Neo-liberalism

Morning Star Editorial: Reeves’s Labour is joining the corporate war on democracy [with extra images]

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/editorial-reevess-labour-joining-corporate-war-democracy

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 23, 2024

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One of Labour’s few redistributive policies attempting to tap the immense wealth of the filthy rich — a crackdown on the abuse of non-dom status to avoid tax — is to be softened, Chancellor Rachel Reeves says, because she has been “listening to the concerns” raised by the non-dom “community.”

She won’t listen to concerns over children trapped in poverty by the discriminatory two-child benefit cap.

Or over the impact of restricting winter fuel payments when energy prices are twice what they were a couple of years ago, even when those concerns convince her own party to vote against the policy at its conference, and prompt Labour’s biggest affiliate Unite to challenge the government in court.

Keir Starmer says pensioners can freeze to death and poor children can starve and be condemned to failure and misery all their lives.
Keir Starmer says pensioners can freeze to death and poor children can starve and be condemned to failure and misery all their lives.

Or even over the U-turn on compensating the Waspi women, despite leading Labour politicians having championed their cause for years.

Reeves’s selective approach to people’s concerns applies to the environment too, even as yet another severe storm closes schools and transport systems, and despite years of worsening floods and failing crops. Sod the science, says Reeves, growth trumps net zero.

Orcas comment on killer apes destroying the planet by continuing to burn fossil fuels.
Orcas comment on killer apes destroying the planet by continuing to burn fossil fuels.

Limiting action on the accelerating climate catastrophe to measures which don’t affect corporate profits is one reason the world continues to warm uncontrollably.

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Labour’s growth policies across the board simply turn government into a doormat for big business. Rather than publicly fund infrastructure projects in the public interest, Labour will scrap regulations to weaken rights to object to construction by the private sector.

Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves wear the uniform of the rich and powerful. They have all had clothes bought for them by multi-millionaire Labour donor Lord Alli. CORRECTION: It appears that Rachel Reeves clothing was provided by Juliet Rosenfeld.
Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves wear the uniform of the rich and powerful. They have all had clothes bought for them by multi-millionaire Labour donor Lord Alli. CORRECTION: It appears that Rachel Reeves clothing was provided by Juliet Rosenfeld.

Reeves dismisses the importance of ecological diversity (“bats and newts” are derided as reasons things can’t be built) though Britain has among the lowest biodiversity in Europe and the documented collapse of insect populations will have huge, and as yet partly unknown, effects on agriculture and the natural world.

The same deference to the right of construction firms to do as they please applies to housing. But it is not over-regulation which stymies house-building in Britain but land-banking aimed at keeping prices high. Urban development in major cities like London and Manchester is blighted by developers’ lack of accountability to communities, as working-class neighbourhoods are driven out by construction of luxury flats designed to accumulate value, not house locals.

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Labour marches alongside the international radical right push to dismantle democratic curbs on corporate power. Less extreme than Trump or Musk, but in their camp. The intensified crackdown on protest is a logical part of this project.

Keir Starmer confirms that his government is cnutier than Suella Braverman on killing the right to protest.
Keir Starmer confirms that his government is cnutier than Suella Braverman on killing the right to protest.

The question of the day is democracy versus capitalism. Defending our communities and rights as citizens means building resistance through any means we can: trades councils, People’s Assembly branches, even Morning Star supporters’ groups can be hubs to bring activists together. The future is looking ugly if we cannot unite to do that.

Continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/editorial-reevess-labour-joining-corporate-war-democracy

Continue ReadingMorning Star Editorial: Reeves’s Labour is joining the corporate war on democracy [with extra images]

Communist leader in Kenya survives violent attack

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Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples’ dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.

Booker Ngesa Omole with members of CPM-K. Photo: Booker Ngesa Omole

An armed attack on Kenyan communist leader Booker Ngesa Omole has sparked global outrage, with revolutionary groups expressing solidarity.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 3:00 am, an armed attack targeted the residence of Booker Ngesa Omole, General Secretary of the Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPMK). According to a statement released by the Party, the assailants—armed with firearms and equipped with night vision goggles—forced their way into the residence. A violent confrontation ensued as Booker defended himself, ultimately forcing the attackers to flee.

