Without a permanant home, the risk here is that Tony will lose his beloved boat that has become a feature of Eastbeach.

Open Letter to Liam Robinson of Liverpool City Council, Mayor Steve Rotheram of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, MPs of the local region (Kim Johnson MP, Dan Carden MP, Paula Barker MP, Maria Eagle MP, Ian Byrne MP) and Emily Spurrell; Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner. We condemn the organised violence over the past 7 days both locally and nationally. The Southport families of the bereaved and survivors have been disrespected at a time of unquantifiable loss, by the choice of violent protest. The deliberate racist and Islamophobic targeting of minority and religious groups reflects the level of ignorance and division that is now deep-rooted in society. The radicalisation of the youth of post-pandemic UK has been deliberate and systematic, the results of which, we witnessed first-hand within our city this weekend. Our city, which has traditionally stood alone in its beliefs and identity, historically proud of being ‘Scouse not English’ fell prey to the misinformation peddled by the far right. Under the guise of ‘save our kids,’ the mobilisation of a minority in Liverpool betrayed the truest interpretation of those words. ‘Our kids’ were forced to stay indoors or to hide and protect themselves from the marauding, violent horde on our streets. No child should be afraid of leaving their home for fear of racial violence in a city whose foundations and growth were built on immigration. No child or adult should have to fear for their safety because of their faith or the colour of their skin. The impact of the past week will have a long-lasting effect on the makeup of this city and its future. Lessons must be learnt from what has unfolded on our streets throughout the last 7 days. Currently, the calls for punitive action ring louder than the calls for restorative justice. Shouts of unity and social cohesion must be the loudest in order to permeate the consciousness of those in power. Both national and local government must reflect and refrain from adopting the same approach they have previously in order to achieve a more impactful outcome. Any action needs to be primarily focused on securing a long-lasting and sustainable change to our communities in order to educate, inform and connect so that young and old alike are better equipped to avoid the manipulation and indoctrination that has resulted in the events witnessed over the last week. The inequality of provision must be addressed to remove the sense of isolation communities face in the difficult current economic climate. If not, communities across the region will remain at great risk of radicalisation from the influence of the far right, masquerading as saviours of today’s youth. Therefore, we call for a localised Truth and Reconciliation Commission to start the process of change, to focus on restorative justice, community dialogue and to ensure voices are heard and respected. This commission should be made up of members of every community and stand as a voice of representation for Liverpool, which we firmly believe our city desperately needs. This process combats the risk of communities being dismissed or feeling that they have no appropriate route to voice their concerns and fears. It would tackle the sense of isolation that has traditionally been used by extremism to divide. The approach we propose would give people the ability to hold local government to account directly, rather than taking to the streets and further damaging our communities. This commission must span all ages, genders, ethnicities and faiths. The voice of the youth is not just important, it is as powerful and legitimate as any other. It can be representative of all that is good about this wonderful city and its people. We urge you to take immediate and decisive action to begin establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The signatories of this letter welcome the opportunity to be involved in designing and establishing this commission. This action is a step towards a safer, more inclusive and united city. The time to act is now. Sincerely, Emile Coleman, Toxteth EL8TE CIC Yaw Owusu, Nothin’ But The Music Jodie Greenwood & Abi Greenwood, WEDGE Collective Danny Withington, No Limits Amateur Boxing CIC Anu Omideyi, Music & Festival Director 

This cruel decision, that was implemented with no warning, will leave families in limbo with no other option of being reunited with their family in the UK. With Russia’s war on Ukraine about to reach its two year mark, Ukranians need a continued safe passage to join family members who have already taken sanctuary here in the UK. Family reunification is a human right. Families who were in the middle of gathering the necessary information to apply are now left in limbo with no other options to be reunited. But if hundreds and thousands of us show that we won’t stand for families being torn apart, we can force the Home Office to reverse the decision.

