Protest

Peterloo presents our history vividly, finds David McAllister - the result is a film that is both timely and historically accurate

Strike action in Glasgow spreads, showing the power of solidarity of men and women workers, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The Extreme Centre are never to be trusted especially when they mobilise under the banner of democracy, argues Lindsey German

The crisis for Theresa May and the Tories continues to deepen, their only lifeline would be a second referendum, argues Lindsey German

Uber drivers organised a 24 hour strike and rallied at Uber offices against precarious working conditions and unfair pay, Shabbir Lakha reports

Protestors came out in support of a man who was violently attacked by police in Harlesden, and called for a fightback against racism in society

Banksy shredding his painting moments after it sold for over £1m at auction showed up the out-of-touch super-rich and everything wrong with modern art culture

The response to the Tory conference in Birmingham was suitably angry and clear in its demands, reports Ellen Graubert

Opposing landlords’ plans to turn a community hub into luxury flats, workers and local residents held a vibrant protest in the streets and marched on City Hall, reports Ross Maidment

The left has seen a number of defeats at Labour Conference, but on the ground, there is burgeoning resistance, writes Chris Nineham

Israeli armed forces attacked Palestinian demonstrators as they demolished four homes, continuing a programme of hundreds this year. Jamie Naylor reports from the West Bank

As the Toronto community stands firm against Zionist attacks, John Clarke reminds us that our solidarity with the Palestinian cause mustn't be apologised for 

A statement from Solidarity with the People of Turkey on the recent attack against the Saturday Mothers

The latest figures on living standards tell us austerity’s class warfare is more dangerous than ever. Mass struggle is an urgent requirement, argues John Clarke

As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70, T.J. Coles documents recent examples of the UK falling short

When the mainstream starts playing with fire like this it means action stations for our side, writes Lindsey German

What we are seeing in the first elections after Mugabe is the deep state clutching to power, but can it hold on? Asks Shabbir Lakha

We should not apologise for things we haven’t done and we do not shut down a witch-hunt by agreeing with it, argues Lindsey German

Looking back at the quarter of a million strong demonstration against Trump, Daniel Jakopovich argues that it was a mass display of people power

Over 250,000 people marched through central London on a Friday, and Pete Morgan argues that together we stopped Trump

Is Trump a symptom or a cause of the rot at the heart of the US empire, asks Des Freedman

Opposing Donald Trump can play a role in bringing down our own vicious government

Potent Whisper makes the case for protesting against Donald Trump

Saturday's far right demonstration in support of Tommy Robinson must be opposed directly on the streets

We must be united in our opposition to Trump and everything he represents

This latest Tory crisis is an opportunity the left must seize and the week’s protests are all the means to do so, argues Lindsey German  

Chris Nineham argues why it is important that the movements go on to the offensive against Donald Trump in the next few days

Tens of thousands march in London, joined by Jeremy Corbyn, from across the UK to defend the NHS on its 70^th birthday and demand it is #Free4AllForever

Trump is scared of the UK protest movement; let’s make sure that his fear is confirmed, writes Lindsey German  

A year on from the Grenfell disaster, Julie Al-Hinai reminds us that whilst our grief can be silent, our anger must be clearly audible

Two major demos in the next four weeks is a fantastic opportunity to hardwire our politics to the street, argues Lindsey German 

Thousands of people marched in silence on the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire in a powerful show of solidarity, reports Shabbir Lakha

Tear Gas shows that, historically, the use of tear gas escalates violence against protest, but movements can overcome such repressive force, argues Tom Whittaker

Let's give Trump a reception he won't forget

The Tory victory shows a missed opportunity for Ontario's labour party, but the left must organise now and fight en masse against Doug Ford's ugly party of the bosses, write activists Doug Nesbitt, Gerard Di Trolio and David Bush ('Fight for $15' campaign)

The Democratic Football Lads Alliance is a plainly racist organisation; anti-racists need to make sure they stop them marching on 9th June argues Josh Newman

