Latest editorial
by Nana Backland, Merseyside Morning Star Readers & Supporters Group
The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
In the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s murder, JOHN GREEN wonders whether the government will really get to grips with the root cause of these attacks on our MPs
The new PM’s opening addresses offered hope, council homes and reform — but little detail on how any of it will be delivered, warns CLAUDIA WEBBE
Nature as well as society works dialectically, asserts the Marx Memorial Library and Workers’ School
WHATEVER the result on Saturday, Jeremy Corbyn has already been confirmed as the poets’ choice for Labour leader. The man himself, like a latter-day John Betjeman, has even been writing his own poetry during campaign train rides.
I put together the anthology Poets for Corbyn as a sign of solidarity with this most radical of candidates. There was overwhelming enthusiasm for the book from almost all of the poets I approached. The mix of contributors hopefully reflects the broad-based support that Corbyn has been able to amass.
Politics and poetry have always been intertwined, indeed many popular poems are more political than some readers may realise — from Allen Ginsberg’s Howl to much of William Blake’s work. Political poems employ all manner of devices, although those expecting a paean to allotments to feature in our effort may be disappointed. However, we did include Corbyn’s famous beard and beloved bicycle on two of the alternative book covers.
by Mike Jenkins
DIANE WATT argues that while evidence of sex is not there, a 16th‑century lesbian poet could be Scotland’s answer to Gentleman Jack
JULIA TOPPIN recommends Patti Smith’s eloquent memoir that wrestles with the beauty and sorrow of a lifetime
by Josie Giles