Thirty years on: why the Channel Tunnel has failed to reach its potential Commentary It’s hard to imagine travel without it. Yet Brexit, COVID, government disinterest and tighter security have ramped up the cost of travelling through the Channel Tunnel, which opened almost 30 years ago. Jon Worth looks at why the tunnel has not lived up to early expectations. By Jon Worth
What would a second Trump presidency mean for UK-EU defence cooperation? Commentary A Trump presidency would probably force the UK and EU to intensify their cooperation on security and defence. Fortunately, says Gesine Weber, this relationship was relatively less affected by Brexit. It would also push Europeans to have some difficult conversations about building on their own nuclear deterrent. By Gesine Weber
How fossil fuel money stalled Britain’s commitment to net zero Commentary Britain’s right-wing news outlets have sown doubt on the viability of net zero, and the government has pushed back targets and issued new licences for North Sea exploration. Hazel Healy explains how a group of influential think tanks whose donors and board members profit from fossil fuels have systematically undermined climate science and renewable technologies. Their connections to No 10 enable them to sway the Prime Minister and his ministers. By Hazel Healy
EU-UK relations after Brexit Dossier The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung is looking at critical themes for both the UK and the EU — their future relationship, democracy, foreign and security policy and the green transformation. We commission some of the leading thinkers on these topics to write commentaries and analyses.
How the Green Party will fight the UK general election in 2024 Commentary The Green Party of England and Wales hopes to win three seats in the General Election by appealing to voters who are uninspired by Labour. Ros Taylor talks to party activists about the growing differences between the two parties and how increasing numbers of Green councillors put their policies into practice. By Ros Taylor
The role of the UK in a new European security architecture Analysis The United Kingdom has developed its contribution to European security in the context of its withdrawal from the EU. However, a more formal relationship between the two in the areas of foreign, security and defence policy remains to be desired. By Richard G. Whitman
Smart, fair and flexible: lessons from the smart meter rollouts in Great Britain Analysis Smart energy technologies can enable citizens to benefit from cheap renewable energy. They potentially optimise the use of our energy infrastructure, promising lower societal costs. However, one-size-fits-all solutions will not work when it comes to their daily use – with potentially significant risks to vulnerable households already struggling with fuel poverty. An inclusive smart energy transition should target the consumers most in need with more nuanced policies. By Nickhil Sharma
Germany can still be a valuable UK ally Commentary Brexit and Britain’s Indo-Pacific tilt may have convinced Germany that the UK is no longer interested in defence co-operation, writes James Rogers. That would be a mistake. The two can build on each other’s strengths in NATO and in the defence of Ukraine. By James Rogers
What could the European Political Community do for Britain? Commentary People who are keen to see an improvement in UK-EU relations should not overestimate the power of the European Political Community, says Luigi Scazzieri. It is not a route to rejoining the EU. Nonetheless, on some foreign policy issues and especially those affecting the EU’s borders, it could prove very useful. By Luigi Scazzieri
Britain and the post-Brexit world: still searching for a role Commentary Brexiters promised that leaving the EU would enable Britain to embrace a new global role. Arthur Snell explains why, despite the fillip of its support for Ukraine, the UK is struggling to establish a place in the world order. By Arthur Snell