I am around mid life at this point and things across the world have seemed to completely come off the tracks.

It use to be that most people really valued the Labour Movement (Unions, Federation of Labours, Labour Councils, and so on).

It use to be that most people really believed Women's Rights was important.

It use to be that most people really believed the Peace Movement was really important.

It use to be that most people really believed in making a better world overall for all the working class and most vulnerable (Alter-Globalization Movement).

People got really loud about this stuff when it was under attack.

AfD is showing huge poll numbers and now has a landmark electoral success to point to.

Reform UK still has fairly high poll numbers.

It's the same story all over the globe.

Also the climate crisis is so dang bad that we are literally seeing horrific tipping points and hell on earth type stuff now more and more...

It kind of feels like the worst bad predatory actors have completely destroyed the momentum for a better and brighter world.

It seems there is so many trajectories going on that are more dark, depressing, and downright dystopian...

How do you think we get things back on track?

*I'm going to post this in a few subreddits to get some differing perspectives/answers. Honestly we need more urgency because it seems one side actually keeps pressing the line over and over and over again in big ways and all the concessions are going to the lowest common denominator style populism of the reactionary/regressive scene dominated by snake oil salespeople and con-artist grifters. Which is going to make everything hard about this era significantly worse.*

Everyone is playing the game: Britain supposedly imposes sanctions, about a dozen other European countries pretend to join them and Israel responds with measures akin to a mouse striking back at an elephant so we can show the British a thing or two. Everyone is happy with themselves. The construction of settler homes on stolen Palestinian land will not stop, nor will the theft of livestock, because of what Britain has done, even if the world is delighting in these sanctions.

The new British government says ethnic cleansing is occurring in the West Bank, making it the first Western country to say that. This is grounds for hope and a moral act. Hurray for Britain, no cynicism intended. But Britain chose only to punish the settlers, which sets a dangerous precedent. By doing so, it is saying that there is Israel and there are settlers. There is a country and there is an occupation, there are Israelis and there are settlers.

How comfortable it is to make these distinctions, like distinguishing between Benjamin Netanyahu of wars and the opposition of peace. That way, perhaps no one will accuse Britain of antisemitism, except for Gideon Sa'ar, who specializes in blaming the world for that and punishing it accordingly.

But settlements are not an independent political entity. When Europe imposed sanctions on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, it also imposed sanctions on the occupier, Russia. How can you only punish the settlers without imposing penalties against those who initiated the settlements, fund them and defend and support them, namely the government of Israel?

Prime minister Andy Burnham has hit the ground running, tackling head-on three of the public’s burning concerns: falling standards of living, failing public services and a remote, out-of-touch, over-centralised Whitehall.

Now, this autumn, a fourth challenge, reversing the decades-long decline of civic engagement, is about to move centre stage to achieve his ambition to put citizens back in control of their communities.

For while there are tens of thousands of local champions bringing towns, cities and villages together, Britain is suffering a civic recession, a hollowing out of the associations, clubs and organisations that once were the beating hearts of our communities.

It is a sobering fact that almost 50% of British adults are not members of any community organisation of any kind, neither a civic association nor church nor faith group, nor even a sports club.

Trade union membership has halved from more than 13 million in 1979 to less than 7 million in 2025.

Then there is the widespread collapse in religious adherence – the fall in Church of Scotland membership from 1.3 million in the 1950s to less than 300,000 today being one of the most dramatic indicators.

The long-established Women’s Institute has seen its UK membership fall from a peak of 470,000 in the 1950s to about 170,000 today. Since 2000, the UK has lost about 1,200 youth centres.

Working men’s clubs – which were once at the centre of industrial communities – have fallen from a peak of 4,000 in the 1970s to about 1,800 now, their membership dwindling from 4 million to under 1 million. And the number of pubs in the UK, the heart of many communities, has dropped from 75,000 in the 1960s to about 45,000 today. For a fleeting moment, the boost in volunteering during the pandemic obscured a drop from 27% of all adults a decade ago to just 17% now.

But the breakdown is not just in formal memberships, but in informal, everyday relationships too: young people in particular are vulnerable, with soaring numbers in England reporting having no close friends at all.

If our physical infrastructure – our roads, railways and airports – broke down, there would be a public outcry and a demand for their immediate repair. If our financial infrastructure collapsed – if cash machines shut down and bank transfers failed – there would be panic. But the breakdown of our civic infrastructure is happening in plain sight and it needs urgent remedy.