The Football Lads Alliance had a rally in Manchester, but there were more anti-racist activists that mobilised against them reports Karen Buckley

Thousands of people poured into Whitehall on Tuesday to oppose the killing of unarmed protesters in Gaza, reports Richard Pratt

One year on from Macron taking office, Susan Ram analyses what he stands for and what he's achieved

As the resistance of Palestinians in Gaza continues despite horrific violence against them, we must continue to show solidarity and protest, argues Shabbir Lakha

Neither Macron and the bosses, nor France's working class have made a decisive breakthrough in recent weeks. But the movement is solid and imaginative, writes John Mullen in Paris

There’s still only one thinker who not only explains the horrors of capitalism but also offers an escape route, writes Lindsey German

The acquittal in Pamplona is not an isolated case. Women are taking to the streets and demanding justice, reports Steph Pike

The fight against ruling class divide-and-rule has never been more urgent and the Tory leadership are a sitting target, argues Lindsey German

He reps for poisonous pipelines whilst claiming climate piety; Trudeau’s slick cynicism springs protest from London to British Colombia, reports John Clarke

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in over 40 towns and cities across the country to voice their opposition to Theresa May's bombing of Syria

As school teachers walk out across the US, in Kentucky they're storming the state Capitol and making big demands, reports striking teacher James H. Miller

Israeli soldiers fired live rounds and teargas into thousands of Palestinians rallying for a second week for the right to return to occupied lands

An unarmed, civilian protest from a people who have been oppressed for decades, results in bloodshed and massacre.

Tens of thousands marched peacefully for the right to return to the occupied territories, but IDF soldiers shot to kill, reports Jack Sherwood, with 6 weeks of protest ahead

Major revolt is underway after the Spanish state imprisoned a further 5 ex-ministers (total = 9) and issued European Arrest Warrants on 6 others in exile, inc. the ex-President

After huge strikes and protests in Spain, the message on the ground is to stay in the streets

As the lecturers' stike enters its final week, a lecturer explains what we have achieved and what we still need to do

Statement from organisations opposing the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the UK and urging people to join the demonstration tomorrow

Tom Whittaker gives a sharp introduction on how Thatcher was toppled and what lessons activists today can learn in kicking the Tories out

Lindsey German looks back at the day in 2003 that millions took to the streets to protest the Iraq war

Protesters gathered at the Brixton Arches to mark three years of the campaign to save it from regeneration. Julie Al-Hinai reports

Look at what we have achieved with protest and what we can achieve again. All out for the NHS this Saturday

Jeremy Corbyn’s roots in the global anti-war movement offer an unprecedented opportunity to marginalise the warmongers, asserts Chris Nineham     

The merry go round of rewarding private sector companies for profiting from our NHS must end along with the hand-in-glove approach it has with big business

Trump deflected is an object lesson in the power of protest but it is only a beginning, writes Lindsey German

The People's Assembly have drafted a model motion to submit to trade union branches, Trades Councils, CLPs and other campaign groups to support the NHS Emergency demonstration on Saturday 3 February

Now is not the time for wait-and-see, even a small victory could break the back of this wretched regime, writes Lindsey German

Since Thursday last week, Iran has been gripped by a new social unrest across a number of cities. Naz Massoumi gives some context to the unfolding crisis.

Now is the time to turn the tables on the Victorian values embedded in our society, argues Lindsey German  

Those who claim protesting doesn't work don't understand what protest is for. We are building a movement for change, argues Clare Solomon

From the repeated attempts to pass the Muslim Ban to attacking NFL players, Trump is racist and is not welcome here argues Maz Saleem

The ruling party of the ruling class may be in limbo but our side has no time to lose, argues Lindsey German

Shabbir Lakha explains why the People's Assembly protested Jacob Rees-Mogg and takes on some of the myths around austerity

A report on the grassroot organising of the referendum for Catalan independence

As the Tories demonstrated their cluelessness, people from across the country demonstrated that another world is possible

As the Tories held their conference in Manchester, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in opposition to a government that is hanging on by a thread