While the Kenyan police were quick to label the incident as an attempted burglary, the CPMK described it as a calculated assassination attempt. Booker, an organizer and fearless critic of the government, has been a vocal opponent of oppressive state policies. This shocking attack is seen as a direct assault on his activism, ideas and a broader effort to silence dissent.

“This was not a random act of crime but a direct assault on our General Secretary, who has consistently stood up for justice, democracy, and socialism in Kenya,” the Party declared. “This act of terror is an attack on the revolutionary cause and all Kenyans who are fighting for a better future.”

The Communist Party Marxist Kenya has demanded a full and transparent investigation, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and that urgent measures be taken to protect its leadership and members.

“We will not be silenced,” the Party’s statement declared. “The enemies of the people may attempt to intimidate us, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to the struggle for liberation. No amount of violence will deter us from our revolutionary path.”

A rising tide of repression

The attack on Booker comes amid growing concerns over Kenya’s shrinking democratic space. Since the 2024 youth-led uprising against the controversial finance bill, government critics and activists have faced an alarming rise in abductions and violent attacks. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), dozens of individuals have been abducted or forcibly disappeared since mid-2024, deepening concerns of state repression.

International solidarity and condemnation

Revolutionary organizations across the continent have rallied in support of Booker and the CPMK, drawing parallels between the Kenyan experience and the broader struggle against neo-colonial exploitation, austerity, and imperialism. 

Communist Party of Benin: assassination attempt as a declaration of war

The Communist Party of Benin unequivocally denounced the assassination attempt and the broader campaign of repression against the CPMK. They described the attack as a declaration of war by counter-revolutionary forces linked to the regime. They called for united action among revolutionary organizations worldwide. The Party also expressed confidence that the repression would fail, and the Kenyan people’s democratic national revolution would prevail.

Abahlali baseMjondolo: “an injury to one is an injury to all”

Abahlali baseMjondolo, South Africa’s largest grassroots movement, linked the attack to the broader context of neo-colonial austerity and oppression. Recalling the mass protests against the Ruto government’s Finance Bill and the brutal crackdown that followed, they emphasized the global nature of the fight against imperialist-backed regimes. “An injury to one is always an injury to all,” the movement stated, condemning the attempt on Booker’s life. 

Socialist Movement of Ghana: a struggle against neoliberalism

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) expressed alarm at the assassination attempt and the subsequent arrests of CPMK leaders. They condemned the Kenyan government’s use of brutal force to suppress protests against IMF-driven neoliberal policies, linking the violence to broader struggles against neo-colonial exploitation. The SMG called for accountability for the regime and expressed unwavering solidarity with the CPMK and the Kenyan working people.

Booker responds: “we will prevail”

In a personal statement, Booker expressed his gratitude for the solidarity. “Your messages of support have reminded me, and all of us, that the fight for a just society resonates far beyond our borders,” he said. No force can silence the collective will of the people.”

Booker also revealed that officers from the Serious Crimes Unit had visited his residence and begun an investigation. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and professional inquiry, stating:

“This is a critical opportunity for the state to absolve itself of any suspicion of involvement by ensuring that those behind this heinous act are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Kenyan people deserve nothing less, as it is our taxes that entrust the state with the responsibility of protecting the lives of all citizens without exception.”

Addressing his comrades in the CPMK and other progressive forces, Booker called for unity and vigilance in the face of adversity:

“Attempts to disrupt our struggle for a liberated and equitable society only prove the fear our enemies feel in the face of our growing strength,” he declared. 

“Let this moment deepen our resolve and ignite revolutionary optimism within our ranks. The path to justice and socialism is never without struggle, but history shows us that the people, united in their determination, will always prevail.”

Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples’ dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.

