Once again, the champagne corks are popping for Britain’s millionaires, if not for the rest of us. The Tories are determined to ensure that the so-called Hard Brexit will be a bonanza for the rich. At the same time, the poorest will be well and truly hit. The only way out for the working class is to fight for a socialist Europe.
Steve Jones examines the growing fears amongst the ruling class about what will happen when the reigning Monarch, Elizabeth Windsor, dies and the Crown is passed on to a successor. The Monarchy’s authority has been severely dented over the years, and this important pillar of the British Establishment is crumbling amidst the general crisis of capitalism.
In the aftermath of the Westminster terror attack last month Amber Rudd, the Tory Home Secretary, took to the airwaves to insist that government intelligence services should be allowed to read people’s WhatsApp messages. In true Orwellian style, the Tories are using this attack as an excuse to strip away our civil liberties.
While one-in-four children in Britain live in poverty and essential public services suffer from dire underfunding, politicians in Westminster have somehow found the money to spend at least £369 million to refurbish Buckingham Palace. Last month’s overwhelming vote in favour of a handout for the Monarchy has revealed plainly where this government’s priorities lie.
We publish here the second part of a Socialist Appeal document on the perspectives for the class struggle in Britain. In this second of three parts, we look at the special crisis of British capitalism, which is undergoing a century-long process of decline. The result is seemingly endless austerity and attacks for the working class, the youth, and the poor.
The die is cast. In her letter, hand-delivered this afternoon to the President of the European Council, Theresa May has announced the beginning of Brexit negotiations under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, marking a point of no return for both British and European capitalism. Only the struggle for a socialist Europe can provide an alternative to the chaos of Tory Brexit.
Philip Hammond’s recent embarrassing U-turn over NIC increases has highlighted two things: firstly, the growing confusion and divisions within the Conservative government; and secondly, the ever more precarious nature of work for millions within the UK economy. Bob Percy looks at the reality of self-employed work in Tory Britain.
We are publishing here the first part of a document on the perspectives for the class struggle in Britain, which was discussed at the recent conference of Socialist Appeal supporters. Although already overtaken by events in places, the document explains the main processes affecting British society, as well as outlining the fundamental contradictions facing the ruling class and leaders of the labour movement.
Four people have been killed and at least 40 injured in what the police are describing as a “terrorist incident” yesterday afternoon in Westminster. We condemn this brutal action. It is clear that capitalism has created this monster of terrorism, which already is creating a sense of panic among the population that will be used to justify all kinds of reactionary measures.
This month, Oxford was again named the least affordable city compared to average earnings. In response to this housing crisis, a number of protests have been seen across Oxford in solidarity with those affected. James Morrow of the Oxford Marxist society discusses the question of housing and homeless and points the way forward.
Steve Jones examines the reasons behind the appointment of George Osborne, the former chancellor, as the new editor of London Evening Standard. With the Brexiteers increasingly in control of their party, the Prime Minister, and the government, it is clear that the liberal wing of the capitalist class is looking to “take back control” for themselves.
We publish here a letter by Socialist Appeal supporter Luke Wilson, who responds to the calls by the prominent Guardian journalist, Owen Jones, for Corbyn to stand down. Instead of demanding compromise and retreat, Jones – an influential figure on the Left – should be calling for Corbyn to go on the offensive against the Blairites and the Tories.