Britain
UK home secretary signs US extradition request for Julian Assange
By Mike Head, 14 June 2019
The move, coming just one day before Assange’s first extradition hearing, makes clear the British government’s intent to hand the journalist over to his persecutors in Washington.
Two years since the Grenfell inferno: The case for socialism
By Socialist Equality Party (UK), 14 June 2019
Justice for Grenfell cannot be achieved outside of a frontal assault by the working class on the wealth and power of the financial oligarchy and its political defenders.
UK police seek to prosecute 1,130 Extinction Rebellion climate change protestors
By Alice Summers, 13 June 2019
The moves against peaceful climate protesters are aimed at criminalizing political dissent.
Tory cuts result in 131,000 preventable deaths in the UK
By Barry Mason, 12 June 2019
The Institute for Public Policy Research found that austerity measures carried out in the UK since 2012 have led to 131,000 preventable deaths.
US Secretary of State Pompeo threatens “push-back” to prevent a Corbyn Labour government
By Robert Stevens, 11 June 2019
Moves to remove Corbyn from the political scene before he is ever allowed to take power are being actively discussed.
East London fire guts six-storey residential block on eve of Grenfell Tower inferno’s second anniversary
By Daniel O’Flynne, 11 June 2019
The Barking fire confirms the failure of the Conservative government, Labour-controlled authorities and private corporations to end the threat from substandard accommodation and the gutting of fire-safety regulations.
Ford to close Bridgend engine plant in Wales, eliminating 1,700 jobs
By Robert Stevens, 8 June 2019
Workers at the plant were given no notice. They were sent home Thursday after receiving a letter saying they will lose their jobs in phases by September 25, 2020.
Free Reis Morris! Grenfell Tower campaigner imprisoned while those guilty of social murder walk free
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 8 June 2019
Morris’s jailing is a vicious act of class justice aimed at suppressing opposition and protecting those responsible for 72 deaths in the Grenfell Tower inferno two years ago.
WikiLeaks warns US Justice Department preparing more charges against Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 7 June 2019
The threat of new charges against the persecuted journalist, already facing 170 years in prison, comes amid fresh fears about his health after his father reported a “short notice” medical appointment.
Attend June 9 public meeting in Cambridge: UK Sociologist Noah Carl and the rise of the far right
7 June 2019
The meeting will discuss the issues raised by events at Cambridge University, providing a rebuttal of the claims made by Carl’s defenders and proposing a socialist perspective with which to take on the right-wing ideologues.
French Nutella workers strike, Tram and metro workers’ stoppage in Greek capital
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
7 June 2019
Workers at the Nutella factory in Normandy have been blockading the plant over demands for a wage increase while Greek tram workers stopped work Monday to protest the Syriza government’s attacks on public transportation.
A gathering of warmongers marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England
By Robert Stevens, 6 June 2019
Nothing could obscure the fact that the commemoration was held against the backdrop of a historic breakdown in relations between the major powers.
Trump escalates his pro-Brexit agenda during UK state visit
By Robert Stevens, 5 June 2019
Trump envisions any trade deal with the UK as one entirely to the advantage of the US corporations, as he steps up trade war measures against America’s competitors everywhere.
Protesters speak out at London demonstration against Trump
By our reporters, 5 June 2019
WSWS reporters spoke to some of those who attended Tuesday’s protests in London against US President Donald Trump.
Mass protests as Trump visits the UK
The fight against Trump must become the struggle for socialism
By Chris Marsden, 4 June 2019
Workers and young people wanting to fight against the growing danger of war and dictatorship, spearheaded by Trump’s threats against China and Russia, must reject all calls for an alliance with rival capitalist powers and parties.
Three reports expose extreme inequalities in Britain
By Steve James, 4 June 2019
Three recent reports and surveys have exposed intensifying levels of mass poverty, alongside the grotesque accumulation of wealth by a few.
Conservative Party implodes amid rise of Brexit Party
By Robert Stevens, 3 June 2019
The ability of pro-Remain forces to even influence the contest, let alone win it, is close to zero after Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party virtually wiped out the Tories in the European elections.
Protests in London and Edinburgh demand freedom for Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 3 June 2019
A protest in Trafalgar Square on Saturday was organised via social media and endorsed by the Julian Assange Defence Committee.
UK Labour Party’s civil war blows up in aftermath of European election debacle
By Robert Stevens, 1 June 2019
In the absence of any genuine attempt to overcome the divisions sown in the working class by the 2016 referendum, the European elections became a de facto plebiscite on Brexit.
United Nations Special Rapporteur: Julian Assange is being tortured
By Oscar Grenfell, 1 June 2019
Yesterday’s statement by Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, stands as an indictment of all those who have persecuted Assange and sought to poison public opinion against him.