Continue ReadingCommunist leader in Kenya survives violent attack

Trump’s Second Inauguration Took Influence Peddling to a Whole New Level

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https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/trump-inauguration-donations

Meta and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (L), CEO of Apple Tim Cook, and Founder of Amazon and Blue Origin Jeff Bezos attend services as part of Inauguration ceremonies at St. John’s Church on January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The very ripeness for scandal this time around calls for reasonable restrictions on the sources and amounts of inaugural donations.

U.S. President Donald Trump sounded a lot of populist notes on the campaign trail. But as he took the oath of office for the second time, he was joined onstage by billionaires and CEOs who’d spent millions to be there—leaving supporters who’d traveled across the country to attend literally out in the cold.

Presidential inaugurations have always been an opportunity for wealthy special interests to curry favor with the incoming administration with generous inaugural donations. But the nation has never seen influence peddling like we just witnessed at Trump’s second inauguration.

Shattering all records, the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc. raised and spent over $200 million in special interest money celebrating the 2024 election victory. (The all-time previous record was $107 million for Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. By contrast, former President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration raised and spent nearly $62 million.)

The sheer volume of today’s inaugural donations suggests that wealthy special interests believe it is worth the investment.

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All the self-reporting donors—including Big Tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI—pledged $1 million or more. The cryptocurrency firm Ripple pledged $5 million. In fact, the cryptocurrency industry even hosted its own inaugural ball.

And of course, Wall Street is cozying up with major donations from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin.

“EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!” Trump marvels on his Truth Social account.

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https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/trump-inauguration-donations

Elon Musk urges you to be a Fascist like him, says that you can ignore facts and reality then.
Elon Musk urges you to be a Fascist like him, says that you can ignore facts and reality then.
Continue ReadingTrump’s Second Inauguration Took Influence Peddling to a Whole New Level

Expanding Heathrow is incompatible with net zero – here’s the evidence

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Plane Photography / shutterstock

Richard Sulley, University of Sheffield

The UK government is set to back plans for a third runway at Heathrow, the country’s busiest airport, and to expand two other airports near London: Gatwick and Luton. The move is designed to support the government’s “mission” to grow the economy.

Air transport is notoriously hard to decarbonise. Unlike the energy system, or even road transport, there is no renewable alternative to switch to immediately. If electric or hydrogen planes become reality, it won’t be for many years yet. Therefore it’s not clear this airport expansion can fit within the UK’s legal and arguably moral requirement to cut emissions and remain within its carbon budget.

It certainly goes against what the government’s official advisory body the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recommends. The CCC’s 2023 report to parliament stated that: “No airport expansions should proceed until a UK-wide capacity management framework is in place to annually assess and, if required, control sector GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions and non-CO₂ effects.”

Those non-CO₂ effects of aviation include water vapour, soot and other gases like nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide, all released directly into the high atmosphere where they help form heat-trapping clouds. Estimates suggest they could triple the greenhouse impact of aviation.

In 2019, the last year of available data pre-COVID, domestic and international aviation accounted for around 8% of the UK’s total emissions. The non-CO₂ effects makes aviation a larger contributor to climate change than that number suggests.

The sector itself struggles to build a coherent decarbonisation roadmap based solely on “supply-side” improvements to things like fuel efficiency or, in a recent example from EasyJet, thinner paint. The demand side – taking fewer flights, frequent flyer levies, or restrictions on domestic flights as have been introduced in France – is rarely mentioned.

Unfortunately aviation is a prime example of the Jevons effect where any improvement in efficiency has been wiped out by increased demand. With a growing global middle class pursuing a higher consumption lifestyle, aviation emissions continue to grow even while other sectors have shows some efforts to reduce their own.

'3rd runway plane stupid'
A third runway at Heathrow was first proposed back in the 2000s. This photo is from a 2016 protest. Dinendra Haria / shutterstock

The UK has mandated that synthetic aviation fuel (SAF), a more sustainable alternative to regular jet fuel, must make up 10% of aviation fuel by 2030. But only 1.2% of aviation fuel is currently SAF and the industry has not published any plans to show it can scale up in time. Indeed, the sector’s own plans for growth will outstrip efforts to decarbonise through synthetic fuel, delivering a neutral effect at best.

