TUC president and POA leader STEVE GILLAN speaks to Ben Chacko on the eve of Congress 2026
Latest editorial
Staying in tune with grapevines
The plant’s leaves gladden the eye as much as they tickle the palate. MAT COWARD has the details
Vine leaves
[domdomegg/Creative Commons]
DOUG NICHOLLS welcomes a turning point at this year’s Congress, where many motions call for a co-ordinated plan to revive British industry, a perspective outlined in his new book
HOPE VIRGO of campaign Dump the Scales warns MPs voting today they should be alert to the threat legalised assisted death poses to people with eating disorders
The Together Alliance is hosting two summits, North and South, to build power and plan action against the scourge of racism peddled by the right. DANIEL KEBEDE urges mass participation
The drift toward militarisation in Europe is not inevitable, left-wing and peace movements can preserve sovereignty and prevent war, says DÁIRE HUGHES MP
Whatever differences exist among international sympathisers of the Bolivarian revolution about its current trajectory, they should unite against the imperialist power that is the source of an enforced retreat, argues ROGER D HARRIS
Trade unions need to step up and force a turn in the policies of the labour movement to effectively confront the far-right threat, argues NICK WRIGHT
GROWING vines for grapes can be difficult, depending on what part of these islands you live in, which way your garden faces, and whether you have a greenhouse. But growing them for vine leaves is easy, productive and highly ornamental.
I don’t know of any variety of grapevine available in this country which is specifically bred for the purpose of providing home-grown dolmades, although Pinot Noir is sometimes recommended as suitable.
But any variety will do, so when going through catalogues or websites to choose a plant look for one that is considered fully hardy in your area, and which has an autumnal foliage colour that you find attractive.
Similar stories
MAT COWARD says the heatwave is a testing time for gardeners — but he has some tips
More expensive by weight than gold, saffron is surprisingly simple to grow. MAT COWARD explains
MAT COWARD takes a look at some of the options for keen gardeners as we enter 2026
Commiserations if you failed this year, MAT COWARD offers six points which, if followed religiously, will ensure you succeed next year