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
“TAKE back control.” That’s the mantra that did the rounds in 2016 — waking non-voting elements of this country from their sleepy disdain for politics.
What also happened is it created a shift in political dynamics, which even the greatest chess players might not have seen coming. It gave the poorest and most downtrodden the opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to punch upwards.
And we can do that again on December 12 — we just need to vote Labour. In order to give those who’ve had their boots pressed to our necks for so long the bloody nose we’ve all been waiting for.
A just transition to Great British Railways and a clean and safe railway for all is not only desirable but also necessary. MARYAM ESLAMDOUST explains
Incoming Usdaw general secretary JOANNE THOMAS talks to Ben Chacko about workers’ rights, Labour and how to arrest the decline of the high street
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


