Exclusive: US Drone Firm Anduril's UK Ties, Labour Donors Exposed

openDemocracy’s latest issue, released on 29 August 2024, features a series of investigative reports and editorial updates aimed at exposing political influence and corporate interests in the United Kingdom. The newsletter’s lead story reveals that the American defence‑technology firm Anduril, which has received funding from high‑profile investors such as Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., is positioned to benefit from Britain’s planned increase in defence spending. Freedom‑of‑information requests uncovered a rapid expansion of Anduril’s operations and a growing portfolio of contracts that could align with the United States’ strategy of encouraging allies to upgrade their military capabilities.

A second investigative piece focuses on Signum Advisory, a consultancy that has been working with Venezuelan clients to secure business deals in the country following the overthrow of Hugo Chávez. The report documents the firm’s outreach to senior members of the UK Labour Party, noting that Angela Rayner is the only Labour figure who has received a donation from Signum to date. Signum’s broader campaign to cultivate relationships with other Labour politicians is highlighted, raising questions about the influence of foreign‑backed advisory services on domestic policy.

In a separate story, the newsletter tracks the movement of financial support from former Labour leader Keir Starmer’s backers to Andy Burnham as he prepares to contest a seat at 10 Downing Street. The piece suggests that while the Labour Party’s internal dynamics are fluid, the capital invested in the party remains a long‑term asset for those who wish to shape its future direction.

The issue also contains a brief editorial appeal for subscribers, announcing that openDemocracy is seeking to add 500 regular donors by the end of 2026. The editor notes that 120 new members have already joined and urges readers to contribute to the organisation’s mission of exposing far‑right influence and safeguarding democratic institutions.

Beyond political investigations, the newsletter includes a series of opinion and feature articles. A climate‑policy column by Paul Rogers questions the UK’s “sleepwalking” approach to environmental risk, while Lucy Antal, founder of the Queen of Greens Mobile Greengrocer, discusses the link between food supply and climate change in Liverpool. A joint investigation with The Times by senior reporter Sian Norris raises new questions about Nigel Farage’s relationships with controversial allies and his decision‑making processes.

The newsletter also announces the launch of openDemocracy’s new audio series, “How to Find Queer Elders,” which explores queer history across Africa amid rising anti‑LGBTQ+ legislation. The first episode is available in collaboration with Radio Workshop.

In a separate editorial segment, the Met Office’s warning that this year’s El Niño event may be the strongest in a century is highlighted, prompting readers to consider national preparedness for climate‑related disasters.

A historical retrospective on the 1976 Grunwick strike, in which South Asian women workers in North London protested for trade‑union recognition, is included to provide context on immigrant labour rights and union politics in Britain.

The newsletter concludes with a brief mention of a new book by Guardian journalist Luke Harding, “Betrayal,” which examines the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the role of Trump’s administration in shaping international responses. The book is described as a detailed account of human stories and geopolitical analysis.

Overall, the issue blends investigative reporting on corporate and political influence with commentary on climate change, labour history, and international affairs, underscoring openDemocracy’s commitment to exposing power structures and fostering informed public debate.