w/b 28th of July 2025
This week, an estimated 100,000 people march across Sydney Harbour Bridge in solidarity with Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis happening, Keir Starmer pushes diplomatic measures with Israel by threatening to recognise Palestine as a state and we catch up with Jeremy Corbyn and all that’s happening with his new left-wing party.
In international news, the 2025 Garma festival just took place, an annual gathering of first nation people across the world, signalling the strength and resilience of indigenous communities, Iraq has just gained it’s first all-woman party, and China introduces new baby subsidies in attempts to encourage it’s falling birth rates to rise.
100,000 March for Gaza in Australia
On Sunday, tens of thousands of people flooded Sydney’s Harbour Bridge in one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations Australia has ever seen. The “March for Humanity” brought the city to a standstill as people from all walks of life gathered to protest Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and demand immediate humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Despite wet weather and political resistance, the sheer scale of the turnout sent a powerful message: public sentiment is shifting, and fast.
The march had faced legal challenges from New South Wales Police, who argued it posed risks to public safety. But a Supreme Court judge ruled in favour of the organisers, granting it legal protection and acknowledging the importance of allowing peaceful public protest. Once authorised, it became clear that this was no ordinary gathering. Families, students, activists, union members, faith leaders and artists converged at Lang Park and flowed over the bridge, chanting, drumming and waving flags. Some banged pots and pans, a visceral nod to the hunger devastating communities in Gaza.
Estimates vary, but police reported around 90,000 participants, with organisers claiming numbers reached nearly 300,000. Either way, the demonstration dwarfed expectations and overwhelmed city infrastructure. Parts of Sydney ground to a halt as roads were closed and public transport rerouted. At one point, crowd pressure near the northern end of the bridge triggered safety alerts, with police urging people to disperse to avoid crush risks. But remarkably, the protest remained peaceful, with no major incidents or arrests. Medics, marshals and organisers had clearly prepared thoroughly.1
Among those marching were prominent figures including Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi and former footballer Craig Foster, who both addressed the crowd. Foster’s words struck a chord: “The starving children of Gaza cannot wait another day.” He joined calls for an immediate ceasefire, sanctions on Israel, and an end to Australia’s military cooperation with the Israeli government. Julian Assange also made a surprise appearance, walking silently with the crowd.
The political response was mixed. NSW Premier Chris Minns criticised the protest beforehand, warning of public safety risks and hinting at future limits on such demonstrations. After the march, he faced backlash from within his own party and broader civil society, many accusing him of misreading the moment. Federal leaders were more cautious. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Australia would send additional humanitarian aid to Gaza and discussed the protest with his Israeli counterpart. The Israeli government, meanwhile, condemned the event, calling it an extremist display.2
But for many Australians, the sight of thousands uniting on one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks was not an extremist act, it was an urgent moral appeal. As the global death toll climbs and images from Gaza continue to horrify, the bridge protest has come to symbolise a growing refusal to remain silent. Organisers said they had no plans to repeat the event, believing its message had already reverberated across the world. In its wake, one thing is clear: support for Gaza in Australia is no longer confined to the margins. It is marching, loudly, into the mainstream.
Starmer ‘threatens’ to recognise Palestine as a state
In a significant and long-awaited move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. The decision, set to take effect in September, places Britain alongside more than 140 countries who have already extended diplomatic recognition to Palestine. It signals a fundamental change in the UK’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, one that is already sparking fierce debate both at home and abroad.
Starmer framed the decision as a necessary step to protect the viability of a two-state solution, which many believe is rapidly slipping away. Citing Britain’s moral and historical responsibility, he declared Palestinian statehood an “inalienable right,” and said the UK could no longer afford to wait for an ideal moment that may never come. Recognition, he argued, is not a reward or a negotiation tactic, it is an acknowledgement of reality and a vital foundation for peace.3
However, the announcement comes with caveats. The UK’s formal recognition will be delayed if certain conditions are met by Israel. These include an end to military action in Gaza, resumption of humanitarian aid, a halt to annexation of the West Bank, and meaningful re-engagement with peace talks. While Starmer’s government insists this conditionality is a pragmatic tool to pressure Israel diplomatically, many are arguing that tying recognition to Israeli behaviour effectively hands veto power over Palestinian sovereignty to a foreign government.
