In the wake of his recent humanitarian visit to Cuba, RICHARD BURGON points to the now urgent need to defend the island’s political sovereignty and its right to self-determination
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A pond full of dragons
PETER FROST ponders on the newts inhabiting many of our countryside and garden ponds
The palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus)
[Gilles San Martin / Creative Commons]
Thousands of jobs are at risk across higher education, yet government funding appears only when universities can be linked to military objectives, says JO GRADY, in the run-up to the Stop the War International Conference this Saturday
The Wye, Usk, Arrow and Lugg were once treasured for their clean waters – today, pollution and corporate excess are fuelling demands for a return to public ownership, says MARK SEDDON
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
Rising support for Farage’s party reflects Labour’s failure to defend working-class living standards or offer a credible alternative to neoliberal decline, says JOSEPH MILLS
Trade unionists are mobilising to support Cuban workers and public services, amid escalating US pressure on the socialist island. RONAN OGILVY explains
LATE March or early April is the time to see newts. They will have spent the winter sleeping away hidden among tree roots, under rocks or in crevices.
Come the spring and newts can think of only one thing — procreation. They take to the water.
It’s now you see them swimming in ponds. The male newt takes on his breeding costume. Two species, smooth and great crested each have impressive crests. As well as growing the crest, newts’ colours brighten.
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