Pnewsology

The week’s news with a dash of psychology!

Jane Ogden (Professor in Health Psychology, Emeritus; email janeogden509@gmail.com; based on a conversation with James Cannon at Radio Surrey; 8.40 am 04/09/2026)

Week ending 04/09/2026

All opinions are those of Jane Ogden

Pressure in politics comes in all shapes and sizes.  At times it’s the pressure to be liked and get voted in again and sometimes it’s the pressure from other politicians to rise through the ranks and have a successful career.  But sometimes its more sinister and comes in the form of money, threats and even bombs.  So who has the backbone to stand up to this pressure and who caves? And why?

This week Andy Burnham announced plans to tackle mega donors to UK policial parties aiming to cap donations.  At the moment the cap is £100,000 (per year) for British citizens living overseas but there is no cap on those living in the UK.  Some MPs have argued for this to be £50,000.  This would help get money out of politics and reduce bias.  We even watched a video of Reform discussing how much money they could get from an overseas donor and how to get round the rules.  Interesting viewing!

We have also watched the ongoing spat between Carney and Trump as Carney has refused cave in to Trump’s threats.  Carney announced new trade deals with Spain and Italy rather than negotiating with the US and Trump seems to think he can save money by not buying things.  True! But then countries need things.  We could all be richer if we spent nothing!

And the new Democrat, El-Sayed who won the primary in Michigan against the AIPAC funded candidate, has continued his campaign ‘money out of politics, money in your pocket’.  Vance called him ‘Evil’.  For wanting what? No corruption?

So – some people have backbone and don’t cave to pressure!

But most don’t!

Apple maps just changed the title of Lake Ontario to Lake America after Trump wrote a decree.  Immediately, no fight and no questions asked.

The Venezuelan government have signed a bizarre and controversial trade deal with the US for 100 years that hands over the rights to 20% of their oil.  Again – just like that it seems.

And Iran (who thought they could be the good guys!) just keep on going with all the threats of power, money and bombs thrown at them (and the death of four people at a wedding).

And what about the UK? There is mounting pressure on the government to change their policy on Israel with calls for them to recognise the genocide in Gaza and to stop sending them weapons.  Ed Miliband said this week that the UK is considering imposing sanctions on Israel and a ‘comprehensive reset’ in our relationship with them.  Then instantly Israel said it would retaliate if we did.  So …. backbone or cave?? Which way will it go??  Let’s wait and see what Ed does!

People cave for many reasons – fear, money or lack of integrity are just some.  And sometimes it’s probably good to cave if it avoids escalation and further problems in the future.  But it’s also good to stand up for what you believe in and preserve some integrity.  People find it easier to stand up for things they really believe in and if it’s tied to their identity (Iran?), values (Canada) and if money is not their motivation (El-Sayed?).  Its also good for us on the outside to watch those with backbone stand up for what they believe in.  I am pretty powerless in the world.  But knowing at least some people have back bone makes me feel just a little bit better.  Come on Ed! You can do it!