On the spot report: Protest outside Westminster Magistrates Court demands freedom for gravely ill Julian Assange
By our reporters, 31 May 2019
Around 100 people demonstrated outside Westminster Magistrates Court Thursday morning to oppose US extradition proceedings targeting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Amid grave concerns for his health, Assange transferred to Belmarsh Prison medical wing
By Oscar Grenfell, 30 May 2019
The WSWS demands Assange’s immediate release from the maximum security prison and his transfer to a hospital with the best medical care available and with doctors of his choice.
Julian Assange and the degraded spectacle of Britain’s Guardian
By Robert Stevens, 30 May 2019
Under conditions in which the WikiLeaks journalist is facing life in prison or worse, the Guardian cannot bring itself to defend him.
Letter to Guardian demands retraction of false claim that Julian Assange faces “rape charge”
By Chris Marsden, 30 May 2019
The following is a letter to Britain’s Guardian from Socialist Equality Party (UK) National Secretary Chris Marsden demanding the newspaper correct and apologise for lies they published in an editorial on Julian Assange.
The European elections and the resurgence of the class struggle
By Alex Lantier, 30 May 2019
The EU elections revealed the deep discrediting of the political establishment and its imperviousness to growing demands from the working class for political change.
Despite Assange’s ill-health, Swedish court rejects delay to hearing
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 May 2019
The ruling is the latest example of the international legal vendetta being perpetrated against the WikiLeaks founder.
Police intimidation and violence used against UK fracking protestors
By Dennis Moore, 29 May 2019
A police monitoring report highlights how large numbers of officers have been using aggressive and confrontational tactics, most notably in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
UK ambulance staff quitting in record numbers
By Ben Trent, 29 May 2019
The departure of ambulance staff is part of a wave of medical professionals abandoning the National Health Service.
European election debacle for Conservatives and Labour
By Robert Stevens, 28 May 2019
The ruling Conservatives have suffered their worst ever election result, while Labour suffered a debacle almost as bad.
Ruling conservatives, social democrats collapse in EU elections
By Alex Lantier, 27 May 2019
In Germany, France, Britain and other countries across Europe, these parties that once formed a duopoly dominating the parliament failed to win 50 percent of the vote combined.
UK workers, youth and students demand the freedom of Assange and Manning
“It’s a political imprisonment and completely unjust, so please support, donate and spread the message”
By our reporters, 27 May 2019
SEP campaigners in UK cities won a strong response to the call for the freedom of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and whistle-blower Chelsea Manning.
UK Prime Minister May to quit as Conservative leader June 7
By Chris Marsden, 25 May 2019
May came to lead the country in 2016 as a hated figure and leaves it as a despised political failure.
UK climate change protests: Students speak out against treatment of Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 25 May 2019
Thousands of schoolchildren and students demonstrated around the UK Friday to protest government inaction on climate change.
Grenfell fire inquiry delayed for another six months
By Alice Summers, 25 May 2019
The criticisms of survivors and the bereaved point to the growing recognition of the inquiry’s fraudulent nature and disillusionment with the entire process.
An appeal to young people
Defend the right to tell the truth! Defend Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 24 May 2019
The following statement is being distributed today at climate change protests across the UK.
“Identity politics has created a prison of the mind…while Julian rots in one which is far more real”
Oxford University student calls for defence of Julian Assange
24 May 2019
The following letter was received from a student at Oxford University who attended the May 12 public meeting in London convened by the SEP, in defence of jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
British Steel collapse threatens 25,000 jobs
By Robert Stevens, 23 May 2019
British Steel’s insolvency threatens to be a virtual coup de grâce against a once powerful section of the working class that has been repeatedly betrayed by the trade unions.
Amnesty International declares Julian Assange “not a prisoner of conscience”
By Laura Tiernan, 23 May 2019
According to Amnesty International, neither Assange nor whistleblower Chelsea Manning are “prisoners of conscience” and their defence is not being actively pursued by the human rights charity.
The rise of the Brexit Party and how to fight it
By Chris Marsden, 23 May 2019
Nigel Farage is intent on portraying the European elections, which will see a massive abstention, as a plebiscite on Brexit and a weapon against any move towards a second referendum.
Collapse of British Steel threatens 25,000 jobs
By Robert Stevens, 22 May 2019
The trade unions and Labour Party have responded to the threat to jobs at British Steel with a predictable outburst of nationalist demagogy.
On the spot report: Ecuador’s government colludes with Washington to seize Julian Assange’s possessions
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 21 May 2019
Supporters of Assange began gathering by 8 a.m. yesterday outside the embassy to witness and denounce the search and seizure.
