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
AT 12,000 words, The Road Ahead, Keir Starmer’s pamphlet for the Fabian Society, seems to be talking a lot but saying nothing.
Even Starmer fans found it hard to get excited about his “10 principles,” which were so bland any leader of any party could sign up to them.
Why would Boris Johnson, or even Margaret Thatcher, find it hard to embrace his third principle, which reads: “People and businesses are expected to contribute to society, as well as receive.”
As Scotland heads to the polls, the main parties offer variations on the same script, says MATT KERR
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
CWU leader DAVE WARD tells Ben Chacko a strategy to unite workers on class lines is needed – and sectoral collective bargaining must be at its heart
While Reform poses as a workers’ party, a credible left alternative rooted in working-class communities would expose their sham — and Corbyn’s stature will be crucial to its appeal, argues CHELLEY RYAN


