Latest World News: “How old is your car”: the question facing the Conservatives
How old is your car? Usually a rude question in a fueled environment to attach graduated shame to aging cars. But, in Britain, this issue has gone from being a socially rude question to a deeply political one. This question was raised during the by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s constituency on the outskirts of London.
Of the three by-elections held, the Conservative Party was wiped out by miles out of two. They went from a massive majority in their hearts to losing by substantial margins. But they pretty much held on to Uxbridge and South Ruislip, winning by a slim margin of 495 votes.
This is where the cars drove the results. The Conservative candidate and the Labor leadership were in agreement on this. Labor leaders, with the exception of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whose unpopular policy of fine-tuning older, dirtier cars, everyone agrees, drove voters against the Labor candidate and gave Steve Tuckwell and the Conservative Party a victory no one expected.
These were cars reaching the middle age of around 18 years. It is widely believed that cars made in 2005 or later would meet the new emissions standards. To start, we would say that a significant number of people in the constituency of Uxbridge cannot afford to drive cars under the age of 18. And it’s not a particularly poor neighborhood, quite the contrary; it is far more prosperous than many others in Britain.
So we would say that millions of people across Britain cannot afford a car under the age of 18. This is quite different from the car demands that the Indian middle class faces. Cars of this age are simply not allowed to drive on the roads of Delhi.
In London under the emissions scheme you can still own and drive them even though it costs £12 a day. The age of a owned car is not necessarily a socially scientific standard of prosperity, but as a rough and ready guide it still says something.
A possible loophole in such rough indexation is that many Uxbridge voters own and drive newer cars but oppose the new emissions standards, which are Euro 4 for petrol cars, either on principle or in solidarity with less prosperous neighbours.
The Mayor of London’s office said extending the measure from August 29 would cut pollution by around 5%; reviewers said it would make no more than 1% difference. The emissions charge is already in place in the equivalent of the London Ring Road. The new move will take him further into the suburbs, where Londoners are increasingly moving, such as Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
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But enough of them believe that this broader decision would clean up bank accounts more than they could. Just why they believe it will require a census of the age of cars in the riding.
Labor doesn’t care because they lost, and the Tories don’t care because they won one way or another.
first publication: July 23, 2023, 08:00 HST
Last update: July 23, 2023, 08:00 HST
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.