The consumer-facing airport sector has also been accused of greenwash. For instance, Luton Airport recently published adverts making the claim that its own expansion would be stopped if it did not meet stringent environmental targets. However, the Advertising Standards Authority found that consumers would naturally believe that would include air traffic and not just terminal operations (a terminal’s heating or lighting is, of course, largely irrelevant when its core business is as emissions-intensive as flying).

The difficulty of decarbonising aviation while the sector still grows is exemplified by the government’s recently launched consultation on adopting the Corsia carbon offsetting scheme for international flights and how it might work with existing cap and trade schemes. All of which encourage or excuse excess emissions through a charging mechanism.

Growing pains

“Kickstarting economy growth” and “Make Britain a clean energy superpower” are two of the UK government’s six “missions”. However, by expanding airports in support of the former, it risks failing the latter.

A new report by thinktank the New Economics Foundation shows that airport expansion could balance out all of the emissions saved by the government’s clean power plans by 2050.

There is evidence that airport expansion can bring some of the economic benefit that government needs. However, another New Economics Foundation report has found that air travel is no longer a catalyst for productivity growth. So the economic benefits of a new runway are really confined to the airport operation itself – projects for engineers and builders, service jobs for people living near Heathrow, and so on.

Aviation is the privilege of the richer part of society, both globally and within the UK. Figures from Our World in Data shows the richest 50% of the global population produces 90% of the aviation emissions.

While many more UK residents have experienced flying than in the past, most flights are still taken by a small, wealthy subset of the population, which will typically capture the largest share of any new capacity. Each year, around half of British residents do not fly at all.

The focus on London airports for the largest scale expansions will shift the balance of the economy further towards south-east England, and increase inequality within the UK economy. And while these plans might bring some of the GDP gains the government is desperate to deliver, all the evidence shows they will be at the expense of its environmental targets.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
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Richard Sulley, Senior Research Fellow, Sustainability Policy, University of Sheffield

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Orcas comment on killer apes destroying the planet by continuing to burn fossil fuels.
Orcas comment on killer apes destroying the planet by continuing to burn fossil fuels.
Continue ReadingExpanding Heathrow is incompatible with net zero – here’s the evidence

Morning Star Editorial: Benefit fraud hysteria demonises the sick – and threatens all our rights

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/editorial-benefit-fraud-hysteria-demonises-sick-and-threatens-all-our-rights

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall speaking to the media outside the Department for Work and Pensions in Westminster, London, December 17, 2024

LABOUR’S repeated attacks on disabled people are cynical, cruel and, in providing an excuse to legislate for ever-greater state intrusion into private citizens’ lives, a threat to all our freedoms.

Liz Kendall chases headlines with the latest gimmick (banning those found guilty of benefit fraud from driving). More sinister is the resurrection of Tory plans to make banks share information from private accounts and powers for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to seize funds without a court process.

The state already has ample power both to detect and punish benefit fraud: it can make banks share clients’ financial information if there is suspicion of fraud, while those found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years (courtesy of Keir Starmer in a previous iteration, as director of public prosecutions egging on the then Conservative-Lib Dem coalition’s war on welfare).

This is not about fighting crime. Nor even about cutting costs: benefit fraud amounts to less than 3 per cent of social security spending, and ministers say the new legislation is aimed at saving £1.5 billion over five years, an almost irrelevant sum given annual spending on social security excluding pensions is over £130bn.

It is about creating a climate of fear.

The approach echoes that toward immigration, where endless scaremongering about “small boats” obscures the rarity of such arrivals compared to immigrants who arrive legally.

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Original article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/editorial-benefit-fraud-hysteria-demonises-sick-and-threatens-all-our-rights

Keir Starmer confirms that he's proud to be a red Tory continuing austerity and targeting poor and disabled scum.
Keir Starmer confirms that he’s proud to be a red Tory continuing austerity and targeting poor and disabled scum.
Continue ReadingMorning Star Editorial: Benefit fraud hysteria demonises the sick – and threatens all our rights