EU

Johnson's choice: no good Brexit options

Whichever way the prime minister looks, he is presented with a circle of problems that is becoming increasingly difficult to square, argues Martin Hall
IWGB win historic court battle for gig workers, but the struggle against precarity continues

A court ruling that gig economy workers are employees is a victory for the labour movement but there is still a long way to go, writes Chris McMillan
Independence requires democratic control

As support for Scottish independence continues to surge, supporters need to be honest about the weaknesses of the official argument and demand democratic control, argues Jonathon Shafi
International law and Britain’s colony in Ireland

Don’t be fooled by outrage over the latest Brexit proposals from the Tories. International law hasn’t stopped them in the past, argue Reuben Bard-Rosenberg and Martin Hall
Lesvos refugee camp fire: a place like Moria should never exist again

The devastating consequences of Fortress Europe are being laid bare in the horrific burning down of Moria refugee camp and its aftermath, writes Eleftheria Kousta
Barnier vs Johnson: the left needs them both to lose

There’s much to say about this week’s Brexit news and, as ever, much of the commentary misses the point, argue Reuben Bard-Rosenberg and Martin Hall
Serbia and the 'refugee crisis': from good Samaritan to guard of 'Fortress Europe'

Obedience to European diktat and fierce competition in national politics has helped to harden Serbia's policy towards refugees and migrants, argues Anja Ilić
Summer Brexit report: Britain drowns beneath the waves

As the UK reels under the double impact of the pandemic and recession, the Brexit deadline is coming over the horizon, argues Martin Hall
App-based drivers will not be taken for a ride

Uber drivers represent a key struggle for gig economy workers, writes Neda Radulovic-Viswanatha
Scottish independence and class politics

In the context of polling showing historic levels of support for independence, Jonathon Shafi looks at the class politics driving the surge, and the consequences
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
Coronavirus: a test for Europe

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid
Orbánism on the march: how power is seized

Hungary’s far-right regime is exploiting the pandemic like no other European state, warns Tamás Krausz
Covid-19, the crisis and the European ideal

As Europe reels from being the centre of the Covid-19 outbreak, the EU is creaking at the seams and may not recover, argues Martin Hall
Gordon Brown is not our saviour

As per the script, Gordon Brown has made an attempt to stamp his forgettable, but pernicious, brand of neoliberalism onto the current crisis, writes Morgan Daniels
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 EU is responsible for refugees on the Greek border

Refugees are being used as pawns in a geopolitical chess game, writes Shabbir Lakha
The Tories and the directions of travel

Martin Hall assesses which way Boris Johnson's government is heading and the contradictions he faces
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
The hostile environment and Fortress Europe are responsible for the 39 dead

The shameful Tory and EU policies stopping safe passage for refugees are the cause of the tragic deaths of 39 people in the back of a lorry, argues Mona Kamal
Kosovo elections: Vetëvendosje on the edge of power

The 6th October poll was won by Albin Kurti's party but whether there will be a rupture with the last 30 years in Kosovo is not yet clear, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Labour must be anti-Establishment not pro-Remain

The buccaneer politics of Johnson’s deal has to be fought tooth-and-nail, argues Chris Nineham
Flawed transition: why the Spanish state is repressing the Catalan independence movement

Chris Bambery explains that Spanish repression of the Catalan independence movement, and the impending trial of its leaders, is rooted in the concessions made to right-wing nationalism in aftermath of Franco’s dictatorship
Disgraceful and dangerous: European Parliament equates Communism with Fascism

By voting to distort history, MEPs are legitimating fascism and imperialism, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
What’s been going on in the Supreme Court?

Dragan Plavšić looks at what lies behind the arguments
Why Labour must not become a hard remain party

Corbyn must hold the line: Labour cannot become an official Remain Party, argues Mike Wayne
Labour’s Brexit slide

Labour must distance themselves from the status quo and instead fight for radical change in the interests of working people, argues Martin Hall
Labour: these aren't clever tactics, they are the establishment's tactics

The real trap is in playing the establishment's games, writes John Rees
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
The refugee crisis: the situation worsens in Greece

Attacks on refugees in Greece are indicative of the situation throughout Fortress Europe, argues Eleftheria Kousta
Despite the media consensus, Corbyn’s position on Brexit is the right one

Labour's Brexit strategy is not the 'fudge' the media describe it to be and is the most sensible approach given the circumstances, argues Mike Wayne
Iago Watson strikes again

