Domestic (UK)
Taking Another look at ‘Chavs’
Chavs by Owen Jones has rightly been lauded as an overdue rejoinder to the steady and near unstoppable denigration of the working class in Britain over the past three decades of unbroken Thatcherism, under both the Tories and New Labour, reviews John Wight.... [read more]
Senior Moment
This month, I turn 65. If you know your musicals, my naming Eliza Doolittle Day as the date in question will give you the day that this event takes place. If indeed it is An Event, says W. Stephen Gilbert (photo courtesy of Barbra Flinder).... [read more]
Who are the benefit thieves?
Lord Freud, Welfare Reform Minister, recently said: "We always push for the strongest possible punishment for benefit thieves who are stealing money from the people who need it the most".If David Freud did not exist it would be necessary for a left-wing writer to invent him, writes Felix McHugh.... [read more]
A Monstrous Proposal
Extending transparency laws to the private sector would make the likes of News International think twice before misbehaving, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
Democracy is licking its wounds but the fight for social justice is gathering momentum
Sadly, the resounding feature of the 2012 local elections is one of a weak democracy. It’s true that of the 32 per cent of people who decided to vote, more voted Labour than any other party. But the dominant characteristic of 2012 is that almost seven in every 10 people decided that the election wasn’t worth the walk to the polling station writes Alfie Stirling.... [read more]
Paying by the mile
Sam Hunt lets off steam as he tallies up the cost of running a car these days... [read more]
DEREK, or LITTLE by LITTLE
By common consent (at least among those like me who lived through it), the ‘golden age’ of broadcasting – at the BBC especially – was that which spanned the 1960s, writes W Stephen Gilbert.... [read more]
University fees and a recession?
Sam Hunt says whenever he says that he doesn't believe in the recession, he feels like some sort of conspiracy theorist, yet considering the vast scope of our economy even at a base level it makes him too sceptical to believe that the recession is anywhere near as large as it is made out to be, if not completely non-existent. One such example is the revenue that universities generate.... [read more]
The Keys to the Blood Bank
The Conservative minister charged with protecting wildlife is making a packet as a result of weak wildlife protection laws, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
Rejection of the wi-fi world
Miles Caston makes the case that life is better lived off-line
... [read more]
Rewilding Our Children
When my second child reaches my age I fear the NHS, along with the tiger and rhino, will be part of a mythologised arcadia, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
Is the BBC middle class enough?
Are our national media outlets the domain of the middle class, or is the truth even worse...? Felix McHugh discusses... [read more]
Spying an opportunity
Stephen Gilbert argues that surveillance over the whole population involves an erosion of our basic liberties. We give away our rights at our own peril.
... [read more]
The Great ESA Robbery
The removal of contributory Employment and Support Allowance assessment has not been a major talking point during the Welfare Reform Act's progress onto the statute book but I believe it is actually the most pernicious of all the benefit cuts which are just about to take place, writes Felix McHugh.... [read more]
Coalition: crafty or chaotic?
Offering businesses a PR opportunity with the Prime Minister, and riling up the public into believing fuel will disappear in the very near future, both seem like quick and highly-profitable business ventures, writes Sam Hunt
... [read more]
Theresa May and Al-Qaeda's ''Assurances''
Hussein Al-Alak reflects on Teresa May seeking assurances that Abu Qatada not be tortured if deported to Jordan... [read more]
The Devil’s Playground
The very concept of work, and its application in society, is controlled by those whose policies have been sent straight from hell. outRageous! explains... [read more]
Defend victimised students! Defend education!
The victimisation of a Cambridge University student has caused anger and outrage amongst the wider student body. Thus far, 2800 Cambridge students have signed a petition condemning the University’s decision to suspend the individual concerned... [read more]
The symbolic violence of reality television
Prior to the encroachment of neo-liberal policy into the economic and cultural landscape of Britain, television programmes we would typify as ‘entertainment shows’ were built around the dominant working-class lifestyle and values, writes Tom Chivers.... [read more]
The alleged drunkenness of the British
Miles Caston challenges propaganda alleging Britain is a nation of boozers... [read more]
Beat the Cheat: an alternative take
With the Sun newspaper launching yet another campaign of 'Beat the Cheat', Felix McHugh highlights the problem of claimants being cheated out of their benefits... [read more]
Has Europe abandoned the Left?
