The UK has been in lockdown for almost two weeks, and some have been self-isolating for longer. This personal account of life in isolation reflects on the experience, and some of the unexpected benefits, of such a drastic change in our lifestyles. Last week, I left my house for the first time in fourteen days. […]
To combat Covid-19, Universal Basic Income must go viral worldwide
To combat the coronavirus pandemic a Universal Basic Income must be introduced to give people the financial security needed for them to self isolate effectively – argue Paul Harnett and Laura Bannister of campaign group World Basic Income. We are already seeing radical attempts across the world to lift people out of poverty so that […]
Five reasons why Greater Manchester buses must be re-regulated
Last week consultation began over the future of buses in Greater Manchester. Since deregulation in the 1980s bus usage has declined while prices have risen. Change is needed and there are two main options to choose from. Re-regulation in the form of franchising or a private bus company backed partnership model. This is the case […]
Council leadership ruthlessly prioritises development and profit over its citizens wellbeing
The Manchester branch of Labour’s Momentum group criticise the leadership of Manchester City Council for its role in the approval of a plan for a temporary 440 space car park on the former Ancoats retail park site. Last Thursday, campaigners from Trees Not Cars – supported by a coalition of organisations that included Manchester Momentum […]
Proposal to develop Central Retail Park into a car park represents the very worst of urban development in Manchester
Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal argue that the city council’s plans to turn the former Central Retail Park into a car park will increase traffic pollution, damage health and fail to tackle the climate crisis that the council has previously declared. The proposal by Manchester City Council to develop the site of the […]
Addressing climate breakdown will take a movement from below and the left in power
By Manchester Momentum and Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal: Extinction Rebellion gave a powerful demonstration of peaceful civil resistance last weekend. By occupying Deansgate they stood in the best of Manchester’s traditions of protest. Manchester Momentum and Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal are proud to stand in solidarity with these campaigners […]
Fighting talk from Labour rally this week
On Monday 2 September, the Labour Party held a rally at the Lowry in Salford. I’d only received notification of it the night before, but even at such short notice it was an opportunity not to be missed. A snap general election is likely, and Labour is getting their message out while the current government […]
Access to Pride should not be denied to disabled people
Pride in Manchester is becoming a bigger event with each passing year, reflecting the city’s reputation as a diverse and LGBT+ friendly place. But this year’s Pride celebrations were not inclusive for everyone, as some disabled attendees discovered during the weekend’s events. Concerns about event pricing, over-ticketing and poor organisation were raised by many people, […]
There’s no Pride in Abu Dhabi, yet the council is still in bed with this abusive state
Manchester Pride is a wonderful life affirming event that highlights the progress made in accepting sexual and gender preference diversity in the UK, and the many changes we still need to make to provide LGBT+ people with equal rights and opportunities. Manchester City Council (MCC) is broadcasting its support for the event, but these words […]
Manchester declares a climate emergency: what next?
By Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal: Manchester City Council declared a climate emergency on Wednesday. In following the lead of Parliament, which made history by being the first in the world to declare an emergency on the 1 May 2019, the council add their name to a growing list of public bodies that […]