• Stand Up to Trump, Stand Up to Racism
    Stand Up to Trump statement The election of Donald Trump is deeply disturbing and a stark warning to us all. Every right-wing figure and organisation is rejoicing at the prospect of President Trump. The shameful list stretches from Marine le Pen and the Front National in France, Gert Wilders in Holland, Norbert Hofer in Austria, right wing leaders in Poland and Hungary to most of the Republican Party and the Ku Klux Klan. In Britain Nigel Farage and UKIP are at the head of the Trump bandwagon supported by sections of the Tory Party. Racism – whether Islamophobia, or antis emitism, relentless scapegoating of migrants and refugees, the disregard for black lives or shockingly, blatant belief in white supremacy – is growing significantly. Racial attacks and other hate crimes are worryingly on the rise. In addition, Trump’s election is encouraging and legitimising a backlash against women’s and LGBT+ rights - hard won over the past half century – not to mention the possibly devastating impact on climate change. Against the background of a discredited neoliberal ideology which has devastated lives and communities and whole countries globally, these developments have already encouraged some to vote for Brexit and translated into electoral success for the right in the US. This could very possibly now be repeated in France with the election of Le Pen in France next spring and the further growth of UKIP in the UK. The parallels with the 1930s, while not exact, are too disturbing for comfort. But the outcome is far from settled. It entirely depends on how millions of us – at home and abroad - react. We and our values of respect and cooperation, represent the views of millions. We now need to turn that huge reservoir of support into a resounding internationalist answer to the divisive politics of despair of Trump, Farage and their Tory outriders. Time is short. We cannot allow racism to seep deeper into society and whatever our other differences, we must unite together to meet this serious threat. We the undersigned therefore urgently call for anti-racists, trade unionists, community and campaign activists, and above all everybody of goodwill, to join the growing opposition to Trump and what he stands for. In particular, please help us build for two vitally important demonstrations initiated by Stand up to Racism: The ‘Stand up to Trump’ mobilisation on Presidential Inauguration day, US Embassy Grosvenor Square Friday 20 January 2017 Stand up to Trump, Stand up to Racism, No to Islamophobia and Antisemitism, Refugees are welcome, Black Lives Matter National Demonstrations 18 March in London and Glasgow, supported by the TUC Signed by: Diane Abbott MP, Shadow Home Secretary Emily Thornberry MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary Clive Lewis MP, Shadow Business Secretary Talha Ahmad, Muslim Council of Britain Rabbi Lee Wax Dr Shazad Amin Muslim Engagement and Development CEO Dr Siema Iqbal, Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) Bruce Kent Len McCluskey, General Secretary Unite Dave Ward, General Secretary CWU Tony Kearns, Deputy General Secretary, CWU Kevin Courtney, General Secretary, NUT Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS Mick Whelan, General Secretary ASLEF Manuel Cortes, General Secretary TSSA Sally Hunt, General Secretary UCU Ian Lawrence, General Secretary NAPO Ronnie Draper, General Secretary BFAWU Ian Hodson, President BFAWU Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, Shadow Attorney General Lord (John) Monks, former General Secretary TUC Lord (Bill) Morris, former General Secretary TGWU Baroness (Angela) Smith, Shadow Leader of the House of Lords Weyman Bennett, Stand Up to Racism Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism Grainne McGuire, Comedian Shakira Martin, NUS Vice President FE Mohammed Kozbar, Muslim Association of Britain Steve Hart, Unite Against Fascism Hugh Lanning, Unite Against Fascism Lindsey German, Convenor Stop the