Reform’s rise speaks to a deep crisis in Establishment parties – but relies on appealing to social and economic grievances the left should make its own, argues NICK WRIGHT
Not balancing the books
Public libraries are facing massive cutbacks by councils looking to make ‘easy’ savings – with Birmingham and Nottingham in the front line. But these are community services that should not be for sale, argues JOHN PATEMAN
This year’s Bristol Radical History Festival focused on the persistent threats of racism, xenophobia and, of course, our radical collective resistance to it across Ireland and Britain, reports LYNNE WALSH
A maverick’s self-inflicted snake bites could unlock breakthrough treatments – but they also reveal deeper tensions between noble scientific curiosity and cold corporate callousness, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART
Israel continues to operate with impunity in what seems to be a brutal and protracted experiment, while much of the world looks on, says RAMZY BAROUD
A new report by Amnesty International pulls no punches in highlighting the Labour government’s human rights violations of those on benefits, says Dr DYLAN MURPHY
With Reform UK surging and Labour determined not to offer anything different from the status quo, a clear opportunity opens for the left, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE
PUBLIC libraries have existed in Britain since the mid-19th century and have survived many existential threats, including Thatcherism. Today their future has never been so uncertain. Since the financial crisis in 2008 hundreds of libraries have closed and thousands of library workers have been made redundant.
Public libraries are low-hanging fruit for cash-strapped local councils. In recent weeks there have been announcements of large-scale library closures by a number of councils, most notably Birmingham City Council and Nottingham City Council, which face huge budget deficits.
Birmingham
The city’s network of 36 community libraries is at risk after Birmingham City Council unveiled proposals to cut the library budget as part of an overall £200 million budget reduction this year and £100m next year to balance the council books.
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Public libraries are sanctuaries which facilitate the exploration of the universe of ideas for free for those curious enough. ROGER McKENZIE advocates their protection against authoritarian incursions, US style