It is with deep sadness and horror that we learn of the death of Mehmet Aksoy who has been killed in the fight against Islamic State on 26 September 2017

As her organisation mobilised a huge anti-government demonstration, deputy Danièle Obono spoke to Chris Nineham about Macron's meltdown, the far right's problems, and the movement

As the Tories prepare to meet in Manchester, our side needs to keep its eyes on the prize

We must build an organised opposition to the Tories

Workers and political activists prepare to battle Macron’s ‘XXL’ assault on French labour laws, reports Susan Ram

Called by its mayor, Bristol saw its largest march in many years, setting the scene for civic protest across the country, reports Tom Whittaker

The punk pioneer and agitprop legend would have been 65 this week, this is what John Rees wrote when he died in 2002

Recent rhetorical grandstanding should not obscure a clear and present danger, writes Lindsey German  
 

US Nazis on manoeuvres is a wake-up call for everyone, argues Sean Ledwith
 

The anger is not subsiding and people are beginning to organise, reports Chris Nineham 

Two days after the death of Rashan Charles in Hackney, protestors took to the streets to express their anger and show solidarity

The demand for change is growing

Mancunian activists are already laying the groundwork for October’s crucial demonstration, reports Martin Hall
 

In major cities, citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the judicial farce that led to the sentencing of former president Lula da Silva

Hamburg's G20 protests can provide immense inspiration, argues Marta Music
 

After a weekend of numerous mass mobilisations, Lindsey German analyses the growing mood to fight

All change - and things are shifting in our direction at last, writes Lindsey German

Just before the final round of France’s presidential election, lycéens (high school students) are continuing to provide the sharpest and most combative opposition to the two contenders

Saturday March 25 saw a County Durham Teaching Assistants national march and rally, Dawn Warcup was there to report

Dear Labour Councillor, don’t blame me if you are now being held to account for your decisions…

Recent anti-racist mobilisations show the movement shifting up a gear, notes Kevin Ovenden  

A new generation of female activists is refuelling Ireland’s reproductive struggles, observes Kara Bryan 

On International Women's Day, thousands of women in Ireland went on strike and took to the streets reports Amy O'Donoghue

The NHS remains our prime battle in the war against austerity, asserts Cameron Panting

A huge 'Our NHS' demonstration was passionately addressed by Jeremy Corbyn. He must be a part of the movement for change, argues Lindsey German

The Stand Up to Trump organising summit is exactly the kind of rallying cry our international movement needs, asserts Chris Nineham   

What does Theresa May's and Donald Trump's 'special relationship' really mean? 

Thousands braved the cold and rain in Edinburgh on Saturday 11 February to march against Donald Trump, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

On Saturday Bristolians marched against Trump's 'Muslim Ban' and 'Theresa the Appeaser'. Owen Lloyd-Jones reports on the sound system powered demonstration

We need to unite people from all walks of life in the battles of the coming weeks, writes Kevin Ovenden

Trumpism’s first clash with the North East’s rich anti-racist tradition shall not be the last, reports Dawn Warcup

Recent protests contain the seeds of future victories but nothing is automatic, notes Lindsey German
 

How should socialists orient to mass protests?

The weekend’s magnificent demonstrations are a cue to reinvigorate left politics as a whole, suggests Ellen Graubart  

The die is cast, but socialists must fight for their outcomes, argues Jack Sherwood

As the old order stumbles, our side must embrace the internationalism that underpins anti-Trumpism, asserts Kevin Ovenden

5 million people. 670 protests. 75 countries. The Women's March was the biggest global protest event since the 2003 protests against the Iraq War.

