Highs and lows - from the 1930s to the 1980s
The high point of achievement for the British working class was 1945, and the post war years that followed. But how did 1945 happen?
Guards battle still raging
29 December 2017
Strikes to halt the removal of guards continue on many passenger franchises. The RMT announced further strike action extending into the new year in the separate disputes on Merseyrail, Northern, Greater Anglia, South Western Railways and Island Line.
EU: new call for integration
Martin Schulz, head of Germany’s Social Democrats, is calling strongly for ever-closer European integration to build a “United States of Europe” by 2025.
Work-in saves jobs
Decisive action by the workers at Burntisland Fabrication in Scotland has saved jobs at the oil and gas industry equipment maker.
The ever-shrinking Navy
If nothing else, the Ministry of Defence has a sense of humour: with only one month left of the 2017 calendar year, it designated 2017 as “The Year of the Royal Navy”.
Pensions: academics ballot over action
29 December 2017
University workers across Britain are being balloted over whether to fight to prevent the closure of their University Superannuation Scheme, a final salary arrangement.
Education: inter-union agreement
A good development: the new National Education Union, Unison and the GMB have agreed not to poach each other’s members. But there is also a negative side.
Scotland: a budget designed to divide
Tax plans in the budget issued by the devolved government in Edinburgh mark a split in the united approach to taxation in Britain.
Korea reacts to US war threats
21 December 2017
It’s been revealed that a massive hack of South Korean military computers unveiled plans to assassinate North Korea's leadership and invade the country. No wonder the country is developing its missile capability.
US admits to ground troops in Yemen
21 December 2017
President Trump has admitted for the first time that the USA has “a small number” of ground troops in Yemen. The US government has also given arms and logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition invading the country.
A new vision needed
19 December 2017
This report from IPPR gives a good, detailed analysis of our situation. It rightly suggests we need a new economic approach, but says too little about what must be done to put things right.
We need a Cromwell now
There are few more nauseating sights than pro-Remain MPs standing up for their constitutional right to “scrutinise” Brexit-related legislation. They are the same MPs who spent years nodding through a flood of EU laws.
Brexit negotiations: let's have clarity
13 December 2017
It's time for the Brexit negotiators to show the same clarity as that of the British people in the referendum vote. We don't want opaque wording, we want out.
Scientists fear US block on research with Cuba
12 December 2017
Concerns have been raised that the US government is limiting scientific collaboration between US and Cuban scientists – to the detriment of US citizens.
Care home crunch
12 December 2017
Care provider Four Seasons is in talks with its creditors – another symptom of a widespread, deep-rooted crisis in social care.
Open University retreats on Cuba embargo
11 December 2017
The Open University has now agreed to admit students from Cuba after criticism from educational unions and others – reversing its view that it could not go against the USA.
EU army defeat
11 December 2017
On 13 November the government dramatically drew back from EU military integration schemes. It now refuses to absorb Britain’s armed forces into a Euro army and in doing has shown it respects our decision.
No Russian interference in Leave vote
11 December 2017
Those wanting to undermine the EU referendum result try to blame Russian interference. The facts don’t support that.
New tech university for Hereford
7 December 2017
The government is giving up to £15 million over three years to support the establishment of a new, private, tech university to be based at a campus in Hereford city centre.
Vultures feast on housing shortage
27 November 2017
A case going through the High Court illustrates the way regeneration schemes are often merely a curtain raiser for the demolition of council-owned housing.
Safer out than in?
23 November 2017
Veterans for Britain has produced an extremely useful free pamphlet showing that leaving the EU will have little if any impact on Britain's national security or counter-terrorism capabilities.
New Brexit pamphlet: Take Control - red lines for an independent Britain
6 November 2017
A new CPBML pamphlet calls for the campaigning bodies left dormant after the referendum to be reactivated. The people must assert control over Brexit.
What has the EU ever done for us?
6 November 2017
A new book looks at the key ways the EU has changed Britain - and it's not good.
Foreign recruitment 'risks destruction of health systems', says nursing chief
3 November 2017
The head of the International Council of Nurses is calling on developed countries not to rely on overseas staff but rather train and develop their own staff.
Brexit planning gathers pace
2 November 2017
The government is recruiting 8,000 officials to deliver on Brexit, deal or no deal, with new posts in Whitehall departments and border check points.
Helping to keep house prices high
30 October 2017
Data journalists on the Sunday Times have exposed how housebuilders are making a mint out of Right to Buy.
Privateers survive by state subsidies
27 October 2017
The Carillion construction and outsourcing giant is not alone in crisis. Other major privatisation and outsourcing companies – Mitie, Interserve Capita – now also face a perilous situation of their own making,
Call that a campaign?
Blink and you would have missed it. The TUC’s campaign on public sector pay kicked off on 17 October with a desultory lobby of parliament.
Unions plan a future for British shipping
Trade unions involved in British shipping have set their minds to exploiting the opportunities that will open up when we leave the EU. In so doing, they are setting an example to the whole trade union movement…
1917: a world shaking
The Russian October Revolution overthrew the rule of exploiters for the first time in history…