David Eade looks at whether there is any truth in the claim that the people of Europe have turned away from the parties of the Left... [read more]
Alfred Russel Wallace: Socialist and co-founder of evolutionary theory
Next year will see the centenary of the death of Alfred Russel Wallace. Simultaneously with Darwin the discoverer of evolution due to natural selection, but history has largely eclipsed his name under Darwin’s immense shadow, writes John Green.... [read more]
The government's tragic argument against opposition to NHS plans
When it comes to the Health Minister’s plans for the National Health Service, the patients are against it, the nurses are against it, the doctors are against it, even the government are against it, says Chris Mason-Felsing.... [read more]
Sixty years of philatelic pleasure, and now?
For the five or six generations of solitary, sedentary boys in the middle of which fell my vintage (the baby boomers), the hobby par excellence was collecting stamps, recalls W Stephen Gilbert.... [read more]
The Florence Anderson Row
Patrick Cawkwell brings attention to the unfair suspension of a Labour Party Councillor... [read more]
The problem with ‘Workfare’
Karl Davis discusses the unfairness and flaws inherent to the Workfare scheme... [read more]
News International Wapping Exhibition closes as Sun on Sunday is launched
David Eade reviews the News International Wapping – 25 Years on exhibition that has been touring around the UK... [read more]
It's time we recognised the Blair government's criminality
John Pilger shows that in the Kabuki theatre of British parliamentary politics, great crimes do not happen and criminals go free... [read more]
The Death Penalty: Flawed Justice
Introducting the death penalty is not only controversial but, as Chris Bath shows, it is too easy for mistakes to be made and for innocent people to die.... [read more]
Nice work indeed
Felix McHugh asks whether Social Security appeal tribunals provide good value for taxpayers' money... [read more]
How Independent Would An Independent Scotland Be?
Britain’s history of war and imperialism, and its current role as junior partner in service to US hegemony, has had a deleterious impact on British society at home, writes John Wight.... [read more]
Don’t Quota Me
Is there a single reputable argument in favour of positive discrimination? The fact that so many of our institutions are unrepresentative of the make-up of society is of course deplorable, but manipulating recruitment in order to create an artificial balance is no way to put this right, writes W Stephen Gilbert.... [read more]
No shortage of jobs?
Felix McHugh looks at the extraordinary and insulting comments made by the Minister for Disabled People... [read more]
Liberal Constipation
Conservatism is linked to low intelligence; but the real idiots are the progressives letting it win, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
The Politics of the Psyche
BBC 4’s Saturday night primetime slot is cornering the market in excellent European drama but we don’t need Denmark to point out how impotent we feel. However idealistic were its ancient Roman origins, the UK’s version of representative democracy has become as distorted as a burning pillar of wax, says outRageous!... [read more]
Saltley Gate 1972
Terry McPartlan recalls how forty years ago coordinated and determined action by unions halted the Conservative government's plans to drive down living standards... [read more]
Divine Injustice
Drone warfare can be used to thwart democratic movements, anywhere, says George Monbiot.... [read more]
Lies, Damned Lies and Opinion Polls
Stephen Gilbert challenges the so called 'accuracy' of ICM opinion polls and shows how Labour continues to miss classic opportunities to rebut Conservative policy. ... [read more]
Is Ed making a balls of it?
David Eade reflects on Ed Balls' recent speech at a Fabian Society conference and asks whether the Shadow Chancellor is more of a hinderence than a help to his own party... [read more]
The Great Pay Robbery
Here’s why the government’s proposals on executive pay won’t work – and why we need a maximum wage, says George Monbiot.... [read more]
How Can We Save the British Economy from Third Rate Status?
Following the decline of the manufacturing sector, in recent years, Dr Jonathan Feldmann discusses ways in which Britain could go about redeveloping its industrial base... [read more]
An outRageous! essay on The Arts, Education and The People.
