The Greater Manchester mayor has shifted left over the years — but his record still shows a tendency to wobble when pressure comes from the right, says SOLOMON HUGHES
“IT IS because of you that we are free and safe to celebrate this season,” Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte stated in his festive message to troops on December 20.
But most of the world feels everything but “free and safe” this Christmas, and the biblical message of the angels heralding “peace on Earth” rings extremely hollow.
For a second year running, the municipal authorities in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank will not hold traditional events.
The catastrophe unfolding in Gaza – where Palestinians are freezing to death in tents – is not a natural disaster but a calculated outcome of Israel’s ongoing blockade, aid restrictions and continued violence, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE
The people of Palestine need our solidarity in actions not words – trade unionists must give them our full support in their darkest hour, writes DANIEL KEBEDE
LIZ PAYNE condemns how Labour backs war in Gaza and Ukraine, and massive funding for Trident’s nuclear bombs, when billions are needed just to restore public services
MICAELA TRACEY-RAMOS explains how Britain’s largest union is putting pressure on the British government to recognise the Palestinian state and end its complicity with Israel’s murderous actions


