Topical Information for Politics

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this folder, you will find up-to-date information about recent political events, as recommended by your tutor, so make sure you check it regularly for updated content and make good use of it as you revise. We will make course announcements when we add new items.

To score a high grade in A Level Politics, it is essential that you are able to draw upon up-to-date examples to illustrate the points you make when writing an essay. If you can explain and support your examples clearly, you will demonstrate a good understanding of key content to the examiner, as well as the ability to link debates and issues in the course with events in the real world.

Review Icon.png Review

The following ‘Example Banks’ are free resources from the tutor2u website, which explain recent political events and provide links to further reading. You should make good use of these as you complete your assignments and revision at the end of the course.

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Example Bank 10-03-2020 (tutor2u)

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Example Bank 10-02-2020 (tutor2u)

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Example Bank 14-01-2020 (tutor2u)

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Example Bank 16-12-2019 (tutor2u)

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Topical Examples 18-11-2019 (tutor2u)

Download EXPLORE - A Level Politics Topical Examples 4-11-2019 (tutor2u)

The following article pertains to the judiciary section of Global politics and helps answer questions around why the USA does not support, or recognise, the authority of the International Criminal Court.

Download READ - Trump’s Sanctions on the International Criminal Court Set a Dangerous Precedent (FP)

The tutor2u website has provided some seasonal PowerPoint quizzes for your enjoyment:

Download COMPLETE - A Level Politics Elections and Prime Ministers Trivia Quiz (tutor2u)

Download COMPLETE - Politics News of the Year Quiz (tutor2u)

Download COMPLETE - Festive Celebs and Reality TV Edition Quiz (tutor2u)

Download COMPLETE - Festive Edition Quiz (tutor2u)

Download COMPLETE - Festive Music Edition Quiz (tutor2u)

Link Icon.png Links

  • The following page is the tutor2u Politics blog, which contains quizzes and activities you may like to try:

EXPLORE - Quizzes and Reviews of Recent Political Developments (tutor2u) Links to an external site.

  • The following article is relevant for: devolution and the constitution, including the rule of law, executive power, the judiciary and judicial review, separation of powers and checks and balances:

READ – SNP Accuses No 10 of Endangering Acts of Union with Judicial Review Inquiry (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The following article explores the role of Parliament in the time of Covid-19 and raises questions about judicial neutrality. Lady Hale made comments when also sitting as a member of the Supreme Court on Brexit and now, when retired, is intervening to point out the erosion of Parliament’s authority.

READ – Parliament Surrendered Role Over Covid Emergency Laws, Says Lady Hale (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • This article is helpful on the subject of the judiciary and executive power:

READ – UK Needs Judges to Limit Government Power, Says Lord Kerr (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The following blog post discusses excessive executive power. This could easily be the focus of an exam question, so make sure you read the post, and the article from The Guardian included within it.

READ – Do We Have Prime Ministerial or Cabinet Government? The Case of Boris Johnson (tutor2u) Links to an external site.

  • The following article provides useful information on the changing relationship between the executive (PM and Cabinet) and Parliament and is useful for Paper 2:

READ – Should the House of Commons Take Back Control of the Agenda? (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • For anyone who cannot access the BBC materials above, you will find the following website helpful. This is also a great source of extension material for anyone hoping to study Politics at university:

EXPLORE – The Constitution Unit (University College London) Links to an external site.

  • The following article is an example for Global Politics or not, of the international courts, and the status of international law. This is very helpful for Topics 15.2 and 15.3. Although stemming from 1968 and the Vietnam and the Cold War era, this issue is ongoing. Will the UK comply?

READ – UN Court Rejects UK Claim to Chagos Island in Favour of Mauritius (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The following is a useful example for Global Politics on the powers, or not, of the international courts, and the status of international law. This is helpful for Topics 15.2 and 15.3. Although stemming from 1968 and the Vietnam & Cold War era, this issue is ongoing – will the UK comply? 

READ – UN Court Rejects UK Claim to Chagos Islands in Favour of Mauritius (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • This link provides updates on the powers, or not, status and current controversies surrounding the operation of the International Criminal Court. The ICC can prosecute individuals​ even if they are from countries which have NOT signed up to the ICC – most notable non-signatories being the USA and Israel.

READ – ICC Rules it Can Investigate Alleged War Crimes in Palestine Despite Israeli Objections (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The following link is useful for ongoing controversies, the status of international law and post-colonialism. The International Court of Justice has already 'found against' the UK in its 'displacement' – i.e. the forced removal of the Chagos Islanders. The ICJ is operating at a state​ level, rather than against individuals. Even as a state party​ – a signatory to the ICC treaty – the UK seeks to avoid the jurisdiction of the court. Will the UK, as a signatory, cooperate with any future judgement by the ICC?  

