by | Apr 6, 2025 | The Guardian
A new book, Underdogs, demolishes the myth that it is homogeneous in its hostility to immigration
‘Many of those who act as the champions of the white person against immigrants,” Labour MP
in 1968, “have not in the past gone out of their way to defend the interests of the white working class.”
It was the first time anyone had referred to the “white working class” in parliament to describe a segment of the British population. Half a century on, that segment has become the focus of one of the most contentious and polarising of debates. For many on the right, the white working class constitutes a distinct group, both their distinctiveness and their problems, stemming largely from their whiteness. Many on the left have, Joel Budd notes, “fallen silent on the subject”, nervous of racialising issues of class.
by | Apr 6, 2025 | The Guardian
Keir Starmer can help redefine global trade while strengthening new – and old – alliances
‘Liberation Day” was, of course, a tragic idiocy based on a bewildering inversion of reality. The rest of the world has not been ripping off or pillaging and plundering the US, as claimed by Trump launching his
, the highest for a century. The truth is the opposite.
There is no American “national emergency”. The US still represents the same 25% of world GDP, as it did in 1980. More than half the goods it imports are from affiliates of US multinationals denominated and paid for in dollars, so its deficit is an accounting identity with itself rather than reflecting economic weakness.
by | Apr 6, 2025 | The Guardian
If a car generates more potholes, takes up more space and poses more risk, it is only fair that its owner pays more
Britain is facing an unusual crisis: carspreading. Our road vehicles are getting bigger as
. At the same time, our streets and parking places remain the same size.
The consequences of this uncontrolled vehicular expansion have become profound. Potholes are being created in greater numbers as our roads are pounded by heavier vehicles; multiple parking spaces are being taken over by single, giant cars; and road accidents are now producing more severe injuries to drivers and passengers of other vehicles. This last issue is of particular concern.
by dap | Apr 6, 2025 | The Guardian
- Tszyu wins IBO superwelterweight title following two shock losses
- Sydney fighter calls out American Keith Thurman for next bout
Tim Tszyu has restored his reputation and reignited his international career with a brutal beatdown of American Joey Spencer in Newcastle.
The referee stopped the fight two minutes and 18 seconds into the fourth round after Australia’s former WBO world champion battered Spencer with a stunning blitz to the head and body.
by | Apr 6, 2025 | The Guardian
In his last Observer column, he outlined an interesting proposition for the UK – a unified Europe rejuvenated by the new world era of Donald Trump
I would like to thank Simon Tisdall for his informative and educational journalism over the many years I have read the Observer. His articles on the new world era, created and perpetuated by the second Donald Trump administration, have been one of the few considered insights into our demise towards an acceptance of immoral behaviour by powerful demagogues.
He has articulated an interesting proposition for the UK: a unified Europe which includes Britain, a concept rejected with the Brexit referendum, but rejuvenated by the betrayal of Ukraine, Europe and the UK by the US (“
”, Comment). For centuries, England barricaded coastal defences because of threats of invasion, but the recent era of supposed protection by allying UK interests with the US has been exposed as a fallacy.
Michael and Raewyn Firmston
Auckland, New Zealand