Watson wants to wreck the Corbyn project. The left mustn't let him, argues Martin Hall
Labour must say no to a second referendum

As pressure mounts, Labour must hold the line and keep fighting for a general election, argues Shabbir Lakha
Alastair Campbell isn’t a victim, he’s trying to destroy Corbyn’s leadership

Alastair Campbell is trying to destroy Corbyn's leadership. The left cannot win by capitulating to him, argues Katherine Connelly
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
Send in the clowns - weekly briefing

Extra-parliamentary activity is still the key to shifting a Westminster logjam further solidified by the EU elections, argues Lindsey German
European elections: results and prospects

The European election results show a catastrophe for the Tories, a bad night for Labour and the main beneficiary was Farage's Brexit Party, writes Alex Snowdon
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
Brexit delayed: now what?

As Brexit drags on into the autumn, both opportunities and problems present themselves, argues Martin Hall
The Brexit crisis and the disintegration of Britain's political system

Brexit is a crisis that cuts deep into the ruling class and Theresa May's failures have brought to the fore the cracks in Britain's political system, argues Sean Ledwith
Why the EU is not internationalist

Seeing the EU as internationalist is a fundamental error rooted in a misdiagnosis of its aims and effects, argues Chris Nineham
Third time unlucky for Theresa May

As Theresa May's disastrous reign draws to a close, Shabbir Lakha assesses the political landscape
Brexit chaos and the far right: the racists must be stopped in their tracks

Broad anti-fascist mobilisation is needed to smash the racists empowered by the government's Brexit mess, writes Chris Nineham
Brexit deadlock: the only way out of this mess is a general election

The Brexit deadlock can only be broken with a general election, writes David McAllister
A Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank merger spells trouble

The proposed merger of German banks is a disaster waiting to happen and exposes the weaknesses at the heart of European capitalism, argues Chris Bambery
The Brexit crisis is so deep because it is about much more than Europe

With the establishment ruthlessly weaponising the issue of Europe against Corbyn, we must focus on the need for a general election, argues Chris Nineham
Brexit and the left: the crisis is not going away

The left must face up to the scale of the crisis and respond robustly, writes Jonathon Shafi
Brexit crisis continued: Theresa May's inept authoritarianism

Theresa May blaming Parliament for her failures reveals her distaste for democracy and inability to keep her ship afloat, argues Morgan Daniels
Eurozone blues

The economic crisis intensifies across Europe, with the US and south east Asia close behind, argues Chris Bambery
May delays again, and it’s all about holding the Tories together - weekly briefing

Phony brinksmanship cannot conceal a party hopelessly out of step with the class it strives to represent, argues Lindsey German
Before Venezuela: a long history of US imperialism in Latin America

The push for regime change in Venezuela represents the latest in an abhorrent history of intervention in Latin America, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Tacking right with a smile. May has her moment.

Theresa May temporarily unites her party by appeasing the hard right Tories and DUP. Whether or not it lasts, we need an alternative plan for Brexit, argues Chris Nineham
7 things you need to know about the Venezuela coup attempt

As Western leaders impose more sanctions and ultimatums, Robin Winkel explains why we must oppose foreign intervention in Venezuela
No confidence in May, and no confidence in this failing government: a general election is the only option

This government is sustained by class hatred alone. But they are weak and we must keep up the pressure for a general election
As the UK economy stalls, it's not Brexit we should blame

Slowing productivity and neoliberal attacks on the public sector are prime causes for industrial slump and a debt crunch - not Brexit uncertainty, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Brexit: the uncivil war - review

Channel 4's feature-length drama on the EU referendum presents voters as dupes but also shows the cluelessness of the establishment, argues Martin Hall
Europe in turmoil: what to expect in 2019

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead
Our ten most popular articles of 2018

The most popular articles on Counterfire this year
The time is ripe for Irish unity – on both sides of the sea

The Tories' Brexit deal puts undue focus on the British border in Ireland and is out of step with public opinion, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
The establishment seems to have forgotten we live in a parliamentary democracy: let's remind them

We must demand a general election to resolve this crisis, argues Chris Nineham
The Left Case Against the EU - book review

Costas Lapavitsas makes a convincing argument why the Left should oppose the EU, writes Martin Hall
Whether Theresa May wins or loses this no confidence vote, her time is up

There is no clear way out for May, and only one solution for the country - she has got to go
The Tories are incapable of delivering Brexit: we must push them out and do it ourselves

