Charlie Alford

Ireland begins EU presidency as protesters denounce warmongering bloc

Post author:Robert Freeman
Post published:2 July 2026
Post last modified:2 July 2026

On Wednesday July 1, Ireland marked the start of its presidency of the Council of the European Union with an event in Dublin, attended by heads of state from around the European continent. However, not far away in the same city, protesters were highlighting what the EU really stands for currently – warmongering, backing genocide, and enabling of the far-right. The Council serves to represent the national governments of each member state, acting as a basis for national ministers to negotiate and adopt EU laws. Roughly equivalent to the Senate in Ireland or the United States, it shares legislative and budgetary…

Die-hard supporter turns publicly on Sharon Graham as Unite election begins

Post author:Skwawkbox
Post published:1 July 2026
Post last modified:1 July 2026

Dave Williams is a Liverpool-based Unite union stalwart and former member of its executive council. When Skwawkbox writer Steve Walker was chair of a Liverpool constituency Labour party (CLP) in the Corbyn era, Williams was the CLP’s ‘TULO’ (trade union liaison officer). He has also been an ardent supporter of Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham. And when Skwawkbox started to expose Graham’s failings and misdeeds as Unite general secretary, Williams was highly critical of it doing so. Very highly critical. But now he has, very publicly, changed his tune. With Graham in the middle of a highly-criticised re-election campaign and reeling…

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool era begins

Post author:Faz Ali
Post published:4 June 2026
Post last modified:9 June 2026

Liverpool’s search for Arne Slot’s successor is over, with the club moving quickly. Andoni Iraola is expected on Merseyside to sign his contract. This completes a process driven by sporting director Richard Hughes, accelerated by urgency following Slot’s departure. Hughes leads appointment Liverpool reached a verbal agreement with Iraola on Tuesday, clearing the final hurdle in that process which Slot’s dismissal set in motion. Iraola will arrive to complete formalities, with a club announcement expected shortly after. The 43‑year‑old Spaniard has been the leading candidate throughout. Hughes identified early as a strong fit for Liverpool’s preferred tactical style and vision. The…

Student loans inquiry into ‘mountain’ of degree debts begins

Post author:Cameron Baillie
Post published:2 June 2026
Post last modified:9 June 2026

Student organisations and experts are launching an inquiry into the defunct debt-bondage system of student loans across England. In particular, the National Union of Students (NUS) wants the inquiry to look at the interest rates. Additionally, it will examine threshold repayment mechanisms. The loans inquiry can’t come soon enough for many students or graduates on the sharp end of our privatised, financialised education model. Studies show that one in three people now think that a degree: just isn’t worth the amount of time and money. The structurally defunct student loans system Much of Europe and the developed world, more broadly, receives…

Liverpool open talks with Andoni Iraola as hunt for new head coach begins

Post author:Faz Ali
Post published:2 June 2026
Post last modified:9 June 2026

Liverpool have entered formal discussions with Andoni Iraola over the vacant head coach role after Arne Slot’s dismissal, with the process being driven by sporting director Richard Hughes. The move marks a rapid attempt by the club to stabilise a dressing room and a playing identity that has felt unsettled since Slot’s departure. Liverpool: Iraola front-runner Iraola’s name rose quickly to the top of Liverpool’s shortlist because of a direct connection to Hughes. The sporting director brought him to Bournemouth in 2023 and watched the team flourish under his methods. That existing relationship gives Liverpool a rare shortcut in recruitment familiarity…