In his fortnightly column MARK SEDDON reflects on the death of Major Oak and why such ancient trees matter to us
THE Parliamentary Labour Party hustings this week presented the leadership hopefuls with their first chance to woo MPs.
It gave them the problem of doing so without blowing their pitch to the party’s electorate.
The dilemma of appearing to be simultaneously in tune with Jeremy Corbyn’s heritage while seeking the endorsement of the Corbyn-sceptic MPs has resulted in some careful positioning.
BEN CHACKO says in different ways, the centenary of the General Strike and that of Fidel Castro’s birth point to priority tasks for the British left in the coming year
Starmer sabotaged Labour with his second referendum campaign, mobilising a liberal backlash that sincerely felt progressive ideals were at stake — but the EU was then and is now an entity Britain should have nothing to do with, explains NICK WRIGHT
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT
VINCE MILLS cautions over the perils and pitfalls of ‘a new left party’


