Striking 13

Striking 13 is a British political newsletter, scrutinizing governance, policy decisions, and political culture with a critical lens. It tackles the transformation of conservatism, the humanitarian aspects of asylum policies, the relationship between journalism and politics, and the implications of specific government schemes, all while advocating for integrity, empathy, and evidence-based politics.

British Politics Conservatism Asylum and Immigration Policies Political Culture Government Accountability Media and Journalism Mental Health and Well-being Policy Analysis Electoral Politics International Relations

The hottest Substack posts of Striking 13

And their main takeaways

The Death of British Conservatism

3833 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Government Ideology
  1. The Conservative party in Britain is facing potential annihilation with its support dropping drastically in polls.
  2. Populist conservatism has replaced traditional conservatism in the UK, leading to a significant ideological shift.
  3. There is a call for true conservatives to regain control and fight for the core values within the Conservative party to prevent complete ideological loss.

How to write

2475 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Journalism Non-fiction Curiosity Emotions
  1. Writing is about being in touch with your feelings and having confidence in sharing them.
  2. Good non-fiction writing starts with curiosity and understanding that everything can be interesting if approached correctly.
  3. Boredom and frustration when writing is a guide to improve the content for readers by finding ways to present information in engaging ways.

Rwanda: We're in the endgame now

2435 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Policy Government Morality Legislation Refugees
  1. The Lords are likely to pass the Rwanda bill soon due to Labour's lack of strong opposition.
  2. There is a strategic political dance happening over Rwanda that involves power dynamics and election strategies.
  3. It is crucial to draw a moral line and stand up against laws that are unjust and undermine fundamental principles of governance.

Brianna Ghey: Sunak plunges new depths

4532 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leaders Policies Ethics Debate
  1. There is no moral floor to the behavior of certain politicians.
  2. The importance of speaking respectfully and considerately, especially around those who have experienced significant loss.
  3. Political discussions should maintain basic standards of decency and dignity to reflect the moral character of the nation.
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The bottomless financial insanity of the Rwanda scheme

2515 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Government Finance Policy International relations Economics
  1. The UK's Rwanda scheme is shown to be financially insane, with exorbitant costs and no real impact, according to a recent report.
  2. The Home Office's approach to the scheme is criticized for its irrationality, waste of money, and failure to address the asylum backlog effectively.
  3. Comparison with the costs of a functioning asylum system highlights the extreme financial inefficiency and lack of logic in the Rwanda scheme.

Byelection slaughter: Yeah, so it turns out the Tories are screwed after all

2835 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Leaders Polls Candidates
  1. Despite negative headlines, Labour's performance in byelections remains strong with significant swings in their favor.
  2. The Conservative party is facing significant struggles and losses, marked by the largest fall in post-war history.
  3. Reform party is making a mark in elections, potentially impacting Tory wins and skewing expectations.

A love letter to the BT Tower

2156 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Architecture Cities History
  1. The BT Tower's unique design makes it stand out in the cityscape, looking both old and modern, corporate yet eccentric.
  2. Skyscrapers often focus on luxury for the rich, but the BT Tower values its impact on the city landscape and the privilege of seeing it from below.
  3. Cities like London evolve rapidly, but iconic structures like the BT Tower provide a sense of continuity and rootedness in the midst of constant change.

It's time we learned to love the Lords

2316 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Legislation Reform Partisanship
  1. The House of Lords, despite being undemocratic, is effective in improving laws and providing scrutiny in ways the Commons can't.
  2. The lack of a majority in the Lords prevents the government from unchecked power, forcing better governance and encouraging consensus-building.
  3. Expertise in the Lords, particularly from crossbenchers, plays a key role in improving legislation and offering valuable insights, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to democracy.

The political takeover over journalism

2555 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media Politics Journalism Power Values
  1. Journalism and politics are increasingly blurred, making it hard to differentiate between the two.
  2. Some individuals operate simultaneously as journalists and politicians, creating a dangerous scenario where roles get mixed up.
  3. Journalism is not just about spectators; it holds the power to change history and should be grounded in truth and journalistic values.

Some quick thoughts on Trump

2795 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Global relations Ideology Political Movements
  1. The battle for American democracy is crucial, especially considering the attempt to steal the election and the impact on democratic values.
  2. Coverage of US elections in the UK tends to be detached and skeptical, hindering a clear understanding of the situation and its implications.
  3. Europe is unprepared to handle the implications of a rogue US leader, showcasing its reliance on American leadership and raising questions about Europe's ability to uphold its values independently.

Year in Review: A useless boy king in a disintegrating nation

3613 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
  1. The year was characterized by the failures and erratic behavior of the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who made contradictory decisions and lacked a coherent vision for the country.
  2. Key moments included Sunak's unattainable pledges, his shift from being a technocrat to a climate skeptic, and his constant need to reset his image and policies.
  3. Sunak's rise to power without scrutiny, lack of restraint in decision-making, and the superficial nature of political journalism reflect broader issues in political culture, contributing to a year of chaos and disappointment.

