Facing economic turmoil, Jim Callaghan’s government rejected Tony Benn’s alternative economic strategy in favour of cuts that paved the way for Thatcherism — and the cuts-loving Labour of the present era, writes KEITH FLETT
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A cynical attempt to scapegoat workers
We utterly reject the Scottish government’s pretence that wage claims in public services are the reason for savage spending cuts — raise taxes to pay workers better for better services, writes COLETTE HUNTER, of Unison Scotland
The Grenfell Memorial Wall in west London, September 3, 2024
The economic value of disability benefits far outweighs their cost, argues Dr DYLAN MURPHY
As tensions rise in the Middle East, the role of Iran in the region’s political balance becomes ever more significant. STEVE BISHOP assesses the current situation
While slashing welfare and public services, Labour’s spring statement delivers a bonanza for death-dealing bomb merchants. We now see the true and terrible face of austerity 2.0, writes MICHAEL BURKE
Detailing the deluge of delusion and dishonesty pushed by the pro-war camp, IAN SINCLAIR identifies four key tactics corporate journalists use to confuse audiences and suppress opposition to the proxy war in the east
From ‘moral duty’ to ‘military Keynesianism,’ Labour manipulates language to justify slashing welfare but pouring billions into warfare, condemning communities like Glasgow South West to deeper poverty, writes MATT KERR
With politicians dismissing constituents’ fears of global war, the peace movement must look beyond Parliament to prevent catastrophe, writes TOM MORRISON
CUTS to public services — and we had £500 million worth announced this week — are the fault of the workers who provide the services. That at least is the view of the Scottish government.
It put this “necessity” down to a number of causes, but high up in the mix were pay claims from workers in public services, particularly council workers.
As excuses go this one is more lame than most. It’s politicians who set budgets and make plans, not council staff. It’s a bit rich turning around and blaming a lack of free school meals on the women who cook them.
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With the Scottish government’s Budget day coming up in early December, BRENDA AITCHISON presses for public services to be properly funded at last after years of neglect and austerity
KATE RAMSDEN calls out the SNP’s political choices, citing STUC research showing billions could be raised through progressive taxation to fund vital social work and care — instead, we’re being threatened with more cuts
