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
Latest editorial
Labour in government must redistribute power – not just wealth
Jeremy Corbyn at a rally in Coatbridge during the 2017 election campaign. Labour has rebuilt local political activity and community campaigning in Britain – can it rebuild local democracy itself?
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
What should the next Labour government make its top priority? It will need to push through key reforms rather than present a “shopping list” if it wants to get past predictable resistance. There are good arguments for Labour to quickly redistribute a lot of money, but I think it is more important that it starts redistributing power.
Austerity, the long years of Tory rule and pro-corporate elements of New Labour governments before them mean there is much badly needed change.
But a long “shopping list” won’t work: a truly reforming Labour will be fiercely opposed by the rich people and companies that have done so well from previous administrations. The media will be vicious.
Similar stories
Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS
The election offers a critical chance to shape the future of pay, care and community provision in Wales, says Unison’s JESS TURNER
With ‘Your Party’ holding its founding conference in Liverpool this weekend, JEREMY CORBYN speaks to Morning Star editor Ben Chacko about its potential, its priorities — and a few of its controversies too
MATT WRACK issues a clarion call for a rejuvenation of public services for the sake of our communities and our young people