Articles
Friday, February 8, 2019
The term "conspiracy theory" is designed to cast doubt on those who raise concerns about the truth of what we are being told. It is often only later that the facts emerge. From the Zinoviev letter, through the Kennedy assasination to alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the Novichock poisonings history shows that we have reasons to be skeptical.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
The current intractable problems of negotiating a Brexit which will satisfy the EU, both wings of the Tory Party, its allies in the Democratic Unionist Party and the divided electorate are rooted in the history of the EU and British imperialism. The impossibility of negotiating as equals with the EU was experienced by the Greek government and it comes as no surprise that it is playing hard-ball with Britain. The future of Brexit remains highly uncertain.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
As well as the current proposal agreed by Teresa May and the EU several other options have been proposed for a "soft Brexit", however the EU will only accept an agreement which does not undermine the integrity of its single-market. This means that in any soft Brexit option Britain would be required to remain bound by its rules, effectively part of the EU without any say in it.
Friday, November 16, 2018
There have already been press smears and campaigns by the establishment against Jeremy Corbyn, so how would capitalism and the British state react to a Corbyn lead Labour government? We need to be prepared to take on attempts at destabilisation with popular support being critical.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Allegations of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party have now been exposed as a cover for those who wish to defend Israel and promote a right-wing agenda. In response to the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance examples by the Party we should turn the argument round and ask Israel's supporters how can they justify its actions and what language would the use to describe them.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
The 2018 Labour Party conference consolidated the shift of the Party from supporting neo-liberalism under New Labour to one espousing social justice. There were many positives especially Corbyn's speech which was packed full of policies and the historic motion on Palestine. There were also weaknesses with continued confusion over Brexit and only a little progress on Party democracy. There remain many challenges, but Labour looks increasingly like a government in waiting.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
The corporate image that HSBC likes to portray to the world is very different from its history, ranging from complicity in the Chinese opium trade right up to today in promoting arms sales to Israel. This, of course, is all about maximising profit. Campaigners for boycott, divestment and sanctions are now taking the company on.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
2018 sees the 100th anniversary of the trial of John McLean, the Scottish socialist and fierce opponent of the First World War. Facing charges of sedition McLean opted to defend himself and his speech from the dock is a classic denunciation of capitalism.