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 truth about refugees in the central Mediterranean
BEN COWLES tells how civilian refugee rescue organisations saved the lives of 149 people in Malta’s search-and-rescue zone last weekend while the authorities and passing ships refused assistance
LAST Saturday morning, a rubber boat sailing away from war-torn Libya carrying 109 people contacted the distress hotline operated by the activist network Alarm Phone.
“The weather is rapidly deteriorating,” Alarm Phone tweeted soon after the call.
“The people report high waves and an ongoing storm. They need immediate rescue. [The] authorities are informed. Don’t let them drown!”
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BEN COWLES talks with the co-ordinator for the reconnaissance aircraft, Seabird, about dramatic events at sea last Friday, after a flimsy boat carrying 40 people was spotted near the island of Lampedusa



