The Left

Unite: the left must mobilise to beat the right

Unite executive member Richard Allday writes (in a personal capacity) on the union’s general secretary election and the need for a united left
Starmer’s shtick: Ruthless against the left, useless against the right - CounterBlast

Preoccupied with burying the politics of the Corbyn era, Starmer’s vacuous leadership is failing to offer a coherent alternative to the Tories, argues Alex Snowdon.
Beyond satire: John Woodcock to investigate extremism

John Woodcock’s record shows the absurdity of his review into “progressive extremism” and the transparency of the government’s attempts to criminalise protest, writes Yonas Makoni
Pro-independence Catalan vote deepens crisis of the Spanish state

Chris Bambery analyses the Catalonia election which put pro-independence parties ahead of unionists, the crisis for Madrid and the challenges ahead for the left
Putin, Navalny and the Russian protests

The weekend protests against Putin offer opportunities for the Russian left, argues Dragan Plavšić
20 reasons to celebrate the end of the Trump Presidency - CounterBlast

The departure of the 45^th President after one term marks a moment of vindication for the American left, argues Sean Ledwith
After Trump: can the left organise to defeat the right? - part two

As Biden is inaugurated, Kate O’Neil asks DSA activist and author Saman Sepehri what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the American left
After Trump: can the left organise to defeat the right? - part one

In the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration, Kate O’Neil asks DSA activist and author Saman Sepehri what this month’s historic events in the US mean for the American left
The fight against Trumpism: lessons of Hitler’s Munich Putsch

As far as historical parallels can be made, we must draw the lessons from the past in the fight against fascism, writes John Westmoreland
Unison’s left lose out in the General Secretary Election

Despite left candidates receiving the majority of the votes in Unison’s General Secretary election, the split vote meant the candidate of the right has won, writes Karen Buckley
Impeachment will not defeat Trumpism

The US left must constitute itself as an independent pole, and not fall in behind attempts to rehabilitate business as usual, argues Kevin Ovenden
Why Trumpism must be defeated: reactions to the Capitol chaos

Some immediate thoughts on the scenes of armed Trump supporters taking over the Capitol building on Wednesday
Brexit brinkmanship: after 4 years, it’s the safe bet that wins the race

As the UK and the EU announce a trade deal, Martin Hall considers it, and looks back on the most divisive issue to beset the left in a generation
We need to learn from the mistakes of Brexit past

With a Brexit deal seemingly close, the Left must learn from the mistakes of the last four years, argues Kevin Ovenden
Brexit paralysis: how did we get here? – weekly briefing

Alex Snowdon on a fractured yet immobile capitalist class and a new initiative from Jeremy Corbyn
Is there life outside Labour?

In our continuing series on left strategy, Chris Nineham from Counterfire responds to Laura Smith and John McInally
Keir Starmer's Brexit opportunism

Starmer has confirmed that his manoeuvring on Brexit and a second referendum was always an anti-left operation used to attack Corbyn, argues Kevin Ovenden
Does Starmer want permanent war with the left?

Starmer is sidelining the left in the NEC as his purge continues, writes Terina Hine
Don’t give up! Educate, organise and fight

As part of our series on the future of the left in and out of Labour, Laura Smith outlines a path forward
Letter to the left: gloves off, time to fight!

Natalie Strecker describes her political journey, why she joined Labour under Corbyn and has since left, and what she thinks are the next steps for the left
‘Islamo-leftism’: Macron ramps up attacks on Muslims and the left in France

In France, ‘Islamo-gauchisme’ is the watchword of a widening attack on basic freedoms, targeting anti-racists and the left writes Susan Ram
The left’s Trump card – weekly briefing

Lindsey German on change at the top and what it really means for our side
Spycops: the rottenness at the heart of the British State

As the history of state infiltration of the left is exposed, it is no wonder the government is hurrying through its new SpyCops Bill, argues Terina Hine
Starmer's purge continues: Bristol members suspended for supporting Corbyn

Labour members in Bristol West have been suspended for confronting Starmer’s witch hunt against the left. This is a fight for all of us, argues Tom Whittaker
No capitulation to Starmer's witch-hunt: fight back now

The question isn't 'stay or leave', it's whether or not the left inside and outside the Labour party is going to fight back, argues John McInally
Why is the US election so close? - video

Kevin Ovenden analyses the US election result so far and why the crisis is far from over
Defend Corbyn: the key thing is to fight - video

Lindsey German speaks at a mass online rally in defence of Jeremy Corbyn
Crossing red lines: why the establishment wants to destroy Corbyn

Corbyn's anti-war principles and their popular appeal are the biggest threat to the establishment, says Chris Nineham
The Corbyn suspension and the next steps for the left

As attacks on the left increase, the need to develop an extra-parliamentary left becomes more important than ever. We urge you to join Counterfire
Defending Corbyn: what's at stake for the radical left

We need an explicitly anti-capitalist left to fight back against the centre's assault which is paving the way for an emboldened radical right, argues Kevin Ovenden
The attack on Jeremy Corbyn is baseless – there is nothing to support it in the EHRC report