This rant is aimed at your crassness, Cameron. It goes to the heart of what is art, and why it's so important in preparing people for democracy, says outRageous!... [read more]
Economic democracy – The next big social reform?
Peter Tatchell says democratising economic decision-making is the key to a fairer society and a more stable economy... [read more]
My Granny Speech
Attending social security and disability appeal tribunals in 2012 is like watching a Dickens adaptation on the television, says Felix McHugh.... [read more]
The Lady Doth Screech too Much
Rhys Harrison reviews 'Iron Lady', a recent film about the life of Margaret Thatcher ... [read more]
Can the far-right be blamed for their Ignorance?
For years now the debate over choices of far-right supporters has created social and ethical tensions. Since the political rumble of the 1970s and 1980s, which sparked far-left and far-right tensions, the far-right membership has increased and declined more than any other political following, writes Elijah Pryor.... [read more]
A Ghost Story Retailed (part three)
W Stephen Gilbert delivers an up-to-date, state and fate of the retail trade in Britain, it is partly personal and anecdotal, and partly a critical overview: part three.... [read more]
Why Miliband and Balls have got it wrong
The capitulation by Labour to the austerity and cuts agenda of the Tories and the right-wing press has been confirmed by shadow chancellor Ed Balls' statement that Labour would not be able to reverse the Tory cuts and would maintain the pay freeze within the public sector if they come to power at the next election, says John Wight.... [read more]
Damned Scroungers
Dr Tomasz Pierscionek reviews a book challenging one of the last remaining forms of prejudice deemed ‘socially acceptable’ in modern Britain. (This book is now free to download from this review.)... [read more]
The State of Racism in Britain
UK society is dead. Or that is what its detractors would like you to think. Many will point the finger not at our leaders or themselves but towards those who they believe don’t belong here - immigrants and asylum seekers, writes Chris Bath.... [read more]
A Ghost Story Retailed (part two)
W Stephen Gilbert delivers an up-to-date, state and fate of the retail trade in Britain, it is partly warmingly, personal and anecdotal, and partly a critical overview: part two...... [read more]
In Memoriam
It has long been said that justice delayed is justice denied, yet it would be hard to find anyone to agree with this sentiment over the conviction of David Norris and Gary Dobson for the murder of Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago, writes John Wight.... [read more]
A future of Labour
Karl Davis suggests how Ed Miliband could give a big boost to Labour’s chances of winning the next General Election... [read more]
A Ghost Story Retailed
W Stephen Gilbert delivers an up-to-date, state and fate of the retail trade in Britain, it is partly warmingly, personal and anecdotal, and partly a critical overview: part one... [read more]
Bankers’ Oligarchy spells the end of democracy
A qualitative change is taking place within the European Union where it is crystal clear that national independence and democracy are being dumped without formal procedure or public announcement, says John Boyd.... [read more]
Once in Unreal David's (Big) Society
Stephen Gilbert asks whether Britain is a Christian country and whether Cameron's coalition government lives up to the Christian values he professes... [read more]
Christopher Hitchens - an obit and opinion
Amid the avalanche of articles and obituaries written in tribute to Christopher Hitchens in the wake of his recent passing, we have been reacquainted with the essential condition of western liberalism - moral depravity, says John Wight.
... [read more]
Legoviews ~ Goodbye yellow brick road!