The backlash has been swift. Israel’s government condemned the move, calling it a dangerous capitulation that rewards terrorism and undermines ongoing negotiations to release hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile, some legal scholars in the UK have questioned the legality of conditional recognition, arguing it contradicts established international principles that define statehood by criteria—not by the goodwill of other nations.
Domestically, the move has divided opinion but gained traction within key Labour constituencies. Over 200 MPs had already signed a cross-party letter calling for recognition. Many see this as a corrective to decades of British inaction, particularly given the UK’s colonial legacy in the region. 4
Read about the History of conflict in the Middle East here
Still, some question the timing. With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening and negotiations at a standstill, they argue the move, though symbolically important, may struggle to translate into real change on the ground. Others believe recognition alone is not enough, and must be followed by tangible commitments, such as arms embargoes and diplomatic pressure on both sides to end the violence.
What’s going on with the UKs newest party?
In what many are calling the most significant shake-up to the British left in decades, Jeremy Corbyn officially launched a new political party several weeks ago, sending ripples through Westminster and beyond. Though the party’s permanent name is still being decided, its temporary working title, “Your Party,” has already become a symbol of a growing political current disillusioned with both Labour centrism and right-wing dominance. This is where things currently stand.5
The party’s formation comes after months of speculation about Corbyn’s next move, following years of internal strife with Labour’s leadership. What’s more surprising is the scale of support it’s garnered in just a few weeks. Over half a million people signed up to the party’s newsletter in its first days, and local organising groups have begun forming across the country, from university towns to former Labour strongholds.
Zarah Sultana, a current MP and one of the few high-profile left figures to remain in Labour until recently, joined Corbyn at the launch. She’s since become one of the most recognisable faces of the new movement. Popular with younger, progressive voters, Sultana has been instrumental in pushing the party’s messaging on climate justice, housing, and a foreign policy rooted in anti-imperialism and solidarity—particularly with the Palestinian cause.
The party’s soft launch has been deliberately grassroots, with Corbyn and Sultana both emphasising that this will be a bottom-up organisation. A national poll of supporters is currently underway to help choose the party’s permanent name, with options ranging from “The People’s Party” to “New Dawn” and “We The People”. A founding conference is expected in autumn, where members will also have input on the party’s structure and policy priorities.6
Although the party has yet to win a seat in Parliament, its political impact is already being felt. Labour lost its first councillor to the new group within days of the launch. Several more resignations have followed, especially from the party’s activist base, disillusioned by Labour’s support for austerity, its failure to stand firmly on ceasefire calls in Gaza, and its refusal to commit to bold reforms. While union support hasn’t yet shifted significantly, there are murmurs of interest from left-aligned organisers who once backed Corbyn’s leadership bid within Labour.
Many argue the new party will do little more than split the left and hand electoral advantage to the Conservatives. But supporters point to growing disillusionment with the political establishment across all demographics. They say the hunger for real change, economic, environmental, and social, has never been greater. With the next general election looming, the party’s ability to gain traction will be put to the test.
For now, Corbyn’s new party remains in its early stages, but its emergence has reignited a political energy many thought had been extinguished with his fall from Labour’s front bench. Whether it can turn momentum into long-term power remains to be seen. What’s clear is that it has already become a new rallying point for the British left.
My Opinion on this
Like many others, I’ve been growing increasingly disillusioned with Labour. Over the past few years, their shift towards the centre has felt more like a drift away from the values that once drew me in, from social justice and workers’ rights to meaningful climate action and international solidarity. So, when I heard about Jeremy Corbyn’s plans to launch a new left-wing party, I felt cautiously optimistic.
