Protest

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 Hazeldine

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 Hazeldine 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 Hazeldine 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

Speeches from the protest in support of junior doctors held on Saturday 18 October 2015. Video by Paul Hanes

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