Preferable to Starmer he may be, but there is scant sign of a sharp political break in Burnham’s policies so far — while left challenges aren’t making much of a running either, finds ANDREW MURRAY. How can socialism be put back on the map?
SINCE the coal industry was privatised in 1994, successive governments have creamed off £7 billion in surpluses accrued by the two pension schemes covering workers in the industry.
When the remains of the coal industry were privatised, an agreement was struck with the government under which it would underwrite any future losses. In return the pension funds had to share any surpluses the funds accrued 50-50 with the government.
At the time that this arrangement was entered into by the pension fund trustees it was thought by the government of the day that this would be a good deal as it could expect to receive £2bn from the pension schemes over the first 25 years.
Durham Miners’ Association chair STEPHEN GUY speaks to Ben Chacko about the Reform threat, what’s needed from Labour and why the Big Meeting will never lose its politics
The public inquiry is the result of more than a decade of determined campaigning. Now, those who fought for justice want the full story of government involvement and police conduct to be told, says KATE FLANNERY
Plaid Cymru’s Caerffili by-election win raised hopes on the left — but the complex realities of Wales suggest the Senedd election may be far less predictable, argues CATRIN ASHTON