A number of contradictions are causing the Tories to lose grip; Reuben Bard-Rosenberg looks at why they have no clear way of holding on
May's deal is dead: this is what must happen next

Only a general election can break the impasse, and to make it happen we need to get out on the streets and pile the pressure on, argues Martin Hall
Grace Blakeley vs the EU - video

Newly appointed New Statesman economics commentator Grace Blakeley delivers compelling case for leaving the EU
Theresa May fiddles while the country burns

John Rees counts the days left for the Prime Minister
Brexit as the organic crisis of the British state

Brexit is exposing the crises inherent in contemporary British and European capitalism, argues Sean Ledwith
Why we don’t need a second referendum

With growing calls for a second referendum, Martin Hall clarifies why we must not capitulate
Watch the Guardian's Larry Elliott take down those calling for a People's Vote

Even the Guardian's economics editor thinks staying in the EU is a bad idea
5 things a Corbyn government can't do if we stay in the EU

If a Corbyn-led government is bound by the EU's framework, then it will face big obstacles in delivering its socialist policies, argues Richard Pratt
Equating fascism with Brexit is disastrous, irresponsible and gives a hand up to Tommy Robinson

Arguments tying opposition to fascism with opposition to Brexit makes out half the country as Tommy Robinson supporters. This is idiotic in the extreme, argues Kevin Ovenden
It’s still not a done deal – whatever May, Tusk and Juncker want to tell you - weekly briefing

Theresa May and the EU are the beneficiaries of the idea that this deal is the only option - it's not. We need to oppose it and fight for a general election, argues Lindsey German
Students protest in Albania: internationalist alternatives in the Balkans

Students in Albania are protesting, and the solidarity pouring in from across the Balkans shows the possibility for internationalist alternatives, argues Kevin Ovenden
A state of disunion: Europe after Brexit

Liberals lament Britain leaving the European Union, but the politics of the bloc is increasingly right wing and nasty, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
May's Brexit deal is a dead duck: the only option now is a general election

May and her party are completely incapable of delivering a viable deal, writes Chris Nineham
Stop Tommy Robinson, All out for 17 November - Counterfire Freesheet November 2018

Opposing the far right, people's vote, police racism, precarious workers, climate chaos, universal credit and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet
EU summit: nothing much happens, but the crisis continues

Little progress was made in the Brexit negotiations, and Tory MPs are losing patience with May, finds Martin Hall
Brexit breaking point: it May be the end of this government - weekly briefing

The crisis for Theresa May and the Tories continues to deepen, their only lifeline would be a second referendum, argues Lindsey German
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
The neverendum won’t help Labour, but it will help the right - weekly briefing

The Labour party mustn’t lose sight of its base as the Salzburg shenanigans highlights an EU still fixated on elites and privilege, argues Lindsey German
The Salzburg shakedown

May is toast... unless a second referendum throws her a lifeline, argues John Rees
People's Vote vs People's Brexit

Betraying the referendum result would spell disaster for Labour and the left, argues Martin Hall
The TUC are wrong about a second referendum

A second referendum would be a disaster for the working people the TUC are supposed to represent, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
Boris is going for brutal Brexit - weekly briefing

From blustering buffoon to Trumpish racist, Johnson’s recasting himself for a new wave of reactionary and anti-working class politics, writes Lindsey German
Boris and the burqa: taking a cue from the EU

Islamophobic dress decrees have become as much a feature of contemporary Europe as fine wines, ancient patrimony and al fresco dining, writes Susan Ram
Failed: what two decades of the refugee crisis could not teach Europe

Europe's failure to deal with the refugee crisis is resulting in more deaths in the Mediterranean and the growth of the far right argues Eleftheria Kousta
The Greek fires: a catastrophe fuelled by austerity

The deadly toll of Attica's wildfires arises not just from climate change but years of austerity and neoliberal policies, writes Kevin Ovenden in Athens
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
The EU: As racist in deed as Trump

Following our mass condemnation of Trump, Reuben Bard-Rosenberg highlights the inherent racism of an organisation closer to home
Brexit and the left, two years on

The left should not avoid political struggle, it should actively work to shape the outcomes of political crisis argues David Bush
Trump Out, Tories Out, General Election Now! - Counterfire Freesheet July 2018

Trump's visit and his trade delusions, crisis for the Tories, Grenfell, is the EU really a friend to migrants and more - Counterfire freesheet edition 027, July 2018
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 human rights abuses that couldn't be closer to home – weekly briefing

