IAN LAVERY MP warns that decades of neoliberal policies have left former industrial communities behind — but a renewed Labour commitment to working people could change the political landscape
THE LAST 15 months have seen the National Education Union (NEU) Councillors’ Network go from strength to strength. Initially looking at how best to support NEU members who are also councillors in their role, the network has now grown to over 1,600 councillors of all parties, regularly taking part in actions standing up for education.
To celebrate the strength and development of our network, on Saturday November 2 we are holding our first ever local government conference of over 190 councillors from across the country, to discuss the future of local authorities and education.
We know that the last nine years have seen devastating cuts, with 60p in every pound being cut from local government. Combined with the damaging reforms to education, the cuts have left a fractured and damaged landscape. In recognition of the shared understanding of the need for change, our conference is proudly supported by LGA Labour Group, LGA Liberal Democrat Group, Association of Green Councillors and LGA Independent group.
HENRY FOWLER outlines the GFTU’s new 2026-27 education programme and argues that investing in trade union education is essential to building worker power, developing leaders and strengthening collective action
Solidarity is needed for the longest strike in NHS history, argues HENRY FOWLER of Strike Map
Women are a vital part of the labour movement and have much to contribute, but there’s far more to be done to make sure that our sisters’ voices are truly heard, says PHILIPA HARVEY
Since 2023, Strike Map has evolved from digital mapping at a national level to organising ‘mega pickets’ — we believe that mass solidarity with localised disputes prepares the ground for future national action, writes HENRY FOWLER