READ – UK's ‘Colonial' Stance Over Chagos Islands Could Derail Court Bid (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • For this syllabus, you are expected to know the following:
    • Key milestones in the widening of the franchise in relation to class, gender, ethnicity and age, including the 1832 Great Reform Act and the 1918, 1928 and 1969 Representation of the People Acts.
    • The work of the suffragists/suffragettes to extend the franchise.
  • The following link is a very useful one to explore, both for the topics above (under ‘Women in Parliament’) and also for a virtual tour of Parliament (under ‘Parliament Tour’) whilst a real one is not possible:

EXPLORE - House of Parliament 360 Tour (UK Parliament) Links to an external site.

  • See also the following on judicial review which relates to judicial review and rights in the syllabus. The right to challenge the government in court may be limited by these changes.

READ – Right to Challenge Government in Courts Overhauled (BBC) Links to an external site.

READ - Do New Laws Mean an Early General Election is Likely? (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • The following article is helpful for Topic 8.3: The Powers of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to Dictate Events and Determine Policy. What do the U-turns of the Johnson government tell us about the power of the PM (the relative power of 'events')?

READ – Charge … Retreat! Boris Johnson’s Top U-Turns in No 10 (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The appalling conflict in the Ukraine provides an ongoing case study in the viability, authority and power of regional and international political institutions (and the scope of international law).

READ – Russia Quits Council of Europe Rights Watchdog (Reuters) Links to an external site.

  • We note that Greece, from 1969-1976, suffered the same fate, forced out of the C. of E. but now is a full member of the Council of Europe and vocal in its support for human rights and the rule of law. 
  • Also, by formally withdrawing, Russian re-admission would be a much simpler process (hopefully) in the future – it can re-join as Greece did. 
  • This concerns Module and Assignment 18, and possible exam questions on the efficacy, authority and scope of regional political groupings, the EU, ASEAN, MERCOSUR and others compared.
  • All candidate states for joining the EU must first join the Council of Europe. 
  • Among the key tests and 'chapters' to be satisfied before membership are the  respect for human rights and the rule of law – the key test here being the use of judicial capital punishment. 
  • Therefore, geographic position notwithstanding, the USA could not join the Council of Europe. 
  • If Russia were to re-introduce the death penalty, it would disbar it from membership of the Council of Europe. 
  • Belarus has never been a member of the Council. Read the following article from Human Rights Watch:

READ – Belarus: Events of 2019 (Human Rights Watch) Links to an external site.

  • The following article is a helpful summary of important facts about the Conservative leadership contest. It is useful for Topic 2.2: The Established Political Parties. It explains the policies of the final two candidates and the process for electing the new leader.

READ – Conservative Leadership Candidates Compared: Liz Truss vs. Rishi Sunak (BBC News) Links to an external site.

  • This article considers the potential parliamentary disputes relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and the objections to the Bill from some members of the Lords. It is especially useful for Topic 7.4: The Ways in Which Parliament Interacts with the Executive.

READ – Liz Truss’ first big parliamentary battle? Brexit (Of Course) (Politico) Links to an external site.

  • You may find it helpful to understand a bit more about the rise in energy prices and how this has affected the UK, as this is a key issue that the new Prime Minister will face. The BBC website below has a helpful summary of the situation. It is especially useful for Topic 8.3: The Powers of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to Dictate Events and Determine Policy.

READ – What is the Energy Price Cap and How High Will Bills Go? (BBC News) Links to an external site.

  • In relation to Topic 16.2: International Action on Climate Change, if you want to keep up to date with developments relating to COP27, you may find this website useful:

EXPLORE – COP27 Home (COP27) Links to an external site.

  • The following publication measures ‘soft power’ in a specific way and is useful for Topic 17.1: Global Power – Types and Levels.

EXPLORE – 2022 HEPI Soft-Power Index: UK Slips Further Behind the US For the Fifth Year Running (HEPI) Links to an external site.

  • The briefing paper below describes the constitutional and ceremonial events that followed the Accession of King Charles III on 8th September 2022. It is useful for Topic 6.1: The Nature and Sources of the UK Constitution. 

READ – The Accession of King Charles III (House of Commons Library) Links to an external site.

  • The following article is a short and accessible opinion piece on the Truss premiership, linking it to the content in Topic 8.3: The Powers of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to Dictate Events and Determine Policy and Topic 9.2: The Relationship Between the Executive and Parliament. Note: Several of the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s policies are expected to be confirmed in the autumn statement on 17 November.

READ – The End of “Elective Dictatorships”? (tutor2u) Links to an external site.

  • The web page below summarises the ongoing uncertainty in Northern Ireland with respect to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is useful for Topic 6.3: The Role and Powers of Devolved Bodies in the UK, and the Impact of this Devolution on the UK.

READ – Q&A: Is Northern Ireland going back to the polls? (BBC News) Links to an external site.

  • The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, set out his five priorities for 2023 in a Downing Street speech on 4th January. Have a look at these priorities and the speech itself in the context of Topic 2.2: The Established Political Parties. 

READ – Prime Minister Outlines His Five Key Priorities For 2023 (Gov.UK) Links to an external site.

  • This article contains some discussion of Reform UK and is therefore useful for Topic 2.3: Emerging and Minor UK Political Parties and for Assignment 2.

