Today's Editorials: Labor's UK Leadership Shift, US Political Fights, and Global Regulation Debates

23 juni 2026 — synthesising 35 editorials from 5 editorial boards.

UK Politics: Starmer's Exit and Burnham's Rise

The resignation of Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister has triggered a flurry of analysis regarding the future of the Labour Party and British politics. [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/the-guardian-view-on-labours-leadership-andy-burnham-has-a-story-he-must-also-have-a-plan) views Andy Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, as potentially providing the narrative vision that Starmer lacked, though it cautions he needs a concrete policy plan. [

The Conversation

](https://theconversation.com/andy-burnham-what-to-expect-from-the-uks-likely-next-prime-minister-285750) further explores Burnham's 'Manchesterism'—a platform emphasizing local control and 'business-friendly socialism'—alongside his 'Burnhamism' constitutional reform agenda. However, Simon Jenkins in [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/andy-burnham-prime-minister-labour-keir-starmer) criticizes Starmer's removal as a democratic betrayal, leaving Burnham in a precarious position. John Harris, also writing for [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/keir-starmer-prime-minister-resignation-labour-andy-burnham), attributes Starmer's unpopularity to his

US Constitutional and Legal Battles

The United States is currently grappling with several contentious legal and constitutional issues. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/can-you-un-impeach-a-president/) discusses the symbolic nature of expunging presidential impeachments, arguing that legislative efforts should focus on structural reforms to executive power instead of performative battles. In a scathing critique, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/35-retired-federal-judges-slam-trumps-laughable-defense-of-his-obviously-collusive-irs-settlement/) also highlights a legal brief from 35 retired federal judges who slam President Trump's IRS settlement as an 'obviously collusive fraud on the court,' calling for an investigation. Further, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/federal-court-strikes-down-subpoenas-of-minnesota-officials-on-anti-commandeering-grounds/) reports on a federal court striking down immigration-related subpoenas against Minnesota officials, upholding federalism by preventing the coercion of states into enforcing federal immigration laws. The same publication, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/compendium-of-writings-about-birthright-citizenship/), compiles writings arguing that Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship is unconstitutional. [

ProPublica

](https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-defying-congress-foreign-aid-usaid-vought-rubio-constitutional-crisis) accuses the Trump administration of illegally bypassing Congress by withholding and mismanaging foreign aid funds, calling it 'a huge grab of power.' Lastly, [

Mother Jones

](https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/06/celeste-maloy-phil-lyman-two-maga-diehards-are-fighting-over-whos-maga-enough-in-utah/) examines the internal friction within the Utah GOP, where a Trump-endorsed incumbent faces a Trump-pardoned insurgent, highlighting the complexities of loyalty within the MAGA movement. Within the judiciary, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/what-did-professor-barrett-think-about-smith/) traces Justice Barrett's stance on Employment Division v. Smith, suggesting her refusal to overrule it stems from deep-seated legal convictions formed early in her career.

Regulation and Free Speech Debates

Across the globe, there are ongoing debates regarding government regulation and its impact on free speech and individual liberties. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/settlement-as-to-california-law-prohibiting-anyone-from-sharing-lawfully-obtained-information-about-sealed-arrest-records/) reports on a settlement regarding a California law prohibiting the sharing of sealed arrest records, arguing it's an unconstitutional violation of press freedom. Another [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/6th-circuit-backs-ban-on-ohio-minors-using-social-media-without-parental-permission/) editorial criticizes the 6th Circuit's decision to uphold Ohio's social media parental consent law, viewing it as an unconstitutional burden on minors' and adults' First Amendment rights. In Texas, a magistrate judge has recommended allowing an independent journalist's lawsuit against county officials to proceed, as highlighted by [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/independent-journalists-lawsuit-against-west-texas-county-can-go-forward-recommends-magistrate-judge/), arguing against alleged First Amendment retaliation. Further challenging government overreach, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/nassau-county-n-y-buffer-zone-outside-houses-of-worship-struck-down/) praises the striking down of Nassau County's buffer zone outside houses of worship, seeing it as an overly broad restriction on free speech. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/boston-is-temporarily-legalizing-outdoor-drinking-for-the-world-cup-why-not-make-it-permanent/) also argues for the permanent legalization of outdoor drinking in Boston, citing the success of temporary World Cup measures and criticizing arbitrary restrictions. On public health matters, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/secret-emails-reveal-sketchy-tactics-in-california-public-healths-tobacco-ban-endgame/) accuses California public health officials of using deceptive tactics and taxpayer funds to lobby for a total tobacco prohibition. Meanwhile, [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/politician-present-bbc-radio-4-today-programme-michael-grade-gb-news) argues against Michael Grade's suggestion that politicians could host major news programs, stating it undermines media impartiality standards.