Furious chorus of 'No justice, no peace - No to racist police!' as over 400 people block a main road in rush hour - Jack Sherwood reports

Trump’s inauguration will be marked by worldwide protest, Shabbir Lakha explains why we should be organised and united against the new US President

The health secretary’s lies are part of a strategy to undermine and destroy the NHS, and we must all take a stand now

The battle for the future of our healthcare is being taken to the street, reports David Bailey

On Sunday, Brazilians will protest against cuts in health, education and social policy budgets, which will affect the lives of the poorest

Forty years ago The Sex Pistols’ debut single was released. Philosophy Football’s Mark Perryman remembers it well

Ahead of the education protest called by the NUS and UCU on 19 November, Des Freedman and Feyzi Ismail explain why staff and students should join it

We took back Birmingham from the Tories and were resolute in our opposition to austerity, demanding a new deal for working people, reports Cameron Panting

A brutal attack in the heart of Middle England highlights the reality of everyday racism, reports Maz Saleem

The People's Assembly and the movement are crucial because the people on the streets can affect change in a way that party politics can't, argues Tom Griffiths

In anticipation of a Jeremy Corbyn victory, Chris Nineham highlights some strategic goalposts for both the Labour Party and the wider movement

In the run-up to to next month’s crucial standoff against the Tories in Birmingham, Mick Wattam assesses the balance of forces 

Friday night’s central London emergency protest shows how Islamophobia must be countered, reports Katherine Connelly 

Deliveroo workers across London are taking part in strike action, Joe Odell reports from the picket line

The Tories and Labour are tearing themselves apart, but looking beyond Westminster, various movements are growing in strength, reports Lindsey German

The movement wants Dilma back in office, but to carry out the progressive, anti-austerity policies with which she was elected, writes Orlando Hill

Protestors in Istanbul denounce the draconian laws imposed on the people by the authoritarian regime of the AKP, reports Shabbir Lakha

As the right attempts a coup, the workers and their allies are determined to fight back, reports Orlando Hill

As the Tories' trauma continues, Chris Nineham sketches out a strategy for radical change

Jack Sherwood looks at the focus and purpose of the People’s Assembly national demonstration on 16 April

Activist Mick Wattam takes us through the ins and outs of making a mobilisation happen   

A 'Northern Powerhouse or Northern Poorhouse' demonstration converged on Sheffield last Saturday, Jon Moorcroft reports   

Newcastle says unite and fight as doctors and teachers march together to 'Save Our NHS' saying, 'Hunt Out! Cameron Must Go!'

There was a carnival atmosphere outside the occupation of Carnegie Library today, reports Dave Randall 

In response to the largest exposé of tax evasion in history, the British public have taken to the streets calling for David Cameron's resignation

As fascists and racists seek to exploit the refugee crisis, our embedded reporter Maz Saleem witnesses how our side fights back 

Mark Perryman of Philosophy Football reviews the new wave of rebel music

France has been convulsed by massive protests opposing the government's plan to scrap the 35-hour week. We reproduce here a speech by economist Frédéric Lordon at the Paris rally on 31 March

Demonstration in support of refugees on Saturday 19th March captured in photographs by Jim Aindow

Student nurse Anthony Johnson responds to the Migrant Advisory Committee's advice on migrant nurses in the UK

Women workers have been at the forefront of every new wave of struggle

Is the Tories’ forced academisation programme the final straw in their assault on public education?

Workers at the Ford factory in São Paulo Brazil have pledged to resist the coup and to fight in defence of labour rights

London's East End showed solidarity with its Muslim population as Nazis tried to stir up hate, reports Chris Nineham 

Hungarian writer and revolutionary Georg Lukács contribution to Marxist philosophy was unparalleled. His archives must be kept open and his work remembered

Alexandre Lemos and Orlando Hill report on the recent street protests in Brazil after ex-president Lula’s unconstitutional arrest last weekend

Chris Nineham argues that theory is too important to be left in the hands of the enemies of change

Hundreds of students took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking traffic and causing severe disruption over Westminster Bridge

Callum Thomas reports on today's demonstration by student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals against the government's proposed scrapping of NHS bursaries

As a tumultuous year in British politics comes to an end, Alex Snowdon takes a look at the implications for the year ahead

A turning point in human history? Elaine Graham-Leigh takes a closer and more critical look at what the Paris talks really mean for our planet

William Andrews outlines the character of the new protest movements in Japan, as the government attempts to adopt new security legislation

