Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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Mirror, mirror on the wall…
The Paddy McGuffin column
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
AS this interminable year finally limps to a close, it is a time of reflection and cogitation for many.
Even in the corridors of Westminster — where self-assessment only usually occurs on their tax forms and expenses claims — this year there will be at least a half-hearted attempt by many to examine their conduct of the previous 12 months, if only due to job insecurity and paranoia.
In a back room at No 10 the Prime Minister is gazing into her mirror and muttering to herself.
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