Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
Many millions of people voted not only against austerity cuts and privatisation in last month’s general election.
They also voted for a positive alternative: for public investment in health, education and housing; for higher taxation of the super-rich and big business; for decent pensions and benefits; and for public ownership of railways, energy and the Royal Mail.
The Communist Party’s decision to stand down its own candidates, call for a Labour vote everywhere and reject any misnamed pro-EU “progressive alliance” with the Lib Dems was vindicated.
Young Communist League general secretary GEORGINA ANDREWS says the far right are filling a vacuum created by Labour’s abandonment of working-class interests — we have to give our class a better offer
Starmer sabotaged Labour with his second referendum campaign, mobilising a liberal backlash that sincerely felt progressive ideals were at stake — but the EU was then and is now an entity Britain should have nothing to do with, explains NICK WRIGHT
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT
In the run-up to the Communist Party congress in November ROB GRIFFITHS outlines a few ideas regarding its participation in the elections of May 2026


