Darren Lewis

Darren Lewis argues that Jason Arday should face accountability over concerns about plagiarism, embellishment and his academic credentials, but says the scrutiny must be viewed alongside widespread examples of politicians and public figures exaggerating their CVs. He contends that the controversy has been weaponized by critics to attack Black people in senior positions and exposes how institutions, including Cambridge University, continue to control access to influential roles through networks and an uneven version of meritocracy. Examples involving Jeffrey Archer, Boris Johnson, Rachel Reeves, Kemi Badenoch, Jonathan Reynolds, Zack Polanski and Robert Jenrick are used to argue that scrutiny is applied inconsistently.

Darren Lewis argues that adultification bias causes Black children to be treated as older, more dangerous and less vulnerable than white children. He criticizes Metropolitan Police officers for handcuffing and searching a young Black boy in East London despite finding no offence, and links the incident to wider disparities, including the disproportionate strip-searching of Black children and the case of Child Q. Although the Met says officers acted respectfully and could not initially determine the children’s ages, Lewis argues that policing must better protect children’s dignity, self-esteem and mental health.

Andy Burnham is urged to rebuild Labour’s relationship with Black and Brown voters by promoting more diverse political talent and addressing racial disparities in criminal justice, education, mental health and NHS maternity care. The column criticizes Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour’s treatment of Black politicians and the blocking of Black councillors in Croydon, while presenting Green politicians such as Dylan Law as evidence of the energy and representation Labour risks losing. It also condemns the continuing Windrush failures and hostile-environment policies, arguing that Burnham has an opportunity to offer a more credible anti-racist agenda.

Darren Lewis argues that Jude Bellingham's outstanding World Cup performances have disproved claims that he is petulant or disruptive. Bellingham has scored in four of England's six matches, defended his teammates after criticism from head coach Thomas Tuchel, and helped guide England to a semi-final against Argentina. The column portrays him as an ordinary Birmingham-born player whose confidence, leadership and achievements at Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid make him one of England's greatest footballers and an inspiration to supporters.

England’s World Cup victory and supporters’ post-match singing of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” are presented as a joyful symbol of national connection and a counterpoint to football disorder, social-media rage and wider political tensions. The celebrations unite players, travelling fans, pubs and homes, while comparisons with Norway, Scotland and Argentina highlight England’s newly visible bond between team and supporters. The column also uses rhetorical questions to criticize political and media developments, FIFA’s disciplinary decision-making and Thomas Tuchel’s squad choices.

Darren Lewis argues that Jeremy Doku is right to leave Belgium’s World Cup campaign, if necessary, to support his wife Shireen during the birth of their first child. The column condemns criticism from French broadcaster France Pierron, who later apologized for suggesting fathers are useless during childbirth, and emphasizes that football tournaments may recur while the birth of a first child is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Darren Lewis argues that racist and xenophobic rhetoric amplified by politicians, broadcasters and social media contributed to the riots and violence in Belfast, where people of colour were reportedly terrorised and homes and businesses set on fire. He condemns the questioning of whether the unrest constituted race riots and disputes Suella Braverman’s claim that non-white people receive more lenient treatment from the UK justice system, citing research showing that Black people are disproportionately stopped and searched. The column contrasts this division with football’s potential to bring people together and urges the media to stop legitimising unsubstantiated racist claims.

Darren Lewis argues that Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf is being given disproportionate airtime by the BBC and other broadcasters despite what Lewis describes as repeated lies and misrepresentations. He says Yusuf and Nigel Farage use inflammatory messaging that fuels racism, rejects claims of two-tier policing, and risks provoking violence against Black and Brown people. Lewis also criticizes the BBC’s handling of political controversy and argues that broadcasting platforms are helping legitimize divisive rhetoric.

Arsenal’s title parade is presented as evidence that football can unite people across club loyalties, cultures, races and social classes, even amid political division and global turmoil. The celebration in London and its international resonance are contrasted with right-wing claims that the capital is lawless, although six stabbings and arrests are acknowledged. The column argues that football, especially the upcoming World Cup, can create cross-cultural solidarity and relief from political conflict in ways that politicians and parties cannot.

