Ben Smoke
We need to talk about anti-gypsy racism
Forgotten victims — For centuries, Romani people have faced violent oppression – so when will we start talking about the racism they face?
Written by: Ben Smoke
The Tories’ not-so-secret plan to screw our rights
Be very afraid — Last weekend, the Conservatives launched their 2019 election manifesto – here are some of the more sinister key policy shifts you may have missed.
Written by: Ben Smoke
UK protestors call for war on the hostile environment
Season of disruption — Just one day after 39 bodies were found in a lorry in Essex, activists took action against targets – including the Home Office and coach company W&H Tours – allegedly associated with deportation.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Room for change: the problem with Extinction Rebellion
Season of disruption — The activist group has laid its foundations, but now it needs to grow – and the only way it can do that is by broadening its message, argues writer and activist Ben Smoke.
Written by: Ben Smoke
What we learned from The World Transformed 2019
Power in the grassroots — Earlier this month, the annual arts and politics festival returned for its biggest – and most radically transformative – year yet.
Written by: Ben Smoke
How to save the world from financialisation
Lessons from Grace Blakeley — The journalist and economist talks us through her new book, and why it’s so important that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
Written by: Ben Smoke
#Climatestrike: our house is on fire, it’s time to act like it
The world takes action — Today, millions left their homes, schools and workplaces to go on Global Climate Strike. Writer Ben Smoke and photographer Theo McInnes joined the crowds in London.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Those complicit with oppression have no place at Pride
Anyone associated with the denigration, torture and deaths of LGBTQ+ people should not be welcome at Pride – regardless of how they identify.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Top or bottom? The play exploring the politics of gay sex
‘We need to dissolve labels’ — Parties, porn and sexual politics: we talk to writer Willy Hudson about his play Bottom – a raucous journey through contemporary queer life in London.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The Great British Breakup: the Blair years
Welcome to Brexitland — As Theresa May’s government ploughs on delivering a Brexit that nobody wants, our brave historian Ben Smoke dives into 40 years of mess to find out how we got here.
Written by: Ben Smoke