There’s something appealing about a party that openly represents left-wing ideals without compromise. The early signs suggest it will centre the kinds of policies and issues that have been sidelined by mainstream parties: affordable housing, anti-war values, stronger support for unions, and a commitment to climate justice. In that sense, I welcome the attempt to offer an alternative for people who feel politically homeless, and I count myself among them.
But I’m also sceptical. The track record of new parties in the UK isn’t encouraging. Our electoral system makes it difficult for third parties to gain traction, even when there’s widespread support for their ideas. And when they do succeed in growing their base, they often lack the ability to shape policy at a national level. As much as I want this new party to succeed, I can’t help but wonder what happens if it doesn’t.
There’s also the risk of splitting the left-wing vote. We’ve seen how Reform UK has affected the Conservative vote, and while that’s benefitted Labour in some areas, a similar split on the left could create unintended consequences. If this new party draws enough support to weaken Labour but not enough to win seats, it could reduce the overall impact of progressive politics, at least in the short term. That’s something I worry about, especially when there’s so much at stake.
At the same time, I don’t think Labour should be allowed to take left-leaning voters for granted. If nothing else, Corbyn’s new party could act as a signal, a reminder that many of us are still waiting for Labour to reconnect with the principles that once defined it. Ideally, it would push Labour to engage more seriously with its progressive base, rather than continually reaching rightward in search of swing voters.
It’s hard to know how this will play out. Politics since Covid has been unpredictable, and traditional assumptions about voter behaviour don’t always hold up anymore. I’m not expecting quick wins, but I am interested in how this changes the political conversation. If this new party can shift the tone, challenge complacency, and offer a real alternative, even if it doesn’t immediately break through, that might still be a step worth taking.
Other Global News this Week
Garma Festival 2025
Held on the sacred Gumatj ceremonial grounds at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land, the Garma Festival 2025 marked its 25th anniversary with powerful displays of culture, political dialogue, and community strength. As Australia’s most significant Indigenous cultural gathering, Garma brought together Yolngu people, First Nations leaders, politicians, and thousands of attendees for four days of ceremony and conversation.
Each evening concluded with the breathtaking bunggul ceremonies, traditional Yolngu dances performed against the dramatic Arnhem Land skyline. These ancestral performances, accompanied by manikay songs, clapsticks, and the haunting sound of the didgeridoo, told stories passed down for millennia.
The daytime programme showcased Yolngu art, language, and cultural practices. Festivalgoers attended workshops in kinship systems, bush medicine, weaving, and spear-making. Children and elders alike shared knowledge with attendees, reinforcing the depth and continuity of Yolngu traditions.
A key feature was the Garma Key Forum, where national conversations on Indigenous policy took centre stage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the platform to announce a multi-million-dollar package supporting First Nations communities, including investments in clean energy, training programmes, and Native Title reform.
Despite this, the atmosphere remained hopeful. Many saw the festival as a space of strength and resilience, where young Yolngu voices were front and centre in shaping conversations around land, justice, and sovereignty.
As it reaches a quarter-century milestone, Garma continues to be more than a celebration. It is a living testament to Yolngu culture, and a vital forum for the future of First Nations voices in Australia.7
Iraq’s First Women-Only Political Party
In a landmark moment for gender equality in the Middle East, Iraq has officially welcomed the formation of its first women-only political party. The Al-Mawadda Women’s Party marks a bold and unprecedented step towards amplifying women’s voices in a political system historically dominated by men. The party was founded by Jihan al-Taei and emerged from years of grassroots organising, forums, and advocacy led by women determined to claim a more active role in shaping Iraq’s future.
While Iraq’s constitution guarantees that 25% of parliamentary seats are reserved for women, in practice many of these positions are filled through quota systems that offer little actual influence. Female politicians often operate under the umbrella of male-led parties, with limited authority in parliamentary committees or decision-making roles. Al-Mawadda aims to change that by building a political platform created by and for women, offering a new route for meaningful participation in governance.
