Brexit
Britain and European Union on collision course in Brexit talks
By Peter Schwarz, 29 February 2020
The EU and the British government presented sharply divergent documents outlining their goals for upcoming talks on their future relationship.
Johnson’s real Brexit agenda is trade war, militarism and class war
By Robert Stevens, 3 February 2020
UK prime minister Johnson is on a collision course with Europe that threatens to end in outright trade war and economic dislocation.
Britain leaves the European Union: Against nationalism, For the United Socialist States of Europe!
By Statement by the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 31 January 2020
Workers and young people in the UK must orient themselves not to British nationalism or the EU, but to the growing global upsurge of working class struggle.
BBC accused of pro-Tory propaganda during UK general election
By Thomas Scripps, 23 December 2019
According to a recent YouGov poll, just 44 percent of Britons trust BBC news journalists to tell the truth.
UK to leave European Union at end of January after Johnson passes Withdrawal Agreement
By Robert Stevens, 21 December 2019
A total of 38 Labour MPs defied Jeremy Corbyn’s instruction to oppose the bill.
Queen’s Speech features Johnson government’s anti-strike legislation
By Robert Stevens, 20 December 2019
The Queen’s Speech confirms that the mantra of “Getting Brexit Done” is intimately bound up with escalating the offensive against the working class.
UK general election result confirms protracted death of the Labour Party
By Chris Marsden, 19 December 2019
Labour haemorrhaged support across the UK and among all sections of workers, young and old, from the north and south, those in favour of leaving the European Union and those for remaining.
999 The demographics of the UK general election vote
19 December 2019
18 December 2019
The election of Boris Johnson and the failure of Corbynism
By Statement of the WSWS Editorial Board, 14 December 2019
The electoral debacle suffered by the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn in the UK general election is yet another example of the political bankruptcy of what passes for the left and labour organisations.
UK Labour Party manifesto: A blueprint to save capitalism
By Robert Stevens, 22 November 2019
It is extraordinary that, under conditions where millions of young people are seeking a socialist alternative, neither Corbyn’s foreword to the manifesto or the actual text of the 107 page document mentions the word “socialism.”
Corbyn’s “left” pretensions exposed in UK general election debate
By Robert Stevens, 21 November 2019
The debate was proof that, in any period prior to Tony Blair’s government, Corbyn would barely be considered even a “left” reformist.
Labour Party candidates pledge to ignore Corbyn’s Brexit policy and campaign for Remain
By Thomas Scripps, 19 November 2019
An alliance between Labour and the Remain parties, and possibly some strongly pro-European Union Tories, is seen by sections of the ruling elite as an option for cancelling Brexit without handing power to a Corbyn-led Labour government.
Corbyn refuses to fight ramped-up bogus “anti-Semitism” witch-hunt
By Robert Stevens, 12 November 2019
The frenzied media campaign branding Corbyn, the Labour Party and its left-wing members above all as anti-Semitic is the “push back” demanded by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
A tale of two UK Labour MPs—Chris Williamson and Tom Watson
By Laura Tiernan and Chris Marsden, 8 November 2019
Williamson, a Labour Party member for 43 years, has been Corbyn’s most prominent defender against the efforts by Labour’s Blairite wing to remove him as leader.
Trump targets Corbyn in UK election intervention
By Laura Tiernan, 2 November 2019
Trump’s intervention comes less than four months after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the US government would not allow a Corbyn government to take office and would “push back” to prevent this.
Britain set for December 12 general election
By Robert Stevens, 30 October 2019
MPs voted to hold what will likely be the most volatile general election in post-war British history.
UK: Johnson set to win new vote to hold December general election
By Robert Stevens, 29 October 2019
MPs voted last night to reject Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s motion to call a snap general election on December 12.
European Union delays Brexit extension decision as Corbyn tries to avoid general election
By Robert Stevens, 26 October 2019
Germany, Spain and Italy are all pushing for the three-month Brexit extension, while French President Emmanuel Macron has emerged as the lone opposition voice.
Socialist Equality Party holds series of public meetings on “The Socialist Answer to Brexit: For the United Socialist States of Europe”
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 25 October 2019
We publish here the speech delivered by SEP (UK) National Secretary Chris Marsden to the meetings in Britain held between October 6 and October 12.
European Union leaders consider three-month Brexit delay, as UK general election looms
By Robert Stevens, 24 October 2019
Speculation mounted Wednesday that any new Brexit extension authorised by the EU would be flexible, allowing the UK to leave the bloc at an earlier date provided the deal finally passes in Westminster and the European Parliament.