Former Ecuadorian consul Fidel Narváez denounces search and confiscation of Assange’s possessions
By our reporter, 21 May 2019
The WSWS spoke to Fidel Narváez, former consul at the Ecuadorian embassy, who was among protesters opposing plans for the police to search and confiscate the possessions of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Speech by Ulrich Rippert to London meeting
“Defending Julian Assange requires the mobilisation of the working class in a struggle against capitalism”
20 May 2019
We are publishing the speech of Ulrich Rippert, chairman of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) in Germany, at the May 12 public meeting in London in defence of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
SEP campaign teams in UK win support for Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 20 May 2019
The campaigns followed last week’s public meeting in London that resolved to redouble efforts to secure Assange and Manning’s freedom.
Conservative Party implodes over Brexit crisis as May agrees to stand down next month
By Robert Stevens, 18 May 2019
A field of up to 20 Tory MPs are expected to stand to replace May as party leader and prime minister, an expression of the fracturing of the oldest political party of the British ruling elite.
George Galloway tried to become Brexit Party candidate—and failed
By Robert Stevens, 17 May 2019
Galloway’s failed attempt to represent Nigel Farage’s party is indicative of how an entire layer of ex-Stalinists and the pseudo-left have become part of a new right.
Speech by Oscar Grenfell
Millions in Australia “view Assange as a hero who is being attacked for revealing the truth.”
By Oscar Grenfell, 17 May 2019
We are publishing here the speech of Oscar Grenfell, a leading member of the Socialist Equality Party (Australia) and national convenor of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, at the May 12 meeting in London in defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning.
Clara Campos of the Julian Assange Defence Committee:
“We must act now in mobilising to free him. He is one of us.”
By Clara Campos, 17 May 2019
We are publishing here the remarks of Clara Campos, a representative of the Julian Assange Defence Committee, who spoke at the May 12 meeting in London in defense of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning.
Audience members at London meeting discuss way forward in fight for Assange and Manning’s freedom
By Laura Tiernan, 16 May 2019
Last Sunday’s public meeting in London convened by the Socialist Equality Party to defend jailed WikiLeaks publisher and journalist Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning provoked a wide-ranging discussion.
UK Tory government maintains benefit sanctions as misery and deaths continue
By Paul Bond, 15 May 2019
There are almost daily reports of the savage human toll of the austerity agenda imposed by successive Labour and Conservative governments in the UK.
“The IYSSE will redouble its efforts to build a mass movement of young people in Assange’s defence”
By Alice Summers, 15 May 2019
We are publishing the speech of the IYSSE representative at the May 12 meeting in London in defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning.
“He’s not just a journalist, he’s one of the most significant journalists of all time”
Attendees at London meeting to free Assange and Manning speak out
By our reporters, 15 May 2019
Audience members at last Sunday’s meeting in London in defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning spoke to reporters from the World Socialist Web Site .
“The Socialist Equality Party views the defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning as the spearhead of an emerging global struggle against imperialism.”
By Chris Marsden, 14 May 2019
We are publishing here the speech of Socialist Equality Party (UK) National Secretary Chris Marsden to the May 12 meeting in London in defence of jailed WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
Sweden reopens “preliminary investigation” and seeks extradition of Julian Assange
By Chris Marsden, 14 May 2019
No new evidence has been cited by Sweden’s deputy director of public prosecutions Eva-Marie Persson.
London public meeting demands the freedom of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
By our reporter, 13 May 2019
Speakers included leaders from the Socialist Equality Parties in Britain, Australia, the United States and Germany, with Clara Campos representing the Julian Assange Defence Committee.
Eugenics advocate Noah Carl dismissed from Cambridge University fellowship
By Thomas Scripps, 11 May 2019
Carl’s dismissal is a victory over a global campaign to revive far-right ideology on university campuses.
“We need to fight capitalism and change the whole system”
Uber and Lyft drivers conduct international strike
By our reporters, 9 May 2019
Thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers in the US and several other countries struck and protested Wednesday in advance of Uber’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange Friday.
Pompeo lays down the law during UK visit
By Robert Stevens, 9 May 2019
The US secretary of state’s remit was to demand that the UK government toe the line in backing the geo-strategic imperatives of US imperialism… or else.
Local authority funding cuts worsen poverty and social inequality in Scotland
By Stephen Alexander, 9 May 2019
Scottish local authorities are imposing further cuts and increasing charges on vital services.