The EHRC report does not uphold claims that Labour under Corbyn was institutionally antisemitic and does not justify the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn, argues Chris Nineham
France: build the movement against Islamophobia

Following on from the recent murder of a French schoolteacher and the exploitation of the event by Islamophobic forces, we repost Left Berlin’s interview with Paris activist John Mullen
From Golden Dawn to the AfD, the far right is being beaten back by a fighting left

The far right are not unstoppable, but neither is their decline inevitable; the radical left is key to the anti-fascist movements halting their march, argues Kevin Ovenden
Whether it's Trump or Biden, the US left needs to build an independent movement - video

Speaking at a recent Counterfire meeting on the US elections, Kate O'Neil discusses the political landscape in the US and how the left can organise
Covid: a Tory-made crisis - Counterfire Bulletin October 2020

Why we need a zero-Covid strategy, resistance on the frontline, carnage in America and a new direction for the left in this month's Counterfire bulletin
How the left drove the trial that found Golden Dawn guilty - video

Speaking on a live broadcast from Athens, Kevin Ovenden tells us about the fascist organisation Golden Dawn, and the centrality of the anti-racist movement in the trial which returned a historic guilty verdict
Starmer’s road leads to disaster: the left urgently needs a new direction

A left in thrall to Starmer's Labour risks irrelevance, argues Chris Nineham
Doncaster reacts to Starmer: 'We don't need another Tony Blair'

Keir Starmer's conference speech in Doncaster isn't convincing anybody, writes John Westmoreland after speaking to people in the area
Where next for the left? - Lindsey German

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left, Lindsey German looks at the election defeat, the coronavirus crisis and how socialists should organise
Where next for the left? - Holly Rigby

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left after the rightward shift of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, looks at Tory failures during the pandemic and the role of union and movement organising
Where next for the left? - Mike Wayne

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left after the rightward shift of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, Mike Wayne looks at the need for a new party of the left and the importance of revolutionary organising
Left-wing comedians the problem at the BBC: is Tim Davie joking? - CounterBlast

The BBC’s new Director General complaining about left-wing bias in comedy is a joke, writes Chris Nineham
Counter-revolution in the Labour Party and the coming storm

John McInally, long-standing activist and former member of the PCS executive, contributes to the ongoing discussion on the future of the Labour Party and the prospects for the wider left
Kamala Harris is not 'progressive'

Kamala Harris' record shows she's far from the radical change that people want, argues Yonas Makoni
Workers strike for democracy in Belarus

Workers need an independent political force in Belarus to win, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Starmer's Panorama drama: an attempt to bury Corbyn's legacy

We repost Anna Southern's article in The Left Berlin on the continued attacks on Jeremy Corbyn and the left
The Starmer supremacy: Labour is now on the wrong side of the struggles that matter

Starmer's stampede to the right means that socialists will need to reach beyond the Labour Party to build a fighting left, argues Chris Nineham
Starmer’s taking Labour back to the right, what’s next for the left?

Counterfire asked six socialists and activists what they think the next steps are for the left
The global picture: Covid cases and deaths continue to rise sharply

World leaders like Trump and Johnson trying to get back to business as usual while the virus continues to spread are deliberately sacrificing public health, writes John Clarke
Save lives and jobs: distance yourself from neoliberalism - weekly briefing

Lindsey German on post-Covid reconstruction and the politics of free speech
Radical left and anti-capitalist breakthrough in Croatia elections

Despite left gains, early elections paid off for the ruling centre-right party, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Starmer is moving Labour to the right 'brutally and rapidly': a CLP secretary’s resignation statement

Socialists should focus their energies on building the extra-parliamentary left, argues Terina Hine in her statement resigning as Cities of London and Westminster CLP secretary
Starmer takes Labour right: It's time for an extra-parliamentary left

The fight is on, but it isn't going to be fought in the Labour Party
The battle is on: and the left can’t win in Labour - weekly briefing

Lindsey German on Labour, the left and taking on the Tories
Sacking Long-Bailey accelerates Labour’s drive to the right - CounterBlast

The sacking of the shadow cabinet’s only prominent socialist is a milestone in Labour’s move to the right, argues Alex Snowdon
Starmer’s ruthless at rooting out the left, not antisemitism - CounterBlast

In a week where the Tories are covering for corruption and risking working people’s lives, Keir Starmer is attacking the left instead of the government says Penny Hicks
Starmer plays to the right: where now for the left?

