Britain
UK: Thirteen months after Grenfell fire, police conduct just three interviews
By Alice Summers, 25 July 2018
It is an indictment of the police investigation that no arrests have been made and no charges laid for the social murder of 72 people.
Ryanair workers set to strike across Europe
By Steve James, 24 July 2018
Ryanair pilots based in Ireland are to hold a third 24-hour strike today, while on Wednesday and Thursday, Ryanair cabin crew in Belgium, Portugal and Spain are also due to strike in a coordinated action.
UK minister lies to parliament as debt rises and welfare claimants go unpaid
By Paul Bond, 24 July 2018
By 2022, more than 7 million households are due to move onto Universal Credit, which has a built-in delay period and is paid in arrears after assessment of income.
Imminent threat to Julian Assange underscores need for global defence movement
By Mike Head, 23 July 2018
Plans are afoot to subject the WikiLeaks editor to lengthy imprisonment by the British authorities, pending extradition to the US.
Sheffield Supertram workers hold 72-hour strike, as strike ballot in Manchester begins
By Laura Tiernan, 23 July 2018
A fight is only possible if workers break free from the grip of the Unite union, whose strategy consists of dividing workers on a company by company basis.
Sheffield residents voice strong support for Supertram workers’ strike
By our reporters, 23 July 2018
On Saturday, campaigners from the Socialist Equality Party distributed a statement in support of the Sheffield Stagecoach Supertram workers, revealing strong support among workers, young people and pensioners for the strike.
Brexit crisis prompts calls for national unity government
By Robert Stevens, 21 July 2018
The call for a national unity coalition seeks to address fears that May’s downfall could end in the election of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
UK continues to separate immigrant children from their families
By Margot Miller, 21 July 2018
In the UK, asylum seekers are incarcerated without due process at the whim of the Home Office, with no idea when they might be released.
UK poisonings: New allegations expose more contradictions
By Steve James, 20 July 2018
Despite incessant media hysteria over “novichok,” no evidence has been presented to back the claim of a second round of poisonings in Salisbury, England.
UK: Sheffield Supertram workers set to continue strike
By Tony Robson, 20 July 2018
Through its passive approach to the blatant intimidation being meted out to its members, Unite is signalling that it remains the most reliable option in blocking a resurgence of militant opposition in its ranks.
Fascist assault on UK union leader Steve Hedley
By Julie Hyland, 19 July 2018
The brutal assault on Steve Hedley, assistant general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union by fascist thugs on Saturday is an outrage.
UK: May government in meltdown over Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 18 July 2018
May’s attempted compromise over Brexit has blown up, due not simply to events in Britain, but also to the antagonisms between the US and Europe.
Anti-Russia campaign revived in UK with alleged discovery of “novichok” in perfume bottle
By our reporter, 17 July 2018
The narrative being developed by the police is that a “container” of novichok was likely discarded by Russian state-sponsored agents who had attempted to assassinate double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter on March 4.
British and Ecuadorian authorities in talks to evict Julian Assange from London embassy
By Oscar Grenfell, 16 July 2018
Media reports point to the ongoing conspiracy, involving the British, US and Ecuadorian governments, to terminate Assange’s political asylum in violation of international law.
Participants in the anti-Trump rallies in the UK speak out
By our reporters, 16 July 2018
WSWS reporters spoke to anti-Trump protesters in Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. Meanwhile, protests continued in Helsinki, Finland on Sunday.
Mass protests against Trump’s UK visit
By Chris Marsden, 14 July 2018
Friday’s protests by hundreds of thousands of people in London made clear that masses of workers throughout the world despise Trump and everything he stands for.
UK mass protests against Trump:
“The Labour Party here and Democratic Party in the US have left a void and the right-wing are trying to fill it”
By our reporters, 14 July 2018
The turnout at the UK protests showed the extent of popular opposition to the anti-democratic and fascistic policies of the Trump presidency.