There has been a shocking spike in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in the UK since the escalation of conflict in Israel and Palestine following the October 7th attacks. From 7th October to 22nd November, CST have recorded 1563 antisemitic incidents across the UK – the highest total recorded within the same period since it began recording data in 1984. During the period from 7th October to 19th November, Tell MAMA recorded 895 anti-Muslim cases, a six-fold increase in cases from the same period in 2022. Many people are feeling hopeless and powerless, and desperately want a space to mourn collectively, and stand united against hate. The vast majority of people mourn the loss of all civilians in Israel and Palestine, and stand united against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate. Add your name today and stand with us. Next steps We’re building a movement to bring communities together and show that whatever our disagreements over Israel and Palestine we can live together peacefully, stand united against hate, and collectively mourn all those we have lost. We recently held a small vigil in London, with hundreds of people gathering at short notice for a moment of reflection and togetherness. Now, we’re inviting people from all corners of the country to join us opposite Downing Street this Sunday 3rd December at 3pm for a mass vigil, with faith leaders, bereaved families from different backgrounds, and other speakers. Standing together, we’ll light thousands of lanterns and hold a symbolic moment of silence. No flags, no slogans, just people coming together. You can find out more at togetherforhumanity.co.uk.

A crisis has broken out in Palestine and Israel. More than 1400 Israeli people and more than 3000 Palestinian people have been killed by terrorist attacks by Hamas and by devastating airstrikes carried out by Israel in response. It can be hard to imagine what it’s like for the innocent children caught up in this conflict, and their parents and guardians struggling to keep them safe. That’s why we're adding our voices to calls for UK political leaders to call out attacks on civilians, demand an immediate ceasefire, ensure life-saving aid is increased and provided safely, and that civilians have their rights respected and are kept safe. The news right now can be overwhelming and it’s easy to feel powerless - but at the heart of this are innocent people like us who need help. On our own, it can feel like there’s nothing we can do to stop the violence, but if we join our voices together we can petition all political leaders in the UK to do more to protect innocent people caught up in this devastating conflict.

The US Government wants to put their nuclear weapons back on British soil for the first time in 15 years. The plans "strongly imply" the intention to base nuclear arms at Lakenheath in Suffolk, which last hosted them in 2008. The plans have already angered campaigners with many claiming such a move would be irresponsible and put the UK at risk. The good news is, right now the idea is still in the planning phase and nothing is set in stone. But we need to make sure the UK Government listens to us, the British public's view on the matter. Sign the petition if you agree that the public should be consulted on whether the UK should host America's nuclear weapons?

Every summer, flags go up on lampposts across Northern Ireland. They hang around for months becoming an eyesore, and many glorify illegal paramilitary groups. This year we've seen an increase in flags in shared areas like the Westlink motorway, at supermarkets and outside the PSNI training centre at Garnerville. No one takes responsibility to take them down. The flying of flags needs to be clearly legislated for so the issue can be tackled once and for all.

The military industrial complex – the relationship between a country’s military and the defence industry – is not often the first thing that comes to mind when we think about UK universities. But as climate change and global conflict escalate, it has never been more important that our education systems are used to advance peace. But UK universities continue to invest in and partner with the companies who profit from and contribute to this instability. The dED database has uncovered £2BN+ of university investments in military partnerships - and we’ve barely scratched the surface yet! This demonstrates the massive scope of university relationships with arms entities, rooted in an industry which will not help us tackle modern-day security threats. The arms industry cannot help to resolve the security threats arising from climate change, poverty, and global instability. Veterans for Peace have said this plainly: “War cannot solve the problems we face in the 21st century”. We cannot fight climate change with fighter jets, and cannot solve health crises with combat drones. As Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”. The military sector and arms industry make their profits from resource exploitation, conflict and the building-up of weapons reserves: the exact things generating instability. To create a more peaceful world, our universities should support and develop security innovations to help us face modern-day security challenges – rather than investing in ones that negatively contribute to the threats we face. Universities hold undeniable power to shape society. By signing this petition you will help to make sure that this power is used in favour of peace and not war. Add a direct message to the Chancellor of your University in the comment box available, using your university email address if possible. Organisational endorsements: Bury & Salford Peace Group Centre for Peacebuilding Organisations For Our Great-Great-Grandchildren ForcesWatch Glasgow University Arms Divestment Coalition International Peace Bureau London Campaign Against Arms Trade Manchester & Warrington AM Quaker Peace Group Musicians for Peace and Disarmament Rethinking Security Rochdale and Littleborough Peace Group Scientists for Global Responsibility Shadow World Investigations Stockport for Peace Stop Fuelling War The Vivienne Foundation University of Bristol Students Union WILPF UK Sign on behalf of an organisation here: https://forms.gle/NLscs5TDJNi1KrjNA Please also consider supporting our crucial work by contributing to (and sharing) our just-launched fundraising campaign! https://gofund.me/3a8050b7 > Buy dED Merch - https://webuildpeace.shop/

Ukraine gave up all their nuclear weapons in exchange for guarantees by Russia, the US and the UK to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Given Russia's actions it is now up to the UK, and the US to protect them - with the help of all the world's leaders. Putin has shown that the sanctions enforced up to now lack bite. This is more likely to help the Ukrainian people.