Will the New Labour imperialists ever pay for their crimes, asks Lindsey German
All roads lead to the Trump protest on 13 July – weekly briefing

Trump is scared of the UK protest movement; let’s make sure that his fear is confirmed, writes Lindsey German
Our NHS: Keep the fight on the streets - Counterfire Freesheet June 2018

Fighting for our NHS, Ireland's abortion rights victory, Grenfell one year on, Dump Trump and more - Counterfire freesheet edition 026, June 2018
The far right can be defeated, and mass organisation is the key – weekly briefing

Solidarity with Muslims and maximum unity are the watchwords for confronting today’s street racists, argues Lindsey German
Europe: time to look reality in the face - weekly briefing

A People’s Brexit that unites the left is the only way to confront an increasingly bold neoliberal mafia, argues Lindsey German
The Italian coup and the growing crisis in the EU

The unelected Italian President has carried out a soft coup which is highly undemocratic and which has thrown the country and the EU into mounting chaos, argues Chris Bambery
The bigotry of Arlene Foster won’t stop women on the march - weekly briefing

The democratic shockwaves of women’s liberation can still create real problems for our rulers, writes Lindsey German
Crisis in Italy

Chris Bambery argues that Italian left needs to break with its ways in order to advance
The first twelve months of Project Macron: a provisional audit

One year on from Macron taking office, Susan Ram analyses what he stands for and what he's achieved
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
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 Salisbury incident: facts not necessary

After Porton Down experts revealed that they can't confirm the origin of the nerve agent, it's clear that the government is trying to manipulate the public argue Johnny Charles and Harry Rogers
Catalonia kicks off - in images - street revolt meets police attacks

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
When the ruling class can't rule in the old way - weekly briefing

The establishment is losing control, but there is a way out for them, if the left lets its guard down, warns John Rees
Catalan Spring? Resistance fills the streets as ex-President arrested in Germany

Marching on the motorways and confronting police violence, the mass movement has returned with a new defiance, reports Jack Sherwood
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
What's happening in Catalonia is an assault on democracy

As the wave of repression from the Spanish state continues, Catalonia needs our solidarity now more than ever, argues Chris Bambery
Time's up Theresa - Counterfire Freesheet March 2018

Brexit, Corbyn and the Labour right, gender pay gap, commodification of universities and more...
Between the Scylla of ‘Pasokification’ and the Charybdis of 'Syrizification’ – and how to avoid both

A successful left wing movement has to break completely with the organs of capitalist class power and forge an emancipatory politics from the bottom up, argues Stathis Kouvelakis
We must say no to the single market

The Labour Campaign for the Single Market is a battering ram for the Labour right, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
The rise of fascism in Italy?

The gains made by the far-right in Italy are worrying, but there is time to turn the tide, argues Chris Bambery
Italian elections roundup: The centre can hold, but it is weakened

With the possibility of another far-right leader in a European government, the left needs to get its act together
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
Brexit and change

As the next phase of Brexit kicks in, Brian Heron discusses what the arguments are and what underpins them
Europe: why retreat must not turn into defeat for the left - weekly briefing

Lindsey German analyses Jeremy Corbyn's speech on Brexit, as well as the importance of the UCU strike and the growing movement against the NRA in the US
What does Corbyn's Brexit speech really mean?

Jeremy Corbyn has outlined the Labour party's position on Brexit - in particular, regarding the customs union - Martin Hall breaks it down
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
'Making France great again': Macron to bring back compulsory military service

Macron is at one with Trump in his quest for a return to national ‘greatness’ with his call for compulsory military service argues Susan Ram
The radical case against the single market is no myth

In response to a recently published report, Reuben Bard-Rosenberg takes apart some of the arguments made by the Labour Campaign for the Single Market
The false dream of Europe threatens the left - weekly briefing

Those trying to force Corbyn to change his position on Brexit are paving the way for disaster, argues Lindsey German
The why and what of a People’s Brexit

Labour should stick with its People's Brexit strategy argues John Rees, but it has to make it much clearer what this means in practice
The EU has derailed left governments at least three times - don’t let Corbyn be next.

The Labour right is now focusing on the European Union to attack Corbyn - Chris Nineham shows why this is a dangerous moment
Westminster and the Brexit bubble

Westminster is stuck in a Brexit bubble. The left need to provide an alternative to the washed-up parliamentary politics argues Chris Bambery
The SPD is dead: long live the grand coalition!

