Netanyahu’s failed attempt to replace Shin Bet’s chief violates longstanding Israeli political taboos, as the apartheid state’s internal power struggle spirals to a new level of crisis while Gaza burns, writes RAMZY BAROUD
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A winter of pain for those with spinal cord injuries
Patients and professional bodies are united in calling for action to support those with spinal injuries who are facing unique challenges over heating bills, reports RUTH HUNT
Spinal injury
Following the historic ban on companies profiting from children’s care, Unison Cymru calls for transparency in implementing the changes and extending the reform to create a truly national, profit-free care service, says MARK TURNER
The left must confront both far-right bigotry and the undeniable problems the exploitation of migrant workers by the ruling class creates — but there are few lessons from the global left on how to strike this balance, laments NICK WRIGHT
STEPHAN BLUM presents the evidence that wine was enjoyed by common folk, independent of upper-class celebrations and religious rituals
The series unveils uncomfortable truths about youth alienation and online radicalisation — but the real crisis lies in austerity and the absence of class consciousness in addressing young people’s disillusionment, says teacher ROBERT POOLE
Our delegation found a small but brave and bold socialist nation that has withstood imperialist machinations and poisonous slander to make impressive leaps in healthcare and women’s rights, reports VETERANS FOR PEACE
Born from my communist social worker mother’s efforts to bridge healthcare gaps, Labour’s push for home-based care now risks becoming another avenue for the US corporate takeover of the NHS, writes RICHARD CLARKE
THE new 5 per cent higher price cap on energy announced on November 23 means people will pay more to keep warm this January than any winter before — and this is set to hit those with disabilities, such as those spinal cord injuries (SCI) the hardest.
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), which represents those with such injuries, is calling on the government to offer more help with paying these bills. That’s because those with injuries such as serious spinal injuries are often stuck at home. As calls to the helpline indicate, a considerable number are in unsuitable homes, not just with access problems, but also unsafe and hard to keep warm.
Those with SCI who are renting have been exposed to the turbulence in the private rental sector, with the result that some are having to move to properties unsuitable for their needs as they don’t want to end up in temporary accommodation if an accessible, affordable property can’t be found.
One woman who contacted the charity ended up in a refuge, due to not finding anywhere suitable she could live. The SIA said: “A home adapted to meet the needs of someone with SCI is a fundamental right for everyone living in Britain.” But that “right” is far from being met.
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