In his fortnightly column MARK SEDDON reflects on the death of Major Oak and why such ancient trees matter to us
Latest editorial
Blue Labour: deluded or selling us a pup
New Labour was right-wing economics, married with left-wing social policy; Blue Labour is the polar opposite, writes STEVEN TOPPLE
The world’s largest communist party marked its 105th birthday this week — and remains true to its principles and firm in its course, says OLIVER VARGAS
The left has become too reliant on persuasion and too detached from the workplaces and communities it seeks to represent, argues NICK TROY
RAMZY BAROUD highlights how Israel’s ambassador sought to shut down UN officials documenting sexual violence and abuses against Palestinians
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has had far-reaching consequences, including a boost to Pakistan’s regional standing, argues ROGER McKENZIE
The recent heatwaves revealed how ill-prepared Britain remains for a hotter future – and how unequal the ability to cope with it has become, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
The drive to strengthen European defence is reshaping relations between France, Germany, Italy and Britain, says NICK WRIGHT
Why, Labour are going “Back to the Future” — and it’s one that’s neither old nor new.“Bread and circuses.” A well-worn and overused phrase, I grant you, but one that has never been so apt, as to be used in the context of the Labour leadership “battle.”
Because while we masticate the pros and cons of the Coopers, Burnhams et al of the party, behind closed doors the ideological wheels are already spinning at 200tpm (triangulations per minute) and deciding the direction the party will now take — regardless, as always, of who the leader is.
Jon Cruddas is stepping down from his shadow cabinet role as policy co-ordinator to conduct a review the party’s defeat at the election and the future direction it will now take. The Independent reported he would be joined in this review by, among others, the Local Government Association and Compass think tank. Internal mutterings (not reported) cited that Lord Glasman would also be involved in this autopsy.
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Keir Starmer's early political life suggests a very different future from the one he ultimately embraced, says KEITH FLETT
Burnham’s Makerfield triumph offers the party the opportunity to reconnect with working people, but only if it rejects business as usual, says CAROL MOCHAN MSP
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