A ‘new phase’ for Starmerism is fairly similar to the old phase – only worse. ANDREW MURRAY takes a look
Pay ambulance staff a decent wage
PAUL DONOVAN calls for outsourced Ambulance Care Assistants' pay to match the minimum level of NHS wages
[Ian Taylor / Creative Commons] 
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
THE NHS came to the rescue of so many during the Covid pandemic — everyone clapped to show appreciation. One group of workers applauded, little-known to the public, were the Ambulance Care Assistants (ACA).
These brave people move patients to and from the hospitals. There are many such cases, including people unable to move or suffering with dementia, where there is a need for mental and physical toughness among ACAs, who witness trauma on a daily basis.
The challenge of the work involved was illustrated in actor, writer and ACA Marissa Landy’s excellent play, Non-Emergency.
More from this author
PAUL DONOVAN recommends three new books that explore the human relationship with nature
PAUL DONOVAN recommends an excellent stage adaptation of Stephen King’s classic portrayal of the the injustice of the US prison system
Labour councillor PAUL DONOVAN wonders why the right-wing party gets so much more media attention than it seems to merit
PAUL DONOVAN relishes the spectacle of a 1950s detective in pursuit of a 500-year-old murder mystery