Economic Policy and Taxation Debates

Economic policies and taxation are central themes in today's global editorial conversation. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/podcast/2026/06/22/why-u-k-socialism-could-soon-be-americas-problem/) warns that the UK's socialist economic policies have led to stagnation, serving as a cautionary tale for the US. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/rich-americans-pay-a-higher-share-of-taxes-than-the-wealthy-in-most-countries/) also challenges the narrative of undertaxed wealthy Americans, arguing that the US tax system is highly progressive and advocating for broad tax cuts over increasing the burden on the rich. Reflecting on global economic developments, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/nuclear-inspectors/) critically evaluates progressive housing policies and highlights the transactional nature of the Trump administration's Middle East diplomacy, including potential nuclear inspections. On a domestic note, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/brickbat-taking-a-bite/) highlights allegations of government overreach and harassment against a small business by local officials in Georgia, raising concerns about regulatory burden on enterprises. Lastly, [

The Conversation

](https://theconversation.com/keir-starmer-resigns-can-anyone-survive-as-prime-minister-in-todays-britain-275617) argues that structural polarization and fragmented coalitions make the UK prime ministership increasingly difficult to sustain, contributing to economic instability.

Innovation and Scientific Discoveries

Advances in science and technology are also making headlines today. [

Mother Jones

](https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2026/06/general-motors-gm-peak-energy-sodium-ion-battery-storage-technology-development/) reports on GM's investment in sodium-ion battery technology, seeing it as a vital, safer, and cost-effective supplement to lithium-ion for large-scale energy storage. From the natural world, [

The Conversation

](https://theconversation.com/this-tiny-australian-spider-uses-a-high-powered-web-catapult-to-trap-and-eat-aggressive-ants-285700) details the discovery of an Australian spider species that uses a high-powered web catapult to trap aggressive ants, highlighting unique evolutionary adaptations.

Social and Cultural Commentary

Commentary on social and cultural shifts is also forming part of the editorial landscape. [

Mother Jones

](https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/06/the-southern-baptist-convention-was-going-mainstream-then-the-christian-nationalists-weighed-in/) warns that the Southern Baptist Convention is being overtaken by radical Christian nationalists aiming to weaponize the denomination for right-wing political ends. [

The Conversation

](https://theconversation.com/guide-to-the-classics-sigmund-freuds-the-interpretation-of-dreams-gave-us-psychoanalysis-279462) reflects on the enduring legacy of Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams, arguing it remains a literary and psychological masterwork that redefined our understanding of the mind. [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/the-guardian-view-on-the-death-of-carlo-ginzburg-a-historian-who-taught-us-to-think-about-outsiders) mourns the death of historian Carlo Ginzburg, noting his microhistorical focus on the marginalized provides vital lessons for resisting modern authoritarianism. In education, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/how-to-assess-ai-aided-students/) advocates for a return to oral examinations to combat AI-enabled cheating, ensuring academic integrity. Additionally, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/justice-scalias-message-to-law-school-faculty/) reflects on Justice Scalia's message to law school faculty, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and teaching over academic research.

Geopolitics and International Relations

On the international front, geopolitics and foreign relations are attracting significant attention. [

Reason

](https://reason.com/2026/06/22/nuclear-inspectors/) reports on a potential breakthrough in Middle East peace talks, where Iran may readmit nuclear inspectors in exchange for sanctions relief, reflecting the Trump administration's transactional approach to foreign policy. Valérie Hayer, writing for [

The Guardian

](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/22/iceland-eu-brussels-rigid-rules), argues that the EU should prioritize Iceland's membership to strengthen its geopolitical standing, particularly regarding security and Arctic policy. Looking back at historical conflicts, [

Reason

](https://reason.com/volokh/2026/06/22/my-grandfathers-account-of-the-early-days-of-germanys-attack-on-the-soviet-union-in-world-war-ii/) recounts a personal history from World War II, highlighting the logistical failures and political brutality of the Soviet Union's wartime leadership. Lastly, [

Mother Jones

](https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/06/trump-algae-reflecting-pool-lincoln-memorial-paint-chips-repair/) critiques the Trump administration's failed infrastructure project at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, portraying it as a metaphor for the limits of administrative power and the politicization of mundane failures.