“We need to save his life. That’s how serious it is”
Pamela Anderson and WikiLeaks editor-in-chief visit Julian Assange in prison
By Laura Tiernan, 8 May 2019
Anderson condemned the state persecution of her friend as a “misrule of law in operation.”
UK government seeks to deny legal aid to Shamima Begum
By Paul Bond, 8 May 2019
Home Secretary Sajid Javid revoked Begum’s British citizenship last year, leaving her and her new-born baby stranded in appalling conditions and stateless.
UK: Renewed Brexit talks deepen splits in both Conservatives and Labour
By Robert Stevens, 7 May 2019
After the Tories lost more than 1,300 council seats last week and Labour also made smaller losses, May and Corbyn stressed that the electorate want Brexit to be implemented.
UK: Renewed Brexit talks deepen splits in both Conservatives and Labour
By Robert Stevens, 7 May 2019
After the Tories lost more than 1,300 council seats last week and Labour also made smaller losses, May and Corbyn stressed that the electorate want Brexit to be implemented.
Britain: National Union of Journalists World Press Freedom Day event ignores Julian Assange
By Paul Mitchell, 7 May 2019
At the NUJ’s World Press Freedom Day event, there was not a single mention of Assange by any of the speakers on the platform, all of whom claimed to be champions of press freedom.
Initial Grenfell fire inquiry report to make “withering criticism” of London Fire Brigade
By Tom Pearce, 6 May 2019
The focus on the LFB’s alleged failings conceals the fact that all the main factors that ensured such a horrific loss of life were present long before June 14, 2017.
UK: Defence minister’s sacking escalates Tory crisis amid rising UK/US tensions
By Robert Stevens, 4 May 2019
Williamson was sacked after an inquiry into who leaked the deliberations of a National Security Council meeting that approved Chinese telecom giant Huawei’s participation in the UK’s 5G data network.
French Yellow vest protesters travel to London to defend Julian Assange
4 May 2019
Protesters travelled across the English Channel to demand freedom for the persecuted Wikileaks journalist, who was sentenced Wednesday to spend 50 weeks in Belmarsh Prison while he is threatened with rendition to the United States.
UK rail union calls off strikes against driver-only-operated trains
By Michael Barnes, 3 May 2019
The Conservative government is behind the plot to impose a huge cost-cutting and de-staffing operation on the railways
Julian Assange sentenced to 50 weeks in jail for bail violation in vindictive political ruling
By Robert Stevens, 1 May 2019
The sentence is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Assange is extradited to the US, where he faces the savage wrath of the US ruling elite whose war crimes WikiLeaks courageously exposed.
Protester at Assange jail sentencing: “That was a declaration of an outlaw state”
By our reporter, 1 May 2019
WSWS reporters spoke to some of those protesting outside London’s Southwark Crown Court against the jailing of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
“He should never have been found fit to work in a million years!”
UK advice worker Terry Craven speaks on the terrible death of Stephen Smith
By Margot Miller, 1 May 2019
Smith, from Liverpool, died emaciated on April 15 aged 64, after suffering years of chronic ill health, yet still had been declared fit for work by the Department for Work and Pensions.
US threatens UK over Huawei involvement in 5G network
By Robert Stevens, 1 May 2019
After it was leaked that Huawei could help build the British 5G network, the Trump administration is threatening to shut Britain out of “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing.
UK: Liverpool man dies after being declared fit for work and denied benefits
By Barry Mason, 30 April 2019
Photos of Stephen Smith published in the Liverpool Echo at the time he was refused Employment Support Allowance are heart-breaking and caused widespread outrage.
Half of all land in England owned by less than one percent of the population
By Margot Miller, 27 April 2019
The aristocracy and gentry still own 30 percent of the land, while 18 percent is owned by corporations and a staggering 17 percent is in the possession of oligarchs and bankers.
UK: May unable to stem Tory crisis over Brexit, but still propped up by Corbyn
By Robert Stevens, 26 April 2019
For Corbyn’s faction, the political function of these talks over Brexit is to side-line a discussion on the political crisis facing the government that could precipitate a general election.
Protest in London’s Parliament Square demands release of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 25 April 2019
The lively demonstration organised by the Julian Assange Defence Campaign was supported by the Socialist Equality Party and World Socialist Web Site.
Grenfell fire survivors forced onto general housing waiting list
By Alice Summers, 25 April 2019
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council has announced the ending of the programme to rehouse Grenfell survivors.
George Galloway declares for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party
By Chris Marsden, 24 April 2019
Having spent over three years hailing Corbyn as the left rebirth of Labour, Galloway now parrots the claim that Farage’s politics articulate the views of the working class on what he insists is the main issue of the day—Brexit.
