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
The truth about refugees in the central Mediterranean
BEN COWLES tells how civilian refugee rescue organisations saved the lives of 149 people in Malta’s search-and-rescue zone last weekend while the authorities and passing ships refused assistance

LAST Saturday morning, a rubber boat sailing away from war-torn Libya carrying 109 people contacted the distress hotline operated by the activist network Alarm Phone.
“The weather is rapidly deteriorating,” Alarm Phone tweeted soon after the call.
“The people report high waves and an ongoing storm. They need immediate rescue. [The] authorities are informed. Don’t let them drown!”
More from this author

Ben Cowles speaks with IAN ‘TREE’ ROBINSON and ANDY DAVIES, two of the string pullers behind the Manchester Punk Festival, ahead of its 10th year show later this month

Ben Cowles previews his interview with Stand Up to Racism’s SABBY DHALU for the Morning Star’s new Youtube channel