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Celebrating Keith Bennett’s birthday has grown from being a small gathering of comrades and friends into becoming a major date on the anti-imperialist and progressive calendar.

Since the beginning of his political activities over half a century ago, Keith has steadily become increasingly recognised and respected for the practical steps he has been taking to build links between progressive forces in this country and the international forces for progress headed by the socialist and independent-minded countries.

This year’s holding of the event in the newly-opened Palestine House signalised the fact that solidarity with Palestine is at the centre of the tasks of progressive people in this country, all the more urgent at this particular time when the hundreds of thousands who, month after month, have been marching in solidarity with Palestine constitute a foremost element of our line of defence against the increasing threat of racism and fascism in this country.

Concluding his speech welcoming his guests, Keith quoted the words of Che Guevara: “If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine.” The event did indeed unite every one of his 80 guests in this spirit of comradeship and determination to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Text of Keith Bennett’s speech

On behalf of all those in Britain who uphold the ideal of independence of countries, nations and peoples, the Institute has sent a message extending heartfelt congratulations to President Maduro, and through him to the Venezuelan people as a whole, on his re-election as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Text of the message.

Gaza and the shifting balance of forces in the world today

Speech to the Webinar on the theme “Changes unseen in a century: Gaza, the shifting balance of forces and the rise of multipolarity”, organised by the International Manifesto Group and Friends of Socialist China. 29 June 2024.

Text of the speech

For a comment on this anniversary and summary of the article, see the website of the Friends of Socialist China.

Text of the article:

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have only become more relevant and necessary. On the 70^th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. 28 June 2024.

For a comment on this anniversary and summary of the article, see the website of the Friends of Socialist China.

For a comment on this anniversary and summary of the article, see the website of the Friends of Socialist China.

For a comment on this anniversary and summary of the article, see the website of the Friends of Socialist China.

The International webinar on the theme “Black Liberation and People’s China – Rediscovering a history of transcontinental solidarity” was organised by Friends of Socialist China and the International Manifesto Group.on 11 May 2024, and was moderated by Institute Patron Keith Bennett, who also gave the introductory address.

Text of Keith Bennett’s introductory address

Report on the webinar, list of speakers, and recording of the webinar.