The Milburn review presents itself as a plan to help young people into work, but Dr DYLAN MURPHY argues it is laying the groundwork for a harsher benefits regime
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Why it’s Labour that should get your vote on June 8
Aslef’s annual assembly of delegates opens in Bristol today. MICK WHELAN, the union’s general secretary, spells
out why a Labour government would be good for Britain
Campaigners from across the continent will gather in Brussels on June 14 to oppose Europe’s accelerating militarisation and cuts to public services, write MAGGIE SIMPSON and BOB ORAM of No Cold War Britain
National co-ordinator for General Strike 100, HENRY FOWLER, continues his nationwide tour of partner organisations by visiting the Modern Records Centre at Warwick University
GEOFF BOTTOMS recalls meeting Fidel Castro in the ’90s after joining a Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba, and reflects on how international support is still vital to help the island withstand economic warfare
The Ivors Academy’s hike in entry fees could turn this respected peer-assessed event into an exclusive preserve for those wealthy enough to compete, warns BEN LUNN
Peter Murrell’s weakness for the allure of prestige goods is symptomatic of modern consumer culture, says MATT KERR
SHADOW CHANCELLOR John McDonnell, speaking at the traditional May Day rally in Trafalgar Square last month, said the general election on June 8 is “the biggest chance of a lifetime” for the left in Britain. He’s right. Because the Labour Party is going to the country this month with a manifesto which could significantly and fundamentally change this country — for the better.
I am proud to be a member of the Labour Party. And I am loyal. So you won’t be surprised to learn that I vote Labour. That’s where I put my cross on the ballot paper. Because I believe that Britain is better off with a Labour government than a Tory government or a Conservative-led coalition.
But there were times, during the New Labour years, when my trade union, and all the trade unions, were treated by Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson as if we were distant relatives rather than close family friends — an embarrassing uncle at the Christmas party, perhaps — and it was sometimes hard to keep the faith. But we did. Because we knew the Tories, and the Lib Dems, would be worse. And so they proved since 2010.
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