It is 100 years since the only General Strike to have taken place in the history of the British labour movement. That high point of class struggle provides many essential lessons about the nature of the movement, the role of the capitalist state and the potential power of the working class to organise in its own interests.

The UK's Privy Council operates largely behind the scenes, controlling major levers of state power and ensuring that they stay outside democratic control. It's powers are wide ranging an fundamental to issues like declaring war.

All attempts to found alternative parties to Labour have failed and there remains a fight within it and beyond in the Trade Unions and wider movements to change its policies. With no serious alternative to Labour that fight is crucial.

Tam McFall was one of the very best of the working class in the struggle to end capitalism and win socialism. He made a lasting impression on countless people’s lives.

Jury service has been part of creating consent for the system's legitimacy. But it affords juries the power to act according conscience and they have a history of acquitting defendants in political trials. This right is under attack.

The edifices of political liberalism are disappearing and the ability to criticise governments and speak the truth is being criminalised. Free speech is being suppressed by a wide variety of institutional means to narrow the window of permitted discourse.

Lorry drivers face multiple problems at work. Among them are; pressure of traffic, lack of facilities for breaks, surveillance by employers, health and safety and an uncertain future.

Britain's nuclear weapons capability remains warlike, expensive and tied to US and NATO priorities.

Academia's role in shaping policy and supporting the drive to war.

Labour and the Tories cannot resolve the contradictions of neo-liberalism which increasingly alienate them from the electorate - the central contradiction being that they expect people to vote for them while giving them nothing in return apart from declining living standards and decaying services.