In the first of her interviews using the novel 'Lego Serious Play' method, Patrizia Bertini speaks to one of the occupiers at the OccupyLSX camp.... [read more]
Cancer patients: throw off the chains of dependancy
Felix McHugh looks at the how the Coalition government plans to cut Employment and Support Allowance to further impoverish those who have the least... [read more]
Unmasking the Press
The corporate newspapers are the elite’s enforcers, misrepresenting the sources of oppression, says George Monbiot.... [read more]
The call for a UK amendment on the EU
There is a rising tide of Euroscepticism within mainstream political parties and on the floors of national Parliaments throughout the European Union, says David Lindsay.... [read more]
Marxist Historians Map Out an Agenda for Today
If the evidence of the successes of recent events is anything to go by, interest in the socialist approach to history is on the increase, which is probably no surprise given the turbulent and uncertain times in which we currently live, says David Morgan.... [read more]
Poor's show
Ever since the decline of European Socialism in the 1980s and the collapse of the Soviet Union in the ’90s, capitalism has considered itself king of the world and has behaved accordingly, says W Stephen Gilbert.... [read more]
Hateful stories & hate crimes
Fuelled by tabloid media propaganda, Felix McHugh shows how hate crimes against disabled people are on the rise
... [read more]
No2VAG's request falls on deaf ears
No2VAG has a legitimate right to be heard by the NLWA, as Ellen Graubart explains. The campaign group has requested a hearing at the Authority's meetings, and three times the group has been refused.... [read more]
The Struggle Continues
Despite David Cameron's attempt to brush the November 30th strike under the carpet and continue with his attacks on the poorest, John Wight predicts that strong resistance to the cuts will continue.... [read more]
Transcendental argument
Through a mist of tears, I caught up with the conclusion of 'My Transsexual Summer', Channel 4’s four-part fly-on-the-wall series, says W Stephen Gilbert.... [read more]
Slash and Burn Capitalism
Now the government intends to strip away protection from our most treasured places, says George Monbiot.... [read more]
Boom at the top
At a time when the poorest are being hit hardest, W Stephen Gilbert comments on the obsence bonuses enjoyed by those at the top echelons of the financial sector and puts paid to the reasons most commonly used to justify such unfair practice.... [read more]
The Terrifying Prospect of Becoming Something You Loathe.
Deborah X ponders over a dilemma... [read more]
The Corporate Welfare State
Despite the crisis, it’s still socialism for the 1 per cent, capitalism for the rest.... [read more]
The secret to obtaining DLA
Welfare rights worker Felix McHugh reports that, contrary to regularly repeated rumours, obtaining Disability Living Allowance is much harder than many are led to believe... [read more]
A violent double standard
Phil Bates cast an eye on David Cameron's hypocrisy and the recent threat of rubber bullets being used by police... [read more]
Wearing Your Heart on Your Lapel
W Stephen Gilbert reflects on the politics of poppy wearing, its dissociation in popular society from what it actually represents and its hijacking by politicians. ... [read more]
Photos from Occupy London
Patrizia Bertini presents us with a series of photographs from the Occupy London protests.... [read more]
Why Freecycle could change the world
Deborah X tells of an online scheme were strangers share items according to their needs... [read more]
Wealth Destroyers
The Corporation of the City of London has harmed you more than you know, says George Monbiot.
... [read more]
Local communities bear the brunt of the Con-Dem agenda
Deborah X provides a personal view of the effect of the coalition’s policies on single parents, their children and the communities in which they live... [read more]
Capitalism's Lost Generation
Rob Sewell looks at the global problem of rising youth unemployment... [read more]
Show Me The Money
We have a democratic right to know who is funding public advocacy, says George Monbiot.... [read more]
Conservative Conference: Economy and House Building
Mirela Ivanova scrutinises David Cameron’s address to the Conservative Party conference... [read more]
A valuable victory for the anti-cuts movement- HSBC 3 Win Appeal
Mark Tyers and Jonathon Proctor show how a victory in court helps to protect the appetite and capacity of our movement's ability to protest... [read more]
The tilted scales of justice
Dr Tomasz Pierscionek looks at how the state reacts when it feels its authority being usurped.... [read more]
A new fiscal policy for London?
Oliver Healey explains how giving the London Assembly greater control over taxation would benefit both the capital and the country as a whole... [read more]
The real genius of the Big Society? It can only get Bigger
Tom Rollins shows how Cameron is using his concept of the ‘Big Society’ to launch a fresh class war... [read more]
Modern Pauperism and its Consequences: A Dissenting View on the Riots in England (Part II of II)
The second part of an essay by Matthias Dapprich in which he adopts a class based analysis of the recent London riots.... [read more]
Modern Pauperism and its Consequences: A Dissenting View on the Riots in England (Part I of II)
The first part of an essay by Matthias Dapprich in which he adopts a class based analysis of the recent London riots.
