Scum: A Harrowing Exploration of British Borstal Life

“Scum” is a 1979 film that brutally uncovers the systemic violence and institutional neglect within the British borstal system. Directed by Alan Clarke, it offers an unflinching portrayal of hierarchies and cruelty, challenging viewers to confront the broken structures that perpetuate such brutality. The film’s raw realism influenced British cinema and sparked discussions about reforming youth institutions.

Holyrood Targets Dentists in Bursary Row as Court Backs Repayment Drive

Scotland’s government has launched legal action against more than 250 dentists in a sweeping effort to claw back public funds it says were not honoured with NHS service. At the heart of the dispute is a bursary scheme that offered dental students £4,000 per year during their studies. In return, Continue Reading

Palestine Action Trial: Burglary Charges Collapse  as Key Counts Remain Unresolved

Palestine Action Activists Cleared of Burglary but Court Fails to Resolve Remaining Charges Six British pro-Palestinian activists, known collectively in the press as the Filton 6, have been found not guilty of aggravated burglary in connection with a high-profile break-in at the Elbit Systems UK facility near Bristol in August Continue Reading

Lucy Letby and the Uneasy Afterlife of a Verdict

When certainty collides with doubt in Britain’s most troubling criminal case Lucy Letby is serving what is, in effect, a whole-life sentence. The law has spoken with granite confidence. Netflix have released Yet outside the courtroom, that confidence is beginning to show hairline cracks. Her conviction for the murder of Continue Reading

ROY COHN THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Roy Cohn was one of the most consequential behind-the-scenes operators in 20th-century American power politics. His real-life influence on Donald Trump was significant but only one (late) chapter in a much longer, darker career. Here’s the unvarnished record: 1. Early career – the making of a political hitman (1950s) – Continue Reading

Home Office Fights Bid to Overturn Palestine Action Terror Ban

The Home Office has argued that a legal challenge to the proscription of protest group Palestine Action is not “exceptional” and should not be heard by the High Court. Palestine Action’s founder, Huda Ammori, is pursuing a judicial review after former home secretary Yvette Cooper designated the group a terrorist Continue Reading