IAN LAVERY MP warns that decades of neoliberal policies have left former industrial communities behind — but a renewed Labour commitment to working people could change the political landscape
How to beet the winter blues with some pinks
MAT COWARD recommends finding a perfect spot for rhubarb which will provide you with plenty of food each year
Rhubarb
[Mykola Swarnyk/Creative Commons]
PAOLO SANTALUCIA reports on how an Italian region defies US pressure to end a Cuban doctors programme
HENRY FOWLER outlines the GFTU’s new 2026-27 education programme and argues that investing in trade union education is essential to building worker power, developing leaders and strengthening collective action
We need a government that invests in saving lives not destroying them, argues SOPHIE BOLT
More expensive by weight than gold, saffron is surprisingly simple to grow. MAT COWARD explains
The public inquiry is the result of more than a decade of determined campaigning. Now, those who fought for justice want the full story of government involvement and police conduct to be told, says KATE FLANNERY
The Durham Miners’ Gala is a celebration of working-class culture, but also a call to action — to rebuild workers’ collective strength, says KIM JOHNSON MP
RHUBARB is too accommodating for its own good. Because it’ll grow well enough in almost any unloved corner of the garden, that’s where it tends to end up.
But if you can spare it an open spot that gets plenty of sun, has soil that is moist but at the same time free-draining, and doesn’t catch late frosts, you might be surprised at the enormous amount of food one rhubarb plant can provide each year.
The flavour will be much better, too. If the ground’s not frozen or saturated, then February is a convenient time for starting a new rhubarb plant.
Similar stories
More expensive by weight than gold, saffron is surprisingly simple to grow. MAT COWARD explains
MAT COWARD takes a look at some of the options for keen gardeners as we enter 2026
MAT COWARD sings the praises of the Giant Winter’s full-depth, earthy and ferrous flavour perfect for rich meals in the dark months
MAT COWARD presents a peculiar cabbage that will only do its bodybuilding once the summer dies down