War Kate Hudson, General Secretary CND Dave Anderson MP Tracy Brabin MP Ben Bradshaw MP Ruth Cadbury MP Nic Dakin MP Wayne David MP Bill Esterson MP Paul Flynn MP Kate Green MP Carolyn Harris MP George Howarth MP Stephen Kinnock MP David Lammy MP Holly Lynch MP Rachael Maskell MP Madeleine Moon MP Ian Murray MP Lisa Nandy MP Kate Osamor MP Jess Phillips MP Steve Reed MP Virendra Sharma MP Wes Streeting MP Chuka Umunna MP Valerie Vaz MP Catherine West MP Daniel Zeichner MP Baroness (Tessa) Blackstone Baroness (May) Blood Baroness (Jean) Corston Lord (Quentin) Davies Lord (Derek) Foster Lord (George) Foulkes Baroness (Joyce) Gould Lord (Peter) Hain Lord (Alan) Haworth Baroness (Bev) Hughes Lord (Bob) Hughes Lord (Frank) Judd Baroness (Alicia) Kennedy Baroness (Glenys) Kinnock Lord (Neil) Kinnock Baroness (Doreen) Lawrence Lord (Chris) Lennie Baroness (Helen) Liddell Lord (David) Lipsey Baroness (Ruth) Lister Lord (Ken) Morgan Lord (Tom) Pendry Baroness (Dawn) Primarolo Lord (Tom) Sawyer Lord (David) Triesman Baroness (Janet) Whitaker Lord (Larry) Whitty Micheline Ngongo, Councillor Islington Claudia Webbe, Councillor Islington Suzanne Jeffery, Chair Campaign Against Climate Change
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    Created by Stand Up To Racism
  • Save Netherwood Day Centre
    Camden Council is planning to close Netherwood which is a specialist dementia day centre - the only one of its kind - in Camden. This will be the third time Camden has tried to close it since 2011. Each time we campaigned and won. We need to win again. Situated in NW6 between West Hampstead and Kilburn, Netherwood is regularly visited by people the world over, so impressive is its design and the care received by the people who attend it. If Camden Council closes this centre and sells off the land, as is the general feeling, then it will be lost forever. The council will never be able to afford such a site again. If the closure goes ahead, those attending their beloved Netherwood will be "decanted" to another nearby centre which is not a specialist day centre and is not purpose-built. The council says it will have money to make alterations to the building to make it "dementia friendly". We argue: why spend money on partially reconfiguring another centre when you have one right there that is purpose built? We appreciate local governments are having to make huge budget cuts, but we believe losing such a jewel of a resource will be a travesty and will adversely impact generations to come. Please help us save this incredible community resource a third time! Dementia is recognised as a growing concern in today's society. Not only is it important that there is excellent care for the person with dementia, it is also crucial that family carers are given time to themselves to recharge from what can often be a hugely challenging and exhausting situation. Places like Netherwood enable families to STAY together. They also keep people from being hospitalised and we know how important that is in the current climate. If we have brilliant services in the community the ultimate saving to society, both financially and in terms of general well-being, is enormous. Cutting such lifelines will ultimately cost more in the long run with some families perhaps deciding that residential care is the only solution. The cost of this to the council would be enormous. If we are to have a truly dementia-friendly society then places like Netherwood should never be threatened with closure but should be protected in perpetuity.
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    Created by Jane Clinton
  • The Right to Die With Dignity
    Currently the law forbids assisted dying . And people are being denied a choice . People are able to travel to Switzerland to Die at a minimum cost of £10,000 . Many people are being forced to suffer and wish to Die . The majority of people are discriminated against by not only not having a choice but not being able to afford to go to Switzerland.
