The discovery of 160 puppies and kittens being transported illegally through China’s postal service last week has thrown the country’s cruel ‘pet blind box’ craze into the spotlight.

What is animal labour? Do all animals work or only some? If we recognise them as workers, should they enjoy labour rights? These were some of the questions discussed at an online roundtable last weekend on May 1, the traditional day of remembrance for labour-related struggles.

Unless all the bad news over the past year has merged into one vague living nightmare, you will be aware that the government has proposed a new clampdown on the right to protest. These changes come in the form of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.