SOLOMON HUGHES recommends Sunjeev Sahota’s recent novel set in a trade union election campaign for its fresh approach to what unites and divides workers, but wishes the union backdrop was truer to life
AT A RECENT pro-Palestine demonstration in Manchester — where a rally and march has been a weekly event since October 7 — the two Jewish Voice for Labour banners fluttering in the breeze had the words “for Labour” crossed out in thick black marker.
The affiliation with a party its members were once proud of, after former leader Jeremy Corbyn rebuilt its membership and mandate to reflect a genuine socialist manifesto, is now a source of embarrassment and even anger.
Intense discussions have been ongoing as to whether to change the name altogether, while somehow retaining the acronym. Jewish Voice for Liberation was one suggestion. Another was to use a lower case L, representing the labour movement instead of the party. For now, the name remains. But it’s an uncomfortable alliance.
Danni Perry’s flag display at the Royal Opera House sparked 182 performers to sign a solidarity letter that cancelled the Tel Aviv Tosca production, while Leonardo DiCaprio invests in Tel Aviv hotels, reports LINDA PENTZ GUNTER



