TUC president and POA leader STEVE GILLAN speaks to Ben Chacko on the eve of Congress 2026
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Beyond Adolescence: the dangerous misinterpretations of Netflix’s most controversial drama
The series unveils uncomfortable truths about youth alienation and online radicalisation — but the real crisis lies in austerity and the absence of class consciousness in addressing young people’s disillusionment, says teacher ROBERT POOLE
ELITE ENDORSEMENT: Keir Starmer hosts Adolescence writer Jack Thorne (right) at 10 Downing Street, for a ‘safety meeting’ inspired by the fictional TV series
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
LIKE most of the country, I have been enthralled by the Netflix limited series Adolescence. It is a great piece of drama, with fantastic acting — especially from some of the younger cast — and Stephen Graham shows that he is one of the finest working-class actors of our time. The claustrophobic shooting style — one single continuous, real-time shot per episode — is fascinating to watch and makes for an intense viewing experience.
It also leaves us constantly wanting to know more about what is happening off-screen and leaves us with more questions than answers by the end of the series.
But beneath the artistic excellence lies a dangerous narrative that’s been seized upon by those with political agendas, and it’s crucial we understand what’s really happening with our young people before we draw the wrong conclusions.
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