There has been much opposition to Groko. Still, another Grand Coalition looms in Germany. Evan Sedgwick-Jell examines the reasons why
Despatches from the Tory civil war – weekly briefing

It’s a mistake to allow ruling class divisions on the EU to be refracted onto our side, argues Lindsey German
Frances O’Grady puts workers’ rights in the hands of the EU

The TUC should focus on the problems facing working people. Workers' rights and the Single Market don't go together, argues Martin Hall
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
Macron: Europe's new Blair

Things have got so bad - with Brexit and the Tories - that the establishment long for the reincarnation of another unblemished Blair argues Brian Heron
What does the Austrian election tell us about Brexit?

The formation of a right wing government in Austria shows us that the European Union is not a bulwark against racism – and that the left would do well to turn against its institutions in order to prevent a far right resurgence, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
“Building a Republic from the bottom up”: A view from the Catalan left - interview with Quim Arrufat

Covering the independence struggle in Catalonia from the ground, Jack Sherwood interviewed a leading figure of what looks to be the fifth party at Thursday’s elections, the anticapitalist CUP
Where is Germany heading?

The political crisis in Germany presents both dangers and opportunities for the European anti-capitalist left argues Evan Sedgwick-Jell
Brexit: Friday’s deal hints at much, but says very little

Theresa May’s Brexit announcement on Friday was hailed as both a breakthrough and a betrayal. What has actually happened and what does it mean?
The Irish Question, the EU and the debate about borders - weekly briefing

The end of the first phase of Brexit negotiations is neither the restoring of Theresa May's fortunes nor an indication that the Irish situation is stable argues Lindsey German
Will the Irish question bring Theresa May down?

Not for the first time, the issues of Ireland and Europe are causing a massive crisis for the British government
Rosa Luxemburg on the politics of poverty and homelessness

This winter people are dying needlessly. Rosa Luxemburg reminds us that politics is about more than negotiations between competing states.
A life sentence of low wages and public sector cuts - weekly briefing

Despite dire forecasts for the economy and living standards, the Tories are continuing with more austerity. It can't go on argues Lindsey German
Catalonia, Scotland and the National Question

Chris Bambery looks at the questions of sovereignty and self-determination
The many crises of the British state

The British state is enveloped in crisis more than at any point for 30 years. One more push could topple this government, argues Chris Bambery
Crisis in Catalonia - live updates

Live updates of the fast-moving situation in Catalonia
Catalonia: a reading list

As the Catalan crisis grows, Chris Bambery provides a comprehensive reading list to understand more about it's history
We are the Republic: Catalans back on the streets for freedom

As the Catalan government stand immobilised and imprisoned, the base of the movement has taken the lead with a “week of struggle” and general strike ahead, reports Jack Woodvale
The EU and Catalonia: A non-epic tale of hypocrisy, hand-wringing, and getting it wrong

EU policy combines un-masterly inactivity with bias towards Madrid and contempt for international law
Ten arguments around Catalan independence

As the crisis in Catalonia escalates, Chris Bambery takes on some of the arguments being made against Catalan independence.
Catalonia: a test case for Europe - and the left - weekly briefing

Democracy and the national question are pivotal issues in today’s Europe, argues Lindsey German
Catalan independence: made in the streets

The victory for the Catalan people in declaring themselves an independent republic has come from working class organisation in the streets argues Jack Sherwood
Another anti-establishment vote in Eastern Europe? A short analysis of the Czech elections

In a fracturing EU, we need class struggle and movement politics to fight for working people throughout Europe, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Catalonia: no independence without disobedience

As the Madrid government threatens direct rule in Catalonia, Jack Sherwood reports on the situation in Barcelona.
Theresa May's government is busy doing nothing, but we're still suffering - weekly briefing

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

The mass movement can create an independent Catalonia and must be supported across Europe, argues Chris Bambery
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
The politics of immigration

Immigration is too important an issue to be debated on the terms set by Fortress Europe or the Tories, argues Lindsey German
Brexit: division and unity on the Left

Brexit gives us a unique opportunity. Let's take it
France: the crisis continues - part 1

While seeking to style himself as outside traditional politics, Emmanuel Macron in fact constitutes its newest incarnation, writes Susan Ram
Marine Le Pen: the reality of the French fascist threat

Mainstream alarmism cannot distract us from the actual dangers of the Nazi Front National, writes John Mullen
Europe Isn’t Working

Europe Isn’t Working is a valuable resource for the arguments against the neoliberal austerity machine that is the EU, argues Richard Allday
Article 50: how we can shape a People's Brexit

As Theresa May signs off Article 50, Lindsey German takes a look at where we stand
The liberal delusion: why fighting Brexit is a bad idea

As thousands march against Brexit, Reuben Bard-Rosenberg takes a look at the politics behind the protest
Scottish independence: which side are you on?

