The 25th anniversary meeting of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation in the Kyrgyz capital may offer a glimmer of hope that international relations do not need to be defined by endless confrontation, writes KENNY COYLE
RECENT waves of far-right-fuelled riots have shaken many of the country’s most vulnerable areas. Yet, despite being one of the most deprived local authorities, Salford has thankfully avoided such unrest.
The reasons why Salford remained calm are debatable, especially considering past far-right rallies led by figures like Tommy Robinson. However, one thing is clear — complacency is not an option.
This is why many Salfordians are campaigning for a monument to honour the city’s volunteers who fought fascism during the Spanish civil war as members of the International Brigades.
North East Volunteers for Liberty plan to mark a double anniversary in October for local heroes who stood firm against tyranny, writes TONY FOX
A champion motorcyclist, trade union organiser and communist, Clem Beckett went from Britain’s speedway tracks to the battlefields of Spain, where he gave his life resisting Franco’s forces at Jarama. GEOFF BOTTOMS pays tribute to this remarkable anti-fascist
HELEN OCLEE-BROWN on keeping alive the memory and spirit of the Brigaders
CJ ATKINS commemorates one of the most dramatic moments in working-class history



