The selected cartoons appeared first in other publications, either in print or online, or on social media, and are credited appropriately.
In today’s featured cartoon, Adam Zyglis draws on the latest controversy involving Facebook and whistleblower and former employee Frances Haugen, who has alleged that the company chooses profits over everything, including curtailing hate speech on its platform. CEO Mark Zuckerberg in response, launched a passionate defence of his company and has denied Haugen’s claims.
Peter Brookes’ take on the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the English Premier League club Newcastle United uses the club’s traditional home jersey of white and black stripes as a jail motif. Many activists have alleged the deal is an attempt at ‘sportswashing’ by Saudi Arabia, which means an exercise of soft geopolitical power by assuming a high profile in global sport and using this to cleanse one’s reputation globally.
Dave Brown comments on the irony of Boris Johnson promising gas bills would be slashed if voters supported Brexit, back when he was the UK’s foreign secretary in 2016. Contrary to Johnson’s promise, 5 per cent VAT on energy bills is still in place under his prime ministership, and prices have only surged with a 70 per cent rise since August, causing energy bills to soar.
Christian Adams illustrates Russian President Vladimir Putin ‘turning up the heat’ on Europe by stepping in to boost supply to Europe’s “gas stove” amid its energy crunch, as surging gas prices have ramped up pressure on consumers.
Andy Davey takes a dig at UK PM Johnson’s speech to the Conservative Party conference, where he pledged a wealthier, better-skilled future for the nation.