Opposition to the establishment will be strengthened if people south of the border support Scottish independence
Brexit and EU citizens: the real fight starts now

Theresa May can now trigger Article 50, the Tories vote against guaranteeing right to stay for EU citizens and our fight continues argues Shabbir Lakha
EU headscarf ruling ‘opens back door to prejudice’

The ruling states that workplaces banning the wearing of a 'political, philosophical or religious sign' are not discriminatory
Its our NHS and we'll fight for it - Counterfire freesheet March 2017

The NHS crisis, mobilising against Trump and more - Counterfire's freesheet edition 016, March 2017 - Counterfire freesheet edition 016, March 2017
The EU: is this really what anti-racism looks like?

Those who are trying to block Brexit, using anti-racist and pro-migrant arguments need to think again, argues Shabbir Lakha
Towards a politics of radical deglobalisation

The soft left’s kowtowing to phony internationalism has to stop now, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
Article 50, democracy and the People’s Brexit

Current debates around Brexit are awash with ideology, Shabbir Lakha helps us beat a path toward strategy
A defence of the free movement of labour

Low wages are not caused by immigration, but by a profoundly anti-working class economic approach, writes Richard Allday
NHS: never safe in Tory hands - Counterfire freesheet January 2017

The NHS crisis, Durham teaching assistants and defending free movement - Counterfire's freesheet edition 015, January 2017
Wales at the crossroads: turning reaction into revolt

The high stakes and volatility of post-Brexit Britain are at a premium among the Welsh valleys, maintains Seb Cooke
Free movement: taking the arguments forward

Internationalism is the key to striking back against the bosses’ Brexit, asserts Cameron Panting
Their Brexit and ours

The din of ruling class squabbling should not distract socialists from their own agendas, contends Lindsey German
Lindsey German debates Brexit on Sky News - video

Lindsey German debates the issues surrounding Brexit with Michael Gove and others on Sky News
Approaching the end time? Italy and the EU

What’s happening in Italy tells us volumes about what’s wrong with the European Union, argues Chris Bambery
The populism phenomenon: fact or flawed analysis?

In an increasingly polarising Europe, Lindsey German argues that the left need to recognise the possibilities arising from the collapsing centre and get organising
Italy Referendum: No to Renzi

Matteo Renzi has resigned following a No vote in the Italy's Referendum, Chris Bambery analyses the vote and the opportunities for the left.
'Brexit: what should the left be fighting for?' with Lindsey German - video

What does Brexit mean? What should we be demanding? Lindsey German takes on these questions in the second talk of our new series, tackling the big issues of the day
A dagger pointed at the heart of the Euro

Italy is set to vote in a constitutional referendum, but this is about much more than Renzi's reforms, argues Alastair Stephens
Things fall apart? The Italian referendum

The Italian referendum on 4 December could be another crack in the EU monolith. Chris Bambery analyses the situation
Next stop… the People’s Brexit

The missteps of the ruling class can create space for our side, notes Lindsey German
Calais: Europe's shame

The closure of the Calais camp is an act of barbarity, but solidarity with refugees remains strong, argues Shabbir Lakha
Brexit strategy: power, class and a government adrift

The insights of the great Italian revolutionary Antonio Gramsci come into immediate focus as Chris Bambery reflects upon the present predicaments of our ruling class
Breaking Bosnia's deadlock

The imperial powers are once again at loggerheads in the Balkans. Dragan Plavsic argues for a decisive response from the left
Message from London to UN summit: Refugees welcome here

As world leaders prepare for the UN summit on refugees and protesters mobilise in London, Shabbir Lakha looks at some of the issues involved
Hard vs soft Brexit: a Tory party crisis

Divisions and rifts run rife in the Conservative Party as they try to figure out what "Brexit means Brexit" actually means explains Chris Bambery
Brexit from afar: a view from the Balkans

Dragan Plavšić offers an alternative take on Britain’s decision to leave the EU, the rise in racist incidents, and considers parallels with Yugoslavia
Why we voted leave: voices from northern England - documentary

A short look at why those in the north of England mainly voted to leave the EU - from Guerrera Films
How the left should deal with the referendum results

With many of the old political certainties breaking up, Lindsey German argues that the left have to rise to the challenge.
This vote was about far more than immigration

