High pressures squeeze and crush, but low pressures damage too. Losing the atom-level buzz that keeps us held safe in the balance of internal and external pressure releases dangerous storms, disorientation and pain, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
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Looking out for our interests – or theirs?
SOLOMON HUGHES leafs through the latest register of MPs’ interests and finds Tories lining their pockets in sunnier climes
EDMUND GRIFFITHS makes a robust defence of sortition, the chosen method of picking attendees for the new left party’s inaugural conference from the membership at random, but sounds the alarm on the eye-watering number of suggested delegates
The NEU kept children and teachers safe during the pandemic, yet we are disgracefully slandered by the politicians who have truly failed our children by not funding a proper education recovery programme — here’s what is needed, explains KEVIN COURTNEY
The appalling bigotry and bias of London’s police force has been obvious for years – and the police leadership does not appear inclined to do anything about it, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE
As Holyrood elections approach, BRIAN LEISHMAN MP argues that Labour’s time has come — to open a new chapter which puts an end to the years of managed decline
ASSAF TALGAM talks to an Israeli Communist lawmaker about the need to use every tool of democratic and non-violent struggle; how Israeli society has changed since October 7 2023; and the persecution of the left in the parliamentary arena
THE new generation of Tory MPs are quickly embracing the old tradition of friendly visits to Saudi Arabia.
Alex Burghart MP (Brentwood & Ongar) and Leo Docherty MP (Aldershot), both newly elected in 2017, joined Simon Hoare MP (North Dorset), who was elected in 2015, on a £7,800 per person five-day trip in September to the Saudi capital of Riyadh, paid for by the Saudi sheikhs. This was Hoare’s second Saudi visit this year. He went on a “fact-finding“ mission funded by the sheikhdom in April.
The latest register of MPs’ interests describes the trip as taken to meet Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, along with local officials and businessmen to “support and understand the British-Saudi bilateral relationship.” Before he was elected, Burghart was one of Theresa May’s advisers, and her “Policy Unit lead on social justice.”
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