Starmer has signalled war on Labour's left with the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey. It is a deliberate attempt to root out Corbynism from positions of influence
Serbia’s quagmire: 7 conclusions from Europe’s first Covid-19-era election

The ruling party wins a landslide, but it faced an opposition boycott, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Socialist Register 2020: Beyond Market Dystopia - book review

The wide range of essays in Socialist Register 2020 provide important reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of recent left movements, finds Sean Ledwith
Brazil: crises, crises and more crises

Covid-19 is yet another crisis to haunt Bolsonaro argues Orlando Hill (in London) and Lilian Hill (in Rio de Janeiro)
Strikes, walkouts, and sickouts: how working-class Americans are organising in the time of Covid-19

Counterfire's Katherine Connelly interviews US writer and historian Chris Wright about how workers are organising to protect lives and homes in America today
Corona and the food crisis: how the markets failed us

Corona crisis has exposed how market forces cannot be trusted with our food production, says Kevin Potter
Set up to fail? Labour’s not so independent inquiry

Nick Fitzpatrick finds glaring issues with the panel put together by the NEC and its remit to investigate #LabourLeaks
Who pays? Socialists and state intervention part 2 – long read

In the second part of his article, Chris Nineham examines the recent development of the state and how the Coronavirus will impact on government policy and the left
Bernie campaigners take stock and look ahead

Kate O’Neil spoke with three Bernie campaigners about 'What’s next?'
Is there life outside Labour? That is where the hope lies

Recent events in the Labour Party need to be examined clinically, because they tell us important things both about the party's direction of travel and about how power is wielded within it, says Chris Nineham
Invasion of the Body Starmers

Starmer's Labour Party is a bit like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, let's learn the right lessons, argues Ben Tunstall
As It Happened: Briefings From Two Years of Turmoil, 2017-2019

A selection of Lindsey German's briefings from the 2017 to the 2019 general elections which present an analysis of Corbynism and the state of British politics as it happened
EU-Turkish border crisis spills over to Serbia

Racist patrols and protests are spreading in Serbia, as the far-right seeks to exploit the migrant crisis for political gain, says Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
The setbacks for Palestine solidarity and the need to fight back

The setbacks in the movement for solidarity with Palestine and the failure of militant anti-racism is a catastrophe for the left, and one that must be quickly rectified, argues David Jamieson
No socialist should vote for Keir Starmer

In the aftermath of Corbyn, candidates understand the need to be seen to tack left. Kier Starmer's career offers an insight into why we should examine the facts, argues Jonathan Maunders
Can Bernie win?

Sanders has had a good week and is in a strong position, but there are many battles to come, argues Kate O'Neil
The Irish election: the centre has not held and the left can win

The result in Ireland represents a seismic shock to the European establishment and can be a step towards radical change, argues Chris Bambery
Ten books to shake 2020

Want to turn the world upside down in 2020? Philosophy Football’sMark Perrymanhas found ten books to help us on the way
Brazil: the 2013 June Days and the consolidation of the 2018 coup

Leonardo Péricles looks at the character and context of the June Days protests in Brazil which he argues did not directly lead to the 2018 coup
6 steps toward rebuilding the left

Six practical and theoretical suggestions to build a broad, united and fighting left, by David McAllister
Retreat is a luxury the left cannot afford

The left must turn to rebuilding dynamic extra-parliamentary resistance to the Tories
Leaving the EU: this is about what sort of society we want – and it isn’t Johnson’s

As Britain leaves the EU at 11pm tonight, the future is up for grabs, and the fight continues, argues Martin Hall
Socialists and trade unionists chart the way forward after Brexit

Our Brexit, or Theirs – the LeFT Campaign’s North West event on Saturday saw a big turnout by trade unionists and socialists from across the region and beyond
Another struggle is possible

John Rees looks at what was lost and how to win again
Tony Blair is completely wrong: Chris Nineham on Sky News - video

Debating a representative from the Adam Smith Institute, Chris Nineham defends Jeremy Corbyn and the left on Sky News
2017 - 2019: what changed?

We need to analyse the last 2 years and place events in their proper context, argues Richard Allday
Past mistakes, future opportunities - weekly briefing

Lindsey German continues her sober assessment of the Johnson victory and its implications
Rebuilding the resistance

Boris Johnson has to be resisted, and that means we have to get organised
Bolivia: call it a coup, support the resistance

International solidarity is vital - the left must unite in condemning the coup against Morales, argues David Bush
Government funds for anti-Corbyn group a hint of things to come

The smearing of Jeremy Corbyn by a group taking money from the Home Office is only to be expected, argues Josh Newman
At last a large-scale fightback against Islamophobia in France?

John Mullen reports from Paris on a major breakthrough for Muslims fighting oppression in France
Trudeau clings to power

With Canadian neoliberalism safe in parliament, real progress must come from the streets, writes John Clarke
How the British State sabotaged the last left Labour government

Electing a Corbyn government is just the start, in order to take on the state the left must remember the lessons from the 70s, writes Chris Nineham
Why we can win: the left and Boris Johnson's crisis

The way out of this crisis is to keep left, fight for Corbyn and stay on the streets, argues Chris Nineham
Why Labour must not become a hard remain party

Corbyn must hold the line: Labour cannot become an official Remain Party, argues Mike Wayne
No confidence in anti-democratic Boris Johnson

Labour must get back to the priority of toppling Boris Johnson with a no confidence vote and reconnect with the movement on the streets, argues David McAllister
Leave - Fight - Transform - founding statement