Johnson wins vote on Brexit deal but MPs back further delay
By Robert Stevens, 23 October 2019
Support for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill was the first time in more than three years that MPs have voted for a deal negotiated by the Tory government with the European Union.
UK Prime Minister Johnson forced to send request for Brexit extension after “Super Saturday” parliamentary setback
By Chris Marsden, 21 October 2019
The government is pushing for a speedy vote on Johnson’s deal, while the opposition wants to prevent one by tabling amendments, given that a no-deal Brexit outcome has been ruled out.
Pro-European Union demonstration mobilises hundreds of thousands in London
By Robert Stevens, 21 October 2019
The protest was led by a right-wing coalition of Blairites, Liberal Democrats and pro-EU Conservatives, culminating in a joint video presentation in Parliament Square, featuring John Major and Tony Blair.
Labour leads effort to vote down Johnson’s Brexit deal
By Chris Marsden, 19 October 2019
UK members of parliament will vote today on whether or not to accept Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal with the European Union.
Johnson’s Brexit deal faces UK parliamentary vote Saturday
By Robert Stevens, 18 October 2019
As news of the deal emerged Thursday morning, the hard Brexit supporting Jacob Rees-Mogg told parliament that on Saturday there would be a 90-minute debate to either approve a deal or to approve a no-deal exit.
Brexit deal agreed after Johnson sidelines Democratic Unionist Party
By Chris Marsden, 17 October 2019
Following the deal, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker sent a letter to the president of the European council, Donald Tusk, stressing that it was now time for Britain’s parliament to do its part.
European Union declares little chance of Brexit deal by Thursday summit
By Robert Stevens, 15 October 2019
Johnson has called an emergency session of parliament Saturday. There is rising speculation that he may be able to win support for a deal if he secures one, but parliament will not support a no-deal Brexit.
UK: Factional warfare in Corbyn leadership after McDonnell allies with Blairites over Brexit
By Chris Marsden, 15 October 2019
If Corbyn is removed, it will not be as the “victim” of political disloyalty from either the Blairites or his own allies. He is the architect of his own fate.
European Union continues talks with Johnson government over possible Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens, 12 October 2019
Labour MPs are reported to be “blitzing” party leader Jeremy Corbyn with demands that he support a fresh Brexit referendum being held before a general election.
UK ruling class considers whether to entrust Corbyn with overcoming Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 10 October 2019
There are indications of powerful sections of the ruling class having concluded that it is now necessary to call on the services of Labour leader Corbyn—who has proven again and again to be a pliant political tool—to lead a “national unity” government.
European Union set to reject Johnson’s Brexit proposal
By Robert Stevens, 8 October 2019
The government is set on a massive escalation of the constitutional crisis opened up by Brexit.
Johnson faces possible legal action as he plots to ensure UK leaves EU on October 31
By Robert Stevens, 5 October 2019
Stating last month that he would rather “die in a ditch” than request an extension, Johnson is set on a collision course with the dominant pro-Remain faction of the ruling elite that could end in legal action.
UK Prime Minister Johnson outlines Brexit proposals and Thatcherite agenda at Tory conference
By Robert Stevens, 3 October 2019
Johnson’s speech, framed around his pledge to “Get Brexit Done,” was dedicated to outlining what Sky News described as his “election manifesto.”
Corbyn holds pro-Remain party discussions over leading “caretaker” administration or stepping aside to allow “government of national unity”
By Chris Marsden, 2 October 2019
Corbyn’s refusal to take any position that is not acceptable to Britain’s ruling elite is what keeps Boris Johnson in power today.
The socialist answer to Brexit: For the United Socialist States of Europe
By Chris Marsden, 27 September 2019
The answer to the Brexit crisis is not unity with the EU, but working class unity in a continent-wide struggle against all of Europe’s governments for the United Socialist States of Europe.
British MPs return to Parliament after Supreme Court rules prorogation illegal
By Robert Stevens, 26 September 2019
The House of Commons resumed sitting Wednesday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted illegally in proroguing Parliament for five weeks from September 10.
UK Supreme Court rules Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament illegal
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 25 September 2019
British politics entered uncharted waters yesterday as the Supreme Court—the UK’s highest judicial body—declared illegal Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s authoritarian prorogation of parliament.
Corbyn tries to unite Labour Party to solve Brexit crisis for ruling class
By Thomas Scripps, 21 September 2019
The Labour Party conference beginning Saturday will be dominated by the conflict over the party’s Brexit policy.
