Economists estimate extreme poverty could be drastically reduced for a fraction of global defence spending, yet military budgets continue to expand year on year, says JON TRICKETT MP, ahead of the Stop the War International Conference on Saturday
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Remembering Shane MacGowan – musical and lyrical genius
ALISON BANVILLE pays tribute to an Irish singer-songwriter whose talent and authenticity touched many hearts
Shane MacGowan performs in Dublin, for St Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2003
As Unison launches its Year of Women Workers, ANNIE COGAN-THOMAS argues that stronger organisation and collective bargaining are essential to winning equality
Trade unions, trades councils and community organisations must work together to build lasting solidarity and resistance to the far right, argues DREW GILCHRIST
Recent violence in Belfast was not spontaneous — it was built on years of failure and political neglect, argues STIOFAN O NUALLAIN
As delegates meet in Brighton this week, Unison faces pressing questions about pay, organising, workers’ rights and political representation, explains ANDY CHAFFER
Andy Burnham’s growing stature has fuelled hopes of a Labour revival – but ALAN SIMPSON warns that Britain’s crisis runs far deeper than just its leadership and traces its roots to decades of financialised capitalism
SHANE MacGOWAN died last week. An event which we dreaded would happen, perhaps, much sooner than it did, touched the souls of not only those who admired his musical and lyrical genius but of those who recognised that a very special person has been in our midst.
What can I say about Shane? The greatest lyricist, a true poet, a punk spirit, a beautiful soul. An inspirational Irish son. At the height of his fame my Irish friend Kathy and I — two massive Pogues fans — were in the Scala all-night cinema in King’s Cross.
This was a cool place to hang out in those days and attracted an eclectic crowd of arty types, punks, rebels and street kids in the know. Drinks could be bought at the bar and taken into the auditorium, themed movies played back to back from 11pm until dawn when we would all emerge blinking into the sunlight, the sound of Sunday church bells ringing in the new day as we reeled our way to the Tube station.
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