Have we fallen out of love with Experts?
Current affairs appear to be rife with controversies at the present time, with both Brexit and Trump’s victories coming as surprising and opposing of experts’ predictions. Further to this, decisions have gone against experts’ recommendations, suggesting the public are consciously ignoring the advice of those claiming to have the most advanced knowledge of a subject. This ties in with the overall disengagement and disillusion the general public seem to be feeling towards all authoritative bodies. Michael Gove claimed people have ceased to see the value in trusting those boasting years of experience. While it does not seem pragmatic to suggest citizens should begin wading through scientific literature when a decision needs to be made, it does highlight the issue of detachment experts have, or are perceived to have by the people and hence our trust in them is diminishing.
Osbourne warns against Brexit without a Trade Deal
George Osbourne has warned that Brexit without a trade deal would be “the biggest act of protectionism in British history,” stating Britain cannot fully rely on actors outside of the EU post-Brexit. This comes as worries increase over whether European states will still want to trade with Britain after their defiant move to leave the EU community. While some suggest the act of leaving and rejecting the community will cause other member states to reject further dealings with Britain, others, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, have suggested Britain’s reputation and resources will ensure deals are made post-Brexit. Although Osbourne has spoken out in acceptance of the referendum’s result, he is persistent in stating without a proper agreement, the UK’s economy could take a substantial blow.
Britain’s new Super-Prison
HMP Berwyn is opening in Wrexham, having cost £250m to build, with a capacity of 2,016 it is England and Wales’ largest prison by over 500. This comes as pressure increases on the Prison service to find a solution to their overcrowding issue, with over 6000 assaults on staff and 105 suicides last year, it is evident more space is needed. This is the first of 9 more prisons expected to be open by 2020, following £1.3 billion investment by the Government in response to the HMP riots in Birmingham in 2016. Having said this, questions have been made regarding how much of a difference Berwyn will make, as other prisons, while officially have a lesser capacity, effectively are holding thousands more in their overflow. Thus, the issue of too many prisoners and nowhere to house them may continue beyond this new Super-prison.
Kim Jong-nam Killers Face Charges
Malaysian prosecutors have said 2 women are to be charged in connection with the killing of the estranged brother of North Korea’s leader. The 2 women, from Indonesia and Vietnam, would both face the death penalty if convicted of murder. The women claim they were taking part in a TV prank when they tarnished a large amount of the toxic nerve agent VX over Kim Jong-nam’s face in a Malaysian airport, killing him in 20 minutes. Though no decision has yet been made over the fate of Ri Jong Chol, a North Korean man who is also in custody. While these women are being charged under Section 302 of the penal code, there at least 10 other suspects currently being questioned; this shock incident has not been unpicked quite yet.