Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
In 2022, the left should be confident that we have the answers to this crisis
We need to step up the fight for progressive solutions to the health and cost-of-living crisis, argues RICHARD BURGON MP
Richard Burgon with fellow MP Barry Gardiner at an anti-Conservative Party march in Manchester last year

AT THE start of every year, we all hope for a better year for ourselves, for our friends, families, colleagues and wider society. 

But as I write, our communities face two immediate crises — a public health crisis now entering its third year and a cost-of-living crisis affecting those who can least afford it.

Both are hitting working-class communities hard. There is the immediate health risk of Covid as cases hit an eye-watering three million per week, as well as the wider impact on healthcare provision as waiting lists soar and hospitals declare “critical incidents” — their highest level of alert. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
WAY FORWARD: People's Assembly Against Austerity protest in central London on June 7 2025
Politics / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

RICHARD BURGON MP points to the recent relative success of widespread opposition to the Labour leadership’s regressive policies as the blueprint for exacting the changes required to build a fairer society

A woman holds a communism flag as people gather for the NYCLU's May Day rally for worker's and immigrant's rights at Foley Square, May 1, 2025, in New York
Features / 3 May 2025
3 May 2025

In his May Day message for the Morning Star, RICHARD BURGON says the call for peace, equality and socialism has never been more relevant

TAX THE RICH: Anti-cuts protesters spell it out outside the
Features / 4 April 2025
4 April 2025
RICHARD BURGON MP argues that a broad, united mass movement can stop the cuts and ensure it’s the wealthiest that pay their fair share
WORKERS’ RIGHTS: Labour MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon o
Features / 20 January 2025
20 January 2025
RICHARD BURGON MP says the government should use the Employment Rights Bill to reverse a shameful Tory decision on discrimination
Similar stories
WAY FORWARD: People's Assembly Against Austerity protest in central London on June 7 2025
Politics / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

RICHARD BURGON MP points to the recent relative success of widespread opposition to the Labour leadership’s regressive policies as the blueprint for exacting the changes required to build a fairer society

Features / 1 January 2025
1 January 2025
GAWAIN LITTLE argues that the prolonged economic crisis we have been experiencing presents opportunities for a working-class fightback
Cartoon: Lewis Marsden
Features / 15 November 2024
15 November 2024
RICHARD BURGON MP argues that the re-election of Donald Trump is a clear warning to the Labour government to prioritise boosting living standards.
Features / 3 November 2024
3 November 2024
In the first of two articles, ROBERT GRIFFITHS argues that despite a parliamentary majority, Labour’s timid Budget fails to seize a historic opportunity and lacks the ambition needed to address Britain’s deep social and economic crises