Grenfell Tower Fire inquiry testimony reveals tragic consequences of fire service cuts
By Barry Mason, 14 July 2018
Firefighters put themselves at risk by going into flats to search for people without water and negotiating the lower floors without using their breathing apparatuses to conserve them for higher floors.
UK: The rotten politics of the SWP’s Stand Up to Racism
By Chris Marsden, 14 July 2018
The Socialist Workers Party’s aim is to promote the “progressive” credentials of the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn and of the Trades Union Congress.
Trump uses UK visit to heighten political turmoil over Brexit
By Chris Marsden, 13 July 2018
Trump’s performance at the NATO Summit confirmed that the failure of May’s compromise over Brexit is rooted in the growing antagonisms between the imperialist powers.
What does it really mean to “Stop Trump?” The working class must be mobilised against capitalism and for socialism
Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 13 July 2018
This statement by the Socialist Equality Party (UK) is being distributed today at demonstrations in London and other towns and cities in the UK against US President Donald Trump.
Youth mental health problems and suicides rising sharply in UK
By Alice Summers, 12 July 2018
The consequence of the burdens of stress, debt and lack of prospects, combined with poor access to mental health treatment, is a sharp rise in mental health problems and suicides among young people.
The July 3 Whitstable fire and the Grenfell inferno
Statement by the Grenfell Fire Forum, 12 July 2018
Whitstable House is known as the “tower next door” to Grenfell, which was destroyed on June 14, 2017 in the inferno that claimed 72 lives.
Concerted efforts to save May’s government and the chance of a “soft Brexit”
By Chris Marsden, 11 July 2018
US President Trump has made no secret of his hostility to the EU and desire to weaken what he considers a rival trade bloc, including by supporting Brexit and imposing sanctions.
More inconsistencies in account of second UK novichok poisoning
By Thomas Scripps, 11 July 2018
The theory advanced by the government is that “Russia has committed an attack on British soil which has seen the death of a British citizen.”
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson resigns to prepare possible Conservative leadership challenge
By Chris Marsden, 10 July 2018
Unlike David Davis, who stressed that he remained loyal to Theresa May, Johnson quit in a manner designed to inflict maximum damage to the prime minister.
“Nerve agent” death of Dawn Sturgess raises fresh questions over UK Skripal affair
By Thomas Scripps, 10 July 2018
In marked contrast to the hospitalisation of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, the fatality of Dawn Sturgess—apparently also through “novichok” poisoning—has met with a more muted response.
Resignation of Brexit secretary David Davis prompts talk of leadership contest, British general election
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 9 July 2018
Fear of triggering a general election is all that continues to hold the Tory party together, such is the depth of the rift over Europe.
US defense secretary demands UK hike military spending
By Robert Stevens, 7 July 2018
The parliamentary Defence Committee said that military spending must rise by 50 percent—an additional £20 billion per year—to protect Britain’s position within NATO.
UK mounts fresh offensive against Russia following second alleged novichok poisoning
By Chris Marsden, 6 July 2018
The circumstances surrounding the latest accusations are as dubious and baseless as those initially made regarding the March 4 incident involving double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia.
Britain’s role in US rendition and torture revealed
By Steve James, 5 July 2018
The sheer number of abuse and torture cases testifies to a level of criminal depravity far greater than previously admitted.
British government imposes collective punishment by evicting families from public housing
By Simon Whelan, 5 July 2018
The measures create a two-tier and entirely arbitrary system, whereby families are to be made homeless simply because they live in a council home.
Homeless man jailed for picking up London Marathon number and crossing finishing line
By Barry Mason, 4 July 2018
Stanislaw Skupian is a victim of vindictive class justice, punished for his poverty and for problems that spiralled out of his control.
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hails Alexis Tsipras of Syriza
By Robert Stevens, 4 July 2018
The Labour leader praised Syriza only days after it enforced the latest round of austerity and pledged further services to the EU’s vicious anti-migrant measures.
London’s Grenfell Tower disaster: The cost of cuts and privatisation in firefighting
By Paul Bond, 3 July 2018
The treatment of firefighter Dowden at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry points again to attempts to shift responsibility for the events of June 14, 2017 onto the very people who faced impossible odds to control the escalating blaze.