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    Created by Alexander Pandolfo
  • MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION IN DERBYSHIRE
    Mental Health services are not only being cut but actually being closed down . As a long term sufferer of mental health conditions both as a client and as a volunteer the situation is untenable . The give just a few examples Due to funding cuts from Central Government Derby Steps Rethink Mental illness funding cuts DORA chesterfield to close March 2017 The Croft . Ripley Rethink (decision from CCG Jan 21st Red Cross Dementia Care/ MH Alfreton/Belper/ Ilkeston/ Long Eaton (been volunteer for seven years) Cease operations March 2017 MHAG mental Health Action Group (which covers Amber Valley) Sept 2017 Moneywise CAB in the community Amber Valley through Derby CAB for MH scrapped Amber Trust P3 / Ripley floating support cut from 2 years to 9 months etc Probably more to follow Where are people to go ? To interact in a safe environment etc ., See Derbyshire Healthwatch Report on Crisis Care just published. "There is a massive increase in admissions to A& E by mental health sufferers as I'm sure you have heard/seen on TV and Radio .. Surely by cutting these services it makes the situation worse ?"The Mental Health Action Group is led by people living with a mental health condition who rely on services in the community to help them stay well. At a time when the demand for mental health services has never been greater, vulnerable people are facing cuts in Derbyshire on an unprecedented scale. All manner of support services, money advice services, advocacy services, housing support services are being scaled down. It is dangerous to underestimate the cumulative effect of this on so many individuals and families. The gap between need and provision is widening all the time and people will disappear through that gap. How can we allow this to happen when the impact of mental illness has never been so well recognised nor the need to improve mental health care so well acknowledged?" supporting statement from the MENTAL HEALTH ACTION GROUP DERBY RESTORE THESE SERVICES NOW
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    Created by Tony Fisher
  • Get rid of Atos Assesments
    I for one just had my P.I.P reduced and mobility taken away. I know of GENUINE people also, that have had this happen. When I called to make a mandatory appeal, TWICE I was told, the decision was made BEFORE any of my medical evidence, Occupational therapy report had even been received . The government wants to save money - yet within the space of a month , I had to go to TWO different assessments. People are taking their own lives because of these decisions . Why should they be allowed to play with peoples lives ??
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    Created by Cath De Roos
  • Don't fine the homeless of Exeter for begging.
    Exeter Council are handing out fines to people who beg for food or money from strangers. It’s an attempt to sweep homelessness and begging out of the area, but it could mean people sleeping on the streets over winter face fines they can’t afford. These people need support, like shelters and access to food and advice, not fines for asking for money. Fining them will not solve the problem of homelessness, it will divide us even further. Edit: In an effort to be transparent please read the following: It has been brought to my attention that this new public spaces protection order(PSPO) is not set to be decided until the end of February, if we can stop it from happening in the first place that would be amazing. Also, the PSPO specifically targets 'aggressive' begging, which is described as begging near a cash point or approaching people directly. A link to this information is below: https://cllrpaul4cowick.wordpress.com/category/pspo/ I personally do not know how different officers will enforce this, or how subjective 'aggressive' is. I do not mind being approached for money, however you may feel differently. The link to the information I was originally presented with is here: http://m.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/could-you-be-in-trouble-under-exeter-8217-s-public-spaces-protection-order/story-30027760-detail/story.html Thank you, Ella
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    Created by Ella Lynch
  • Blackpool: Fining the Homeless for begging
    Blackpool Council are already handing out fines to people sleeping rough on the streets, this petition is here to stop them. At least 90 penalties have been handed out so far according to a Freedom of Information request. Fines can be up to £100 according to the Council's website https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Planning-environment-and-community/Crime-and-safety/Public-Space-Protection-Orders.aspx If we get over 1500 signatures we can trigger a council debate. Being homeless isn’t a crime and they shouldn’t be fined for not having a home. Targeting those with nothing to pay nonsensical fines is a crime itself. The council are leaving our most vulnerable even further out of reach of help, these people can’t afford food and don’t have a decent place to sleep at night, fining them isn’t going to help the situation. It then becomes our responsibility to do the right thing and stop these awful fines from continuing in our town. This campaign is based on this information from Blackpool council's website: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Planning-environment-and-community/Crime-and-safety/Public-Space-Protection-Orders.aspx If you have anything that suggests that Blackpool Council are no longer able to fine people for begging then we'd love to hear more from you, drop us an email at [email protected]
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    Created by rebecca davies
  • Don't fine people for begging in Corby
    The idea of fining those who already have so little, that they are forced to sleep out in the cold or ask for food and money is a cruel and heartless act. This is attacking vulnerable people and does not resolving the issues homeless people face. Other campaigns have successfully stopped other councils from imposing similar fines. You can read about the PSPO on the Corby council website here: "The PSPO prohibits: Persons not to beg within the area covered by the PSPO" http://www.corby.gov.uk/public-space-protection-order-place-tackle-anti-social-drinking
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    Created by Paul Brennan
  • Don't fine people for begging in Shepway
    The idea of fining those who already have so little, that they are forced to sleep out in the cold or ask for food and money is a cruel and heartless act. This is attacking vulnerable people and does not resolving the issues homeless people face. Other campaigns have successfully stopped other councils from imposing similar fines. This campaign is based on this information from Shepway council's website: http://www.shepway.gov.uk/community/community-safety/public-spaces-protection-order-1 If you have anything that suggests that Shepway Council are no longer able to fine people for begging then we'd love to hear more from you, drop us an email at [email protected]
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    Created by Peter McLaren
  • Don't fine people for begging in Newcastle
    It's self explanatory, really? Who came up with this horrible idea? Where does the money go? This campaign is based on this information from Newcastle council's website: https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/news-story/public-spaces-protection-order If you have anything that suggests that Newcastle Council are no longer able to fine people for begging then we'd love to hear more from you, drop us an email at [email protected]
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    Created by Jazzy Lemon
  • Boat children deserve equal access to education!
