Ben Smoke
The UK's largest queer rave is defiant in the face of hate
Homobloc returns — Digital creator Aaron James, who appears in a new video released to mark the return of Homobloc, recalls a traumatic homophobic attack that reaffirmed to him the importance of queer solidarity and community.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Sand art calls on world leaders to cut carbon emissions
G7 summit 2021 — The giant sand art commissioned by sustainable footwear brand Allbirds is calling on leaders to use their global leadership position to drive down their carbon footprints today.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Meet the people getting Glasgow cycling
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 two, we take a ride with Bike For Good, an organisation working to make cycling more accessible in the Scottish city – and beyond.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Nadia Whittome deserves our support, not derision
Fighting stigma — As the 24-year-old MP takes time off due to PTSD, we must celebrate her bravery in speaking openly about mental health and continue to fight for access to care and support for everyone suffering.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Photos from Britain’s largest Palestine demo in history
Exist, resist, return — This weekend Londoners took to the streets in historic numbers to make clear that a ceasefire will do nothing to end Israel’s brutal occupation and that the fight must go on until Palestine is free.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Inside Labour’s election meltdown & the man to blame
Time for change — After a weekend of devastating losses for his party, Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer attempted to place the blame on others in his party. He has once again proven himself to be unfit for his position, writes Politics Editor, Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
‘It‘s not for the police to decide who has a legitimate voice’
Jeremy Corbyn on #KillTheBill — Ahead of more protests across the country this weekend opposing the Government’s draconian policing bill, Jeremy Corbyn outlines why we must keep the pressure on and protect our right to speak out.
Written by: Ben Smoke
We mustn’t forget the injuries to #KillTheBill protestors
Police tyranny — New figures from the police monitoring group Netpol reporting dozens of injuries to protestors across just three demos prove why we must fight against the Government’s draconian policing bill, writes Politics Editor Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Keir Starmer is failing LGBTQ+ people
Broken promises — A week of delays, inertia and incompetence over a contentious video has thrown Starmer’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights into question. Can the Labour leader ever win back the community’s trust?
Written by: Ben Smoke
Bristol protests: the full story, told by those who were there
#KillTheBill — Last weekend, protests erupted into chaos in the South West of England city over a draconian bill that seeks to increase police powers. Politics Editor Ben Smoke speaks to protestors to find out what really happened.
Written by: Ben Smoke