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
LONDON’S May Day this year will be a historic event. For the first time in over 50 years the leader of the Labour Party and the shadow chancellor will address the crowd, reflecting the radical shift that’s taken place in British politics.
But the invitation to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell was primarily an invitation to two stalwarts who have regularly supported and spoken at London May Day over the years.
They will speak at the start of the march in Clerkenwell Green around noon.
With attacks on industry, healthcare and education intensifying, JAMSHID AHMADI warns of a deliberate drive to cripple Iran and calls for urgent global action
As extremist movements grow on the streets and at the ballot box, the emergence of the Together Alliance points to a vital strategy: unity across trade unions, campaigners and communities, says TONY CONWAY
One hundred years after 1.7m workers shut the country down in defence of the miners, the struggles that sparked the 1926 General Strike are still with us – and will be honoured on London’s May Day march this year, writes MARY ADOSSIDES
The visa system traps workers with abusive employers, creating a vulnerable workforce scared to complain for fear of deportation — that is why we’re campaigning for a ‘common sponsorship’ model instead, writes FAVOUR DAVIDKING


