, Lecturer in Environmental Science, University of South Australia Netflix Another year, another movie with a shark in the leading role. The new French thriller film Under Paris is currently ranked second in Australia’s Top 10 list and has ...1 day ago
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The EU change is overstated.
The same groups that had the majority in the past 5, do so for the next 5 years.
The centre left and centre right grouping numbers are close to the same.
The big losers were the Green Party and centrist Renew (Macron's block).
So despite immigration + the pandemic + the Ukraine-Russia war, the far right achieved stuff all.
The centre right EPP can govern with centre-left and Green Party or with Renew Green Party and ECR (founded by Cameron, now including Brothers Party of Italy) – now more important in EU governance.
The first issue is Hungary has the Presidency for the next 6 months – but Orban's party has been removed from the EPP group (and has lost a lot of local support to a breakaway group because of corruption and declining tolerance for his confrontational style).
The second is the rise to importance of Italy in the EU – this will see focus on immigration burden of front-line nations and a focus on the cost of debt.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1472642/seats-won-european-parliament-country-party/
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/4ab5/live/dd48b1d0-273a-11ef-baa7-25d483663b8e.png.webp
The real issue is the contest between centre-right (RINO in USA speak) and populist right. Over not just immigration, but economic and political internationalism or nationalism (retreat from collective security, including GW and abandoning free trade). The right wing version of a lockdown retreat from the liberal society.
PS. Le Pen's party threw the AFD out of their Identity and Democracy European grouping. The AFD is isolated, even within Europe. And Le Pen is dependent on parliamentary victory in France.
Thanks for an excellent piece on the outcomes of the EU elections.
Europe is holding its own against the efforts of the extremist right, which has much support from Putin and from American RW groups.
EU support for reform in Poland worked and its pressure on Hungary is working. Brexit & the Russian invasion is generating a new level of cohesion in Europe.
Farage is a waste of a seat in the UK parliament, just a prize spin merchant in it for the money.
What is the effect of the EU Elections on Britain?
Brexit is not even visible in Europe’s rear view mirror. England is now firmly a ‘Third Country’.
Starmer’s Labour will not get any hearing in Brussels with their ‘Make Brexit Work’ strategy.
Brexit will become entrenched by Starmer leading to Northern Ireland and Scotland exiting the UK sooner and joining the EU.
The UK/Starmer should establish a pathway for NI to become part of Eire. By agreement with Eire.
Scotland can choose to be British, or Scottish within the EU, once Eire/Ireland is Irish.
As for the UK and EU
Incremental.
https://www.politico.eu/article/labour-party-keir-starmer-britain-eu-relations-germany-olaf-scholz-uk-election-diplomacy/
Longer term.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/18/keir-starmer-europe-economy-labour-eu
There IS a political and democratic pathway to NI reunification.uk govt info
"The Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) recognises the right of the people of the island of Ireland to bring about a united Ireland, subject to the consent of both parts. Therefore, in order for Irish reunification to take place, border polls must be held in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland."
Currently "An Ipsos poll in December 2022 predicted twice as many Northern Irish voters would choose to stay in the UK rather than leave. "
The NI economy has boomed as a result of being the soft border between the rest of the UK and the EU. The NI economy sorely needed the boost, and citizens, including catholics, will want to keep the money rolling in.
Not really. Not if the UK PM does not allow a poll.
Starmer says he will not. That sort of block needs to be removed.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67020960
https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2024/feb/26/ireland-unity-brexit-britain
As always, Northern Ireland is a case of letting sleeping dogs lie. Reunification will eventually happen sometime this century, but it benefits no-one for Starmer to go there, so long as the situation is peaceful.
Nigel the red hand of the U'Neill might deliver you some wine if you send a screenshot of that his way.
It might be a case of Ireland developing its social services (low rate of spending) and becoming more egalitarian on the one hand and on the other becoming more comfortable being within the EU (especially with the Farage populism in the UK).
The next government in Ireland will start the process of formal preparation for reunification.
Whether it’s FF FG or SF there is a consensus to start that now.
Many billions are being put aside to find the transition.
Spain will block Scottish entry.
Not once the Tartan army arrives in Barcelona to make them think again … .
More seriously, a tactical move around that is to join NI and being self governing within Eire (as they are in the UK). Once in …
That old canard again. !!!
The Gibraltar situation has changed (now in Schengen) and the Catalan situation has changed.
Many senior Spanish politicians are on record supporting Scottish accession.
But you probably knows that anyhow🏴
Starmer is at his core a conservative English Nationalist. He has wrapped himself in the St Georges Flag to take it back from the extreme Nationalists. He will resist the end of the UK happening on his watch.
*The names of the State is Ireland when writing in English or Ėire when writing in Irish.
It will certainly matter when the UK and Australia become one of the very last two countries run by Labor.
The US is a militarised centrist behemoth even under Biden, the EU has and is tilting deep hard right in recent elections both for EU and nationally, Canada is preparing to dump Trudeau, even little places like NZ have turned the way of Europe.
The earth appears to be turning away from the left in government. Ain't pretty.
Thank goodness for Mexico.