As Scotland heads to the polls, the main parties offer variations on the same script, says MATT KERR
TODAY friends, family and comrades bid a fond farewell to a giant of the Communication Workers Union and wider labour movement, Andy Kerr.
Tributes have poured in from across the British labour movement — and internationally, given the longtime CWU deputy general secretary for telecoms and financial services also served as president of UNI Global Union’s Information, Communications, Technology and Related Services division.
CWU president Karen Rose says the entire union will miss a working-class champion who was “always smiling,” passionate about representing members and who had time for everyone he encountered.
MATT KERR charts his bike-riding odyssey in aid of the Royal Marsden charity and CWU Humanitarian Aid
Robinson successfully defended his school from closure, fought for the unification of the teaching unions, mentored future trade union leaders and transformed teaching at the Marx Memorial Library, writes JOHN FOSTER
Ben Chacko talks to ALAN MARDGHUM of the Durham Miners Association about Reform UK‘s dangerous inroads into Durham’s long-standing Labour county council; why he cancelled his party membership; and the political class’s disconnect from working people
‘Chance encounters are what keep us going,’ says novelist Haruki Murakami. In Amy, a chance encounter gives fresh perspective to memories of angst, hedonism and a charismatic teenage rebel.



