The UK general election resulted in a significant political shift, with the Conservative Party suffering its worst defeat and the Labour Party forming a government. The Green Party of England and Wales made notable gains, increasing their parliamentary representation from one to four seats, including in rural areas traditionally dominated by conservatives. The success is attributed to effective local campaigning, appealing candidates, and addressing key issues like environmental policies and public services. The article also highlights similar challenges faced by Green parties in France and Croatia, emphasizing the need to overcome urban biases and engage rural voters to counter the rise of far-right politics.

The article examines the challenges faced by Green parties in Europe following their initial surge in popularity, particularly in northwestern Europe. Despite entering government coalitions in several countries, the Greens have struggled to maintain voter support, with electoral losses attributed to compromises made while in power and a lack of the extraordinary youth and climate mobilization seen in 2019. The piece questions whether it is beneficial for Greens to join governments if it means compromising their values, suggesting that a focus on both social and climate policies is essential for maintaining influence. The article highlights the need for Green parties to effectively communicate their achievements and recognize when to withdraw from government if their goals are not met.

In response to the Israeli strikes on Beirut, the Beirut Marathon Association has shifted its focus from organizing marathons to providing humanitarian aid, supporting over 1.2 million displaced individuals. The organization collaborates with local entities to offer shelter, food, and mental health support, particularly for children. Other local groups, like Seenaryo, are also actively involved in relief efforts, providing education and essentials to those affected. Despite the community's resilience, international aid remains crucial as the humanitarian crisis deepens with the approaching winter.

The article criticizes Labour's decision to maintain the two-child benefit cap, a policy introduced by George Osborne, arguing it perpetuates child poverty and incurs long-term social and economic costs. It highlights the detrimental effects of poverty on children's development and future prospects, emphasizing the need for immediate action to lift children out of poverty. The article calls for Labour to invest in social policies to prevent further poverty-related issues, such as poor educational outcomes and increased likelihood of entering the criminal justice system. It urges Labour to scrap the cap to improve the lives of children and reduce future financial burdens on the state.

The Green Party's popularity among British Muslims has surged, leading to significant electoral gains. However, the party faces challenges in maintaining this support, as past surges have been followed by declines. Key factors influencing Muslim voter support include the party's stance on Gaza and dissatisfaction with Labour's policies. The Green Party is working to consolidate its gains by engaging with Muslim communities and addressing their concerns. Competition from other parties and the need for strategic alliances are also highlighted as potential challenges. The upcoming elections will test the resilience of the Green Party's new support base.

Cybercriminal networks have evolved from simple phishing schemes to sophisticated, business-like operations. Ransomware as a service allows these networks to outsource specialized tasks, operating similarly to tech startups. Experts like Satnam Narang from Tenable highlight how these groups have structured their operations to include recruitment, marketing, and development, making them more effective and dangerous.

The UK is facing a care crisis exacerbated by austerity and neoliberal policies, leading to increased competition for scarce resources and worsening conditions for both care providers and recipients. The article argues for a shift from privatisation to solidarity, emphasizing the need for sustainable care infrastructures and intergenerational support. It highlights the detrimental effects of marketisation in the care sector, including the exploitation of low-paid workers and the financialization of care services. The proposed solution involves radical reforms towards universal basic services and wealth redistribution to create a more equitable and sustainable care system.

The article examines the frequent failures of large digital transformation projects in the UK public sector, highlighting issues such as unrealistic expectations, poor planning, and the influence of private sector providers. It discusses the challenges faced by projects like the digitization of the British courts and Birmingham City Council's IT system, Oracle, which led to financial losses. Experts like Owen Pritchard and Mark Thompson emphasize the need for proper stakeholder management and flexible contracts. The National Audit Office suggests equipping leaders with the right skills to mitigate risks associated with digital projects.

Conservative complacency has led to the deterioration of schools in England, exemplifying a period of private wealth and public decay. The abandonment of Labour's 2003 initiative to refurbish all secondary schools by the Tories in 2010 has left educational infrastructure in disrepair. This neglect is part of a broader pattern of austerity that has also resulted in the loss of vital bus services in the West Country, associated with Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, and the cutting of support for carers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

European cities are leading a push for drug policy reform, with a focus on decriminalization and legal regulation. Amsterdam's Green Mayor Femke Halsema called for the legal regulation of cocaine, reflecting a growing international movement for reform. A conference in Amsterdam explored potential routes to legal regulation, contrasting with the costly and ineffective war on drugs. The EU continues to aim for drug trade eradication, despite high drug availability and organized crime control. Green and Labour parties in the Netherlands advocate for legalizing soft drugs, while Germany has legalized cannabis for personal use. Portugal's decriminalization policy has led to public health improvements. The European Green Party supports a science-based approach to cannabis law. The Green Party of England and Wales proposes full legal regulation of all drugs. The article suggests that meaningful change requires a cultural shift and acknowledges the challenges posed by the rise of far-right parties in Europe.