For many Americans, the result of the Spanish-American War of 1898 (a “splendid little war” according to the then US Ambassador to the UK), led to an aberration in US history – the formation of an overseas empire. The war led to the occupation of Cuba (albeit only temporarily until 1902), the annexation of the Philippines (less temporarily, until 1946), Puerto Rico and Guam – the latter two remain US overseas territories till this day.

Following the 2024 UK General Election, the Liberal Democrats are up to 72 members in the House of Commons, the party’s best result since 1923 (as the Liberal Party) and one of the most proportional results in their history. However, with this newly restored parliamentary might, what is the future for the Lib Dems’ long-held commitment to electoral reform?

This summer, the French capital played host to the Summer Olympic Games for the third time, only the second city to do so after London (in 1908, 1948 and 2012), and with Los Angeles set to become the third in 2028 (previously hosting in 1932 and 1984).

I was walking to work in November 2019 and noticed several casual-looking police officers standing outside of the Lych Gate Tavern in Wolverhampton. I asked one of the officers whether somebody important was inside – thinking perhaps that the uncrowned champion of pub photo opportunities, Nigel Farage, might be within. The officer would not comment, but when I got to work, the local news helpfully informed me that the visitors had been none other than PM Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Johnny Mercer, just weeks after the snap general election had been called. An opportunity to get a few good pictures, and talk to some “regular” voters, I reflected…