A new warning from Greece – loud and clear
There’s been a dramatic drop in consumption of basic commodities such as bread and milk in Greece in the first months of 2017, according to… Read More »A new warning from Greece – loud and clear
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May Day message from Afghanistan
We celebrate May Day at a time when capitalists and big powers are intensifying attacks on the gains and rights of the workers, youths, women and… Read More »May Day message from Afghanistan
The Gig Economy and the Fight for Rights
Things are stirring in the so called gig economy and the precarious, difficult to organise workers, or ‘independent contractors’ as companies such as Deliveroo, Uber,… Read More »The Gig Economy and the Fight for Rights
Realising a postponed future
Contemporary Ukrainian artists, film-makers and writers pay tribute to earlier generations who created a futuristic moment in 20th century art in the Postponed Futures show at London’s… Read More »Realising a postponed future
Confession: how I became complicit in anti-immigrant policy
Last night I thought I was going to see a play – Incoming/Exodus. But as I was ushered in with the rest of the ‘audience’ I became aware that we were taking up the roles of immigration officers whose task was to decide who to invite (and who to deny) into our Republic of Southwark.
Welcome to immersive theatre.
In front of us were the CVs of 4 applicants and we had to choose only 2. Listed were their qualifications, skills and health needs. Also on the table were various budgets – health, education, social services, local economy; but the most ominous was the the ring fenced one for security which was as big as all the others put together. It began to dawn on some of us around the table that perhaps we weren’t in such an enlightened society as we were told.
Beyond “Yes” lies the land of “Aye But…”
I must say at the outset that I support Scottish independence. I will continue to campaign for it. However, as the indyref2 campaign continues its… Read More »Beyond “Yes” lies the land of “Aye But…”
Vanessa Bell the pioneer
With Vanessa Bell, Dulwich Picture Gallery, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, continues to shed light on women artists of the last century. They… Read More »Vanessa Bell the pioneer
A cooperative model, not hedge-funding for the NHS
Debt from hedge funds to ease the squeeze in the NHS? This madly dangerous proposal comes from Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS Improvement. His big… Read More »A cooperative model, not hedge-funding for the NHS
Ireland on the edge
Ireland’s on-going water wars are provoking a new moment of crisis in the troubled Republic where Brexit has been described as “the most profound crisis”… Read More »Ireland on the edge
“Yes to life, no to mining”
In a world first, El Salvador, Central America’s smallest country, has banned metal mining in all its forms to protect its ground water reserves, setting… Read More »“Yes to life, no to mining”
From private parkland to people’s playground
Celebrating its 40th birthday this year, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is going from strength to strength. Today’s 500-acre site once belonged to the aristocratic Wentworth family. They fought… Read More »From private parkland to people’s playground
For a people’s independence for Scotland
We are in a different world politically since the first referendum on Scottish independence was held in September 2014. The vote for Brexit is driving… Read More »For a people’s independence for Scotland
Another Brexit is possible
We should use the Brexit process to talk about what matters to us rather than what’s good for British business in terms of trade, access… Read More »Another Brexit is possible
Responding to acts of terror
As a Londoner, this week’s attack at Westminster came close to home. Like countless others, I have walked over Westminster Bridge and around the Houses of… Read More »Responding to acts of terror
Dark Matters
Legendary jazz musician, composer and poet Joe McPhee visited London earlier this month. He played with Rodrigo Amado, Chris Corsano, Kent Kessler at Cafe Oto… Read More »Dark Matters
Budget squeezes the middle leaving the corporations untouched
Unable to find ways of getting the global corporations like Google, Apple and Facebook to pay taxes in the UK, chancellor Philip Hammond’s stop-gap budget… Read More »Budget squeezes the middle leaving the corporations untouched