How to stay sane

3693 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Hobbies Stress management Well-being
  1. Having a hobby not related to politics can help you stay sane and prevent burnout by giving you a break from political anger and allowing you to focus on something you enjoy.
  2. Hobbies provide personal permission for relaxation and access to higher realms of pleasure by tricking the brain into feeling achievement and offering a sense of purpose.
  3. Engaging in a hobby allows you to enjoy the process of learning and perfecting skills with no external pressures, leading to a meaningful pursuit of pleasure and maintaining mental well-being.

Stripping out the bullshit from the asylum debate

2096 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation
  1. Various UK legislation to address asylum issues has failed to reduce the backlog of asylum claims, leading to increased bureaucratic inefficiency and costs.
  2. The speed of processing asylum claims in the UK has dramatically worsened, leading to prolonged waits and significant negative impacts on the asylum seekers' lives.
  3. Recent attempts by the Home Office to clear the asylum backlog have been critiqued for manipulating withdrawal statistics and separating backlogs to meet political targets rather than improving the asylum system overall.

2024: The year we bury the culture war

2136 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Culture Election Partisanship
  1. In politics, we need to move towards a quieter, less divisive approach that focuses on policies rather than group conflicts.
  2. The media dynamics have favored sensationalism and polarization, but a shift towards a more transactional government might change that.
  3. Journalists and commentators could face challenges as the political landscape shifts away from identity wars towards policy-driven governance.

Rwanda Vote: The death of One Nation Toryism

2815 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Legislation Conservatism Human Rights Immigration
  1. The parliamentary battle over the Rwanda bill is crucial, but the real story lies in the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers and the lack of compassion from Conservative MPs.
  2. Conservative MPs showcased a lack of empathy and humanity in their discussions regarding asylum seekers, focusing more on deterrence and creating a hostile environment.
  3. The focus should shift towards treating asylum seekers with respect and compassion, rather than using them as scapegoats for fear and hatred.

The price they put on love

2715 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Immigration Government Policy Human Impact
  1. The UK government has made it extremely difficult for British citizens to live with their foreign partners due to high income requirements, impacting families severely.
  2. The increased income threshold to £38,700 is unattainable for many British citizens, creating unnecessary barriers to bring foreign partners and children to the UK.
  3. The income requirement for spousal visas forces individuals to choose between their country and their family, causing isolation, loneliness, and hardships for couples and children.

Rwanda: This is what happens next

3014 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Asylum Judiciary Legislation Supreme Court
  1. The government in Rwanda is attempting to implement controversial policies, but they are facing significant challenges and obstacles at every step.
  2. The plan for dealing with asylum seekers is chaotic and unrealistic, resulting in confusion and uncertainty for all parties involved, including potential legal consequences.
  3. There are complex legal, constitutional, and parliamentary hurdles that the government needs to overcome in order to push through their proposed legislation, indicating a tough road ahead if they intend to proceed.

Rwanda: Nothing makes sense

2256 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Policy Legislation Reality Asylum Corruption
  1. Rwanda's political landscape is characterized by logical inconsistency and contradictions, leading to illogical decisions and actions.
  2. The backlog in asylum cases in the UK is primarily due to policy issues like lack of processing, rather than the number of asylum seekers arriving.
  3. The legislation regarding Rwanda in the UK defies reality and tries to legislate people's perceptions, representing a departure from empirical reality toward a denial of it.

A newsletter of despair

3234 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Antisemitism Political Philosophy
  1. It's vital to acknowledge the suffering of others, even when we feel safe and distant from conflicts around the world.
  2. In times of conflict, it's crucial to avoid falling into the trap of dehumanizing the 'other side' and making moral calculations about whose lives matter more.
  3. Seeking solutions in complex conflicts means embracing moral complexities, questioning binary thinking, and striving for practical, realistic steps towards peace.

Matt Hancock's broken half-formed brain

2415 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Government Leadership Crisis Management Public Service
  1. Matt Hancock exhibited a series of failures during public testimonies, highlighting his inadequacy for his role as the health secretary.
  2. Hancock's attempts to defend himself against criticism were often weak and contradicted by his own actions, showcasing his lack of credibility.
  3. The issues with Matt Hancock go beyond his individual shortcomings, reflecting larger structural flaws within the British government and the declining quality of ministers.

The unfathomable bottomless stupidity of Suella Braverman

2535 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Government Policy Leadership International relations Current Events
  1. The focus should be on the real problems that are evident rather than getting lost in technical details or strategic calculations.
  2. Stupidity seems to be a requirement for success in modern British politics, with individuals gaining attention and promotions through controversial remarks and actions.
  3. The rise of individuals lacking competence in key roles can have significant consequences, leading to failures in policy-making and governance.

