Counterfire
log in
Home
Join
About
Conferences
Groups
Contact
Sitemap
News
Events
Features
Analysis
Opinion
History
Book Reviews
Book extracts
Video
Paper
Podcast
Theory
Authors
EU
EU
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 Hazeldine
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 Hazeldine 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 Hazeldine
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 Hazeldine
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 Hazeldine 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
Should we stay or should we go?
Alex Gordon, convenor of Lexit – The Left Leave Campaign and former president of the RMT trade union, talks to Counterfire about the upcoming EU referendum
The pain goes on: Greece and the European Union
As the UK's referendum on the European Union approaches, Greek workers are facing more pain from Greece’s European creditors
All roads lead to Calais
We need working class solidarity in support of the refugees - John Westmoreland reports on building the convoy in Doncaster
To stop the far right we must oppose the EU
Kevin Ovenden argues for an internationalist approach to the European crisis in the second half of a two-part series on the European question
Austria, fascism and the European question
The advance of the far right in Austria has its origins in the crisis of the political centre, writes Kevin Ovenden in this first of a two-part article
Upsurge in France: a revolt against the European economic order
France's working class is taking a sledgehammer to Hollande's neoliberal reforms - an echo of the European economic machine, writes Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
France in the streets: against the government and the EU
If you want to understand what the EU is, then look at its intervention today – teargas on the streets of French cities, argues Kevin Ovenden
Libya: they want us to go to war against the refugees
The government wants to fight another war in Libya, and without going to parliament, writes Chris Nineham
The EU referendum and the Left
Obama's remarks have shown that the EU is a constraint on anything democratic and popular that may fall foul of the capitalist class, writes Alex Snowdon
The refugee narrative and the myth of the EU-Turkey deal
The language that politicians and the mainstream media use fuels right-wing ideologies, writes Shabbir Lakha
The Tories' crisis is our opportunity
The tide is turning against austerity. How can we take advantage of the Tories’ crisis?
EU referendum: how did we get here?
The Tories are in trouble – and it will get worse for them if the referendum delivers a vote to leave the EU, writes Alex Snowdon
Greece: the port and the storm
Anti-racist activist Maz Saleem reports from Piraeus Port, Athens, the frontline of the current refugee crisis
The EU: ratcheting up racism
As the EU referendum draws closer, and the Tories split further, Chris Bambery looks at why the debate is not the orgy of racism that so many predicted
Why the EU won't help workers
Staying in the European Union will increase the power of our rulers, which is why we need to leave, writes Richard Allday
Left anti-EU campaign launched
Shabbir Lakha reports from the first anti-EU meeting organised by the left. This needs to be the start of a concerted campaign
Undemocratic and irreformable: why we must vote to leave the EU
As the Tories descend into civil war, we argue that a vote to leave the EU would be a blow against the neoliberal order
Migration and the edge of international law
Elliot Murphy argues that Britain leaving the EU means a break with Fortress Europe and allows the possibility of a coherent migration policy
Lindsey German speaks at Refugees Welcome demonstration
Watch Lindsey German's speech from the #RefugeesWelcome demonstration in London in solidarity with those fleeing war
Brexit: In or Out? Podcast
Lindsey German and Marina Prentoulis join James Butler and Aaron Bastani to discuss Britain's forthcoming referendum on EU membership
Europe and socialist strategy
Kevin Ovenden examines the various politics strategies on offer from the European left
Carta a favor da saída da Grã Bretanha da União Europeia
This is a Portuguese translation of the letter by trade unionists and socialists in favour of an exit from the EU
5 reasons to leave the EU
The EU referendum will be held on 23 June. There are many reasons why Britain should leave the EU. Alastair Stephens lists just five
For a Europe of peoples
The EU is fundamentally undemocratic and cannot be reformed, argues Chris Bambery
No to Fortress Europe: solidarity with refugees and migrants
While the War on Terror has destroyed the Middle East, it has also been the source of racism across Europe
Portugal: election victory for the media-austerity candidate
Whilst the left has been strengthened, social mobilisations will have to be intensified in Portugal, writes João
Camargo
A troubled relationship: the UK and the EU
Chris Bambery takes a look at the UK's troubled relationship with the EU, both in the past and in the present
The end of liberal Europe
In so far as it was ever a reality, the era of a liberalising Europe with diminished national tensions and ethnic conflict is over, writes Kevin Ovenden
EU referendum: why the Left needs to campaign for a No vote
We need a broad, progressive campaign against EU membership, based on internationalism and solidarity and in opposition to the British establishment. We cannot leave the anti-EU argument to the racist right
Dispatches from hope: a primer on the Greek election
The fight is on for an alternative to neoliberalism. In the first of a regular series of reports from Greece, Kevin Ovenden explains the significance of this month's Greek general election
Syriza: the Greek road to socialism?
Europe's neoliberal elite are alarmed at the prospect of a Syriza government - the left needs to be equally clear about the possibilities and limitations writes Sean Ledwith
Log in
or
create an account
Remember Me
Log in
Forgot Login?