Ben Smoke
Labour's internal war over rule changes is merely a distraction
Daily dispatch — The second day of Labour Conference saw the passing of a radical Green New Deal motion, Starmer coming out against nationalisation and a big win for the leadership − but at what cost?
Written by: Ben Smoke
Inside the tensions brewing around the Labour conference
Daily dispatch — Controversial proposed rule changes for electing new leaders and attempts to block Labour for a Green New Deal have made for a fraught start to Labour’s annual Conference.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The UK’s callous government is leaving people homeless
Broken system — A new investigation reveals that people in dire financial straits are losing their homes in a matter of minutes because of a legal system that has failed to account for the catastrophic impact of the pandemic.
Written by: Ben Smoke
How climate anxiety is devastating a generation
‘I‘ve felt utterly helpless‘ — A new study has exposed the terrifying extent to which the climate crisis is linked to widespread psychological distress among young people globally. Experts are calling on governments to take these concerns seriously, or risk inflicting further damage.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Impossible Rebellion: photos of XR blocking a London junction
No planet B — The activist group kicked off its latest mass protests by building a huge table in Covent Garden to demand that the government stops using fossil fuels. Photographer Aiyush Pachnanda was on hand to capture the action.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Students gather to demand climate education reform
Teach the future — Following the IPCC report issuing its most severe warning on climate yet, students from across the country came together outside the Department of Education to demand urgent action over a curriculum which is failing to address the current crisis.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The LGBTQ bookshop bringing queer literature to the masses
In partnership with 99designs by Vistaprint — By Design is an editorial series, created in collaboration with 99designs by Vistaprint, that celebrates small businesses across the UK and spotlights the power of a strong visual identity. In story five, we step meet Matt Cornford, the founder and force behind Queer Lit.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Vietnamese migrants are set to face cruel deportation flight
Callous system — Campaigners are calling on the government to stop a deportation flight carrying up to 22 migrants and to bring an end to the continued criminalisation of those seeking help and refuge.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Dawn Foster Forever
Rest in Power — Last week, Dawn Foster passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 34, after suffering from a long-term illness. Ben Smoke pays tribute to a colleague and friend whose talent and kindness will be sorely missed.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Prisoners on the devastating reality of life in lockdown
Breaking point — Inmates describe the conditions inside the UK’s prisons amid the pandemic, shedding light on the Criminal Justice System’s deepening crisis.
Written by: Ben Smoke