From Amazon warehouses to Belfast’s shipyards, workers are demanding a break — a break with the failed system of austerity, neoliberalism and capitalism
Attack on Palestine solidarity turned back in Vancouver

When the left steps up and organises against the attacks, it can win, as shown in Vancouver, reports John Clarke
Dirty tricks: the British State and the left

Recent attacks on Corbyn are part of the British state's long history of undemining the left, writes Chris Nineham
‘I am not what I am’: why the left must take action against ‘Iago’ Watson

Tom Watson has made it clear that he will stop at nothing to remove Corbyn and it's about time the left stands up to him, argues Sean Ledwith
Miners' Gala shows we can kick back against the right

The Miners' Gala showed how strong a left united against austerity can be, reports David McAllister
Greece elections: the right is back in government

The conservative right won the Greek election but didn't do as well as predicted, and the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn were wiped out, reports Kevin Ovenden
Socialists should be trying to unite working people, not divide them - a reply to Paul Mason

Responding to Paul Mason's latest article, Shabbir Lakha argues that the left needs to be trying to unite working people against austerity, not divide them over Brexit
The poverty of anti-corruption politics

A politics based on anti-corruption obscures class and tends to benefit one side. It's not the left, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
Iago Watson strikes again

Watson wants to wreck the Corbyn project. The left mustn't let him, argues Martin Hall
How the left can take the initiative

In the week of the Trump visit, the left held the initiative, and now must keep it, argues John Rees
Pompeo threatens Corbyn: nothing to see here

The US threatening to interfere in the UK's democratic processes should be front page news, argues Chris Nineham
No centrist surge, but a fragmenting Europe: European elections explained

European politics is increasingly fragmented, which poses important challenges but also opportunities for the radical left, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Jo Grady victory: all change at the top of UCU

Jo Grady has been elected General Secretary of UCU in a victory for the left, now the rank and file need to get organised argues Graham Kirkwood
Milkshakes, moralism, and the rationalist error

Some on the left are crying when they should be laughing, argues John Rees
Brazil: documenting the movement against Bolsonaro

After the first mass, national anti-Bolsonaro demonstration and ahead of the second on 30 May, Lilian Hill speaks to Mavanio Matheus about photodocumenting and taking part in the social movement
It's time for the Labour left to step up to the plate

For Labour to beat the right, the left must stop retreating, argues John Rees
William Godwin: A political life - book review

A new biography lauds William Godwin, but some contemporary radicals of the 1790s offer better inspiration for the modern left, argues Dominic Alexander
Remain and reform? European Parliament elections suggest otherwise

Promises of progressive reforms within the EU will ring hollow, with the hard right set to gain from polarisation. The left here can challenge this trend, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Spanish election: the left win but society polarises

The Socialist Party has won the most seats in Spain's parliament but falls short of a majority amidst gainst made by the far right, writes Chris Bambery
Counterfire media reaches 100k, now help us do better

This is a time of great possibility for the left, but only if we are prepared to stand our ground
Corbyn is being smeared on antisemitism - and we need to deal with it

There is no contradiction between recognising that antisemitism exists in Labour, and understanding that Corbyn is being smeared, argues Des Freedman
To defeat the Blairite splitters and plotters the left must learn the lessons of history

The Blairites are a threat to Corbyn, but the left has the resources to win and there are important differences with the era of the SDP split, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Labour can end its internal war at a stroke: become a socialist party

If Labour can reinvent itself it can end its perpetual internal war and reinvigorate the whole of progressive politics, argues John Rees
How to deal with defectors – keep left

We shouldn't be intimidated by the splitters, we need to work to make Labour decisively turn its back on its failed Blairite past, argues David Swanson
The insignificant seven: what the left must do

The left must respond by not giving an inch, instead pushing the leadership to return to a politics of insurgency, argues Alex Snowdon
Yellow Vests join unions to agitate for a general strike in France

Repudiating Macron’s ‘great national debate’, Yellow Vests join hands with trade unions and the radical left to build for a general strike, reports Susan Ram
Left advances in Serbia: news from the protest frontlines

The left has to engage with mass movements but to maintain an independent profile, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
For a left populism - book review

Mouffe’s elaboration of a left populist strategy contains some useful insights but ultimately rests on the centrist ideology that it appears to criticise, argues Josh Newman
New wave of protests in Serbia – opening new horizons?

In the face of austerity and exploitation, the left must act as a counterweight to the established political order, argues Anja Ilic
The Left Case Against the EU - book review

Costas Lapavitsas makes a convincing argument why the Left should oppose the EU, writes Martin Hall
La France Insoumise: tradition and change on the French Left

As tensions rise in Paris, John Mullen gives a cool-headed tour of the French Left
Yellow Jackets: a high-vis uprising sweeps France

At roadblocks, barricades and on the march, the Gilets Jaunes embody nationwide fury towards Project Macron, reports Susan Ram
Brazil election: Bolsonaro's victory and the struggle ahead

The victory for far-right Bolsonaro is a dangerous development and it is now a critical moment for the left to unite and win the streets, argues Orlando Hill
Stop Tommy Robinson: leaflets for National Unity Demonstration Against Fascism and Racism

On 17 November, we will be out marching against racism and the fascist thug that is Tommy Robinson - we provide leaflets for you to print and distribute
O efeito Bolsonaro: e agora Brasil?