The vote to leave the EU was fuelled by class divisions, argues Alastair Stephens
France and the fight against neoliberalism - podcast

Danielle Obono speaks about the social movements in France and the current wave of protests and strikes around the country
The EU is no friend to refugees

The EU is has a terrible record on it's treatment of refugees, argues Shabbir Lakha
7 reasons anti-imperialists should vote for Lexit

Anti-imperialists must vote leave, argues Sean Ledwith
Brexit, the economy, immigration and the Labour Party

Where are the economic arguments for anti-austerity and a new equality across Europe, asks Brian Heron
Why African-Caribbeans should vote for a Left Exit from the EU

As well as the EU's role in economic and social devastation in Africa, minority ethnic groups in Europe bear the brunt of EU austerity argues Kwesi Adabunu
The EU vote: this is what a social crisis looks like

Tail-ending the Cameron Remain campaign is hemorrhaging working class support for Labour and the left, argues John Rees
Don't thank the EU for equal pay

The principle of equal pay was won through struggle, writes Lindsey German
In or out: what is the future for British capitalism?

Whichever way the vote goes on 23 June, Chris Bambery argues we all need to come together to resist austerity and racism
EU referendum: a growing sense of panic

A vote to leave the EU seems a distinct possibility, and anti-capitalists need to ready for what lies ahead, writes Chris Bambery
Fortress Europe: Inside the War Against Immigration

Matthew Carr’s Fortress Europe is a powerful indictment of the inhumanity of the EU’s policies towards refugees, argues Tom Griffiths

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Whichever way the prime minister looks, he is presented with a circle of problems that is becoming increasingly difficult to square, argues Martin Hall

A court ruling that gig economy workers are employees is a victory for the labour movement but there is still a long way to go, writes Chris McMillan

As support for Scottish independence continues to surge, supporters need to be honest about the weaknesses of the official argument and demand democratic control, argues Jonathon Shafi

Don’t be fooled by outrage over the latest Brexit proposals from the Tories. International law hasn’t stopped them in the past, argue Reuben Bard-Rosenberg and Martin Hall

The devastating consequences of Fortress Europe are being laid bare in the horrific burning down of Moria refugee camp and its aftermath, writes Eleftheria Kousta

There’s much to say about this week’s Brexit news and, as ever, much of the commentary misses the point, argue Reuben Bard-Rosenberg and Martin Hall

Obedience to European diktat and fierce competition in national politics has helped to harden Serbia's policy towards refugees and migrants, argues Anja Ilić

As the UK reels under the double impact of the pandemic and recession, the Brexit deadline is coming over the horizon, argues Martin Hall

Uber drivers represent a key struggle for gig economy workers, writes Neda Radulovic-Viswanatha

In the context of polling showing historic levels of support for independence, Jonathon Shafi looks at the class politics driving the surge, and the consequences

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

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid

Hungary’s far-right regime is exploiting the pandemic like no other European state, warns Tamás Krausz

As Europe reels from being the centre of the Covid-19 outbreak, the EU is creaking at the seams and may not recover, argues Martin Hall

As per the script, Gordon Brown has made an attempt to stamp his forgettable, but pernicious, brand of neoliberalism onto the current crisis, writes Morgan Daniels

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

Refugees are being used as pawns in a geopolitical chess game, writes Shabbir Lakha

Martin Hall assesses which way Boris Johnson's government is heading and the contradictions he faces

As Britain leaves the EU at 11pm tonight, the future is up for grabs, and the fight continues, argues Martin Hall

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

The shameful Tory and EU policies stopping safe passage for refugees are the cause of the tragic deaths of 39 people in the back of a lorry, argues Mona Kamal

The 6th October poll was won by Albin Kurti's party but whether there will be a rupture with the last 30 years in Kosovo is not yet clear, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The buccaneer politics of Johnson’s deal has to be fought tooth-and-nail, argues Chris Nineham

Chris Bambery explains that Spanish repression of the Catalan independence movement, and the impending trial of its leaders, is rooted in the concessions made to right-wing nationalism in aftermath of Franco’s dictatorship

By voting to distort history, MEPs are legitimating fascism and imperialism, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Dragan Plavšić looks at what lies behind the arguments

Corbyn must hold the line: Labour cannot become an official Remain Party, argues Mike Wayne

Labour must distance themselves from the status quo and instead fight for radical change in the interests of working people, argues Martin Hall