UK public meetings—The Socialist answer to Brexit: For the United Socialist States of Europe
18 September 2019
The Socialist Equality Party (UK) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding a series of meetings outlining the socialist answer to Brexit.
Boris Johnson gets short shrift from European Union leaders in Brexit talks
By Richard Tyler, 17 September 2019
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday in advance of his trip, Johnson had sought to present a tough-guy image, ridiculously invoking the Marvel superhero, the Incredible Hulk.
Blair congratulates Corbyn for “sensible and skillful” opposition to no-deal Brexit
By Thomas Scripps, 17 September 2019
Pressure is being applied on Corbyn to commit Labour to campaigning for Remain in any Brexit referendum and any general election.
The Brexit crisis and the struggle for the unity and political independence of the working class
By Thomas Scripps, 16 September 2019
The authoritarian turn represented by Johnson’s prorogation of parliament is the most advanced expression of the breakdown of the traditional mechanisms of parliamentary rule.
UK: “Operation Yellowhammer” details savage austerity and confirms plans for state repression post-Brexit
By Thomas Scripps, 13 September 2019
The document is dated 10 days after Johnson became prime minister, confirming that Yellowhammer is the expected outcome of a no-deal Brexit.
Scottish court rules Johnson’s suspension of parliament unlawful
By Robert Stevens, 12 September 2019
Scotland’s highest court, the Edinburgh Court of Session, ruled on appeal yesterday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proroguing of parliament for five weeks was unlawful.
The Financial Times lays down the law to Labour’s Corbyn
By Thomas Scripps, 11 September 2019
The Financial Times is acutely aware that a Labour government could come to power, or that Labour could be essential to forming a “government of national unity.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson prorogues Parliament
By Robert Stevens, 10 September 2019
Johnson’s anti-democratic suspension of Parliament was carried out to prevent opposition MPs from taking control of Parliament’s order paper over the next five weeks and derailing his plans to withdraw the UK from the European Union, without a deal if necessary.
UK: Johnson hails police as “bedrock of society” as Brexit crisis intensifies
By Robert Stevens, 7 September 2019
Johnson’s paean to the police must be understood in the context of the plans by the government, under Operation Yellowhammer, to deploy the full might of the state to contain social unrest post-Brexit.
Northern Ireland: Harland and Wolff shipyard workers continue occupation
By Steve James, 6 September 2019
Workers at Belfast’s Harland and Wolff have been occupying its shipyard since late July.
In Brexit crisis, Corbyn lines up with Tories and Blairites
By Chris Marsden, 5 September 2019
In emerging as the leading figure for the anti-Brexit wing of the ruling class, Corbyn is making clear that he has no independent political alternative to offer the working class.
British lawmakers win vote to debate bill authorising Brexit delay
By Robert Stevens, 4 September 2019
MPs voted Tuesday evening to pursue the passage of a cross-party bill to prevent the Conservative government leaving the EU without a trade and customs deal.
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
Demo article just for testing
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens and Zweiter Autor, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
UK Prime Minister Johnson fails to secure Brexit concessions from Germany and France
By Robert Stevens, 24 August 2019
Corbyn’s meeting with Remain-supporting parties and MPs is his latest capitulation to the agenda of sections of big business opposed to leaving the EU.
Germany’s Merkel tells UK government no Brexit concessions—Labour’s Corbyn steps up calls for caretaker government
By Robert Stevens, 22 August 2019
UK prime minister Boris Johnson is seeking concessions based on convincing European Union leaders that Britain crashing out also poses major problems for Europe.
UK government prepares for social unrest following no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 21 August 2019
The crisis wracking the ruling elite over Brexit is the most severe since the Second World War.
Corbyn makes his pitch to head a “caretaker government” to stop no-deal Brexit
By Chris Marsden, 16 August 2019
Corbyn’s letter sees him bend over backward to reassure his political opponents, including the Blairites in his own party, as well as big business that he has only the “national interest” at heart.
UK: Johnson government considers post-Brexit snap election, while Labour’s Blairites plot “national unity” government
By Chris Marsden, 12 August 2019
It is thanks to Corbyn that every likely outcome in parliament ends in governments committed to further austerity, militarism and war.
Brexit threatens to destabilise Ireland on both sides of the border
By Steve James, 9 August 2019
Transatlantic tensions and the Brexit crisis are undermining the Good Friday Agreement.
