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?
IN the weeks since the general election, several high-profile events have enabled Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reassure Western imperialism’s ruling circles that there will be “no change” to British foreign policy.
For war not the poor
On July 9-11, at Nato’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington DC, Starmer voiced his enthusiastic support for continuing the war in Ukraine. Visiting Ukraine within 24 hours of his appointment as defence secretary, John Healey confirmed that Britain is supplying long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
“That does not preclude them hitting targets in Russia,” he added, “but that must be done by the Ukrainians.”
While Italy’s communist tradition remains fragmented and politically marginal, France’s party is attempting to re-establish itself as an independent force rooted in working-class organisation, says NICK WRIGHT
While millions face poverty and public services are squeezed, France is committing billions to defence spending and weapons production, in a dangerous shift towards permanent preparation for war, says CONOR BOLLINS
Expanding Britain’s nuclear capability increases the risk of nuclear confrontation. It does not keep us safe – it makes us a target, argues CAROL TURNER
The desperate French president keeps running up the same political cul-de-sac. DENNIS BROE offers an explanation



