The phrase “things must change in order to remain the same” from the novel “The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, is particularly apt when considering the Labour Party’s relationship with the bosses and their lackies. It suggests that in order for a society or system to maintain its current state, it must adapt and … Continue reading
When Chile’s rejected constitution was drafted, the country looked to Switzerland for ideas on direct democracy. The rejected constitution was to replace the one used since the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which had ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990. In October 2019, large swathes of the Chilean population took to the streets to protest … Continue reading
The UK has long been a powerhouse when it comes to technology. We have some of the best minds in the world working on everything from artificial intelligence to renewable energy. However, there are concerns that we could lose our edge – and our sovereignty – if we don’t take steps now to secure our … Continue reading
The Scottish National Party (SNP) declared that it had a “zero tolerance” approach to the sexual harassment of workers. Fine words. Yet the case of Patrick “Groper” Grady shows that these fine words don’t translate into actions. Grady was banned from the Commons for two days sexual misconduct towards a junior party employee and made … Continue reading
In this essay, I will deal with the Kibbutz phenomenon from a purely political perspective, including my own experience of whether or not I found the Kibbutz to be a form of Socialism in Action, or a form of Actually Existing Socialism, to borrow the old CPGB line regarding the former Soviet bloc nations (plus … Continue reading
Founded in 1843 as a burial society enabling members to pay as little as a penny per week to cover the costs of their funerals, the Society is wholly owned by its members and has grown into one of the largest insurance businesses in the UK. Its status as a Mutual is now threatened with … Continue reading