Ben Smoke
The Colston Four appeal is an attack on our human rights
Protect protest — A move to refer the Colston Four’s acquittal to the Court of Appeal is nothing but an attempt to undermine our right to protest, writes Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The UK’s longest gig economy strike isn’t letting up
Still fighting — Now lasting for over 100 days, food couriers in Sheffield are continuing to lead a strike in protest of their pay cut.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The fight to keep babies out of prison
No births behind bars — Earlier this week, protestors gathered in Westminster to call for an end to the imprisonment of pregnant people, highlighting the serious risks prison poses to mothers and their newborn children.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Rishi Sunak’s budget for the rich
Austerity kills — The Chancellor’s Spring Statement offers very little to those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis and soaring energy prices.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Protestors set off rape alarms at a London police station
Sisters united — To mark a year since the murder of Sarah Everard, grassroots group Sisters Uncut organised a protest for the public to ‘withdraw their consent from British policing’.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Photos from the sex worker strike in London on IWD
‘Whorephobia kills’ — To mark International Women’s Day, hundreds came to together for a joint women’s and sex worker strike in central London.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The devastating plight of Ukranians fleeing war
Search for Sanctuary — With two million displaced by the war, people scrambling to find safety are being met with callous immigration systems and racism at the border.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Protestors gather outside the Russian embassy – in photos
‘Hands off Ukraine‘ — Hundreds gathered over the weekend both outside Russia's embassy in Kensington and in Downing Street calling for Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The IOPC report shows it‘s time to abolish the police
ACAB — A damning report from the police watchdog has shed light on the culture of bullying, racism and misogyny within the Met. It should make clear that the police are beyond reform, argues Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
West Elm Caleb is a reminder that abuse is not a buzzword
After the uproar — Last week, a viral TikTok about a certain New York-based furniture designer sparked an internet furore. The drama should make us question whether condemning people in the harshest possible terms harms far more than it helps.
Written by: Ben Smoke