UK: Inquest rules Rashan Charles died “accidentally” following attack by Metropolitan Police
By Alice Summers, 3 July 2018
The inquest found that the brutal and unnecessary assault on Charles, who was unarmed and unknown to the police, was a “justified use of force” and that his tragic death was nothing more than an “accident.”
The NHS 70th anniversary rally in London: A vote of no confidence in Labour and the trade unions
By Paul Mitchell and Robert Stevens, 2 July 2018
Despite their occasional holiday speeches pledging to defend the NHS, neither the Labour Party nor the trade unions have lifted a finger to prevent its evisceration.
“I believe the NHS is the greatest thing about British society”
British workers speak out in defence of public healthcare
By our reporters, 2 July 2018
Socialist Equality Party members and supporters spoke to people attending Saturday’s demonstration marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the UK’s National Health Service.
Prince William visit seeks to reinforce Britain’s ties with Israel
By Jean Shaoul, 2 July 2018
William’s visit was a very visible signal of Britain’s endorsement of Israel’s brutal suppression of the Palestinians and of the arch-criminal Netanyahu himself.
Europe’s unions pledge unity with big business as trade war escalates
By Robert Stevens, 30 June 2018
While framed around Brexit, the underlying impulse of the joint statement between the union federations and business groups is the developing trade war between the United States and the European Union.
Expert witness on Grenfell Fire: Cladding on Grenfell Tower was “a major hazard”
By Trevor Johnson, 30 June 2018
Fire safety specialist, Dr. Barbara Lane, testifies to Grenfell inquiry that safety systems were either compromised or completely absent.
Stop the NHS sell-off: Build rank-and-file committees
Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (UK)
30 June 2018
No confidence can be placed in the trade unions or the Labour Party to reverse NHS underfunding and privatisation, much less defend the principle of socialised health care.
UK: Haringey Council tower block residents lived in danger for 30 years
By Paul Bond, 29 June 2018
More than 200 families must leave their homes in Broadwater Farm, north London, as their tower blocks are at risk of collapse in the event of a gas explosion or even a vehicle impact.
UK: Residents lobby Haringey Labour council to oppose plans to demolish residential homes
By our reporters, 29 June 2018
A councillor from the Corbyn-supporting Momentum group was met with hostility from angry residents who shouted her remarks were “rubbish” and called her a “liar.”
Eritrean teenagers commit suicide in UK while awaiting permission to stay
By Thomas Scripps, 28 June 2018
The suicides of three Eritrean teenage refugees in the UK in just six months tragically demonstrates the human cost of Europe’s “border security.”
US Democratic senators demand eviction of Julian Assange from Ecuador’s London embassy
By James Cogan, 28 June 2018
Leading Democratic senators, including Diane Feinstein and Mark Warner, have declared they are “extremely concerned about Ecuador providing asylum for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.”
UK: Corporations seek to evade responsibility for role in Grenfell Tower fire
By Trevor Johnson, 27 June 2018
The inquiry is revealing how unsafe Grenfell Tower was for human habitation on the night of June 14, 2017, due to the actions of the local council and corporations.
EU citizens must register, carry ID cards, in post-Brexit Britain
By Steve James, 27 June 2018
As the Home Office scheme currently stands, EU citizens will be required to carry identity cards, which have never been enforced in Britain.
Three months on: Oxford Union refuses to tell truth about why whistleblowing panel debate is censored
By Zach Reed, 26 June 2018
The only explanation for deciding not to publish the video is that ex-CIA operative David Shedd demanded its suppression.
The British UCU Congress and the impossibility of reforming the trade unions
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 26 June 2018
Events at the University and College Union prove that the union bureaucracy is unanswerable for its actions and unaccountable to its members.
Cross party campaign holds pro-EU march in London
By Robert Stevens, 25 June 2018
The pro-European Union march was presented as a “grassroots” movement to conceal its main agenda of facilitating the interests of powerful sections of big business.
