News

Offshore Treasure Island

The latest leak of dodgy offshore tax documents from a company called Appleby, the Paradise Papers, isn’t just about celebrities dodging taxes—it’s about how capitalism survives, writes Simon Basketter

The Grenfell Tower fire and the anger that refuses to fade

Grenfell, and the treatment of victims that followed, exposes the contempt that those at the top have for working class people

Martin Luther and peasants' rebellion

500 years ago a preacher called Martin Luther sparked a movement which loosened the grip of the church on society. Dave Sewell argues this was about more than just theology

1917 - when workers shook the world

The Russian Revolution of October 1917 is the most important event in human history. For centuries ordinary people had dreamed of a world without the rule of emperors, kings, generals and the rich. Some gave their lives fighting for such change.

Seven things you should know about October

What caused the Russian Revolution—and what did it achieve?

How workers won in 1917

The Provisional Government assembled in the Winter Palace at 9pm on 25 October to “work out methods for the resolute and final liquidation of the Bolsheviks”.

The revolution was defeated - but it didn't have to be

Within a decade of the revolution a regime was taking shape in Russia that pushed back everything revolutionaries had fought for.

Bolsheviks —a crucial element

The October insurrection in Russia would not have succeeded had it not been for the Bolshevik party. The Bolsheviks are still the best model for how revolutionaries should organise.

The only way is insurrection

Lenin called the state “an organ for the oppression of one class by another”. The insurrection in October 1917 in Russia showed that one class can beat another.

Bloody Balfour’s century of oppression in Palestine

One hundred years ago Tory foreign secretary Arthur Balfour's declaration laid the basis for Palestinian oppression. Nick Clark looks at its legacy today

‘We will build a mass movement to stop racism,’ vow activists at 1,300-strong conference

As world leaders ramp up racism against Muslims and migrants, hundreds of anti-racists met in London last week to discuss building the resistance

Capitalist state power versus soviet power

As the Russian Revolution developed a situation of dual power existed—but it was unsustainable

How do we get rid of sexual abuse and violence?

Recent revelations about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s abuse and rape of women have exposed the sexism at the heart of society.

This is one book that will shake your world

Journalist John Reed’s famous eyewitness account of the Russian Revolution brings alive the drama and excitement of a working class in revolt

Is Labour a party of struggle?

Its recent conference reignited debates about whether or not Labour can be transformed. Nick Clark says Labour can change—but its focus on parliament limits its potential

Britain’s border shame one year after Calais ‘jungle’ demolished

The humanitarian crisis caused by Britain’s border in France has been pushed out of sight—but it’s as bad as it’s ever been. Refugees trapped at Grande-Synthe near Dunkirk spoke to Dave Sewell about their lives. Pictures by Guy Smallman

Three Bolshevik heroes you may never have heard of

Many people will be familiar with prominent figures of the Russian Revolution such as Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky and Alexandra Kollontai.

Corbyn’s fight to end ‘social cleansing’ - and the Labour councils at war with him

Labour councils and Labour’s leadership seem to be on opposite sides of the fight for better housing.

After Catalonia’s independence referendum - national struggles, Marxism and class

Some on the left see battles for independence as dividing workers, while others back them as fights for liberation. Dave Sewell looks at how to judge national struggles

How we posted a yes vote - Royal Mail workers discuss their ballot for strikes

Postal workers have delivered an 89.1 percent vote for strikes on a 73.7 percent turnout, smashing the thresholds under Tory anti-union laws. Nick Clark spoke to postal workers about how they built the ballot