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
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
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
Protesters gather in London to oppose more police powers
Kill The Bill — Last night, hundreds came together to rally against the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in Westminster as it grows ever closer to becoming law.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Insulate Britain activists protest prison sentences
‘I’m here in resistance‘ — This weekend protestors gathered in London in solidarity with the nine demonstrators sent to prison for breaking a High Court injunction preventing them from blocking roads.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Photos of the people resisting the reality of the climate crisis
Climate takeover — A new exhibition in Glasgow coinciding with COP26 travels across countries and over decades to expose how businesses and governments, both at home and globally, play a part in the unfair impacts of climate change.
Written by: Ben Smoke