As Manchester becomes increasingly gentrified and local communities are priced out, a new report on the city’s land use has found a pattern of privatisation and sell-offs – aided and abetted by its Labour council.
Three legal observers at ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration lodge assault complaints against Greater Manchester Police
Legal observers have lodged complaints against Greater Manchester Police for alleged assault by police officers at a ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration in Manchester, the Network for Police Monitoring says.
Salford Star closure – how Salford council tried to block and discredit the Star
The Salford Star has shut down. This article is a warning to others who may follow, on the pitfalls of founding a genuine publication that aims to give the community a voice and hold public bodies up to account. They will try to discredit you, block information and shut you down.
Here the Salford Star editor, Stephen Kingston, looks at how democracy perished badly under the Salford mayoral system.
Democratic approach to managing public land called for in open letter to Burnham
Campaigners call for Andy Burnham to uphold his election manifesto promise and introduce a Land Commission in Greater Manchester, following the example set by the Liverpool city region.
Community union ACORN marches against ‘dangerous and undemocratic’ police powers bill
Community union ACORN call on Andy Burnham to speak out against the police powers bill. Rebecca Long-Bailey says the bill ‘represents a slide into authoritarianism.’
Electoral Reform Society concern over Salford council ‘one-party fiefdom’
A new missive from the Electoral Reform Society warns that ‘Local one-party fiefdoms plague local government in England – with growing powers often wielded with shrinking oversight. It is a potential gift for lobbyists and shady contractors.’
Mayoral election candidates answer one simple question – why should I vote for you?
On Thursday Greater Manchester decides who will be the next mayor of the city region. To help you choose who should be honoured with this position of power, we asked the candidates for a succinct summary explaining why you should pick them to become the next mayor.
Manchester marches to oppose ‘greatest blow to democracy’ threatened by the police powers bill
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Manchester on Saturday, opposing the controversial police, crime, sentencing and courts bill which could severely limit the right to peaceful protest in the UK. The Meteor spoke to those who had come out on May Day to ‘kill the bill’.
The Salford Star, reporting with ‘attitude & love’ for 15 years, is closing
‘I can think of only two local newspapers that consistently hold power to account: the West Highland Free Press and the Salford Star’ said journalist and author George Monbiot. The Salford Star is to close after the elections in May. Judith Suckling talks to Stephen Kingston, the journalism powerhouse behind the Star, on its rise and fall.
Burmese in Manchester give three fingered salute and call for justice for pro-democracy protestors killed by the military junta
Tribute to victims of Myanmar military oppression takes place in Piccadilly Gardens as supporters raise awareness to the killing of Burmese pro-democracy protestors opposing the military coup.