Resolutions supporting the TPNW are being passed at all levels of local government; from town councils, such as Hebden Royd (West Yorkshire); through unitary authorities, such as East Ayrshire; to city councils, such as Manchester and Edinburgh. Internationally, resolutions have been passed by hundreds of towns and cities including Paris, Berlin and Washington D.C. We are deeply concerned about the grave threat that nuclear weapons pose to communities throughout the world. We firmly believe that our residents have the right to live in a world free from this threat. Any use of nuclear weapons, whether deliberate or accidental, would have catastrophic, far-reaching and long-lasting consequences for people and the environment. Therefore, we support the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and call on Bristol City Council to pass a resolution supporting it.

The Ursuline Sisters UK have created this campaign to urge the UK Government to rethink their stance on nuclear weapons and sign the treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted on 7 July 2017 and has been ratified by its 50th State Party therefore it entered into force on 22 January 2021. However, none of the nine nuclear weapon states have signed or ratified the treaty, including the UK. The UK signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in January 1993 and ratified the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in March 1975, so why not sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons? Pope Francis himself has signed the treaty on behalf of the Vatican State. The Catholic Bishops of English and Wales have petitioned Parliament to sign. Most Christian and interfaith leaders in England have also given strong backing to the treaty. Ever since the city of Hiroshama was obliterated by a single bomb in 1945, our world conscience has been ill at ease. Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians died and countless more had their lives blighted by the horror, by sickness and by loss. Those engaged in nuclear weapon manufacture, development and training are also exposed to long term ill health including cancer and genetic damage. A modern day nuclear war is unthinkable. Casualties from a major nuclear war between two of the nuclear powerhouse countries would reach hundreds of millions of people. The simple reality is that the international community could never hope to deal with the impact of nuclear weapon use. Less than 1% of the world’s nuclear weapons could disrupt the global climate and threaten as many as two billion people with starvation in a nuclear famine. Having nuclear weapons as a sabre rattling is very costly and it is becoming less and less possible to justify the huge costs involved in maintaining and developing them. In March 2007 alone, the UK Parliament voted to renew the country's Trident nuclear submarine system at a cost of £20bn. In March 2021, the British government reaffirmed their commitment to upgrading and maintaining Trident as a continuous at-sea deterrent. Billions of pounds are being mis-spent annually, money that could be reinvested to alleviate the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable of our society. We urge the UK Government to rethink their stance on nuclear weapons and sign the treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

We, the undersigned, call on Liverpool City Council to take all actions available to it to press the ACC Liverpool to cancel the AOC Europe, an arms fair, to take place in a council-owned venue, effectively owned by the people of Liverpool. From 11-13th October 2021, international arms companies are due to meet up with delegations from a range of repressive states at the AOC Europe 2021, at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. The event is an exact replica of the Electronic Warfare Europe, which was cancelled last year after pressure from a large coalition of Liverpool civil society groups. In response to their pressure, the then Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson committed to develop “an ethical charter for LCC and the ACC” in order to “set restrictions on what events we can and should have.” It is therefore deeply concerning to see an arms fair attempt to return to the city, in a venue owned by Liverpool City Council. Arms merchants, including Elbit Systems and Leonardo, whose weapons are used by repressive states are due to attend the fair. The City Council must take action to press ACC Liverpool to cancel the AOC Europe and ensure that no further arms fair is allowed in a City Council owned building in future. We are also outraged to know that the Merseyside Pension Fund, holding local government workers pensions, invests heavily in arms companies including firms mentioned on the AOC publicity for the Liverpool arms fair. We call for sustained efforts to divest MPF holdings from the arms industry.