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All sources cited today

- Mother Jones (US) — Trump Is Losing His War On Algae

- Reason (US) — Why U.K. Socialism Could Soon Be America's Problem

- Reason (US) — Can You Un-Impeach a President?

- Reason (US) — Boston Is Temporarily Legalizing Outdoor Drinking for the World Cup. Why Not Make It Permanent?

- Reason (US) — Federal Court Strikes Down Immigration-Related Subpoenas of Minnesota Officials on Anti-Commandeering Grounds

- The Conversation (INT) — This tiny Australian spider uses a high-powered web catapult to trap and eat aggressive ants

- The Conversation (INT) — Guide to the classics: Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams gave us psychoanalysis

- Reason (US) — Settlement as to "California Law Prohibiting Anyone from Sharing Lawfully Obtained Information About Sealed Arrest Records"

- Reason (US) — 35 Retired Federal Judges Slam Trump's 'Laughable' Defense of His 'Obviously Collusive' IRS Settlement

- The Guardian (GB) — The Guardian view on Labour’s leadership: Andy Burnham has a story. He must also have a plan | Editorial

- The Guardian (GB) — The Guardian view on the death of Carlo Ginzburg: a historian who taught us to think about outsiders | Editorial

- The Conversation (INT) — The mistakes that sealed Keir Starmer’s fate

- Reason (US) — How To Assess AI-Aided Students?

- Reason (US) — Secret Emails Reveal Sketchy Tactics in California Public Health's Tobacco Ban 'Endgame'

- The Conversation (INT) — Andy Burnham: what to expect from the UK’s likely next prime minister

- Reason (US) — 6th Circuit Backs Ban on Ohio Minors Using Social Media Without Parental Permission

- Reason (US) — My Grandfather's Account of the Early Days of Germany's Attack on the Soviet Union in World War II

- The Guardian (GB) — Good luck, Andy Burnham – you’ll need more than a smile and a better bus service to succeed in No 10 | Simon Jenkins

- Reason (US) — Compendium of Writings About Birthright Citizenship

- Mother Jones (US) — The Southern Baptist Convention Was Going Mainstream. Then the Christian Nationalists Weighed In.

- Reason (US) — Nuclear Inspectors

- Reason (US) — What Did Professor Barrett Think About Smith?

- Mother Jones (US) — In This Utah Primary, Trump Endorsed One Candidate, Pardoned the Other

- Reason (US) — Independent Journalist's Lawsuit Against West Texas County Can Go Forward, Recommends Magistrate Judge

- Reason (US) — Nassau County (N.Y.) Buffer Zone Outside Houses of Worship Struck Down

- Reason (US) — Justice Scalia's Message To Law School Faculty

- Mother Jones (US) — Why GM Is Betting on a Future With Sodium-Ion Battery Storage

- Reason (US) — Rich Americans Pay a Higher Share of Taxes Than the Wealthy in Most Countries

- The Guardian (GB) — Why the EU should be moving heaven and earth to get Iceland into the club | Valérie Hayer

- The Conversation (INT) — Keir Starmer resigns: can anyone survive as prime minister in today’s Britain?

- Reason (US) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Has Resigned. His Replacement Will Likely Be More of the Same.

- The Guardian (GB) — Keir Starmer’s fatal flaw? The blankness on to which voters projected their years of frustration | John Harris

- ProPublica (US) — “A Huge Grab of Power”: Trump Is Defying Congress on Foreign Aid

- Reason (US) — Brickbat: Taking a Bite

- The Guardian (GB) — Don’t worry, a politician can’t present the Today programme. Michael Grade is wrong about that – and GB News | Stewart Purvis and Chris Banatvala