Israel continues to operate with impunity in what seems to be a brutal and protracted experiment, while much of the world looks on, says RAMZY BAROUD
Starmer sings God save the King
Backed by a comically large Union Jack, Labour’s leadership decided to open this year’s conference with the national anthem rather than the Red Flag. But just what does Keir Starmer think the monarchy has achieved, wonders KEITH FLETT

SOME might argue that among a number of things Keir Starmer and Liz Truss may have in common is a youthful public disdain for the monarchy, now replaced by a forelock-tugging approach to it.
The comparison doesn’t quite work because Starmer has tugged his forelock harder.
He tweeted nothing but royal inanities on his Twitter account from the day of the Queen’s death until her funeral, while millions continued to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.
More from this author

KEITH FLETT revisits the 1978 origins of Britain’s May Day bank holiday — from Michael Foot’s triumph to Thatcher’s reluctant acceptance — as Starmer’s government dodges calls to expand our working-class celebrations

From bemoaning London’s ‘cockneys’ invading seaside towns to negotiating holiday rents, the founders of scientific socialism maintained a wry detachment from Victorian Easter customs while using the break for health and politics, writes KEITH FLETT

Facing economic turmoil, Jim Callaghan’s government rejected Tony Benn’s alternative economic strategy in favour of cuts that paved the way for Thatcherism — and the cuts-loving Labour of the present era, writes KEITH FLETT

Starmer’s slash-and-burn approach to disability benefits represents a fundamental break with Labour’s founding mission to challenge the idle rich rather than punish the vulnerable poor, argues KEITH FLETT