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?
VETERANS from the epic 1984-5 miners’ strike marked the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike at an exhibition and rally in Coppull, Lancashire, with speakers from the former coalfield and National Women Against Pit Closures.
Organised by Chorley TUC, they shared experiences with activists locally about their role in sustaining the year-long struggle. Members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had refused to cross picket lines at Parkside, Wigan and Sutton Manor and Bold collieries in the St Helens area, set up by striking miners from Yorkshire, in March 1984.
They were resisting the threatened closure of pits and consequent devastation of local communities. It marked the start of the year-long miners’ strike that drew support from the labour movement across the world.
Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners co-founder MIKE JACKSON talks to Matt Kerr about the enduring power of Pride, protest and trade unionism
The public inquiry is the result of more than a decade of determined campaigning. Now, those who fought for justice want the full story of government involvement and police conduct to be told, says KATE FLANNERY
KEVIN COURTNEY of Stand Up to Racism and JOHN PAGE of the Ella Baker School of Organising announce a joint project aiming to unite trade unions and social movements in creating new narratives to fight the divisive rhetoric of the far right