In the run-up to the climate change demonstrations in London and Paris, Elaine Graham-Leigh looks at what's at stake in the UN climate talks

In defiance of SOAS management's proposed budget cuts, course closures and job losses, students occupied their university. Alex Bewley reports

Palestinians, with their incredible courage and hope, will fight for their survival. Ellen Graubert reports from the demonstration on Saturday

A selection of Kevin Ovenden’s live posts from the massive No protest in Athens, 3 July 2015

No solution can be really radical that attempts to avoid, diminish or circumvent the direct participation of the masses argues John Rees

Saturday's march demonstrated that the People's Assembly is now a genuine mass movement, now we have to take it to a higher stage writes Lindsey German

Counterfire's new free sheet edition 002, June 2015

The massive End Austerity Now demonstration must be a springboard for more activity, locally and nationally

Rolling coverage from the build up and the day - submit your reports, images and videos using the hashtag #EndAusterityNow on Facebook and Twitter

Demonstrations express political ambitions before the political means necessary to realise them have been created argues John Berger in this article by from May 1968

The bigger the turnout the better, as people who may otherwise feel disillusioned and powerless suddenly feel significant – they have agency

Theresa May’s proposed new anti-terror laws further demonise Muslims and threaten the rights of everyone who opposes the government argues Elly Badcock

The Tories know they lack legitimacy and risk soon becoming a lame-duck administration. We must work to create an immense political crisis

Counterfire's new free sheet edition 001, May 2015

Protest isn’t a spectator sport. It is an example of grassroots political organising that should strengthen and embolden those who turn out on the day argues Lindsey German

Seven Bristol A-Level students called a demonstration against austerity that turned into one of the largest in the city’s history. Counterfire spoke to four of them about how and why they did it

New People's Assembly volunteer, Michael Gilbert, reports on his experience at the protest of the Queen's Speech

As the 20 June demo approaches, it’s worth remembering that mass marches have been crucial to all the most important struggles - Chris Nineham looks at ten of them

'A to B' marches are vital if we want to bolster the Left, bring people in and give strength to other tactics argues Shelly Asquith

Manchester became the latest city to join the wave of anti-austerity action as thousands joined a protest initiated by two local residents. Report by Penny Hicks

After a march called by seven students drew thousands of people, a huge People's Assembly meeting took place on Monday reports Tom Whittaker

More reasons to join the national End Austerity Now demonstration on June 20 by People's Assembly organising committee member John Rees

On Saturday Brixton became the centre of the fight against the sell-off of London’s communities and culture reports Dick Pennifold

A series of student occupations against university cuts is underway and look set to escalate. Dan Poulton went along to Central St Martin's college where free foundation courses face the axe

Hundreds of protesters marched through Norwich city centre to show their opposition to a prominent high school becoming an academy.  Nick O’Brien reports

After insisting that protestors pay for closing the roads the Metropolitan Police have now backed down in the face of defiance. We are stronger than we think writes Chris Nineham

A range of campaign groups, including organisations responsible for some major forthcoming demonstrations in London, have announced that they would not be paying for traffic management for their protests. This follows the recent announcement that the Metropolitan Police intend to withdraw from this role, which they have carried out in the past

German group Pegida is set to hold its first UK demonstration on Saturday, but will face concerted opposition. Alex Snowdon explains

Protesters took to the streets of Gateshead to oppose plans for another £46m worth of cuts over the next two years. Report by Tony Dowling

Bringing cleaners in-house at SOAS university, London, is back on the table after protesters crashed a management meeting, reports SOAS student Clare Birkett

Protesters in Middlesbrough voiced opposition to the government's scapegoating and cuts on Saturday

Ireland is facing mounting anger over controversial moves to introduce water charges, with widespread street protests reports Rob Winkel

Demonstrators from across Italy filled the streets of Rome last Saturday to protest against labour market reforms and austerity policies of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

A defence of the democratic function of militant protest in Stephen D’Arcy’s Languages of the Unheard provides rigorous and valuable arguments, argues William Alderson