The real trap is in playing the establishment's games, writes John Rees

From Amazon warehouses to Belfast’s shipyards, workers are demanding a break — a break with the failed system of austerity, neoliberalism and capitalism

Attacks on refugees in Greece are indicative of the situation throughout Fortress Europe, argues Eleftheria Kousta

Labour's Brexit strategy is not the 'fudge' the media describe it to be and is the most sensible approach given the circumstances, argues Mike Wayne

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

As pressure mounts, Labour must hold the line and keep fighting for a general election, argues Shabbir Lakha

Alastair Campbell is trying to destroy Corbyn's leadership. The left cannot win by capitulating to him, argues Katherine Connelly

European politics is increasingly fragmented, which poses important challenges but also opportunities for the radical left, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Extra-parliamentary activity is still the key to shifting a Westminster logjam further solidified by the EU elections, argues Lindsey German

The European election results show a catastrophe for the Tories, a bad night for Labour and the main beneficiary was Farage's Brexit Party, writes Alex Snowdon

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

As Brexit drags on into the autumn, both opportunities and problems present themselves, argues Martin Hall

Brexit is a crisis that cuts deep into the ruling class and Theresa May's failures have brought to the fore the cracks in Britain's political system, argues Sean Ledwith

Seeing the EU as internationalist is a fundamental error rooted in a misdiagnosis of its aims and effects, argues Chris Nineham

As Theresa May's disastrous reign draws to a close, Shabbir Lakha assesses the political landscape

Broad anti-fascist mobilisation is needed to smash the racists empowered by the government's Brexit mess, writes Chris Nineham

The Brexit deadlock can only be broken with a general election, writes David McAllister

The proposed merger of German banks is a disaster waiting to happen and exposes the weaknesses at the heart of European capitalism, argues Chris Bambery

With the establishment ruthlessly weaponising the issue of Europe against Corbyn, we must focus on the need for a general election, argues Chris Nineham

The left must face up to the scale of the crisis and respond robustly, writes Jonathon Shafi

Theresa May blaming Parliament for her failures reveals her distaste for democracy and inability to keep her ship afloat, argues Morgan Daniels

The economic crisis intensifies across Europe, with the US and south east Asia close behind, argues Chris Bambery

Phony brinksmanship cannot conceal a party hopelessly out of step with the class it strives to represent, argues Lindsey German

The push for regime change in Venezuela represents the latest in an abhorrent history of intervention in Latin America, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Theresa May temporarily unites her party by appeasing the hard right Tories and DUP. Whether or not it lasts, we need an alternative plan for Brexit, argues Chris Nineham

As Western leaders impose more sanctions and ultimatums, Robin Winkel explains why we must oppose foreign intervention in Venezuela

This government is sustained by class hatred alone. But they are weak and we must keep up the pressure for a general election

Slowing productivity and neoliberal attacks on the public sector are prime causes for industrial slump and a debt crunch - not Brexit uncertainty, writes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Channel 4's feature-length drama on the EU referendum presents voters as dupes but also shows the cluelessness of the establishment, argues Martin Hall

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead

The most popular articles on Counterfire this year

The Tories' Brexit deal puts undue focus on the British border in Ireland and is out of step with public opinion, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

We must demand a general election to resolve this crisis, argues Chris Nineham

Costas Lapavitsas makes a convincing argument why the Left should oppose the EU, writes Martin Hall

There is no clear way out for May, and only one solution for the country - she has got to go

A number of contradictions are causing the Tories to lose grip; Reuben Bard-Rosenberg looks at why they have no clear way of holding on

Only a general election can break the impasse, and to make it happen we need to get out on the streets and pile the pressure on, argues Martin Hall

Newly appointed New Statesman economics commentator Grace Blakeley delivers compelling case for leaving the EU

John Rees counts the days left for the Prime Minister

Brexit is exposing the crises inherent in contemporary British and European capitalism, argues Sean Ledwith

With growing calls for a second referendum, Martin Hall clarifies why we must not capitulate

Even the Guardian's economics editor thinks staying in the EU is a bad idea

If a Corbyn-led government is bound by the EU's framework, then it will face big obstacles in delivering its socialist policies, argues Richard Pratt

Arguments tying opposition to fascism with opposition to Brexit makes out half the country as Tommy Robinson supporters. This is idiotic in the extreme, argues Kevin Ovenden

Theresa May and the EU are the beneficiaries of the idea that this deal is the only option - it's not. We need to oppose it and fight for a general election, argues Lindsey German