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A mass crisis is almost upon us – but is the left ready?
We are seeing epochal changes and shocks across Europe which will likely mean big upheavals and social clashes ahead. Can the left unite to offer a radical way out, asks KEVIN OVENDEN
A protest outside Ofgem HQ in Canary Wharf today

THE scale of the deepening social crisis is beginning to dawn across Europe. The 80 per cent increase in household energy costs in Britain may be exceptionally big.

But the crisis is far from unique to Britain. Nor is the kind of excuse that Boris Johnson trotted out on yet another visit to Ukraine this week: that ordinary households in Britain have to endure soaring prices and falling living standards as part of “standing up to Vladimir Putin.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said similar on Wednesday as he prepared his government for massive public anger and bitter opposition to his programme of attacks on pensions and benefits.

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