... [read more]
Mental Health in the Workplace
Hussein Al-Alak shows how the Equality Act (2010) provides added employee protection for veterans suffering mental health conditions... [read more]
The Health and Social Care Bill and the Negation of Democracy
Colin Leys discusses the profound impact that the Health and Social Care Bill will have upon the publically owned National Health Service... [read more]
Facing up to Trauma
Hussein Al-Alak reveals the scale of mental health trauma amongst soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan... [read more]
Think of a Tank
The “free market thinktanks” and their secret funders are a threat to democracy, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
Dale Farm Ethnic cleansing - Not is our name
An activist involved in the Save Dale Farm campaign calls for solidarity with the site’s residents who are facing eviction within a week. ... [read more]
Why I think students fees are a good thing...
In an ideal world (one in which The X Factor is but a terrible dream, foisted upon us by a vengeful Satan), students wouldn't have to pay tuition fees, says Chris Mason-Felsing.... [read more]
The Reluctant Revolutionaries
Hussein Al-Alak talks about the origins of Combat Stress- a charity that has cared for the mental health of veterans since the First World War.... [read more]
The Lairds of Learning
Who are the most ruthless capitalists in the Western world? Whose monopolistic practices makes WalMart look like a corner shop and Rupert Murdoch look like a socialist?... [read more]
Out of the Ashes
Now is the time to start planning for a new economy, not dependent on growth. ... [read more]
United in our Heritage
In response to comments made by David Cameron, Hussein Al-Alak takes a look at the origins of ‘Britishness’... [read more]
Arise the heroes of the people
Hussein Al-Alak considers what makes a hero of the people by examining the remarkable achievements of three working class individuals.... [read more]
Politics and the UK Riots
The recent civil unrest points to the failure of three decades of Thatcherite consensus, writes Nathaniel Mehr.... [read more]
UK riots: Missing the bigger picture
Tomasz Pierscionek examines a variety of proposals to deal with the rioting that swept London and reveals gaps in the logic of those calling for the usual knee jerk reaction.... [read more]
UK Riots: Crackdown will solve nothing
As expected the state is warming to the task of cracking down hard, as they like to put it, on looters/rioters past, present and future. Cameron and May have been strutting around talking tough about what they are going to do. ... [read more]
Protests turn to Riots as Working Classes Vent Their Anger
As the dust settles on the UK riots, Ben Missenden considers the possible causes of the recent civil unrest. ... [read more]
Innocent(ish) Until Proven Guilty
The British media have disregarded a key tenet of our democracy, endangering the safety of a woman who may be completely innocent.
... [read more]
Yet more shady dealings inside Murdoch's empire
Hot on the heels of revelations of widespread phone hacking, journalist Solomon Hughes discloses that the Murdoch empire also engaged in hacking into the computer systems of business rivals.... [read more]
The fall of an empire
Jeremy Corbyn reflects on the rise of Murdoch media empire and the years of shameless and blinkered journalism that have been a feature of the newspapers controlled by the media mogul.... [read more]
Even the most powerful man in the world is not above a pie in the face
When media magnate Rupert Murdoch was summoned before the Commons select committee on 19th July, one man tried to ensure he would not walk away untarnished. Jonathan May Bowles, famed as the individual who threw a shaving foam pie at Murdoch, explains his actions.... [read more]
The ruling class policy toward its soldiers - Use Once and Throw Away
Dr Tomasz Pierscionek describes the treatment of war veterans, from the Vietnam era to those returning from present day conflicts, and highlights the continual deceit war-mongering governments use to deceive the public. The real enemies are not foreign but domestic.... [read more]
African history: the need for its teaching in UK schools
Madeleine Louise Fry reflects on the Anglo-centric nature of history teaching in the UK's schools.... [read more]
Medics Resist Tory NHS Plans
Tomasz Pierscionek looks back on last month's demonstration against Tory plans to privatise the National Health Service.... [read more]
Kettled in TopShop
Cristina Brooks recounts her treatment at the hands of the Metropolitan police while shopping during the student marches earlier this year.... [read more]
Jody McIntyre: Victim of Police Brutality and Media Distortion
The case of Jody McIntyre typifies the hypocrisy of the media discourse on political violence, writes Ben Missenden.... [read more]
Bullying and Hijacking Muslim Women’s Voices in the UK Live on Air
Iqbal Tamimi reflects on a gross incident of on-air sexist bullying on the UK Arabic TV channel, Alhiwar.... [read more]
Introducing ... British Government Plc
John Green on the growing preponderance of unelected advisors from the business sector in senior government roles. ... [read more]
Bewildering Times!