UK: Education unions sabotage struggle against academisation and low pay
By Tom Pearce, 23 June 2018
Despite the rhetoric from union representatives, no fight is being waged against the ongoing privatisation of education.
UK: Lush workers oppose attempt to gag campaign against police undercover operations
By Margot Miller, 23 June 2018
The campaign aimed to highlight the decades-long infiltration by undercover police into political, environmental and animal rights groups.
Grenfell fire: Local resident Joe Delaney speaks out against attack by Andrew O’Hagan on those seeking justice
By Alice Summers, 23 June 2018
In this interview, Joe Delaney replies to O’Hagen’s essay that demonizes local activists, residents and firefighters, and offers hymns of praise to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council, who played a critical role in turning Grenfell Tower into a death trap.
UK Conservative government proposes tax increases on workers to fund National Health Service
By Ajanta Silva, 22 June 2018
Millions of workers will face large tax increases to pay for any increased funding for the NHS.
Britain’s Tory government offers concession to pro-EU MPs to advance Brexit bill
By Robert Stevens, 21 June 2018
With the May government beholden to its pro-Brexit wing, there is a stepped-up effort to use Labour as the political vehicle for preventing Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Rolls-Royce to shed nearly 5,000 jobs in the UK
By Barry Mason, 21 June 2018
Instead of a campaign to mobilise its 22,000 members employed by Rolls-Royce to fight the cuts, Unite will facilitate whatever restructuring the company demands.
Protesters at Ecuador embassy vigil in London demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 21 June 2018
The World Socialist Web Site spoke to some of those attending Tuesday evening’s vigil in London for WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange.
Labour and unions seek to corral social anger over Grenfell fire behind official inquiry
By Robert Stevens, 20 June 2018
Workers and youth nationally suffer the same devastating austerity, cost-cutting, and deregulation policies, including cuts to local fire services, as those who lived in Grenfell.
UK: Protesters speak at demonstration to mark first anniversary of Grenfell fire
By our reporters, 20 June 2018
Some of those attending the rally marking the first anniversary of the deadly Grenfell Tower fire spoke to reporters from the World Socialist Web Site to express their outrage over the continuing cover-up of the tragedy.
Belhaj case lifts the veil on Britain’s dirty wars for regime change: Part two
By Jean Shaoul, 20 June 2018
The deal between the UK government and Belhaj was aimed at preventing any further embarrassing disclosures about the government’s collusion with Islamist forces.
Socialist Equality Party leader Julie Hyland speaks at London vigil to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 20 June 2018
Around 200 people, including workers, youth and retirees, attended a vigil outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London Tuesday evening to demand the freedom of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange.
Belhaj case lifts the veil on Britain’s dirty wars for regime change: Part one
By Jean Shaoul, 19 June 2018
The purpose of the deal between the UK government and Belhaj was to prevent any further embarrassing disclosures about the government’s collusion with Islamist forces at home and abroad.
UK residents demand release of Julian Assange, support international vigils
By our reporters, 19 June 2018
Leading up to today’s vigil at the Ecuador Embassy in London, the SEP in Britain has been contacted with messages of support, demanding freedom for WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange.
Grenfell Fire Forum endorses vigils to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 18 June 2018
The Grenfell Fire Forum met just three days after commemorations to mark the first anniversary of the inferno.
SEP (UK) meetings on war and censorship: “War preparations are powered by lies”
By Julie Hyland, 18 June 2018
Socialist Equality Party (UK) Assistant National Secretary Julie Hyland addressed recent public meetings in England, Scotland and Ireland titled “War, lies and censorship: For the building of a socialist anti-war movement.”
Thousands gather to mark first anniversary of Grenfell Tower inferno
By Robert Stevens, 16 June 2018
SEP campaigners won a warm response to the WSWS Perspective on the anniversary of the fire, distributed along with a statement calling for attendance at the June 19 vigil to demand the freedom of Julian Assange.
