Rachel Reeves' position as Chancellor is growing increasingly precarious. She fought the 2024 general election on a platform defined by strict fiscal rules, a refusal to raise income taxes, and a pledge to deliver economic growth. It was a politically calculated stance—economically incoherent, but designed to appeal to Conservative-leaning voters whose support Labour believed it … Continue reading Labour Needs a U-Turn in Economic Policy—Editorial
Month: June 2025
Liberalism, Neoliberalism and the Trade Union Movement
Martin Seale The liberalism of the late 19th century was characterized by the view that the role of the state should be limited. The state would protect the nation from external enemies, enforce the rule of law (much around property) and provide some limited form of education. British capitalism seemed to function reasonably well up to the 2nd half … Continue reading Liberalism, Neoliberalism and the Trade Union Movement
Labour’s Policy on Apprenticeships.
Smoke and Mirrors. Dave Gardner Labour is trumpeting its vocational education policy: “More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as we continue our drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today (27 May 2025) that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent. The measures, backed by … Continue reading Labour’s Policy on Apprenticeships.
Targeting Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
Why the targeting of Russia’s so-called “Shadow Fleet” represents a most dangerous escalation of NATO’s proxy war on Russia. By Eamon Dyas There are many ways in which a country’s sea-borne trade can be curtailed by an enemy. The most obvious one is the use of a close naval blockade which restricts all shipping to … Continue reading Targeting Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
Palestine Links
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: Israel's new model for weaponised aid (Amira Nimerawi, Sara el-Solh, James Smith & Mads Gilbert, Middle East Eye, 28 May 2025) UN and aid groups condemn US-Israeli initiative after deadly scenes in Gaza (Middle East Eye, 28 May 2025) Outrage as Netanyahu says no mass starvation in Gaza, suggests Palestinians are overweight … Continue reading Palestine Links
Vodka: a Review
How Russia was introduced to capitalism. Review and synopsis of Vodka, a novel by Boris Starling. Published by Harper Collins, London, 2004. Eamon Dyas I read this novel shortly after it was published and it struck me at the time that its explanation of the way in which Russia’s transfer to capitalism had taken place was … Continue reading Vodka: a Review
Notes on the News
By Gwydion M. Williams China as a Global Example Society Exists, and Immigrants Strain it From Slave Plantations to the Vatican Incomplete Humans Praising Incomplete Brain-Machines Cure the Internet with a Digital Passport Snippets Young people tricked into crimes Canada to Split? Humans With Human Limits China as a Global Example “From Edison to Amazon, … Continue reading Notes on the News
EU Interference in Ukraine War
Eamon Dyas If Zelensky does go through the pretence of talks with Russia it won’t be in good faith. There will be proposals - as there always have been from Kiev - that everyone knows will not be acceptable to Russia. As far as I see it nobody, including Trump, Russia and the European war … Continue reading EU Interference in Ukraine War
British Foreign Policy : the Domination of Europe
Labour Affairs Group Why is Jonathan Powell attending peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine? Moscow has barred Western European leaders from participating in the negotiations, accusing them of a biased approach to the conflict and trying to prolong the fighting. Nevertheless, the UK is reportedly sending Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s security adviser, Jonathan Powell, to … Continue reading British Foreign Policy : the Domination of Europe
Labour Affairs 