In recent decades our society has become seriously and, indeed, dangerously unbalanced in a series of crucial, yet interlinked, ways. BARRY WINTER argues that regional devolution could play an important part in re-democratising and re-balancing society. Unbalanced Britain is being subjected to growing poverty and widening social inequalities generally; to increasing and irresponsible financial and...
Labour Should Outlaw Zero-Hours Contracts
Labour’s opposition to zero hour contracts is important and welcome, says ERNIE JACQUES. But the Party’s approach is still far too timid. In his speech at Senate House last month, Labour leader Ed Miliband could not have been stronger in his attack on the coalition government’s ‘zero-zero economy’ and the horrific Victorian employment practices exemplified...
We Hold Up Our Pens in Hope not Hate
Yesterday’s terrible events in Paris, when 12 people lost their lives at the offices of the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, have caused outrage and sadness across the world. Earlier today (Thursday), Nick Lowles, from the campaigning organisation, HOPE not hate, released a statement expressing thoughts and sentiments which many of us share, but are struggling...
Second ‘Change: How?’ Compass Festival Announced
Compass is holding its second ‘Change: How? Festival of Ideas’ in London on Sunday 8 February – a day-long event billed as ‘100 extraordinary people; 100 possible futures; 100 days before a nation decides’....
Call for Action Against Rail Price Rip-off
Campaigning organisation Compass is calling for thousands of people to take action this Monday against the new year hike in rail fares. Rail fare price rises of upto 2.5% were announced on Friday, making an “unbelievable” 27% increase since 2010, according to Compass, which has teamed up with trade unions and grassroots organisations such as...
Urgent Appeal from the Working Class Movement Library
The Working Class Movement Library in Salford, home to some of the ILP’s archives, has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds....
Uniting the Community
Unite, the largest union in Britain, has come up with an imaginative response to the current austerity crisis by creating a community arm that supports people hard hit by the cuts. GERRY LAVERY reports on how it helps them campaign for change. The aim of Unite Community is to unionise and embrace people “being pushed...
Immigration Fears: Who is to Blame?
With discussion of immigration becoming ever more toxic, how should progressives respond to UKIP’s blame game and what can they offer as a humane approach?...
Owen Jones: Our Prophet of Hope?
BARRY WINTER was one of 260 people who piled into the largest lecture theatre at Leeds Beckett University last week to hear left wing author and journalist Owen Jones. He left feeling impressed, and a little bit inspired....
Global Justice Now: New Name for WDM
The World Development Movement will have a new name next year when it is relaunched as Global Justice Now following a vote of the organisation’s members last month....
Podemos: A New Way of Politics?
The sudden rise on the Spanish political scene of Podemos, a radical political party based on the indignados 15M movement, will be the subject of discussion at the next Taking Soundings meeting in Leeds on Wednesday 26 November....
Barnsley Hosts Two Exhibitions on the Miners’ Strike
Two innovative exhibitions are currently showing in the gallery at Barnsley’s Civic Theatre to mark the legacy of the 1984/5 miners’ strike....