Skip to main content
Never forget: grassroots activism is a crucial driver in securing positive change
It is not in the interests of the Establishment to recognise the impact protest movements have had on everything from gay rights to ecology, but the evidence shows their role is essential, writes IAN SINCLAIR
CHANGING TIMES: Tony Whitehead (centre) and his partner John Roman Baker (white scarf) during a protest by gay activists outside British Home Stores, Oxford Street, over Whitehead’s victimisation and dismissal for his sexuality, 1976.

THE mainstream political culture — from the media to politicians to academia — often has a hard time recognising the decisive role of grassroots activism and protest in securing political change.

For example, last month the Guardian reported on the latest British Social Attitudes survey, noting: “From attitudes to gay sex and single parenting to views on abortion and the role of women in the home, Britain has evolved into a dramatically more liberal-minded country over the past four decades.”

According to the liberal newspaper, the study suggests “the evolution of liberal public attitudes ... have been driven by profound social changes such as more people going to university, more women going out to work and the decline in marriage and organised religion.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Palestinians collect food from the wreckage of their tents following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, June 30, 2026
Journalism / 7 July 2026
7 July 2026

IAN SINCLAIR examines the curious memory lapses across liberal media when it comes to British government crimes

BITTER HARVEST: Fires in Argentine Patagonia in February 2026 / Pic: tfnoticias/CC
Features / 27 May 2026
27 May 2026

Established as a landmark victory for the climate movement, the CCC promised to hold governments to account. Today, it is understating the danger of climate chaos and impeding the radical action needed, says IAN SINCLAIR

CONSTRAINED ROLE? British marines on patrol at Camp Taylor, the forward operating base, as more than 1,000 troops began Operation Snipe in the south-east region of Afghanistan, 2002
Features / 9 April 2026
9 April 2026

Outrage greeted Donald Trump’s suggestion earlier this year that Britain stayed off the front lines. But evidence suggests our forces were at times pulled from the most dangerous fighting — not by military failure, but by pressure at home, says IAN SINCLAIR

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump during a press conference at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, on day two of the president's second state visit to the UK, September 18, 2025
Features / 19 March 2026
19 March 2026

The media present Starmer as staying out of Trump’s war — but we’re already deeply involved in a conflict that sees the US and Israel kill civilians on a huge scale, argues IAN SINCLAIR