Once the bustling heart of Christian pilgrimage, Bethlehem now faces shuttered hotels, empty streets and a shrinking Christian community, while Israel’s assault on Gaza and the tightening grip of occupation destroy hopes of peace at the birthplace of Christ, writes Father GEOFF BOTTOMS
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Disabled people are being left high and dry – but trade unions can help
HELEN O’CONNOR shines a light on how companies are blatantly disregarding equalities legislation – and asks how trade unionists can apply pressure to make sure disabled workers are treated fairly
After years hidden away, Oldham’s memorial to six local volunteers who died fighting fascism in the Spanish civil war has been restored to public view, marking both a victory for campaigners and a renewed tribute to the town’s proud International Brigade heritage, says ROB HARGREAVES
The June 2025 attacks on Iran have heightened the risk of a wider war, exposed the fiction of a rules-based international order and left ordinary Iranians trapped between external aggression and internal repression, says the Committee for Defence of Iranian People’s Rights
While pretending to seek peace, Europe is heading toward a collision course with Russia – using security guarantees, troop deployments, expropriation and censorship as tools, writes SEVIM DAGDELEN
A WWI hero, renowned ornithologist, medical doctor, trade union organiser and founder member of the Communist Party of Great Britain all rolled in one. MAT COWARD tells the story of a life so improbable it was once dismissed as fiction
The long-term effects of chemical weapons such as Agent Orange mean that the impact of war lasts well beyond a ceasefire
MANY would agree that meaningful work can make a positive difference to the lives of some disabled people.
Work can break down barriers of loneliness and isolation and a supportive working environment can increase feelings of self-worth and self-confidence for anyone in society.
Unfortunately, the drive to push everyone, including disabled people, back into work has coincided with the closure of many of the sheltered work schemes that provided support to disabled people who choose to return to work.
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