UK: By-election defeat for Conservatives but Labour almost wiped out
By Robert Stevens, 5 August 2019
The vote for the Labour Party in Brecon and Radnorshire collapsed, with its candidate coming fourth and only just retaining his deposit on a 5.3 percent share of the vote.
Jeremy Corbyn and the coming to power of Boris Johnson
By Chris Marsden, 30 July 2019
Corbyn has acted as political midwife to a Johnson government, thanks to his suppression of all attempts by workers to wage a struggle against big business and its political defenders.
Johnson plans for a no deal exit from the European Union
By Robert Stevens, 29 July 2019
The Conservative government of Boris Johnson announced over the weekend that it is “working on the assumption” that it will leave the European Union (EU) without a trade and customs deal on October 31.
UK: Boris Johnson selects extreme right cabinet
By Chris Marsden and Robert Stevens, 26 July 2019
Johnson’s is a class war government, with all the main positions filled by representatives of the extreme right of a very right-wing party.
Boris Johnson premiership deepens Brexit crisis and heralds bitter class conflict
By Robert Stevens, 24 July 2019
Despite Johnson’s boast that he will “deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn,” his position is precarious.
UK: Domestic row seized on in effort to block Boris Johnson premiership
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 25 June 2019
Reports indicate that up to 12 Tory MPs are contemplating voting against a government led by Johnson if a no-confidence motion is brought by the Labour Party.
European election debacle for Conservatives and Labour
By Robert Stevens, 28 May 2019
The ruling Conservatives have suffered their worst ever election result, while Labour suffered a debacle almost as bad.
UK Prime Minister May to quit as Conservative leader June 7
By Chris Marsden, 25 May 2019
May came to lead the country in 2016 as a hated figure and leaves it as a despised political failure.
999 Brexit/Government crisis
24 May 2019
The rise of the Brexit Party and how to fight it
By Chris Marsden, 23 May 2019
Nigel Farage is intent on portraying the European elections, which will see a massive abstention, as a plebiscite on Brexit and a weapon against any move towards a second referendum.
George Galloway tried to become Brexit Party candidate—and failed
By Robert Stevens, 17 May 2019
Galloway’s failed attempt to represent Nigel Farage’s party is indicative of how an entire layer of ex-Stalinists and the pseudo-left have become part of a new right.
UK: May unable to stem Tory crisis over Brexit, but still propped up by Corbyn
By Robert Stevens, 26 April 2019
For Corbyn’s faction, the political function of these talks over Brexit is to side-line a discussion on the political crisis facing the government that could precipitate a general election.
George Galloway declares for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party
By Chris Marsden, 24 April 2019
Having spent over three years hailing Corbyn as the left rebirth of Labour, Galloway now parrots the claim that Farage’s politics articulate the views of the working class on what he insists is the main issue of the day—Brexit.
Six-month Brexit extension resolves nothing for UK
By Robert Stevens, 12 April 2019
At best the European Union have kicked the can down the road, with no guarantees of a resolution.
EU summit considers extension of Brexit deadline
By Robert Stevens, 10 April 2019
In another public humiliation, UK Prime Minister Theresa May met separately with the German Chancellor and French President, hoping to secure the backing of the EU’s two heavyweight powers.
The political implications of the Corbyn/May Brexit talks
By Chris Marsden, 5 April 2019
The talks on an alternative Brexit deal between UK Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn decisively refute all claims that his election as leader of the Labour Party offered a way forward for working people.
May offers Corbyn “national unity” Brexit agreement talks
By Chris Marsden, 3 April 2019
After accepting talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would hold “in reserve” a no-confidence vote in her government.
British MPs again fail to reach agreement on alternative Brexit motions
By Robert Stevens, 2 April 2019
None of the four non-binding “indicative votes” on an alternative to Prime Minister Theresa May’s negotiated withdrawal agreement for Brexit secured a majority vote by MPs Monday night.
Class struggle and socialism are the only answer to the Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 1 April 2019
The answer to the Brexit crisis is a united mobilization of the millions of workers coming into struggle against Europe’s governments.
“No deal” Brexit threatened after May’s EU withdrawal agreement rejected for third time
By Robert Stevens, 30 March 2019
Labour’s nominally “left” leader Jeremy Corbyn is working to ensure that the gravest peacetime crisis in the history of British imperialism is resolved through the worm-eaten parliamentary system, with the working class left as spectators.
Parliament rejects all alternatives as May’s offer to resign fails to stem Brexit crisis
By Robert Stevens, 28 March 2019
May’s pledge to resign is her last card in the attempt to convince the Tories’ hard-Brexit wing and the Democratic Unionist Party to back her European Union withdrawal agreement.
