To Peripheral Plaza
A new book on Kraftwerk's 'Future Music from Germany' and a Caribbean tribute both reckon with the echoes of an imagined utopia in a bleak present.
Blog
The Myth of the Tories’ Bold Economic Policies
FDR's New Deal amounted to 40% of GDP in the 1930s, Rishi Sunak's adds up to 0.2% of UK GDP today. His government's much-lauded economic 'radicalism' is little more than a propaganda exercise.
The Tradition of the New
Walsall's 'New' Art Gallery opened 20 years ago, and is still one of the best in Britain. As one of the few enduring successes of New Labour's lavish arts programme, we ask: what went right?
Why the Durham Miners’ Gala Matters
The Durham Miners' Gala is a reminder of the proud communities the labour movement built – and how its struggles for working-class dignity could yet build a better world for us all.
Remembering Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone's melodic writing was among the most distinctive in cinematic history – but beyond these classics, 'The Maestro' was also committed to the radical democratisation of music.
How the Government Abandoned Migrants During Covid-19
While ministers clapped every week for migrant workers on the frontline, the Hostile Environment cast them as criminals – and exposed the myth that we're all in this together.
Covid-19 Has Shown Why Unions Matter
Trade unions have been at the forefront of protecting workers during the Covid-19 crisis, standing up to bad bosses and defending livelihoods – it's Labour's job to fight for them in parliament.
When Black Sharecroppers Fought Jim Crow
In the 1930s, left-wing unions in the US South organised black sharecroppers to fight for better conditions – and build an alliance with white tenant farmers that could overthrow the Jim Crow regime.
What a Green Recovery Would Really Look Like
Once again today, the Chancellor announced green policies which are a fraction of what's required – it's time to make the case for a green recovery package that can really transform the economy.
Misjudging the Scale of the Crisis
In ordinary times, today's announcements by Rishi Sunak would be significant – but given the scale of the economic crisis Britain faces they fall far short of the intervention required.
Labour’s Radical Renting History
For much of Labour's history the party was vocally anti-landlord, with even its right-wing opposed to the private rented sector – its recent conversion to a softer line is decidedly 'un-Labour.'
The Millennial-Zoomer Coalition
Media outlets are increasingly fascinated by the conflict between millennials and 'Zoomers' – but their shared economic plight can build a transformative political coalition.