The question is not simply how much we spend on defence, but what we understand defence and security to mean, says SIMON BRIGNELL
The cost of food will soar — and we are not prepared
JAMES MEADWAY looks at the multiple emerging crises, most linked to climate change, that will lead to price rises for consumers and bumper profits for big business. The solutions, however, are simple
As prices have soared, the major businesses that dominate global food production have been able to make record profits, exploiting the shortages. Research by Unite the union has found that the four largest global agribusinesses made $10.4 billion in profit last year, up 255 per cent.
Given the recent rejection of peace proposals by Israel the world must provide an immediate and resolute response to force accountability on Gaza, argues RAMZY BAROUD
MARK SEDDON tries to cool off in the countryside to avoid the heatwaves but the greed and incompetence of the privatised water industry is now at boiling point
The disputed election of a far-right president, who is also a US citizen, signals further consolidation of Washington’s regional power and represents a threat to the country’s democracy and sovereignty, writes WT WHITNEY JNR
by Her Excellency Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the United Kingdom
DR STEPHEN WILKINSON assesses the life and legacy of a revolutionary giant
NEWS on Wednesday that Britain’s overall rate of inflation eased down a fraction to 10.1 per cent disguised the shocking continued increase in the price of food.
Average food prices for British consumers are now rising at 19.6 per cent — the highest in the official figures for 45 years. And this is only an average price — the price of some essentials, like sunflower and other cooking oils, is rising far higher, at over 25 per cent.
Coffee and tea prices are rising at the fastest rate on record. Much of this is driven by the soaring price of food across the globe, as shortages bite. With Britain importing almost half the food we eat, rising global prices have a rapid effect on prices here.
It should be obvious how inadequate the mainstream explanations and proposed solutions are. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claimed, just before these figures came out, that refusing to meet the pay demands of public-sector workers like the junior doctors was an essential part of fighting inflation.
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