Darren Lewis argues that creator journalism is filling gaps left by mainstream broadcasters, particularly in coverage of Black women found dead in UK waterways. Using the Brighton deaths of sisters Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters, alongside other cases and concerns raised by Sistah Space, he says inadequate media and police attention has intensified public concern. He praises BlackCurrent News and Nadine White for amplifying overlooked stories and contends that independent journalists are increasingly reporting these cases themselves because mainstream coverage is insufficient.

Darren Lewis argues that although not every attendee at the Unite The Kingdom rally was personally racist, the rally itself was racist because it promoted mass deportation based on skin colour or religion and was connected to far-right activism. He condemns the online abuse directed at golfer Aaron Rai because of his Indian heritage, the humiliation of women of colour, and the participation of some minority attendees who were later rejected by supporters. Lewis also blames sections of the mainstream media for normalizing extremist rhetoric and criticizes Labour and the Conservatives for allowing far-right movements to gain traction by making disillusioned voters feel heard. He suggests the Green Party is benefiting from this political failure.

Darren Lewis argues that Labour’s poor local-election performance reflects an out-of-touch leadership under Keir Starmer and warns that the party must change quickly to prevent further electoral losses. He condemns Reform UK and Nigel Farage for exploiting immigration and racial division, while criticizing Starmer’s appointments of Harriet Harman and Gordon Brown. Lewis presents Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and the Green Party—particularly Zack Polanski and younger politicians such as Hannah Spencer and Dylan Law—as examples of the energy and representation voters are seeking.

Darren Lewis argues that young voters in Hackney are enthusiastic about Green Party candidate Dylan Law because he is a relatable 20-year-old who understands local housing problems and can make government more accessible. The column criticizes Labour for allegedly blocking Black candidates Eunice O’Dame and Enid Molyneux while selecting Keir Starmer’s niece, Ellie Sandover, in Croydon. Lewis says Labour has lost touch with the working-class and minority voters it claims to represent after unpopular decisions on benefits, immigration, fuel allowances and welfare. He suggests the rise of the Greens under Zack Polanski could cost Labour electorally and urges the party to explain why it is overlooking willing Black candidates.

Darren Lewis backs Green Party MP Hannah Spencer’s concerns about alcohol being consumed between votes in the House of Commons. He argues that MPs would not tolerate ordinary workers returning to their jobs smelling of alcohol, and says Westminster’s longstanding drinking culture has contributed to intimidating behaviour and an unsafe environment. The column criticizes Labour and right-wing MPs who dismiss Spencer’s remarks, as well as Nigel Farage for portraying her position as opposition to an afternoon pint, and calls for parliamentary practices to be reformed.

Darren Lewis argues that people have become too willing to film conflict, accidents and special moments instead of helping others or experiencing events directly. Using footage of a London street altercation and a car striking pedestrians, as well as examples involving a Glasgow fatal crash and theatre audiences, he criticizes social media platforms for rewarding sensational content and urges readers to put their phones down and reconnect with their humanity.

New proposals would require schools to replace sugary treats with fruit and restrict daily sales of unhealthy grab-and-go foods. Darren Lewis argues that many schools already follow healthy-eating policies and that the larger problem lies at home, where families facing high food prices may have to choose between heating and eating. He says cheap junk food is often the only affordable option, criticizes the government for lecturing parents while failing to improve wages and working conditions, and argues that food insecurity must be addressed before stricter nutritional rules can succeed.

Donald Trump’s profanity-laden Truth Social threat to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges unless Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz is presented as a reckless and humiliating breach of basic social-media etiquette. Darren Lewis compares Trump’s apparent rage to characters from Scarface, The Shining and White Heat, arguing that the post damaged the reputation of Trump, the White House and the United States. The column also revisits Trump’s alleged insults toward fallen soldiers, controversial remarks and antagonism toward NATO and Europe, concluding that the millions who voted for him have tied themselves to a dangerous presidency with years still remaining.