READ – ‘We Didn’t Vote for This’: Anger Over Brexit Failures is Haunting the Tories (Observer) Links to an external site.

  • The ongoing news story around Nadhim Zahawi’s sacking as the Conservative Party Chairman is covered on the webpage below. You might find this useful for Topic 8.2: The Concept of Ministerial Responsibility.

READ – Nadhim Zahawi: Sunak Says He Handled Case Decisively (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • This article considers the issues raised over the secretary of state for Scotland triggering Section 35 of the Scotland Act in January 2023. It is useful for Topic 6.3 The Role and Powers of Devolved Bodies in the UK, and the Impact of this Devolution on the UK.

READ - Chris Mason: Section 35 - The Wire in Devolution Never Before Tripped (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • The news article below considers the reaction from some Conservative and opposition MPs in January 2023 over the government's Retained EU Law Bill. This is useful for Topic 9.3: The Aims, Role and Impact of the European Union (EU) on the UK Government.

READ – Brexit: Clash Looms Over Plan to Scrap EU-Derived Laws (BBC) Links to an external site.

  • This short video gives a view on the outcomes of the COP27 conference.

WATCH – COP27: Does it Go Far Enough? Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 2.3: Emerging and Minor UK Political Parties. Humza Yousaf was elected the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on 28th March 2023. Read more about the challenges facing the new leader here:

READ – What Challenges Await the New SNP Leader and First Minister of Scotland? (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 15.2: International Judicial Institutions and Their Effectiveness. On 17th March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read about the reasons for this on the website below:

READ – ICC judges issue arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes in Ukraine (Reuters) Links to an external site.

  •  This is useful for Topic 16.1: Climate Change. The IPCC released its ‘synthesis report’, the final part of its sixth assessment report on climate change, on 20th March 2023. Read some analysis of its findings here:

READ – Scientists Deliver ‘Final Warning’ on Climate Crisis: Act Now or It’s Too Late (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 1.1: Current Systems of Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy in the UK. Changes to voting rules mean that photo ID will be needed for most elections from May, and for UK general elections from October. The following blog explains the change and considers its implications:

READ – Voter ID and Democracy (Tutor2U) Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 1.3: Pressure Groups and Other Influences. The latest case study on the Pre-Chewed Politics website looks at recent developments at the CBI and considers whether these have changed the status of this pressure group. Note: login details for this website are available in the General Resources section.

READ – Has One of the UK’s Biggest ‘Insider’ Pressure Groups Become an ‘Outsider’? (PreChewed Politics) Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 9.3: The Aims, Role and Impact of the European Union (EU) on the UK Government. The article below gives an update on the government's plans relating to EU Law (the Retained EU Law Bill) and discusses the implications of the latest developments:

READ – Will Rishi Sunak’s Brexit Bonfire U-turn Further Divide the Tories? (The New European) Links to an external site.

  • This is useful for Topic 17.3: Systems of Government and Their Impact. The article below explains the origins of the Sudan conflict and discusses its significance:

READ – Sudan Conflict: Why is There Fighting and What is at Stake in the Region? (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

  • The following resource is useful for Module Two: Political Parties. Local elections (in district councils, metropolitan boroughs and unitary authorities) took place across England on 4th May, 2023. The Conservatives lost control of more than 40 councils, and more than 1,000 Conservative council seats changed hands. The results are summarised here:

READ – Local Elections 2023: In Maps and Charts (BBC News) Links to an external site.

  • The following Tutor2U blogs explore the significance of these May 2023 local elections for minor parties, focusing on the differing fortunes of the Green Party and Reform UK. This is useful for Topic 2.3: Emerging and Minor UK Political Parties.

READ – A Major Step Forward for the Greens? (Tutor2U) Links to an external site.

READ – Differing Fortunes for UK Minor Parties (Tutor2U) Links to an external site.

  • This resource is helpful for Module Two: Political Parties. There is currently lots of speculation about what might happen in the next UK General Election, which is due no later than January 2025. You might like to keep an eye on Politico’s ‘Poll of Polls’, which tracks changes in public opinion by aggregating data from multiple sources:

EXPLORE – Poll of Polls – United Kingdom (Politico) Links to an external site.

  • The latest case study on the Pre-Chewed Politics website looks at the impact of the House of Lords on the Public Order Act (2023). This is useful for Topic 7.2: The Comparative Powers of the House of Commons and House of Lords. N.B. Login details for this website are available in the General Resources section.

READ – How much impact did the House of Lords have on the Public Order Act 2023? (Pre-Chewed Politics) Links to an external site.

  • In May 2023, Ghana received a $3bn IMF loan to help address its economic crisis. The following article considers the background to this loan and the conditions attached to it. This is helpful for Topic 14.1: The IMF and World Bank.

READ – Ghana IMF Loan: Will $3bn Solve the Economic Crisis? (BBC News) Links to an external site.

  • This article is useful for Topic 17.3: Systems of Government and their Impact. In May 2023, President Erdogan of Turkey won the Turkish Presidential Election. Details of the outcome are outlined here:

READ – Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Wins Turkish Presidential Election (The Guardian) Links to an external site.