The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
THERE is every reason, when faced with the crushing election defeat of Labour in the UK and the even worse performance in Scotland, for the left to stop and take stock.
However, it is not a reason for panic, or making concessions to our political right — whether nationalist or centrist.
In this regard, it is worth recalling that, as predicted, the gang of attack dogs of the “private” press and news channels as well as the “public” BBC did more than their savage best to destroy Labour under Jeremy Corbyn.
The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW
Italians reject controversial judiciary reforms in a referendum that boosts the left, reports NICK WRIGHT
Every Starmer boast about removing asylum-seekers probably wins Reform another seat while Labour loses more voters to Lib Dems, Greens and nationalists than to the far right — the disaster facing Labour is the leadership’s fault, writes DIANE ABBOTT MP
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