Despite a legal requirement that political parties include at least one-third male members, Al-Mawadda’s leadership has remained focused on its mission to empower women and address the issues affecting them most directly, from education and employment to healthcare and legal protection. In just a few days, the party attracted thousands of members from across Iraq, including from the Kurdistan Region, reflecting a broad appetite for change and representation.8
China’s Baby Subsidy
In a significant move to address its declining birth rate, China has launched its first nationwide childcare subsidy. Families across the country will now receive 3,600 yuan (around £400) annually for each child under the age of three. This measure, announced earlier this summer, applies retroactively from January 2025 and aims to ease the financial burden of early childcare for millions of households.
This is the first time the central government has stepped in with a national subsidy, following years of piecemeal efforts by local authorities. Some regions, like Inner Mongolia and parts of Guangdong, had already introduced generous local incentives. ranging from cash bonuses to housing discounts and extended maternity leave, but these efforts had limited reach and inconsistent outcomes.
By contrast, this new national subsidy creates a uniform baseline of support. It applies regardless of whether a child is the first, second or third, and is designed to be simple to access. The government has also promised that these subsidies will not count against a family’s eligibility for other social support.
Still, many experts and families are sceptical. Raising a child in China, especially in urban centres, is expensive, and a yearly payment of 3,600 yuan barely scratches the surface. With high costs for housing, education, and medical care, many young couples remain hesitant to have children at all.
The government has allocated over 90 billion yuan in its 2025 budget for childcare-related subsidies, signalling a broader shift toward supporting family life. However, demographers warn that financial incentives alone are unlikely to reverse declining birth rates unless they’re accompanied by deeper reforms around work-life balance, gender equality, affordable housing, and access to childcare.
In essence, the subsidy is a welcome gesture, but far from a guaranteed solution to China’s looming population crisis.9
Footnotes
- Al Jazeera (2025). Tens of Thousands Protest Israel’s War on Gaza in Australia’s Sydney. [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/3/tens-of-thousands-protest-israels-war-on-gaza-in-australias-sydney [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- Viñales, P. and Al-Nashar, N. (2025). Australian, Israeli Politicians React to Sydney Harbour Bridge pro-Palestinian Protest. [online] Abc.net.au. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/international-reactions-to-pro-palestinian-march-sydney-bridge/105609688. ↩︎
- Al Jazeera (2025b). How Significant Is UK’s Move to Recognise Palestinian state, and Why now? [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/30/how-significant-is-uks-move-to-recognise-palestinian-state-and-why-now [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- Croft, E. (2025). Recognising Palestinian State Would Destabilise International law, Starmer Told. [online] The Telegraph. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/08/03/recognising-palestinian-state-international-law/ [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- Al Jazeera (2025a). Former UK Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn Launching New left-wing Party. [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/former-uk-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-launching-new-left-wing-party. ↩︎
- Addley, E. and Yassin El-Moudden (2025). Abstract Verbs in, Long Descriptors out: How Do You Name a Political party? [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/01/political-party-name-jeremy-corbyn-zarah-sultana [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- The Guardian (2025). Garma Festival 2025: a Celebration of Indigenous Australian Culture – in Pictures. [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2025/aug/03/garma-festival-2025-a-celebration-of-culture-in-pictures [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- James, L.R. (2025). Women This Week: First Women’s Political Party Launched in Iraq. [online] Council on Foreign Relations. Available at: https://www.cfr.org/blog/women-week-first-womens-political-party-launched-iraq [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
- Gao, M. (2025). China can’t Buy Its Way to a Baby Boom – Asia Times. [online] Asia Times. Available at: https://asiatimes.com/2025/08/china-cant-buy-its-way-to-a-baby-boom/# [Accessed 4 Aug. 2025]. ↩︎
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