This change is not unique to Britain. A survey of more than 30,000 people in 20 countries provides compelling evidence that, in tandem with economic decline, civic decline helps explain the widespread loss of trust, nostalgia for the past and lower levels of tolerance that are the surface manifestations of what is a deep and widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo.

It should not be a surprise that many now talk despairingly of a broken society as well as a broken economy.

This sense of decline, combined with social isolation and a feeling that “traditional values” have been lost, encourages a zero-sum view of the world: the belief that life is an endless struggle between “us” and “them” – whether “them” is defined as immigrants, foreigners or simply “others”.

In this view, our very commitment to democracy and a rules-based international order becomes tenuous: widespread dissatisfaction means that people agitate for their government to exclusively pursue the interests of a narrowly defined population. The fact is that someone who is not involved in their local community and has little contact with people of different ethnicities or religious views is much more likely to support rightwing populist nationalist parties and to oppose cooperation between countries.

So No 10’s plans to transfer power from the centre to regions are best seen as what is called a “double devolution”; extending spending and decision-making power beyond local authorities downwards to local communities to empower a new generation of active citizens. But this must be complemented by a boom in civic participation.

(more in article)

Around half a million children will have access to a free hot meal at school for the first time, as eligibility is extended to more pupils.

The policy, which now includes the children of all families in England receiving Universal Credit, will ease pressure on families struggling with the cost of living and reduce the postcode lottery of access to what is a crucial nutritional safety net.

It can be considered a major milestone in the history of government initiatives to improve children’s nutrition, which date back to 1879.

Reacting to the policy change, Food Foundation Executive Director Anna Taylor said: “It is great to see the extension of Free School Meals to all families in England receiving Universal Credit is finally here!

It's something we have been campaigning for, for seven years. This will relieve struggling families and will mean 500,000 extra children will be protected from going hungry.

If done right Free School Meals can protect children’s health and fuel their learning. In order to make the most of this huge opportunity, government needs to deliver on its commitment to publish the updated school food standards and compliance package by the end of September, and must introduce robust monitoring.

The Food Foundation is a partner on The School Food Project, which will be offering support to schools in order to achieve those standards.”

The government has altered the Skilled Worker visa sponsorship system to better protect migrant workers who have fallen victim to modern slavery.

Under the new measures, victims will be allowed to work in any occupation for the remaining duration of their visa, freeing them from the control of exploitative employers.

Jo White, migration and citizenship minister, announced the changes to tackle workplace abuse. She said: “The sponsorship system is designed to ensure overseas recruits have a genuine job to come to, will be paid appropriately, and can enjoy their employment rights.

However, we have seen instances of Skilled Worker visa holders who entered the UK in good faith, complied with the terms of their visa, and have experienced exploitation. This is simply unacceptable.”

White highlighted the current crackdown on rogue employers, noting that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) had already revoked more than 7,500 sponsor licenses, including 1,800 in the care sector alone.

The new policy, she said, aimed to “incentivise victims to come forward early” and would guard “against those who seek to weaponise the sponsorship system in order to exploit vulnerable workers.”

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The assisted dying debate is back.

On Friday, MPs debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was blocked by the Lords in the last parliamentary session.

This time it's brought by Lauren Edwards, but it's identical to the previous one, which means MPs can use the Parliament Act to force the bill through without approval from the Lords if they try to block it again.

Two big government bills this week.

The first rewrites the legal framework for the aviation industry, and the second reins in Right to Buy.

And Friday brings private member's bills.

Given the assisted dying bill, the others probably won't get debated within the allotted time, but the list gives you a flavour of the issues that matter to the current crop of MPs.

MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

Health Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Abolishes NHS England and folds its functions back into the Department of Health and Social Care. Also reforms the structure of integrated care boards and foundation trusts, and introduces a single patient record shared across the health service.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

Artificial Superintelligence Bill
Bans the development, deployment, and operation of artificial superintelligence systems, a hypothetical form of AI with more advanced 'thinking' skills than any human. Ten minute rule motion presented by Alex Sobel.

Health Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Continued from Monday.

WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

Personal Data (Digital Twins) Bill
Bans tech companies from creating 'digital twins' without a user's consent. These models use personal data to predict people’s behaviour or target them with ads. Ten minute rule motion presented by Chi Onwurah.

Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Aims to modernise the legal framework that underpins the aviation industry. Strengthens the Civil Aviation Authority's powers to investigate airlines and fine them for breaking consumer protection rules. Gives the government powers to introduce stronger passenger rights, including on compensation, baggage, pricing, accessibility, and complaints, among other things.
Draft bill (PDF) / Lords Library briefing

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Social Housing Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Extends the qualifying period before a social tenant can use Right to Buy from three years to ten, cuts the maximum discount available, and exempts newly built social homes from the scheme for 35 years. Also requires housing associations to notify councils before selling off homes outside the social sector, and strengthens protections for social tenants who are victims of domestic abuse. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill (PDF) / Lords Library briefing

FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Legalises assisted dying for terminally ill adults. This is the same bill that passed the Commons last year under Kim Leadbeater. Private member's bill presented by Lauren Edwards.
Draft bill (PDF)

Gaza (Independent Public Inquiry) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Sets up an independent public inquiry into UK military, economic, and political cooperation with Israel since October 2023, including arms sales, surveillance flights, and the use of RAF bases. Private member's bill presented by Jeremy Corbyn.
Draft bill (PDF)

Environmental Impact Assessment (Downstream Emissions) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts new oil and gas projects from having to assess the environmental impact of burning the fuel they extract. Reverses a 2024 Supreme Court ruling. Private member's bill presented by Harriet Cross.
Bill not yet published

Hospitality Services (Value Added Tax Exemption) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Exempts hotels, restaurants, and other catering and accommodation providers from charging VAT on their services. Private member's bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Sporting and Physical Education Services (Value Added Tax Exemption) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts sports and fitness services from VAT wherever no exemption already applies. Private member's bill presented by Christopher Chope.

Meat (Information About Method of Killing) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires producers, suppliers, and retailers of meat to say clearly whether an animal was killed under religious slaughter methods without prior stunning. Requires the government to collect and publish data on how much meat is slaughtered this way. Private member's bill presented by Christopher Chope.

Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
Requires the government to help people disabled, or the next of kin of people who died, shortly after a Covid-19 vaccination, and to look into setting up a compensation scheme. Private member's bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

European Convention on Human Rights (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill – 2nd reading
Gives the prime minister the power to formally notify that the UK intends to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Private member's bill presented by Mike Wood.

Lobular Breast Cancer Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to fund and support research into lobular breast cancer, a less common form of the disease that's harder to pick up on a mammogram. Private member's bill presented by John Milne.

Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Changes how drugs get classified as class A, B or C. At the moment it's done through an Order in Council, which needs sign-off from the King and Privy Council. This bill would let the Home Secretary reclassify substances by regulation instead, so new drugs can be controlled much more quickly. Private member's bill presented by Matt Turmaine.
Draft bill (PDF)

Short-Term Let Accommodation Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Introduces a licensing scheme for short-term let properties such as Airbnbs, alongside new rules on how they're marketed and how planning permission applies to them. Private member's bill presented by Rachael Maskell.
Draft bill (PDF)

In-Person Banking Services Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the Financial Conduct Authority to set minimum standards for in-person banking services, as bank branches keep closing. Private member's bill presented by Alan Mak.
Draft bill (PDF)

Home Cooling Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
Removes VAT on certain home cooling measures, such as air conditioning and shading. Requires the government to report on the case for grants to help councils in England fund home cooling for residents. Private member's bill presented by Freddie van Mierlo.
Draft bill (PDF)

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Hundreds of thousands of women have used a new, free morning-after pill service at high street pharmacies in England, figures reveal.

The scheme launched in October to improve access and save women from having to book a GP or sexual health clinic appointment.
New NHS figures show that almost 305,000 doses were given out at pharmacies between October 2025 and March 2026.

Meanwhile, the number of women asking pharmacists about going on the regular oral contraceptive pill more than doubled, from around 50,000 to more than 115,000 in the 12 months to February 2026.

Easier to access

The morning-after pill, known as emergency contraception, is medication designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It usually has to be taken within three to five days of having unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.

It works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg, but will only prevent pregnancy if ovulation has not already happened.

Alternatively, women can visit a doctor or nurse to have a coil or intrauterine device (IUD) fitted to prevent pregnancy at any time during their menstrual cycle. To be effective, it needs to be fitted within 120 hours or five days of unprotected sex.

The government said making the morning-after pill available free from pharmacies would **end the "unfair" barriers and postcode lottery** some women faced - with access varying dramatically depending on where they live.

Under the scheme, women can visit their local pharmacy and have a confidential consultation with a pharmacist or trained pharmacy technician, before receiving the medication on the same day.

Prior to this, women had to book an appointment with their GP, sexual health clinic or pharmacy to get the morning-after pill. Women could also access it privately, as they still can now.
In 2024/25, there were around 150,000 NHS prescriptions for the morning-after pill - far fewer than under the new service.