British parliament to make “indicative votes” in an attempt to overcome Brexit impasse
By Robert Stevens, 27 March 2019
MPs may indeed have formally taken control of the next stage of the Brexit crisis, but any positions arrived at in today’s votes are not legally binding on the government.
Anti-Brexit “Put it to the People” march mobilises hundreds of thousands
By Robert Stevens, 25 March 2019
The Socialist Equality Party was the only political party at the rally advancing a perspective for the political independence of the working class.
“Brexit is a shambles—it will affect so many people in many ways”
By our reporters, 25 March 2019
Reporters for the World Socialist Web Site spoke to demonstrators at Saturday’s anti-Brexit protest in London.
Answer Brexit with the struggle for socialism throughout Europe!
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 23 March 2019
Far from trusting their fate to Merkel, Macron, Juncker and Tusk, those protesting today must ally themselves with the European working class now waging political and social battles against the EU and its member state governments.
European Union leaders grant May extra time to pass Brexit deal in UK parliament
By Robert Stevens, 22 March 2019
The EU has agreed a plan allowing a delay of Brexit to May 22 on condition that UK MPs approve the deal the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May by the previous official exit date of March 29.
May asks Brussels for Brexit extension amid worsening political crisis
By Chris Marsden, 20 March 2019
If May’s extension is rejected by Brussels at a summit on Thursday, Brexit is set for March 29, in just nine days.
Corbyn props up May government after more Brexit vote defeats
By Robert Stevens, 16 March 2019
Ever since May took office as a minority dependent on the DUP, she has headed a government of permanent crisis, with her survival dependent on Labour leader Corbyn’s suppression of the class struggle amid a rising tide of anti-Tory sentiment.
UK: May’s Brexit deal rejected by parliament again
By Robert Stevens, 13 March 2019
With just 16 days to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, no deal has been agreed on trading relations after Brexit.
UK Labour leader Corbyn endorses Blairite call for second Brexit referendum
By Robert Stevens, 27 February 2019
This week’s events signify that the Blairites have de facto total control over party policy, just over three years after they were annihilated by Corbyn in the leadership contest.
Brexit divisions lead to intensified discussions on Conservative and Labour Party splits
By Robert Stevens, 16 February 2019
Theresa May suffered a further defeat in Parliament over her Brexit policy, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was further undermined by a sizeable rebellion by the party’s Blairite right wing.
British government’s “Project After” plan for post-Brexit economic crisis
By Steve James, 13 February 2019
The Financial Times reported on a secret economic planning group in the British government, tasked with planning for a deep post Brexit economic crisis.
Brexit, Free Ports and the super-exploitation of the working class
By Steve James, 4 February 2019
Both Tory and Labour politicians support new Free Port deregulation zones.
UK’s May fends off demands to delay Brexit or rule out “no deal”
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 30 January 2019
May’s pledge to try to extract more concessions from the EU ensured that the government won the day, although this could prove to be a pyrrhic and very short-lived victory.
Leaks expose UK and EU government plans for military deployment in Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 29 January 2019
Under conditions of intolerable levels of social inequality that will be exacerbated no matter the Brexit outcome, the power of the state will be directed against the true source of social discontent—the working class.
UK: Remain and Leave factions line up for battle prior to next Brexit vote
By Robert Stevens, 25 January 2019
Theresa May is calculating that enough rebel Brexiteers in her ruling Conservative Party, who voted against her original deal, will support her to ensure no possibility of Brexit being overturned.
24 January 2019
The Brexit crisis and the struggle for socialism
By Chris Marsden, 23 January 2019
The answer to austerity is not a pro-capitalist Labour government dedicated to rebuilding “national unity” across the Brexit divide, but the unification of workers in Britain with the working class across the continent in the fight for the United Socialist States of Europe.
UK: Corbyn endorses second referendum after May stonewalls on her Brexit plan
By Chris Marsden, 22 January 2019
With just 67 days before Brexit is scheduled to take place on March 29, Corbyn has once again folded his hand and united with his right-wing.
British PM May to reveal “Plan B” as Brexit infighting continues
By Robert Stevens, 21 January 2019
The various options being debated are solely concerned with securing the strategic interests of British imperialism.
Factional warfare hots up after collapse of May’s European Union Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens, 19 January 2019
Led by the Blairite wing of the Labour, Pro-Remain politicians calculated that the decks would now be cleared for them to campaign for a second “People’s Vote” to overturn the 2016 referendum.
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