Britain

As the summer break draws near, the thoughts of politicians, as those of
ordinary mortals, turn to sunny beaches where one can forget the travails of
life and relax in pleasant company. For the British and American soldiers
sweltering in temperatures of 50 degrees, dodging Iraqi bombs and bullets, this
pleasant prospect is further away than for most of us. And for Tony Blair,
besieged by an ever more hostile press and public, the holiday season cannot
come quick enough.

Why are pensions being cut or not paying out money that was promised? All over
Europe pensions are under attack. Everywhere workers are being asked to retire
later, to give up on the idea of a guaranteed state pension and to look to the
private sector for a pension. British Socialist Appeal looks at the real reasons behind the pensions crisis.

Mick Brooks answers some of the myths and distortions about asylum seekers
and "illegal immigrants" by simply stating what the facts are.

The debate over whether Britain should join the Euro is heating up. On both
sides of the debate we find a capitalist logic being applied. One side stands
for so-called British "sovereignty", the other praises the merits of
the wider market. Neither side is defending the real interests of the workers.
As Mick Brooks points out, "The answer is surely for us to control the
movement of capital by taking over the means of production, not relying on the
goodwill of our enemy, the capitalist class."

The resignation yesterday of Clare Short, the former international development
secretary, is a shattering blow to the Blair government. It could spell the
beginning of the end for Blair, as things begin to unravel with increasing
speed.

With most of the results in from the local council, Welsh Assembly and Scottish
parliament elections the message to Blair is clear – his imperialist adventure
in Iraq was deeply unpopular, and at least as unpopular are the government's
proposed attacks on public services, the introduction of foundation hospitals,
the further privatisation of the NHS, and the introduction of top-up fees for
students.

The killing of two Spanish reporters during the war in Iraq stirred public
opinion in Spain and it increased the anger that the working class and youth
feel towards the present right-wing Aznar government.The Spanish Marxist journal, El
Militante, interviewed Jeremy Dear on the war and other developments.

As we go to press the TV is broadcasting scenes of US 'victory'. Yet if we
have learned one fact in recent weeks it is that the first casualty of war is
the truth. This war is not finished yet no matter what the headlines say.

Now the battle for Baghdad is under way, capitalist commentators are going
euphoric. The war against Saddam could possibly be over in days. The stock
market is already rocketing up on the prospect.
Capitalism is renewed, such is the current mantra.