Ben Smoke
Pure ecstasy: photos from Manchester’s biggest gay rave
As the legendary LGBTQ+ event returns, we look back at the spectacular scenes that lit up Manchester’s Depot Mayfield last year.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Boris Johnson leaves behind him a terrifying legacy
Long shadow — The prime minister may have resigned, but the impact of a raft of authoritarian legislation passed under his tenure is yet to be felt.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Anti-police protestors storm London Pride parade
Queer activist group Lesbians and Gays support the Migrants staged a die-in at the Pride in London parade to protest the inclusion of police in the march.
Written by: Ben Smoke
How food banks are weathering the cost of living crisis
The past five years have seen a staggering increase in food bank usage across the UK. Now, staff fear things are set to get much worse.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Thousands attend silent walk to mark 5 years since Grenfell
Justice for the 72 — On the fifth anniversary of the tower fire, around 18,000 joined the walk to remember the 72 dead and to demand justice.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Protestors resist police brutality in Dalston
Cops out — Over the weekend, London locals came together to resist a pre-planned police raid targeting delivery drivers.
Written by: Ben Smoke
‘Our lives are under threat:‘ an Afghan climate activist speaks out from hiding
The situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with many groups facing persecution at the hands of the Taliban.
Written by: Ben Smoke
In New Cross, an immigration raid shows ‘cruelty‘ of police
No one is illegal — The police response to an attempted intervention in an immigration raid in South East London has been labelled ‘brutality’ by campaigners.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Hundreds gather to protest the Tories’ Rwanda plans
No to offshoring — The government’s brand new immigration deal has sparked outrage from across the political spectrum, with many branding it as cruel and inhumane.
Written by: 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
