PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE explains why opposing war is inseparable from defending jobs, wages and public services – and why readers should come to the London Peace Conference on Saturday June 20
THE brilliant Scottish singer-songwriter Rab Noakes was among the first members of Stealer’s Wheel — but left before the band recorded the likes of Stuck In The Middle With You and Everything Will Turn Out Fine.
His recent solo work has pulled off the rare combination of musical skill and unabashed politics — Water Is My Friend, a chronicle of his cancer treatment and a rally against the injustice of Tory NHS policies, being one song that springs to mind.
He is a socialist and a supporter of the Morning Star. Last year he gave a moving musical tribute to the paper’s late arts critic Chris Bartter at a cabaret event in his memory.
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician
Barred from returning home, a group of Greek Brigaders came to Britain and founded the League for Democracy in Greece – a movement that carried the flame of anti-fascist resistance from the 1930s through the cold war and beyond. ALI BASSAM ZAHID tells the story
As part of the 2025 London Jazz Festival Rich Mix offered intriguing sessions titled 'Persian Jazz,' CHRIS SEARLE was there
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to saxophonist and retired NHS orthopaedic surgeon ART THEMEN


