https://commentcentral.co.uken-ukCopyright 2023https://commentcentral.co.uk2026-02-21T20:41:24+00:00https://commentcentral.co.uk/wales-is-paying-for-englands-railways-that-should-end-nowhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/wales-is-paying-for-englands-railways-that-should-end-nowPoliticsAnn Davis]]> Since being elected to represent Caerfyrddin, the journey from west Wales to Westminster has become part of my weekly routine; 200 miles east on a Monday, home again on a Thursday, always by train. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/welfare-expert-from-the-rspcas-companion-animals-departmenthttps://commentcentral.co.uk/welfare-expert-from-the-rspcas-companion-animals-departmentEnvironmentAlice Potter]]> In January, the Netherlands took a decisive step to improve feline welfare by banning the breeding of cats bred with folded ear cartilage, such as Scottish folds, or hairlessness, including sphynxes. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/fairness-has-a-cost-reimagining-universalism-in-scotlandhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/fairness-has-a-cost-reimagining-universalism-in-scotlandPoliticsJeremy Balfour MSP]]> Universalism has long been one of the defining features of Scotland’s approach to public policy. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/its-a-cancer-plan-worth-welcoming-but-only-if-it-is-deliveredhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/its-a-cancer-plan-worth-welcoming-but-only-if-it-is-deliveredHealthHelen Maguire]]> After years without a clear national strategy, England now has a comprehensive National Cancer Plan. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-missing-piece-of-the-uks-tech-puzzlehttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-missing-piece-of-the-uks-tech-puzzleDolores Saiz]]> The International Day of Women and Girls in Science always gives us pause to reflect. Yes, we are making progress in STEM to shrink the gender gap but it remains a chasm. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/trust-and-politicshttps://commentcentral.co.uk/trust-and-politicsSir Vince Cable]]> In the orgy of self-flagellation and recrimination which has followed the Epstein-Mandelson-Andrew exposures I have a simple practical question: what, as an ex-politician (and Mandelson’s ministerial successor), do I tell today’s students about this excruciating episode and its wider significance. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/when-do-scandals-bring-down-governmentshttps://commentcentral.co.uk/when-do-scandals-bring-down-governmentsPoliticsProfessor Paul Baines]]> On the 9th February 2026, Starmer and his government seriously wobbled, after Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar, called for his head. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/twenty-six-years-of-decline-why-welsh-education-needs-change-nowhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/twenty-six-years-of-decline-why-welsh-education-needs-change-nowEducationNatasha Asghar MP]]> Labour’s long-standing control over education has seen Wales consistently lag behind other parts of the UK in key measures such as literacy, numeracy and science. Over the past 26 years, Labour, enabled by Plaid Cymru, has delivered the lowest educational outcomes for young people anywhere in the UK. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/a-rudderless-government-why-u-turns-matterhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/a-rudderless-government-why-u-turns-matterPoliticsPeter Bedford MP]]> Every government has made U-turns, and governments will continue to make U-turns, and I’m not oblivious to the fact that the last Conservative Government made its fair share of rollbacks, and every time Labour were quick to point this out. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-world-is-testing-the-limits-of-humanitarian-lawhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-world-is-testing-the-limits-of-humanitarian-lawForeign AffairsSarah Champion MP]]> Last summer, the International Development Committee highlighted the huge global challenges facing international humanitarian law through permissive interpretations and a lack of compliance. Mon, 9 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000