    In the 19th Century, the authorities took steps to ensure that the children of canal boat families could go to school, by passing the Canal Boats Acts of 1877 and 1884. But the Canal & River Trust's recently imposed policy that forces boaters without permanent moorings to travel at least 20 miles before turning round is actively preventing children who live on boats from attending school. The policy means that children who live on boats can end up having to travel up to 20 miles to school which is not always possible. If the parents are unable to travel that far, they risk losing their home. This is what the head teacher of a primary school attended by many boat children says: “I feel very strongly that this is an issue concerning Human Rights. I do believe that the law is clear that children should be in education, and attending very regularly. Our children's attendance is carefully monitored and by law children are only allowed to be absent for exceptional circumstances. I don't think that any of the laws that refer to boating were intended to make it impossible for the children of parents who continuously cruise [ie. live on a boat without a permanent mooring] to attend a local school." For more information please see https://boatchildren.wordpress.com/
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    Created by National Bargee Travellers Association
  • No child and family should be excluded from the opportunity to survive
    We as family of Wali Dar are presenting this petition in an attempt to support our son who is diagnosis of Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning ability. Wali is suffering from frequent flashbacks to the violence, terror, kidnapping and shooting which happened to him and his family especially his father back in his home country Pakistan. Wali is currently living in United Kingdom and receiving continues help and support of his family who he has full trust. Also, he is receiving high quality supports from NHS mental health services, Barnardo’s disability and inclusion support service, Gateshead Council and his school to deal with stress, anxiety and unforgettable traumatic events that has happened to him. Specialists clearly stated that Wali is a vulnerable young man who finds social interactions very difficult and unable to cope well with changes. Wali is unable to eradicate the shocking experiences of violence and life threatening danger back in Pakistan. Wali is currently receiving EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) treatments but he is yet full of fear to re-experience those traumas. Wali’s family are very worry and concern what will happen to Wali if he will not have opportunity to stay in the UK. His supporters and medical team agree that, if he finds out that he has to go back to Pakistan; this change will raise the severity of his autism. This will happen due to the negative opinion he already has from such environment, what he already experienced and lack of support and professionalism in Pakistan. Wali as a young man has a long way ahead in his life. Witnessing such horrific incidents in childhood is very hard to deal with which requires safe environment, special support and family emotional care and support. Wali should be given the opportunity that other disable children have, to obtain confidence and move towards a better future. If he stays away from Pakistan, where he originally experiences the life threatening dangers, and if he keeps receiving the current professional supports he already has in UK, he will be able to cope with his disabilities, fears and anxiety and build his future life. As his parents and family members, it is very hard and heart breaking to see Wali in this situation every day. We do believe Wali’s life is as important as every other individual lives, which are important to every parent, and he should not be returned to Pakistan. The Children like Wali cannot be blamed for witnessing such incidents; instead, they should be supported and kept safe. We will be grateful if you sign in to our petition and support our appeal to Secretary of State requesting, “Please consider appropriate and fair human rights for Wali and his family and grant this family the right to remain in the UK to be safe”. Thanks for your time and considerations.
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    Created by Jawad Ashraf Dar