From student fees to taxes, the Liberal Democrats are increasingly being seen as cheerleaders for hard-line Tory policies, writes Chris Mason-Felsing.... [read more]
Students Lead the Way in the Fight Against Austerity Measures
The two huge student protests that rocked London were just the tip of the iceberg, writes Ben Missenden.... [read more]
How Should We Invest? A Juxtaposition of War and Welfare
The coalition insists we need to cut the deficit. Fine - but that doesn't have to mean destroying the welfare state, argues Joseph Daniels.... [read more]
Professor Nutt Urges New Thinking on Drugs
As the controversial medical expert David Nutt finds himself back on the news agenda, Tom Bangay considers the vexed question of drug law reform.... [read more]
Miliband: The Knives are Already Being Sharpened
Now that the dust has settled on Ed Miliband's surprise victory in the Labour leadership election, Michael Prior considers the challenges facing the new leader as he seeks to move the party away from Blairism.... [read more]
Cut to Shreds: Injustice for All
The coalition government's vicious attack on the public sector amounts to nothing less than a political coup d'état, says Richie Nimmo.... [read more]
The Gay Liberation Front's Social Revolution
Forty years ago, the Gay Liberation Front challenged society's gender system. Peter Tatchell looks back on four decades of activism.... [read more]
Media Ambivalence About 'Red Ed' is a Sign of the Times
Nathaniel Mehr reflects on the media reaction to Ed Miliband's success in the Labour leadership election.... [read more]
An Age of Consent of 14?
Peter Tatchell argues education, not criminalisation, is the best way to protect children when it comes to sexuality.... [read more]
Mervyn King Comes to Town
Rob Sewell considers the significance of Mervyn King's address to the TUC in Manchester.... [read more]
Thatcher and the Last Tory cuts
Eric Hollies puts today's coalition government in historical perspective by looking back on the brutal public spending cuts imposed by the Thatcher government.... [read more]
The BBC’s defence of the ‘Death in the Med’ is far from being convincing or ethical
Iqbal Tamimi on why the BBC's response to the complaints they received of bias in their 16th August 2010 Panorama programme is inadequate.... [read more]
Lansley can Shove his White Paper
The Tory-Lib Dem coalition is intent on a wholesale privatisation of the National Health Service, writes John Lister.... [read more]
Towering Lunacy
Green enthusiasm for vertical farms shows that no one is untouched by magical thinking, writes George Monbiot.... [read more]
An Interview with Yvonne Ridley
Tomasz Pierscionek talks to award winning journalist Yvonne Ridley about her capture by the Taliban in 2001 and subsequent conversion to Islam, as well as her views on the recent rise in Islamophobia and political opposition towards the veil... [read more]
Combat Stress: A Living History
Hussein Al-Alak looks at the lifesaving work of a mental health charity that has spent the past ninety years helping ex-soldiers cope with life after service.... [read more]
Defending the NHS Against Privatisation: John Lister talks to London Progressive Journal (Part Two)
The second part of Tomasz Pierscionek's discussion with prominent anti-privatisation campaigner John Lister.... [read more]
Defending the NHS Against Privatisation: John Lister talks to London Progressive Journal (Part One)
Tomasz Pierscionek talked to veteran health campaigner and London Health Emergency information director Dr John Lister.... [read more]
There's Still Every Reason to Fight: Plane Stupid's Robbie Gillett Talks to London Progressive Journal
... [read more]
Time to Come Clean - UCL Students Campaign for London’s Global University to Get Out of the Global Arms Trade
... [read more]
... [read more]
... [read more]
... [read more]