Charlie Alford

Ex-Labour staffers now working for Israeli spy-led firm

Post author:Jody McIntyre
Post published:10 July 2026
Post last modified:10 July 2026

Former staff of at least two Labour government cabinet ministers, including outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are now working for 411 Communications, a firm led by a former Israeli intelligence officer. Unit 2800 Oketa Zogi Shala is a former Labour Party intern who personally shadowed Keir Starmer and David Lammy. In February, she was recruited by 411 Communications. The director of 411 is Assaf Kaplan, a former Israeli spy from the infamous Unit 8200. In 2021, the intelligence officer was hired by Labour as a “social listening and organizing manager”. Asa Winstanley reported on the tactics of his former employer: Unit…

Government urged to legislate on maximum working temperature amid third heatwave

Post author:The Canary
Post published:7 July 2026
Post last modified:8 July 2026

Pressure on the UK government to set a maximum working temperature is mounting as a third heatwave hits Britain, with ministers now apparently considering legislation for the first time. In the last week of June 2026, over 1,500 people took part in a Heat Strike. They set up Cool Stations to hand out water and health advice in town centres from Exeter to York. Strikers held symbolic lunchtime-walk-outs in solidarity with those in extreme heat, and took thermometers into work to demonstrate how hot and unsafe it was. Workers take the initiative over maximum working temperature In London, bus drivers removed themselves…

Union bosses’ fossil activism makes an enemy of the global working class

Post author:Cameron Baillie
Post published:25 June 2026
Post last modified:25 June 2026

Sharon Graham is the general secretary of Unite, the trade union. However, with rogue comments this week in defence of British fossil fuel interests, she appears to be making an enemy of the global working class. She’s joined by GMB chief Gary Smith, who’s been briefing the Times about net-zero ‘madness’. As the UK awaits the coronation of Makerfield MP Andy Burnham — and, perhaps more importantly, his cabinet-in-waiting — Ed Miliband’s name crops up repeatedly. This is hardly surprising, since Miliband has served different roles on Labour’s front benches, including as leader, for much of two decades. Miliband’s core commitment is…

Unions respond: “Reform are no friends of working people”

Post author:Alex/Rose Cocker
Post published:10 June 2026
Post last modified:10 June 2026

Reform — The trade unions have hit back against Farage’s recent pitiful appeal to try to bring the UK labour movement over to the far-right. Quite unsurprisingly, they’ve seen through his ridiculous claim that: Reform is now the party of workers. Farage also invited unions to apply for affiliation, and welcomed union leadership to attend the party conference. However, those same leaders have now told him where to shove it in reply. ‘Let’s be crystal clear’ On 8 June, the Times published an interview with Nigel Farage, trying to lure trade unions into affiliation with Reform UK. The fascist rag highlighted…

Rebecca Long-Bailey’s union speech is a rallying cry for the working class

Post author:Maddison Wheeldon
Post published:10 June 2026
Post last modified:10 June 2026

MP Rebecca Long Bailey recently spoke at the conference for the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union and delivered a fierce rebuke to what the Labour Party has become under Keir Starmer. Referring to the murkiness of Peter Mandelson’s appointment, and the way in which the party has forgotten working class people, Long-Bailey insisted the party must remember and revive its trade union values. Her calls coincide with millionaire Nigel Farage telling unions to “ditch Labour” and affiliate with his party which only truly seeks to benefit its vested interests — the super-rich. These are the highlights from her address… Long-Bailey’s wish…