À medida que as eleições do Brasil avançam para o segundo turno, Orlando Hill examina as perspectivas para a esquerda derrotar a candidatura presidencial da extrema-direita Jair Bolsonaro
The Bolsonaro effect: what now for Brazil?

As Brazil's elections progress to the second round, Orlando Hill examines the prospects for the left in defeating the presidential candidacy of the far right Jair Bolsonaro
Macedonia's failed referendum: a disaster for the EU and Nato

The failed referendum in the small Balkan state represents a major upset for the West, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Labour conference and how the left can win - Counterfire Media Podcast

Chris Nineham and Tom Lock Griffiths discuss Labour Party conference and what it tells us about how the left can win in the first episode of Counterfire Media's new podcast
The socialist challenge to Trump

The Trump nightmare has fired up left organisation in the US to electorally challenging the establishment, writes Sean Ledwith
Labour conference 2018: packed Stop the War fringe meeting declares an anti-war government vital

The anti-war movement is on the front foot, and made its mark at Labour's conference
The left is growing: why the setbacks at Labour conference?

The left has seen a number of defeats at Labour Conference, but on the ground, there is burgeoning resistance, writes Chris Nineham
If Labour backs a second referendum, the whole Corbyn project will be in danger of defeat

We can't let the most radical leadership in Labour's history find themselves fighting on the side of free trade, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
Minding the depth and breadth - a Labour conference reading list

As Labour gathers for its annual conference Mark Perryman welcomes the variety of thinking a range of authors, new and old, are offering the Left at this vital time
Is the Labour Party a machine or a movement?

Corbynism and the prospect of a Labour government are at risk if the NEC undermines the membership and democracy
Media and the infrastructure of radical movements

Our movements need media that inspire mass participation, amplifying analysis to reach new audiences turning to the left, writes Des Freedman
Labour, antisemitism and the damage done

The attacks on Corbyn and the left this summer have been damaging, and can only be dealt with through political struggle, argues Kevin Potter
People's Vote vs People's Brexit

Betraying the referendum result would spell disaster for Labour and the left, argues Martin Hall
Corbyn’s leadership in danger

The defeat for the Palestinian cause at the hands of the Labour Party’s NEC should not be underestimated
Labour's NEC votes on IHRA; members protest to defend Corbyn

Protesters rallied outside Labour Party HQ to defend Jeremy Corbyn and oppose the IHRA definition, Shabbir Lakha reports
The attacks on Corbyn can only end if they're confronted

Apologies and appeasement won’t stop the witch-hunt against Corbyn
We cannot compromise on the NEC code of conduct on antisemitism

Nothing will appease those who are determined to defeat Corbyn and diminish support for the Palestinians, argues Alex Snowdon
What Frank Field's resignation tells us about the Labour right's slow coup

Destined for deselection, yet citing antisemitism, the nationalist Leaver's parting shot has been supported by Blairites whose only principle is to smash the left, writes Kevin Ovenden
It's time to stand up and be counted - what defending Corbyn really means

This is a defining moment for the Corbyn project, and attacks over antisemitism and Palestine must be firmly opposed or they will escalate to chilling effect, argues Chris Nineham
The fightback is on: hundreds rally behind Corbyn in London

Hundreds of Londoners rallied against the attacks on Jeremy Corbyn and Palestine on Tuesday, Shabbir Lakha reports
The dangers we face

The current ascendancy of the left in the UK is beset by serious threats. They must be faced and defeated, argues John Rees
Stand firm in attacks against Corbyn, or lose the fight

Right wing attacks on Corbyn have intensified. If we lose ground now, we will pay heavily in the future, argues Alex Snowdon
The attack on Bookmarks was an attack on us all

The attack on Bookmarks shows how emboldened the far right are and why the debate on how to stop them is so urgent argues Pete Morgan
Hodge case shows why Labour Right needs to be confronted - and defeated

The only appropriate response to Margaret Hodge and her co-conspirators is to take them on politically and defeat them argues Alex Snowdon
Antisemitism: what the left should say – weekly briefing

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
Is Corbyn's Brexit policy really 'full Trump'?

Describing Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit strategy as "economic nationalism" is adopting neoliberal arguments that defend the status quo argues Kevin Ovenden
Steve Bannon: international orchestrator of the alt-right

Steve Bannon has gained international notoriety for his role as Trump's chief strategist. Sean Ledwith examines his role in organising the transatlantic alt-right
The new forces behind the fascist right

A changed threat has emerged in Tommy Robinson's street movement, supported by the international populist right. John Rees looks at how we meet it
Together we can defeat Trump, and the Tories too

Opposing Donald Trump can play a role in bringing down our own vicious government
Only a united movement can defeat the far right

Saturday's far right demonstration in support of Tommy Robinson must be opposed directly on the streets
Why we should all be out protesting against Trump's visit to the UK

We must be united in our opposition to Trump and everything he represents
After the final days of May

This is the start of a new phase of the crisis, not the end of it, writes John Rees
The rise of president ‘AMLO’: Mexico’s left turn?