Grenfell Silent Marchers speak
“I have woken up to the fact that class war still exists, it’s alive and kicking”
By our reporters, 16 June 2018
Attendees at the Silent March on June 14 in commemoration of Grenfell fire victims spoke to the WSWS.
British government extends censorship of online activity
By Simon Whelan, 16 June 2018
The personal information held by MI5 on 20,000 British “suspected” citizens is to be declassified and shared with local authorities, police “and others.”
Brexit crisis intensifies as “Remain” Tories reject bogus compromise on parliament having “meaningful vote”
By Chris Marsden, 15 June 2018
Divisions within the Tories were matched by those in Labour, as 90 Labour MPs rebelled against leader Jeremy Corbyn.
London Review of Books publishes scurrilous account of Grenfell Tower fire
By Alice Summers, 15 June 2018
The Tower was written by Andrew O’Hagan, the same individual who did a hatchet job on Julian Assange’s life in 2011.
One year since the Grenfell inferno
By Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 14 June 2018
The refusal of the ruling elite to pursue the real criminals guilty of the Grenfell atrocity is in stark contrast to their determination to silence anyone fighting to establish the truth about events.
Professor Piers Robinson demands freedom for Julian Assange
14 June 2018
A leading member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media and of the Media on Trial organisation, Robinson has opposed regime change wars in the Balkans and the Middle East
Thousands of jobs to go as UK retail chains rationalise operations
By Barry Mason, 13 June 2018
The latest threats to retail jobs come on top of mounting closures and retrenchments in the retail and food industry.
The Guardian mounts defence of British government lies over Skripals
By Jean Shaoul, 12 June 2018
The Guardian is acutely aware of the widespread and entirely healthy scepticism towards anything the government says on the Skripal case.
Sheila Coombes, Professor Tim Hayward and journalist Vanessa Beeley demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 11 June 2018
Three prominent individuals associated with the Media on Trial group have sent statements to the World Socialist Web Site supporting the campaign to free Julian Assange.
Brexit constitutional stand-off reaches UK Supreme Court
By Steve James, 9 June 2018
The escalation of tensions risks becoming a conflict not only between England, Scotland and Wales, but between London and Brussels.
Police to investigate London Fire Brigade over Grenfell fire: The real criminals remain at large
By Paul Bond, 9 June 2018
The announcement is part of a cover-up by the authorities, aimed at shifting responsibility away from those responsible for the disaster onto those who attempted to stop the blaze—the firefighters.
Grenfell Tower inferno: Experts’ reports highlight “culture of non-compliance” on fire safety
By Paul Bond, 8 June 2018
Manufacturer Arconic, which produced the Reynobond PE panels used at Grenfell Tower, accepted that the cladding “was not of limited combustibility,” and that this “should have been obvious to any construction professional.”
Oxford Union debating society threatened with legal action over censoring criticism of CIA
By Thomas Scripps, 7 June 2018
The February 27 event is not being censored on legal grounds or on the basis that “sensitive information” has been revealed, but because it is deemed necessary to suppress critical opposition to the US security apparatus and its activities.
UK: Students protest cuts to mental health services and increase in youth suicide rate
By Thomas Scripps, 6 June 2018
As of 2017, one in four adults in the UK each year could expect to suffer some form of mental illness; three quarters of these begin before a person reaches his or her 18th birthday.
“My mum and my sister were murdered and cremated on 14 June last year”
UK: Final tributes to victims of Grenfell fire denounce corporate and political elite
By Robert Stevens, 5 June 2018
Testimony has repeatedly included denunciations of the ruling elite for the social murder that claimed at least 72 lives last June 14.
Lift the ban on communications! Free Julian Assange!
By James Cogan, 4 June 2018
The American state and its allies are seeking to destroy WikiLeaks and Julian Assange in order to intimidate every critical and independent media organisation.
UK: Grenfell victims’ relatives unable to commemorate loved-ones due to government anti-immigration policies
By Simon Whelan, 4 June 2018
Government policies bringing about heartache for Grenfell relatives are having the very impact the government desired—making it more difficult for them to testify at the public inquiry.
