A 1936 confrontation with Mosley’s BUF became part of a wider international struggle, with local activists later joining the fight against fascism in the Spanish civil war. TONY FOX tells the story ahead of a 90th anniversary commemoration event
The language of flowers
PETER FROST takes a sideways look at what flowers mean, and not just on Valentine’s Day
Voters have delivered a stay of execution for Labour and exposed limits to Reform’s advance. But will Burnham offer a political alternative rather than just a different face at the top, asks ANDREW MURRAY
SEVIM DAGDELEN warns that Germany’s military resurgence and revival of old hostilities towards Russia have dangerous implications for Europe and beyond
MATT KERR takes stock of a night of by-elections, where the long repeated warnings for Labour and the political class remain stubbornly unheeded
Trump Is Building a Legal and Military Architecture to Invade Latin America. SARA VIVACQUA reports
Despite forming most of Britain’s trade union membership, women continue to endure harassment, inequality and minimal support for their sex-based rights, warns VALERIE COULTAS
THESE days, Valentine’s Day is a huge boost to the floristry, greetings card and chocolate industries.
Most of it is a rip-off but it did get me thinking — perhaps it was all the cards, bouquets and boxes of chocolates that have arrived at home recently. Thanks, readers.
The Victorians sent gifts of blooms, plants and specific floral arrangements that were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in prim Victorian society.
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