The upcoming budget will set out the government’s economic agenda for the next year and could end one of its longest running headaches. Recently elected deputy leader of the Labour Party MP Lucy Powell has called for the removal of the two-child benefit cap, which prevents parents from claiming child tax credit or universal credit… Continue reading The two-child cap — Labour’s defining decision?
Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has said that a Labour government would not raise taxes on wealth, capital gains or higher incomes. She does not, she said, see “the way to prosperity as being through taxation”. Britain is asset rich. National wealth — a mix of property, business, financial and state assets — stands at… Continue reading Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality
Georgia’s parliament has approved a new law aimed at “family values and the protection of minors”, which includes significant restrictions on LGBT rights. The bill, passed in its third and final reading, grants authorities the power to ban Pride events, restrict public displays of the LGBT rainbow flag and censor films and books containing LGBT… Continue reading Georgian parliament passes law restricting LGBT rights ahead of election
More than two years have passed since a young woman called Mahsa Amini died in police custody after being arrested in Iran for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. Her death sparked mass protests throughout Iran against the country’s ruling theocracy. The fight of Iranian women for freedom and bodily autonomy now rages on. Ahou… Continue reading In Iran women’s protests endure as morality laws grow harsher
In what is being described as one of the most harrowing crimes in recent memory, the rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College has left the city of Kolkata, and indeed the entire nation, reeling. The brutal incident, which occurred on the night of August 9, 2024, has… Continue reading Tragedy strikes Kolkata as trainee doctor’s rape and murder sparks nationwide outrage
1824: With rising numbers of people falling into poverty the Vagrancy Act makes it a criminal offence to sleep rough or beg in England and Wales 2022: MPs vote to repeal the Vagrancy Act but is delayed by the government ‘as part of plans to end rough sleeping for good’ 2024: The Criminal Justice Bill… Continue reading Progress in homelessness? No
Homelessness is reaching record highs in the UK. The latest statistics on statutory homelessness show that in March 2023, 104,510 households — including over 131,000 children — were living in hotels, hostels, B&Bs and the like. But disabled people are particularly affected by homelessness, as our new report, commissioned by the Centre for Homelessness Impact,… Continue reading Disabled people are disproportionately affected by homelessness — and getting support feels ‘nearly impossible’
Dozens of people in northern Italy have raised their arms in the fascist salute to honour Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution. Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honour Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary… Continue reading Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini’s execution
