Archive of 2014

How to steal the youth vote in Britain

They're critical to deciding the next general election - but will any of the political parties actually do what they must to win over young voters?

Drugs, Ukip and a prisoner book ban: Our most-read articles of 2014

Dodgy government plans you probably don't know about and outrageous comments from fringe parties: these are what the readers of Politics.co.uk got most excited about in 2014.
Comment: Why is it still socially acceptable to persecute travellers?

No other minority is so widely and unquestionably abused in the UK.

Unpicking the secret of Nigel Farage's appeal

Nigel Farage looks, sounds and feels annoyed with the way things are. For the people who also feel this way he has become a beacon.
Learning to let go: How opening up parties could save them

The Conservative and Labour parties are dying a painfully slow death – but there is a way out, a report out today suggests.

PMQs verdict: Finally, Miliband's long wait is over

It's been a hellish 51 months for Ed Miliband. Ever since being elected as leader of the opposition he's faced periodic claims that he's just not very good at his job. Now, just when it matters most, the evidence from today's prime minister's questions suggests that's suddenly going to stop mattering.
The allegations against MI6 are serious – so why aren't they front page news?

Allegations against British security services pour in from Kenya, Nepal and Libya - but our media is too compliant to report them

English votes for English laws: Tories throw Labour a curveball

News of Labour support for a grand committee of English-only MPs has been swiftly undercut by a new Tory idea which sets the dividing lines for the 2015 general election.
Porn protest: It's politics, but not as we know it

So this is what happens when ultra-liberal pro-porn protesters demonstrate against censorship by sitting on each others' faces.

Comment: Judicial review stopped the prison book ban – but it could soon be lost forever

The power of judicial review was shown when campaigners used it to scrap the prison book ban. Perhaps that's why the government is so keen to dismantle it
Prisoner book ban judgement: Grayling's views found to be 'absurd' and 'strange'

We've gone through the judgement so you don't have to – and it is exceptionally bad news for Chris Grayling.

Comment: It's time to let English MPs speak for England

In the best British constitutional tradition, I believe it is the simplest one. We need English votes for English laws.
Osborne or Balls? An expert verdict on who's the better speaker

It is so crucial not just to get the numbers right, but also to speak with strength, conviction and control. On this measure Osborne has the edge over Balls.

Autumn statement 2014 verdict: Osborne's biggest sham yet

Four years ago George Osborne dreamed his 2014 autumn statement would be a moment of euphoric triumph. The reality is a living nightmare - and one the chancellor is trying to cover up.
Autumn statement comment: Only the well-off benefit from Osborne's tinkering

An autumn statement full of treats for the wealthy will not salvage George Osborne's reputation

A national cover-up: Coalition's meddling is costing the poor their vote

It's a scandal no-one in power wants you to know about - but the coalition's changes to the way people register to vote mean around one million of Britain's poorest, most deprived voters have disappeared from the electoral register overnight.
Comment: Students could swing the general election – if they register

The 2015 election is so tight students could prove decisive

Comment: Voters must see the Iraq inquiry report before the election

The endless delays to Chilcot's report must end now
Without due process: How Britain deported 50,000 students

Tens of thousands of students are being removed from Britain for supposedly fraudulent test results - but why won;t the Home Office show them the evidence against them?

Without due process: How Britain deported 50,000 students - part two

Tens of thousands of students are being removed from Britain for supposedly fraudulent test results - but why won;t the Home Office show them the evidence against them?
There's still time to defeat Grayling's war on charities – but MPs must act now

If MPs don't support Lords amendments to the criminal justice and courts bill, it'll be the end of the third sector in public law litigation

Pick of the Week: Benefits, injustice and Boris

Our five most popular pieces of the week, for your reading pleasure
Comment: MPs must stop the government passing a law to protect itself against scrutiny

The government is trying to protect itself against legal challenges to itself - but there;s still time for MPs to fight for their constituents

Comment: The coalition's found a new way of stifling higher education

Public, private, non-profit, for profit: the only thing that matters in higher education is the quality of courses being offered to students.
David Cameron immigration speech in full

David Cameron's long-awaited speech on EU migration - in full and unedited