Forum Factum / The evidence desk

Claims we’re
checking.

A place to examine the statements behind the debate. What is being claimed, what the source actually says, and what remains uncertain.

Forum Factum now lives here. This is a preview of our editor-led claim tracker, with three completed example checks. Reviewed 28 September 2026.

01 / EnergySupported, with a defined denominator

The claim

“Renewables generated more than half of the UK’s electricity in 2024.”

The July 2025 Digest of UK Energy Statistics reported that renewable sources supplied 50.4% of UK electricity generation in 2024. That is the share of electricity generated domestically, not of all energy used in transport, heating and industry. It also does not mean renewables supplied a majority in every hour.

Keep in mind. This is an annual historical figure from the 2025 release, not a claim about today’s electricity mix. Renewables includes more than wind and solar.

The evidence

Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2025, chapters 1–7 (electricity and renewables) ↗Department for Energy Security and Net Zero · 31 July 2025

Checked 28 September 2026Read the related debate

02 / WorkNot necessarily

The claim

“A four-day week always means working fewer hours.”

GOV.UK distinguishes compressed hours — full-time hours worked over fewer days — from part-time work. A four-day schedule can therefore keep weekly hours unchanged. Our debate uses a different proposal: a meaningful reduction in hours with no reduction in pay. The calendar alone cannot tell you which arrangement an employer offers.

Keep in mind. Ask about total contracted hours, pay, workload and coverage before comparing policies. A right to request flexible working is not an automatic right to a reduced-hours week.

The evidence

Flexible working: types of flexible working ↗GOV.UK · Undated live guidance; checked 28 September 2026

Flexible working: overview ↗GOV.UK · Undated live guidance; checked 28 September 2026

Checked 28 September 2026Read the related debate

03 / DemocracyIncorrect under first past the post

The claim

“A Westminster candidate must win more than half the local vote to become an MP.”

For a UK general election, the candidate receiving the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. That can be less than half of votes cast when several candidates stand. A constituency plurality, a national vote share and a majority of seats in Parliament are three different things.

Keep in mind. This describes Westminster elections. Other UK elections use other systems. It does not settle which system is fairest.

The evidence

General elections ↗UK Parliament · Undated institutional explainer; checked 28 September 2026

Checked 28 September 2026Read the related debate

These are illustrative claims, not quotations attributed to a person or organisation. Checks can be revised when better evidence emerges. Suggest a correction.