Arsenal Women players including Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy are supporting Persil and Unilever’s Dirt Is Good campaign, which aims to reduce shame around menstrual leaks and encourage girls to play sport. The campaign draws on research that six in ten girls remain apprehensive about participating because of period stains, while also promoting the health and confidence benefits of grassroots football. A related initiative in São Paulo, supported by Ian Wright and Arsenal’s Brazilian connections, includes the Dirt Is Glory documentary and the OMO Varzenal Cup. The campaign argues that sport and outdoor activity can provide a healthier alternative to social media’s influence on children.

Darren Lewis condemns Donald Trump for joking about Pearl Harbor while discussing surprise strikes on Iran with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, arguing that the incident reflects an intimidating and exclusionary political culture. He links Trump’s treatment of women, disabled journalists and people of color to a wider workplace climate in which colleagues remain silent or laugh along. The column also criticizes Reform MP Sarah Pochin over remarks about the racial makeup of television and a joke involving a tartan burka, warning that such conduct emboldens xenophobic behavior beyond the camera.

Darren Lewis argues that Keir Starmer was right to reject Donald Trump's bombing campaign against Iran and has been vindicated as the conflict creates economic, security and humanitarian risks. The column says Trump’s effort to secure international support for the war has faltered, particularly after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global oil shipping. European leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sánchez, Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni are portrayed as distancing themselves from the attacks, while Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage are criticized for retreating from their initial support. Lewis condemns the civilian deaths, shifting justifications for the war and the rhetoric of Trump and Pete Hegseth, presenting opposition to the conflict as a matter of basic humanity rather than left-versus-right politics.

Darren Lewis condemns US military action against Iran and the celebratory propaganda surrounding it, arguing that civilian deaths and the risk of wider escalation make the conflict no laughing matter. He criticizes Donald Trump and Peter Hegseth for dehumanizing Iranians, questions claims about Iranian casualties, and highlights Ben Stiller's objection to the use of Tropic Thunder footage. Lewis praises Keir Starmer for resisting pressure to join the strikes and endorsing talks, citing support from former NATO commander Richard Shirreff and Spain's Pedro Sánchez for a more cautious approach to the US-UK relationship.

Darren Lewis praises Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer’s victory speech after the Gorton and Denton by-election as authentic, hopeful and closely connected to working people. He argues that her success exposes Labour’s detachment from voters, citing policies including the two-child benefit cap, changes to immigration rules and restrictions on jury trials. The column also condemns Reform’s divisive rhetoric and alleged racism, while presenting the Greens under Zack Polanski as a growing electoral force with stronger community links and media engagement.

Darren Lewis condemns the racial slur directed at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the 2026 BAFTA ceremony, arguing that the BBC and BAFTA failed both to safeguard attendees and to respond appropriately. He criticizes host Alan Cumming's “if you were offended” apology and says the broadcaster should have edited out the slur, while acknowledging that Tourette syndrome can involve involuntary offensive speech. Lewis also questions why “Free Palestine” was edited from the broadcast while the slur remained, cites allegations that the abuse occurred multiple times, and argues that BAFTA's latest backlash shows its diversity and inclusion measures require further review.

Darren Lewis praises Vinicius Junior for repeatedly confronting racist abuse in football despite limited support from referees, officials, clubs and fellow players. The column discusses his walk-off during Real Madrid’s match against Benfica after an alleged insult by Gianluca Prestianni, UEFA’s subsequent ban of Prestianni, and Kylian Mbappe’s role as a witness. Lewis condemns Benfica and Jose Mourinho for appearing to blame Vinicius, argues that English football is also failing to impose meaningful sanctions, and urges players, managers and governing bodies to unite against racism.

Darren Lewis argues that Vinicius Jr was justified in leaving Real Madrid's match against Benfica after alleging racial abuse from Gianluca Prestianni. Drawing on a previous visit to Vinicius's home, Lewis says the player had vowed to withdraw from the field rather than tolerate further abuse or institutional inaction. The column condemns victim-blaming from figures including Jose Mourinho and Mark Clattenburg, while praising Kylian Mbappe for supporting Vinicius's account and urging football authorities to protect both high-profile and lesser-known Black players.