Police arrest over 1,000 climate change protesters in London
By Robert Stevens, 23 April 2019
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has issued no statement condemning the mass arrest of peaceful protesters.
Privatisation of UK’s National Health Service escalates
By Ben Trent, 23 April 2019
An investigation found that over 1 million patients were forced to seek alternative treatment in the preceding five years due to the closure of nearly 450 GP surgeries.
Young journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Northern Ireland
By Steve James, 22 April 2019
McKee was killed in the aftermath of a police raid on a house in the Creggan estate.
UK education system breaking apart after decade of cuts
By Tom Pearce, 22 April 2019
Funding per pupil in England continues to fall, with a further 3 percent drop to come in the next period.
UK home secretary demands climate change protesters face “full force of the law”
By Laura Tiernan, 20 April 2019
More than 682 climate change protesters have been arrested since Monday.
UK life expectancy continues to fall
By Dennis Moore, 19 April 2019
The fall in longevity appears to be a trend, with an analysis from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries showing a decrease in life expectancy by two months last year and this year by six months.
Hundreds of peaceful climate change protesters arrested in UK
By Paul Mitchell, 18 April 2019
There have been no serious incidents of public disorder except when the police arrived in large numbers and swooped in to arrest people.
Britain’s Socialist Workers Party renews “rape allegations” witch-hunt of Julian Assange
By Chris Marsden, 18 April 2019
The SWP have joined in the efforts to railroad Assange and blacken his name, justifying a course of action that would end with the WikiLeaks editor facing a show trial in the US.
Thin layer of the UK population earn more than £150,000 per year
By Barry Mason, 17 April 2019
Over the last decade, the income and wealth of the affluent upper middle class has skyrocketed at the expense of the working class.
Over half of councils in England lose all government funding
By Margot Miller, 17 April 2019
Almost half of all local authorities will receive no central grant this year—10 times more than in 2017/2018 and three times more than last year.
Youth at climate rally in Leeds, England speak out to defend Julian Assange
By our reporters, 16 April 2019
WSWS reporters spoke about the arrest and imprisoning of Julian Assange with young people who attended last Friday’s rally against climate change in Leeds, England.
Largest UK department store chain, Debenhams, goes into administration
By Barry Mason, 16 April 2019
Last year saw the loss of nearly 150,000 retail jobs with the closure of 20,000 shops and restaurants.
UK Labour leads “rape” smears against Julian Assange demanding Swedish extradition
By Laura Tiernan, 15 April 2019
This is the Blairites’ answer to global public outrage over Assange’s brutal seizure from the Ecuadorian embassy in London on Thursday.
Protest outside London’s Belmarsh prison demands release of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 April 2019
The WikiLeaks founder has been held at the maximum-security prison since his forcible seizure and arrest last Thursday.
Supporters protesting outside Belmarsh prison speak out in defense of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 April 2019
Protesters at Saturday’s demonstration to demand the release of Julian Assange from Belmarsh prison spoke to the World Socialist Web Site.
Socialist Equality Party (UK) member Robert Stevens speaks at rally to demand release of Assange from Belmarsh prison
By our reporter, 15 April 2019
Stevens said, “Join the fight to defend Assange, Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden. Workers and youth internationally must mobilise immediately to defend these class war prisoners.”
“The fight starts now to prevent his extradition to the United States!”
Supporters to rally in defence of Assange outside Belmarsh Prison, London
By our reporters, 13 April 2019
The protests organised by the Julian Assange Defence Committee and supported by the Socialist Equality Party (UK) and the WSWS will be held from 4pm today.
Six-month Brexit extension resolves nothing for UK
By Robert Stevens, 12 April 2019
At best the European Union have kicked the can down the road, with no guarantees of a resolution.
Westminster Magistrates Court
Former UK ambassador Craig Murray denounces arrest and conviction of Julian Assange
By our reporter, 12 April 2019
“There was no jury and no chance to mount a proper defence or have a proper hearing. It is clear the judge was extremely prejudiced,” Murray said.
WikiLeaks exposes spying operation against Assange in Ecuador’s London embassy
By Oscar Grenfell, 11 April 2019
The Ecuadorian regime, acting as a vassal of the US, has surveilled every aspect of Assange’s life.
EU summit considers extension of Brexit deadline
By Robert Stevens, 10 April 2019
In another public humiliation, UK Prime Minister Theresa May met separately with the German Chancellor and French President, hoping to secure the backing of the EU’s two heavyweight powers.
UK cancer patients’ lives imperilled, suffering deepened by treatment delays
By Ajanta Silva, 10 April 2019
In England alone, more than 127,000 cancer patients have been left waiting more than two months to start their treatment over the last five years.
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