Far right promotes UK fascist Tommy Robinson as free-speech “martyr”
By Laura Tiernan, 2 June 2018
Robinson’s media stunt is an attempt on his part to stake a leading role in an ongoing recruitment of Britain’s far-right.
YouTube removes “drill” music videos at request of London’s Metropolitan Police
By Robert Stevens, 1 June 2018
On the basis of a few isolated cases, an entire musical genre is being targeted on the basis that it is responsible for what is described as a “surge” in knife crime in London.
“Government propaganda and the war on terror from 9/11 to Syria”
Journalists and academics expose UK’s criminal actions in the Middle East
By Julie Hyland, 31 May 2018
Despite media smears and government censorship, Media on Trial held an important and successful event exposing the connection between press propaganda and government warmongering.
The working class must mobilize to free Julian Assange!
By Andre Damon, 30 May 2018
The demand for the freedom of Julian Assange must be connected to the developing international movement of workers against inequality, oppression and exploitation.
Oxford Union panel speaker Heather Marsh confirms debate was censored to protect CIA
By Zach Reed, 30 May 2018
It appears that reference to the CIA as an “organized crime syndicate,” and listing a portion of its crimes, were grounds for censorship.
“I don’t think Assange will be forgiven by our rulers because he educated the world”
Join the June 19 London vigil demanding freedom for Julian Assange!
By Robert Stevens, 30 May 2018
Emmy Butlin of the Julian Assange Defence Committee said: “Individual contributions are great, but we change society as a group, acting together.”
Relatives’ tributes at Grenfell Tower Inquiry blame government for deaths
By Robert Stevens, 29 May 2018
Family members frequently broke down as they remembered their loved ones in moving and emotional scenes.
For international action to defend Julian Assange!
By The ICFI and WSWS international editorial board, 28 May 2018
The June 17 demonstration in Sydney will demand that the Australian government immediately act to secure Assange’s unconditional freedom and return to Australia.
UK plans deployment of hundreds more troops as part of US-led Afghan build-up
By Barry Mason, 26 May 2018
The US-led war, now in its seventeenth year, has resulted in catastrophe. It has cost at least £40 billion, with 450 UK armed forces personnel killed and tens of thousands left wounded, ill or psychologically damaged.
UK: Nearly half a million young people not in receipt of minimal state support
By Joe Mount, 26 May 2018
Many youth struggle to access Job Centre services due to lack of proper documentation or other bureaucratic hurdles. Others lack a bank account, internet access or sufficient literacy. Others are carers for older relatives.
War, propaganda and smears: An interview with Professor Piers Robinson
Part three
By Julie Hyland, 26 May 2018
The following is the third part of a three-part interview with Professor Piers Robinson, an academic at the University of Sheffield and a member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media.
Julian Assange “in jeopardy” of being forced into UK and US detention
By Mike Head, 25 May 2018
Reports allege that the WikiLeaks founder could be removed from Ecuador’s London embassy “any day now.”
A curious incident involving the Oxford Union’s Whistleblowing Panel
By Zach Reed, 25 May 2018
According to an anonymous submission to the World Socialist Web Site, a “Whistleblowing Panel” event at the Oxford Union has been censored, with no account of the meeting made available and no transcripts or a video published of it as is standard.
War, propaganda and smears: An interview with Professor Piers Robinson
Part two
By Julie Hyland, 25 May 2018
The following is the second part of a three-part interview with Professor Piers Robinson, an academic at the University of Sheffield and a member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media. Part one was posted on May 24.
Testimony to Grenfell Fire inquiry paints devastating picture of social murder
By Robert Stevens, 24 May 2018
The inquiry heard from Hisam Choucair, who lost six members of his family in the inferno and Karim Mussilhy, who lost his uncle, Hesham Rahman.
Grenfell Tower fire: BBC Panorama reveals corporate criminality
By Paul Bond, 24 May 2018
Investigator Richard Bilton says, “We have been advised that the company’s behaviour could amount to corporate manslaughter.”
Follow the WSWS