Growing instability in the US economy and financial markets could have serious consequences worldwide because of the central role of the US dollar and financial system, argues MICHAEL BURKE
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A winter of pain for those with spinal cord injuries
Patients and professional bodies are united in calling for action to support those with spinal injuries who are facing unique challenges over heating bills, reports RUTH HUNT
Despite Andy Burnham’s declaration defending the continued partition of the island, all major international and internal trends are converging to make Irish reunification inevitable
The left needs a bold energy vision – because if it fails to provide one, others will shape the future in their own interests, argues ALAN SIMPSON
From Margate to Deal, mining memories are being kept alive. National co-ordinator for General Strike 100, HENRY FOWLER continued his nationwide tour of partner organisations in the Garden of England
Humans are part of the ‘animal kingdom’ – and of nature in general – but also distinct from it and labour (work) is part of what makes us unique, declared Engels. His insights 150 years ago into how our species came to be and how we differ from the rest of nature, are as important today as they were then, says the MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Boxes of books, family photos and heirlooms, labour movement anniversaries, along with nostalgic memories of glorious childhood days on the Ayrshire coast still leave room for a wistful MATT KERR to hope for a better future
THE new 5 per cent higher price cap on energy announced on November 23 means people will pay more to keep warm this January than any winter before — and this is set to hit those with disabilities, such as those spinal cord injuries (SCI) the hardest.
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), which represents those with such injuries, is calling on the government to offer more help with paying these bills. That’s because those with injuries such as serious spinal injuries are often stuck at home. As calls to the helpline indicate, a considerable number are in unsuitable homes, not just with access problems, but also unsafe and hard to keep warm.
Those with SCI who are renting have been exposed to the turbulence in the private rental sector, with the result that some are having to move to properties unsuitable for their needs as they don’t want to end up in temporary accommodation if an accessible, affordable property can’t be found.
One woman who contacted the charity ended up in a refuge, due to not finding anywhere suitable she could live. The SIA said: “A home adapted to meet the needs of someone with SCI is a fundamental right for everyone living in Britain.” But that “right” is far from being met.
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