'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Opinion, comment and editorials of the day

There is only one realistic way to reduce the number of Channel deaths
Sunder Katwala in The Independent
The recent deaths of five migrants trying to cross the "icy" English Channel were "a sombre reminder" of our need for a functioning asylum system, writes Sunder Katwala, director of non-partisan think-tank British Future, for The Independent. But the row over the government's "troubled Rwanda policy" highlights how "deeply divided" our politicians are on the issue. The Rwanda bill, if passed, would remove just 1% of asylum seekers, and fails to provide alternative safe routes. It increasingly looks "less like a deterrent, than a distraction".
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The most durable force in American politics: Trump's ties to his voters
Michael C. Bender and Katie Glueck in The New York Times
Donald's Trump's "decisive victory" in this week's Iowa caucus "revealed a new depth to the reservoir of devotion inside his party", say Michael C. Bender and Katie Glueck in The New York Times. His Republican supporters "adore" and have "rallied behind" the former president, despite the the 91 felony charges against him, and despite being offered "viable alternatives" in Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Trump's connection with his supporters has "unleashed one of the most durable forces in American politics".
Look at this beautiful Japanese toilet and tell me – why is Britain so useless at public loos?
Alberte Lauridsen in The Guardian
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Few issues are "more emblematic of the deterioration of civic infrastructure" than Britain's lack of public toilets, writes architect Alberte Lauridsen for The Guardian. The nation's "once-extensive network of civic lavatories has been abandoned, sold or turned into novelty bars". The "gaping holes in basic sanitary provision" put libraries and cafes under pressure as alternatives, and disproportionately affect people with medical conditions. By contrast, the "architecturally outstanding" new toilets in countries such as Japan and Norway put our "lamentable loos" to shame.
Is Davos still worthwhile?
Financial Times editorial board
The "globalist raison d'être" of Davos is in retreat, say the Financial Times's editorial board. As threats to world stability multiply, the annual World Economic Forum, taking place this week, risks becoming an "echo chamber". Yet the event's "true purpose" lies in its "unmatched power as a giant networking opportunity". Despite the expense and rambling scope, the appeal of a "snowy week of networking and partying" remains "undimmed". Ongoing attendance is guaranteed by "the simple fear of missing out".
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Calls for both calm and consequences follow Kirk killing
TALKING POINTS The suspected assassination of far-right activist Charlie Kirk has some public figures pleading for restraint, while others agitate for violent reprisals
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Why does Donald Trump keeping showing up at major sporting events?
Today's Big Question Trump has appeared at the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and other events
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‘Democracy is under threat globally’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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Poland downs Russian drones in NATO airspace
Speed Read Polish airspace was “violated by a huge number of Russian drones,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said
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Russia slams Kyiv, hits government building
Speed Read This was Moscow's largest aerial assault since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022
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China's Xi hosts Modi, Putin, Kim in challenge to US
Speed Read Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Asian leaders at an SCO summit
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What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
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China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
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What will security guarantees for Ukraine look like?
Today's Big Question From boots on the ground to economic sanctions, here are the measures that might stop Russia taking another bite out of Ukraine
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Will Ukraine trade territory for peace?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Kyiv’s defences are wearing thin but a land swap is constitutionally impossible and crosses Zelenskyy's red lines
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Russia tries Ukraine land grab before Trump summit
Speed Read The incursion may be part of Putin's efforts to boost his bargaining position