Media Context Social & Political

• From 2019-20 Dominic Cummings served as PM Boris Johnson's Chief Political Advisor. Forced out of Downing Street at the end of 2020 after an internal power struggle, Cummings published a blog, in which he reveals events and activities that took place during his time at No.10
• The COVID-19 pandemic was a global pandemic. The disease was first identified in December 2019 before the pandemic was declared in March 2020. As of April 2022, it has caused approx. 6 million deaths globally
• At the start of lockdown, many offices and institutions closed and workers were advised to work from home. In Jan 2022 although some have returned to offices and workplaces this was with reduced numbers.
• Ukraine borders Russia and is a post-Soviet democratic republic. The 2019 presidential elections saw the pro-western leader Zelensky come to power were historically Ukrainian leaders have been pro-Russia.
• In December 2021 Russia increased its troop numbers on the Ukrainian Russian border. This move by Putin generated fears of an invasion and Ukraine requested international support
• The Guardian is described as having mainstream left political values. It does not have any affiliation with any political party but does lean towards the left and has a very liberal tradition. It is not surprising that the main photo is unflattering of the right-wing PM.
• The Guardian is not owned by a group of shareholders like most newspapers, for whom making a profit is imperative. Therefore, they believe that they can hold to their core, journalistic principles.