Gloucestershire’s phlebotomists have brought their historic strike to a close after almost a year of action, leaving a legacy of determination – and a clear lesson about the power of solidarity in the face of anti-union laws and austerity, says FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT
In February, I went to Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre after a year of asking the Home Office to be allowed to visit some of the most vulnerable women in their care and control.
Yarl’s Wood is on the outskirts of Clapham, Bedfordshire, and is a place where foreign nationals who may be subject to deportation are held. It is one of 13 such centres currently in Britain.
Having tried to arrange a visit for some time, I was glad to finally get the opportunity to see the conditions myself, especially as my visit came just after the news that 120 of Yarl’s Wood detainees had begun a month-long hunger strike.
DIANE ABBOTT exposes the misconceptions, rumours and downright lies perpetrated around immigration issues
DIANE ABBOTT explodes the anti-migrant myths perpetrated by cynical politicians and an irresponsible mass media
DIANE ABBOTT MP argues that Labour’s proposals contained in the recent white paper won’t actually bring down immigration numbers or win support from Reform voters — but they will succeed in making politics more nasty and poisonous
DIANE ABBOTT MP warns Starmer’s newly declared war on foreigners and scroungers won’t fix housing or services — only class struggle against austerity can do that, and defeat Farage in the process



