RAMZY BAROUD explains why the world can no longer ignore Palestine
Latest editorial
Legal aid – happy birthday and goodbye?
Established today 70 years ago, legal aid has given the poor protection from the law – now it hangs in the balance, explains LUCY WOOD
Lady Justice
[WilliamCho/Creative Commons] 
Starmer’s decision to suspend Diane Abbott yet again demonstrates a determination to maintain and propagate a hierarchy of racism, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT
Olive oil remains a vital foundation of food, agriculture and society, storing power in the bonds of solidarity. Though Palestinians are under attack, they continue to press forward write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
VIJAY PRASHAD looks at the web of militias and drug-trafficking gangs that emerged in the Sweida region through the Syrian civil war, and how they relate to recent clashes and Israel’s intervention
JOE ATTARD explains why trade unionists are rallying in solidarity against the recent arrest of political activists in Gilgit-Baltistan, the northernmost region of Kashmir, administered by Pakistan
ON July 30 1949 the Legal Aid and Advice Act was passed, adding another pillar to the growing welfare state under Clement Attlee’s Labour government. However, like many public services, it is in crisis due to cuts in funding.
Criminal justice solicitor Lucy Osborn has specialised in criminal defence work for many years and spoke about her concern over what she described as a “broken” justice system.
“Everybody needs legal aid — it’s fundamental to our society and access to justice should be there for everyone. Sadly, that’s not the case. If you earn over £236 a week you are unlikely to receive legal aid in a magistrate’s court.”
More from this author
LUCY WOOD reports from the Colchester protest against NHS cuts and privatisation last weekend
Starmer promised to ‘bring unity to the party’ – but social media stalking and harassment are rife without any action being taken, says LUCY WOOD
When the government’s public-sector pay rise snubbed many of the lowest-paid NHS workers, a single nurse decided to take action — and started a movement. LUCY WOOD tells the story
Lucy Wood talks to SOLMA AHMED about why she’s standing as a candidate for Forward Momentum’s national co-ordinating group for Midland and East Region
