Secret consultation documents finally released after the Morning Star’s two-year freedom of information battle show the Home Office misrepresented public opinion, claiming support for policies that most respondents actually strongly criticised as dangerous and unfair, writes SOLOMON HUGHES
At Burston the Communist Party will launch its rural charter
PHIL KATZ, district secretary of the Communist Party in the East of England outlines the importance of the Burston Strike Rally, the food and land issue for workers and outlines the issues covered in the launch of a new Rural Charter
TIME TO ACT: Keir Starmer is shown surplus food produce available at The Pantry at St Giles Trust in south London a local food resource center, April 2023
Our groundbreaking report reveals how private rail companies are bleeding millions from public coffers through exploitative leasing practices — but we have the solutions, writes Aslef Scottish organiser KEVIN LINDSAY
With Reform UK surging and Labour determined not to offer anything different from the status quo, a clear opportunity opens for the left, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE
Reform’s rise speaks to a deep crisis in Establishment parties – but relies on appealing to social and economic grievances the left should make its own, argues NICK WRIGHT
This year’s Bristol Radical History Festival focused on the persistent threats of racism, xenophobia and, of course, our radical collective resistance to it across Ireland and Britain, reports LYNNE WALSH
A maverick’s self-inflicted snake bites could unlock breakthrough treatments – but they also reveal deeper tensions between noble scientific curiosity and cold corporate callousness, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART
THIS weekend marks the 110th anniversary of the Burston Strike School Rally in Norfolk, commemorating the longest strike in British history. In 1914, beloved teachers Tom and Kitty Higdon, both socialists and trade unionists, were dismissed by the local authorities.
In protest, their students walked out, initiating a strike that lasted 25 years. Since 1984, the rally has been an annual event, symbolising the labour movement’s strength and progressive ideas in the east of England. This year’s rally also celebrates the recent electoral shift in the region, where the Conservative Party has been replaced by Labour, Lib Dems, and Reform UK in key constituencies. The rally will draw thousands, reflecting the changing political landscape.
The east of England has seen a significant political transformation, with Labour now holding 31 seats, the Lib Dems seven, and Reform UK securing three. The region also has a Green MP in Waveney Valley. In many areas, Reform UK has become a significant force, even in constituencies they didn’t win, demonstrating the shifting political allegiances. Despite the high engagement in political activities during the election, voter turnout was low, with some areas like Luton and South Bedfordshire seeing less than 50 per cent participation.
More from this author
PHIL KATZ looks at how the Daily Worker, the Morning Star's forerunner, covered the breathless last days of World War II 80 years ago
PHIL KATZ describes the unity of the home front and the war front in a People’s War
From anti-apartheid work to uniting migrant workers, Sutton showed us how to build worker power, keeping socialism’s flame burning bright, and leaving London’s mighty May Day parade as his legacy, writes Phil Katz