The landslide triumph of anti-establishment figure Andrés Manuel López Obrador has emerged from a disastrous social and economic crisis for Mexico’s ruling order and traditional party, opening up a new era of possibility for the left, argues Sean Ledwith
'Just do it': the politics of fighting precarity

Richard Allday reminds us that we need to work together; we can’t be socialists on our own
The phoney war must end: crossing the Brexit Rubicon

The mask of the EU has slipped; Corbyn must seize this opportunity to make the case for a clean break, argues Martin Hall
Enough is enough: Paris takes to the streets

Paris mobilises one year on from Macron's election, and fifty years on from May '68, reports John Mullen
Rudd down, May to go

Amber Rudd resigning because of popular pressure is a victory and a reminder that what the left does can make a decisive difference argues Chris Nineham
France Insoumise: What is it and where is it going?

As a massive wave of strikes continues in France, what forces might propose a mass political alternative to Macron? John Mullen discusses the party being led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon
The Corbyn Moment - video

Some clips from the speeches made at The Corbyn Moment event in London filmed and edited by Paul Merron
Basic Income: progressive cloak and neoliberal dagger

BI is not an answer to inequality under neoliberalism. Social transformation will come through collective struggle, argues John Clarke
France also: a cynical attempt to divide anti-racism in the service of the government right

Unite the left and anti-racist movements in a fight back against cynical right-wing disruption, argues Kevin Ovenden
Jeremy Corbyn isn't antisemitic: we should stop being defensive about it

The antisemitism smear campaign against Jeremy Corbyn is cynical political point scoring and the left must tackle the arguments head on argues Shabbir Lakha
Brexit is an opportunity to break with the status quo: we must take it

How Brexit is handled is key to Corbyn being elected, and the success of a radical Labour government
France, March 22nd: the mobilisation of the public sector begins

Across France, hundreds of thousands of people, spearheaded by combative rail workers, mobilise against Macron’s neoliberal assault on the public sector
The SNP, Russia and the turn to the establishment

Sturgeon's rhetoric goes against the spirit of the Scottish independence movement. The left must unite against the state, argues David Jamieson
Belgrade’s municipal elections: a class analysis

After the regime’s win, the left needs to build a movement in the working-class areas
Corbyn is right about Russia, it is time for a new foreign policy

British government reaction to the attempted murder of double agent Sergei Skripal is rank hypocrisy, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Russia hysteria, the establishment, and the left

The establishment wants to create a consensus under the spurious cover of national unity. The left needs to rally in response, argues Kevin Ovenden
The SPD, grand coalitions, and European social democracy

In Germany, the left is at a crossroads, and what path it takes depends on the strength of the movements, argues Evan Sedgwick-Jell
Social democratic suicide? What’s going on in Germany? Interview with Mark Bergfeld - podcast

As the SPD go into another 'grand coalition' with the CDU, Mark Bergfeld looks at the prospects for the left in Germany
Germany: why did the SPD membership vote for the coalition?

The decision to join the government throws up big questions for the left and for the movements
Berlusconi's back: Things are not looking good in Italy

The hatred the elite in Italy have inspired, is, for the moment, flowing rightwards, finds Chris Bambery
Neoliberalism has failed, the left can offer a political alternative

The Carillion and NHS crises lay bare the failures of neoliberalism; we must fight to end this market madness
The second coming of the referendum

Calls for a second Brexit referendum, from the unholy confluence of establishment Remain and Farage, must be resisted by all the left, argues Martin Hall
Corruption and Crisis in Peru

As the Peruvian establishment reels, the left must seize the moment, take to the streets and strike a blow, argues Jonathan Maunders
Obituary: A Sivanandan (1923-2018)

Siva’s understanding of race, class and imperialism, and of humanity in general, will continue to inspire resistance to injustice and hope for socialism
From Bah Humbug to Oh Jeremy Corbyn: a review of Christmas politics books

Never mind miserablism this Christmas, Mark Perryman discovers more than enough books that describe reasons to be cheerful
The Tories are falling apart, but we must act to push them out

To achieve a scenario where Theresa May poses the question ‘who rules?’ requires all of us to start moving
The Last Day of Oppression, and the First Day of the Same - book review

Electing a left-wing government is not enough; Jeffrey Webber’s analysis of Latin America shows that capitalism must be confronted, argues Orlando Hill
Parliament and power: Lessons from Latin America with Jeffery Webber - video

Author and professor Jeffery Webber dissects the political situation in Latin America, how it developed and what lessons can be learnt from it at a London Counterfire public meeting
May Day, May Day! The Tory ship is sinking

John Rees on the reasons for the Tory debacle and what comes next
The politics of 2017 catch up with the economics of 2008

In a time of the rebirth of mass politics, the right is fighting back. The left must meet this challenge, argues Kevin Ovenden
Euphoria and its discontents

