Three things were revealed by the recent wave of nationwide student protest. Firstly, the demonstrations represent a new political mood, that can manifest itself in excess and formless anger. Secondly, they cannot go on as unwieldy, monolithic marches. Thirdly, a new infrastructure is proving capa
In 1971 a counter-insurgency manual set out an operational response to non-violent direct action protest movements as well as military insurgencies like the Provision IRA in Northern Ireland, drawing on the UK's colonial experience. Today, it holds a surprise for a new reader.
What is the real nature of the government's legislation on higher education; what will be the consequences; and what relationship does it have to reducing the deficit? An important exchange on this issue is taking place here, between Alan Finlayson and Tony Curzon Price. Now a striking contributio
A friendly movement of flash protests against corporate tax avoidance when much needed public support is being cut captures public interest in the UK
Thursday’s narrow victory on the tuition fees bill marked the first major blow to the Coalition. The bill passed, but at a price of serious internal division within the Liberal Democrat party, and having given rise to a nationwide protest movement, raising a number of important issues beyond highe
The Lib Dem working peer and former vice-chancellor of Ulster University explains why he defied his party and the government to vote against the Higher Education reforms.
After the passing of the tuition fee legislation through the Lords, many students in England feel abandoned and voiceless. They should remember the initial betrayal of their interests in 2004, when the undemocratic decision to impose tuition fees on English students went unchallenged by the NUS.
When a disabled protester was allegedly hauled from his wheelchair during last week's student protests, a BBC interview illustrated long standing problems with the media's treatment of protesters. However, the advent of camera-phones and social media websites mean the truth cannot be concealed for
There are many different kinds of magic trick, but for all of them, one technique is the most important: misdirection. Of the many practitioners of such magic, David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, is one of the best.
Wikileaks showed that the incoming British government was desperate for American approval, perhaps they should rethink their education cuts
How could parliament ram through the fees increase in three hours plus a short session in the Lords tomorrow?
The explosive conflict over higher education demands a rethink across British society about what it should deliver and who should pay for it.
