We have all seen the frequently published articles of the right wing press monstering refugees and asylum seekers. Using them as a scapegoat for all of society’s ill’s and diverting attention away from the inadequate government policy that causes them. Refugee’s are blamed for the shortage of housing, long NHS waiting times, lack of school […]
Who Let Grenfell Burn ?
Manchester poet Tom Skinner wrote this two days after the fire in Grenfell Tower. “It was a response to seeing the government trying to dodge the guilt of what they have allowed to happen”, says Tom. It’s based on Bob Dylan’s song Who Killed Davey Moore. Who let Grenfell burn, Who’s to blame, what can we […]
Save our NHS street party sees samba, DJs and ‘Tories Out!’ message
Guest article from The Salford Star: Manchester city centre shoppers, yesterday, got down to the beat of the PCS Samba Band and a host of DJs giving out the message that the Tories must be kicked out on Thursday to Save Our NHS… “Surely no-one believes that the NHS is safe in the Tories’ hands” […]
Acoustic Amnesty fundraiser brings a taste of Americana to Salford
Once again an Acoustic Amnesty gig approaches with a top notch line up of singer/songwriters and poets that promises to bring a transatlantic feel to the beautiful Sacred Trinity church in Salford. The performance on 9 June, the day after the general election, provides an excellent opportunity to soothe away your sorrows or celebrate your […]
Poet Tony Walsh says ‘choose love Manchester’ at vigil for the Arena bombers victims
Guest article from The Salford Star: Last night, as thousands of people, including the Salford Mayor and the city’s MPs, attended a vigil in Albert Square, it emerged that the suspected Manchester Arena bomber, who left 22 dead and 59 injured, was 22 year old Salman Abedi, a student at the University of Salford. “This […]
Unite Community protests against benefit sanctions across Greater Manchester
A national day of protest against benefit sanctions saw Greater Manchester Unite Community Branch (GMUCB), and other campaigning organisations, demonstrating outside job centres across Greater Manchester (GM). Benefit sanctions are applied as a punishment to benefit claimants who have broken jobcentre rules. If someone on benefits does not apply for enough jobs, or turns up […]
Precious peace in the midst of chaos: Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘The Christmas Truce’
Nestled in the cosy confines of one of Manchester’s ancient armpits is 53two, a theatre in a railway arch offering an hour of festive transcendence to knackered shoppers and knackered everyone. These are grim times, and there’s a feeling in the air that this might be the last Christmas in which the West can stay […]
Party Protest group invite volunteers to break bread with Manchester’s homeless this Christmas
Christmas is a time of togetherness, and yet we often spend the build-up in our own world, wrapped up in the stress to be ready in time. As we cram into already overcrowded areas, queue seemingly endlessly and wrack our brains to find something half-decent for our loved ones, we tend to dehumanise most of […]
Review: Stand Up For The People’s Assembly at Manchester Academy
‘Stand up, that we might’ sang protest singer Grace Petrie. ‘Save tomorrow’ came the refrain from a game crowd at the second annual Stand Up For The People’s Assembly event. The night, organised by Manchester People’s Assembly, saw a host of established performers donate their time to raise money and awareness in the fight against […]