John Rees looks at Labour’s strengths and weaknesses
AfD breakthrough: the threat of fascism never went away

After the far-right party's success in the German election, we must look at the root causes of their rise, if we are to know how to fight back
Corbyn's a winner, but this is only the beginning of the fight - weekly briefing

The left have cemented their position within Labour, but we must build strength as a wider movement if we are to take on vested interests and really change society
Dugdale's resignation is a victory for the left

The resignation as leader of Scottish Labour is a recognition of Corbyn's strength
May's not-so-great Repeal Bill

The Tory mess is getting deeper, argues Jonathan Maunders
Durham Miners' Gala: celebrating resistance

Jeremy Corbyn will be speaking at the historic Durham Miners' Gala, off the back of a magnificent surge in support
This political moment will not last

Politics in this country has  shifted decisively to the left, but we must make the most of it
Corbyn and the movement: this is our time

Following the political earthquake, building the movement is vital. Now it can really reshape politics
First Diane Abbott, now Danièle Obono: the media lynching of black women on the radical Left

Like Diane Abbott, French left-wing politician Danièle Obono feels the sexism and racism of the right-wing establishment, writes Susan Ram
Electoral success on Corbyn's improbable path to power - interview with Alex Nunns

In the wake of Corbyn's electoral success, Feyzi Ismail interviews Alex Nunns, author of 'The Candidate: Jeremy Corbyn's Improbable Path to Power'
The election of the French parliament: a huge shake-up, but polarisation continues

The victory of "the centre" is only temporary, argues John Mullen
Meanwhile in France, voters stayed away: A tale of two elections

Is this really a surge in support for centrist politics?

Page 1 of 2

The Left

The Left

Unite executive member Richard Allday writes (in a personal capacity) on the union’s general secretary election and the need for a united left

Preoccupied with burying the politics of the Corbyn era, Starmer’s vacuous leadership is failing to offer a coherent alternative to the Tories, argues Alex Snowdon.

John Woodcock’s record shows the absurdity of his review into “progressive extremism” and the transparency of the government’s attempts to criminalise protest, writes Yonas Makoni

Chris Bambery analyses the Catalonia election which put pro-independence parties ahead of unionists, the crisis for Madrid and the challenges ahead for the left

The weekend protests against Putin offer opportunities for the Russian left, argues Dragan Plavšić

The departure of the 45th President after one term marks a moment of vindication for the American left, argues Sean Ledwith

As Biden is inaugurated, Kate O’Neil asks DSA activist and author Saman Sepehri what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the American left

In the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration, Kate O’Neil asks DSA activist and author Saman Sepehri what this month’s historic events in the US mean for the American left

As far as historical parallels can be made, we must draw the lessons from the past in the fight against fascism, writes John Westmoreland

Despite left candidates receiving the majority of the votes in Unison’s General Secretary election, the split vote meant the candidate of the right has won, writes Karen Buckley

The US left must constitute itself as an independent pole, and not fall in behind attempts to rehabilitate business as usual, argues Kevin Ovenden

Some immediate thoughts on the scenes of armed Trump supporters taking over the Capitol building on Wednesday

As the UK and the EU announce a trade deal, Martin Hall considers it, and looks back on the most divisive issue to beset the left in a generation

With a Brexit deal seemingly close, the Left must learn from the mistakes of the last four years, argues Kevin Ovenden

Alex Snowdon on a fractured yet immobile capitalist class and a new initiative from Jeremy Corbyn

In our continuing series on left strategy, Chris Nineham from Counterfire responds to Laura Smith and John McInally

Starmer has confirmed that his manoeuvring on Brexit and a second referendum was always an anti-left operation used to attack Corbyn, argues Kevin Ovenden

Starmer is sidelining the left in the NEC as his purge continues, writes Terina Hine

As part of our series on the future of the left in and out of Labour, Laura Smith outlines a path forward

Natalie Strecker describes her political journey, why she joined Labour under Corbyn and has since left, and what she thinks are the next steps for the left

In France, ‘Islamo-gauchisme’ is the watchword of a widening attack on basic freedoms, targeting anti-racists and the left writes Susan Ram

Lindsey German on change at the top and what it really means for our side

As the history of state infiltration of the left is exposed, it is no wonder the government is hurrying through its new SpyCops Bill, argues Terina Hine

Labour members in Bristol West have been suspended for confronting Starmer’s witch hunt against the left. This is a fight for all of us, argues Tom Whittaker

The question isn't 'stay or leave', it's whether or not the left inside and outside the Labour party is going to fight back, argues John McInally

Kevin Ovenden analyses the US election result so far and why the crisis is far from over

Lindsey German speaks at a mass online rally in defence of Jeremy Corbyn

Corbyn's anti-war principles and their popular appeal are the biggest threat to the establishment, says Chris Nineham

As attacks on the left increase, the need to develop an extra-parliamentary left becomes more important than ever. We urge you to join Counterfire

We need an explicitly anti-capitalist left to fight back against the centre's assault which is paving the way for an emboldened radical right, argues Kevin Ovenden

