A ‘new phase’ for Starmerism is fairly similar to the old phase – only worse. ANDREW MURRAY takes a look
From industrial revolution's lifelines to spaces of leisure
JOHN GREEN looks at the Britain’s canal network, its historical arteries
Pontcysyllte in Wales was constructed using cast iron water troughs
[Adrian Pingstone/CC] 
Macron is seeking a centrist replacement for the pro-austerity French PM, while the emergence of the grassroots Bloquons Tout movement means for the left there’s a period of struggle ahead – and all to play for, writes BILL GREENSHIELDS
The Met Police arrested a staggering 890 people, many elderly, disabled, and even blind in a single demonstration — all to back up the government’s unhinged campaign against non-violent civil disobedience at the behest of Israel, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE
The people of Palestine need our solidarity in actions not words – trade unionists must give them our full support in their darkest hour, writes DANIEL KEBEDE
Investing the £75 billion slated for defence spending on a green new deal, healthcare and education would create jobs and help communities far more than weapons spending, argues UCU general secretary JO GRADY
BEN CHACKO reports on fears at TUC Congress that the provisions in the legislation are liable to be watered down even further
ENGLAND has one of the largest canal networks in the world. Wales and Scotland also have canals but only a few. Today, our 2,000 miles of canals and rivers flow through cities, past homes, alongside offices and into the countryside, bringing leisure opportunities to millions.
From boating, fishing, walking and cycling, they offer a range of activities. Their history, however, reveals a very different function.
Most of our canals were built 200 years ago, but their history dates back to the Romans who built our oldest canal, the Fossdyke Navigation.
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