The glory of Europe

1577 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics European Union Global relations Populism Diplomacy Freedom
  1. The European Union navigated complex political challenges with a mix of negotiation and compromise, showcasing the effectiveness of careful diplomacy over populism.
  2. The European Union's core principle of uniting economies to prevent war is facing challenges from rising populism, border control issues, and shifts in global trade dynamics.
  3. The recent events surrounding Ukraine's EU membership aspirations highlight the importance of the European Union's approach to politics, emphasizing peace, compromise, and true freedom.

Thank you

1297 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture
  1. The post expresses gratitude for the support and generosity of subscribers who signed up for a paid subscription.
  2. The author acknowledges feeling touched by the actions of people who show kindness and social responsibility.
  3. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers and encourages others to subscribe.

By-election results: The Tories are finished

2355 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political parties Leadership Voting Government
  1. The by-election results show massive swings favoring Labour, hinting at a potential huge Labour majority in the next election.
  2. The significant swings in Mid Beds and Tamworth by-elections, overthrowing large Tory majorities, are quite unusual and challenging for the Conservatives.
  3. The efficiency of the anti-Tory vote, tactical voting by people to hurt the government, and the squeeze on other parties like Greens and Lib Dems indicate a tough road ahead for the Tories.

The civil service is about to take over the government

2455 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Civil Service Governance
  1. The government is shifting towards being run by civil servants under Keir Starmer's leadership.
  2. Organizational competence is a critical factor for governmental success and the current UK government has been lacking in this aspect.
  3. The success of a civil-service-led government is crucial in restoring public trust in politics and combating conservative populism.

HS2: The day they cancelled the 21st Century

2176 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Economy Environment Climate Transport
  1. HS2 project cancellation in the UK is criticized for hindering progress and development, especially in terms of infrastructure, economy, and environmental impact
  2. HS2 aimed to address capacity issues in the existing rail system, improve connectivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from travel
  3. The decision to cancel HS2 is seen as short-sighted, as it not only fails to save money but also overlooks the long-term benefits and potential financial gains of the project

Labour is going to be more radical than you think it is

2116 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Election Government Progressive Ideas
  1. Labour is proposing genuinely radical and progressive ideas in their policy agenda that are more left-wing than seen in British governing parties for decades.
  2. The Labour policy machine involves a process where radical ideas are presented but then altered by a committee to adhere to electoral concerns and constraints.
  3. Key areas of fresh thinking in Labour's policy program include labor markets with ideas like sectoral bargaining and climate change with ambitious goals like fully decarbonizing the grid by 2030.

Sunak's stitch-up

1856 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Rishi Sunak's alternative transport plan, Network North, is criticized for being poorly thought out and filled with existing projects or unrealistic promises.
  2. Sunak's actions to prevent future high-speed rail projects are seen as spiteful and shortsighted, limiting options for future governments.
  3. Sunak's decision to cancel parts of the HS2 program without holding a parliamentary vote is viewed as undemocratic and a betrayal of the longstanding cross-party consensus.

The global war against populism

1058 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Populism Authoritarianism Election EU US Politics
  1. Countries around the world are facing a rise in populism, with notable victories for right-wing figures like Javier Milei and Geert Wilders.
  2. While economic policies like Biden's stimulus plan have shown success, they may not always align with public perception, highlighting a disconnect.
  3. The European Union is grappling with challenges posed by populist leaders like Viktor Orban, impacting critical decisions such as Ukraine's accession talks.

Revealed: The new batch of laws undermining parliament

1277 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Policy Law Democracy
  1. The government is quietly making significant changes to immigration, prisons, and drug laws without proper scrutiny or transparency, leading to severe consequences.
  2. The use of statutory instruments by the government allows ministers to create laws on the spot, bypassing normal parliamentary debates and scrutiny processes.
  3. The lack of accountability and assessment in passing new laws through statutory instruments is creating a functional and democratic problem, hindering understanding of impacts and consequences.

Welcome to Striking 13

1457 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism Politics Media
  1. Striking 13 is dedicated to providing good, clean, and honest journalism that is easy to understand and grounded in evidence and expertise.
  2. The newsletter prides itself on not providing impartial reporting like on TV, but instead offers coverage committed to values like reason, tolerance, truth, and empiricism.
  3. Readers can expect objective political coverage based on evidence, research, reliable sources, and interviews with specialists, even when it may not align with the author's own political biases.

Coming this September

618 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Autumn Politics
  1. Ian Dunt has a new project starting in September focused on rain, misery, and politics.
  2. Stay up to date by subscribing to Ian Dunt's project on iandunt.substack.com.
  3. The post teases something dreadful coming in September.

The new assault on loving an immigrant

6 HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Liberalism Human Rights Government Policy
  1. The UK government introduced an income threshold for spousal visas, impacting many families and making it difficult for partners with lower incomes to live together in the UK.
  2. This policy change affects a large percentage of UK employees, potentially separating families and forcing tough choices between love and country due to financial requirements.
  3. The policy represents an ideological assault on liberalism, demonstrating a disregard for individual freedoms and highlighting the importance of caring for people regardless of their background or income level.