The EHRC report does not uphold claims that Labour under Corbyn was institutionally antisemitic and does not justify the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn, argues Chris Nineham

Following on from the recent murder of a French schoolteacher and the exploitation of the event by Islamophobic forces, we repost Left Berlin’s interview with Paris activist John Mullen

The far right are not unstoppable, but neither is their decline inevitable; the radical left is key to the anti-fascist movements halting their march, argues Kevin Ovenden

Speaking at a recent Counterfire meeting on the US elections, Kate O'Neil discusses the political landscape in the US and how the left can organise

Why we need a zero-Covid strategy, resistance on the frontline, carnage in America and a new direction for the left in this month's Counterfire bulletin

Speaking on a live broadcast from Athens, Kevin Ovenden tells us about the fascist organisation Golden Dawn, and the centrality of the anti-racist movement in the trial which returned a historic guilty verdict

A left in thrall to Starmer's Labour risks irrelevance, argues Chris Nineham

Keir Starmer's conference speech in Doncaster isn't convincing anybody, writes John Westmoreland after speaking to people in the area

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left, Lindsey German looks at the election defeat, the coronavirus crisis and how socialists should organise

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left after the rightward shift of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, looks at Tory failures during the pandemic and the role of union and movement organising

As part of a discussion on the next steps for the left after the rightward shift of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, Mike Wayne looks at the need for a new party of the left and the importance of revolutionary organising

The BBC’s new Director General complaining about left-wing bias in comedy is a joke, writes Chris Nineham

John McInally, long-standing activist and former member of the PCS executive, contributes to the ongoing discussion on the future of the Labour Party and the prospects for the wider left

Kamala Harris' record shows she's far from the radical change that people want, argues Yonas Makoni

Workers need an independent political force in Belarus to win, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

We repost Anna Southern's article in The Left Berlin on the continued attacks on Jeremy Corbyn and the left

Starmer's stampede to the right means that socialists will need to reach beyond the Labour Party to build a fighting left, argues Chris Nineham

Counterfire asked six socialists and activists what they think the next steps are for the left

World leaders like Trump and Johnson trying to get back to business as usual while the virus continues to spread are deliberately sacrificing public health, writes John Clarke

Lindsey German on post-Covid reconstruction and the politics of free speech

Despite left gains, early elections paid off for the ruling centre-right party, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Socialists should focus their energies on building the extra-parliamentary left, argues Terina Hine in her statement resigning as Cities of London and Westminster CLP secretary

The fight is on, but it isn't going to be fought in the Labour Party

Lindsey German on Labour, the left and taking on the Tories

The sacking of the shadow cabinet’s only prominent socialist is a milestone in Labour’s move to the right, argues Alex Snowdon

In a week where the Tories are covering for corruption and risking working people’s lives, Keir Starmer is attacking the left instead of the government says Penny Hicks

Starmer has signalled war on Labour's left with the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey. It is a deliberate attempt to root out Corbynism from positions of influence

The ruling party wins a landslide, but it faced an opposition boycott, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The wide range of essays in Socialist Register 2020 provide important reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of recent left movements, finds Sean Ledwith

Covid-19 is yet another crisis to haunt Bolsonaro argues Orlando Hill (in London) and Lilian Hill (in Rio de Janeiro)

Counterfire's Katherine Connelly interviews US writer and historian Chris Wright about how workers are organising to protect lives and homes in America today

Corona crisis has exposed how market forces cannot be trusted with our food production, says Kevin Potter

Nick Fitzpatrick finds glaring issues with the panel put together by the NEC and its remit to investigate #LabourLeaks

In the second part of his article, Chris Nineham examines the recent development of the state and how the Coronavirus will impact on government policy and the left

Kate O’Neil spoke with three Bernie campaigners about 'What’s next?'

Recent events in the Labour Party need to be examined clinically, because they tell us important things both about the party's direction of travel and about how power is wielded within it, says Chris Nineham

Starmer's Labour Party is a bit like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, let's learn the right lessons, argues Ben Tunstall

A selection of Lindsey German's briefings from the 2017 to the 2019 general elections which present an analysis of Corbynism and the state of British politics as it happened

Racist patrols and protests are spreading in Serbia, as the far-right seeks to exploit the migrant crisis for political gain, says Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The setbacks in the movement for solidarity with Palestine and the failure of militant anti-racism is a catastrophe for the left, and one that must be quickly rectified, argues David Jamieson

In the aftermath of Corbyn, candidates understand the need to be seen to tack left. Kier Starmer's career offers an insight into why we should examine the facts, argues Jonathan Maunders

Sanders has had a good week and is in a strong position, but there are many battles to come, argues Kate O'Neil

The result in Ireland represents a seismic shock to the European establishment and can be a step towards radical change, argues Chris Bambery

Want to turn the world upside down in 2020? Philosophy Football’sMark Perrymanhas found ten books to help us on the way

The departure of the 45^th President after one term marks a moment of vindication for the American left, argues Sean Ledwith