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
We must take a stand against the government’s spending on war
I AM a teacher. I am also a veteran. I served in the British Army operationally in Northern Ireland. I have witnessed first-hand the loss, grief and tragedy that comes from violent conflict.
The devastation in Ukraine is on a far greater scale. We should be working towards a resolution of the conflict, towards peace. Negotiations are preferable to more killing.
We need a negotiated peace deal to end the war. A war that has killed, amputated, blinded and traumatised up to a million battle casualties on either side. A war that is locked in a deadly stalemate.
Investing the £75 billion slated for defence spending on a green new deal, healthcare and education would create jobs and help communities far more than weapons spending, argues UCU general secretary JO GRADY
The people of Palestine need our solidarity in actions not words – trade unionists must give them our full support in their darkest hour, writes DANIEL KEBEDE
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE
LIZ PAYNE condemns how Labour backs war in Gaza and Ukraine, and massive funding for Trident’s nuclear bombs, when billions are needed just to restore public services


