Naomi Smith
Latest content from Naomi
The improved UK-France relationship must deliver tangible gains
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron's warm words for one another must yield concrete results. If not, it is their far-right rivals who will benefit. First published by Politics Home.One year of Labour and Europe — why the government must go further on EU reset
One year on and Labour finds itself amid the aftermath of a bruising rebellion over welfare reforms, cratering approval ratings, and the spectre of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK waiting in the wings. However, when it comes to Europe — and the central importance of our largest and closest trading partners to the UK’s economic prosperity — the government, quietly and unobtrusively, has so far ticked most, if not all, of the boxes.After a hat-trick of U-turns, trade deals remain a source of credibility for Starmer but people must feel the benefits soon
Thursday’s new trade strategy shows the government understands what’s required to move the economic dial. But the public needs to feel the benefits at home. They need to see that our relationship with the EU is not just warmer, but mutually beneficial and materially improving their lives.Starmer's Euro Vision - New UK-EU trade deal gets douze points for diplomacy, but less for growth
While this deal may ease tensions and smooth select trade flows, it’s no game-changer for the UK economy. Not yet.Starmer’s strategy is back to front - the trade deal we need isn’t with the US
Our most important defence ally is the United States, our largest trading partner is the European Union. Yet somehow, we are chasing better trade terms with America while seeking stronger military ties with Europe.Do not tolerate the intolerant
Tomorrow marks UNESCO’s International Day for Tolerance - a celebration of embracing diversity, inclusion and education. But in an increasingly polarised world, we must stand firm and never tolerate intolerance.Don’t rage against the Trump machine – capitalise on its weaknesses
There can’t be many in Labour celebrating Trump’s return to the White House but perversely, that Republican victory could be the making of Starmer’s premiership if he seeks out the opportunities that will arise.Scottish voters are the most Pro-European in Britain, they should have influence beyond opposition benches
The next UK Government will have the unprecedented opportunity and responsibility to rebuild the UK-EU relationship and as the most pro-European nation in the UK, the bulk of the Scottish electorate must be represented in the halls of power.The Greens have reason to hate it, but tactical voting is more important than ever
“It’s not easy bein’ green” - a 1970 hit for Kermit the Frog and a truism in British politics. Despite enjoying sustained and widespread support, the Green Party have been consistently and almost completely frustrated by our outdated electoral system.Annus Horribilis, one year of Rishi Sunak
As his rapidly diminishing group of friends don paper hats, blow up balloons and grab last minute cards from the corner-shop to celebrate this most ignominious anniversary, what does Sunak credibly have to celebrate after 365 days holding office?The Election has started...
Labour's monumental wins in the two by-elections held last night have rightly energised those who believe that a change at the top is critical to the future of our country...It matters that the Tories love Nigel Farage again. Look up the name Preston Manning, and you’ll see why
Both Manning and Farage demonstrate how our current “winner takes all” system can be used by the far right to spook moderate conservatives into normalising fringe views. If Labour wins the next election, it should take a look at the last 70 years of UK politics, 46 of which have had Conservative governments elected on a minority of votes, and weigh up if proportional representation may not serve both them and the country better.Even after Rishi’s car crash conference, he’s got a good shot of winning the election
For those watching Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party conference speech on Wednesday, you might have been surprised by his jubilant tone and overt confidence.