"Over 30,000 people are locked up in prison-like conditions every year, with no time limit on how long they can be held. This is not for having committed a crime. It is purely because they do not (yet) have the correct immigration papers. The majority of people detained are eventually released, but many never really recover from the trauma. It’s a terrible waste of money (£125 million a year), and a waste of lives. Immigration detention is a wholly unnecessary, unjustifiable practice, one of the most harmful aspects of the UK’s “hostile environment” for migrants and a shameful civil rights abuse that cannot be ignored." Quoted from the 'These Walls Must Fall' Campaign Website (http://detention.org.uk/)

Kent County Council are planning to cut the opening hours at 99 libraries. Libraries are a vital source of learning and education. They are a vital public good we cannot do without. People of all ages can enjoy borrowing and reading books, DVDs and CDs, using the internet, reading newspapers and speaking and spending time with others. The plans could mean large numbers of libraries opening for less time. Library chiefs have already drawn up suggested opening hours and some could see big reductions. For more information on the libraries facing cut in opening hours across Kent, see this article: All the Kent libraries facing a cut in their opening hours in cost-cutting move: https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/kent-libraries-facing-cut-opening-2260765#r3z-addoor

We have seen vast improvements in Mackie Hill School since being amalgamated with Kettlethorpe High School. Teachers are happier and more motivated. Parents are better informed. Most importantly, the children are thriving and learning essential skills for their transition to secondary school. The news that the school's proposal to formalise this amalgamation has been rejected has devastated both parents and teachers. Parents and the wider community are overwhelmingly concerned about the well publicised failures of local academy trusts in Wakefield. This huge upheaval could disrupt the children's education. Mackie Hill is a small school and support from, teachers and the local community is essential for its ongoing success. Please listen, and let Mackie Hill stay with Kettlethorpe High School.

The stretch of the A6 between Wingates and Chequerbent roundabout currently has a 40mph speed limit. This is a built up area which in recent years has had a lot more housing built nearby thus making it very busy with school children and families crossing the road at peak traffic times. Remember the advert which stated "at 40 miles an hour, there’s around an 80% chance I’ll die. Hit me at 30 and there’s around an 80% chance I’ll live." In 2016, 2186 children aged 15 or under were injured or killed whilst walking during morning or afternoon peak times. Under Section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, our council has the power to make a traffic order reducing speed limits where people live, and where children walk and play. Please sign this petition to ensure that cars are driving at reasonable speeds which allow a much reduced stopping distance and a vastly reduced danger to our children.

Mary Queen of Scots was one of Scotlands last monarch’s and was presented with many challenges during her life time. She was imprisoned for many years in England before her excecution for treason, even though she never attempted to claim the English throne. It has never sat well with me that she is burried in Westminster Abbey and not in either her native country of Scotland, or France where she spent most of her life and also reigned for some time. I feel she is still imprisoned and it is the duty of her scottish people to ensure her final resting place is a peaceful one. The Scots were able to get the stone of destiny back, so perhaps this is achievable! I’m hoping that the publicity of the up and coming Mary queen of Scots film will help boost this issue to public debate (although it suffers many inaccuracies, it looks like a great film). Finally it is sad that the Scottish people cannot visit her with her own country. Thank you for your time.

This is a thriving and successful community pub that has served the area since the 1850s. We urge the London Borough of Lewisham planning department to refuse the application to demolish this handsome, landmark, historic pub which is well-used and much-loved by the community.

After the loss of the lease for Edinburgh's only 7 day retail market in the Tron Kirk in April 2018, an application was submitted for a new space at the Courtyard inside Old Stamp Office Close, just off the Royal Mile. The plan is to erect 13 smaller, wooden stalls for retail use (so no cooking/ smells), around the perimeter of the Courtyard and operate during business hours only. The market will likely offer jewellery, fashions, Scottish arts and crafts, memorabilia and heritage products, bath and beauty products and much more. The Planning Committee are due to decide on the application on 5th December 2018, and we want them to say "YES" to the return of jobs, more trader pitches (which are being cut elsewhere), more opportunities to promote Scottish arts and craft products and offer a sustainable income for local micro business owners and their families. With this, it will provide a much called for alternative shopping experience for visitors to the Royal Mile whilst reducing the volume of traffic in the area by not forcing traders to erect metal framed stalls and carry stock to and from the High Street each day, under the current, unfair "ballot for pitches" system. Furthermore, an onsite cafe and office will be established to support the market by giving access to bathroom facilities, first aid/ health and safety resources, market management and a meeting place. This planning application is a "one of a kind" opportunity to deliver a number of benefits to the street trader and craft community of Edinburgh and the Lothians, which has recently seen Council votes go against them with the loss of the lease and closure of the Tron Kirk Market and the impending closure of Edinburgh Palette craft studios in Meadowbank. The city council will also receive a significant rent for the property and regular fees from annual Market Operator and Trader licences. With Edinburgh's High Street and North and South Bridge becoming ever more filled with souvenir shops, this will also bring a fresh alternative shopping experience for the many visitors to the Royal Mile. The location is also notable historically for being a house to Lady Eglinton and her daughters, a boarding school to Flora MacDonald and the founding location of RBS and will become more accessible to historians and walking tours if approved.

Eating Disorders are serious! A person who is suffering shouldn't be made to wait until they are seriously underweight or have a low BMI before they even get the help they need and ask for.

In the present climate of corporate greed, consumer power is more likely to save our world than token schemes by supermarkets or platitudes by politicians. Just as we have ‘Free From’ counters nowadays, the areas I propose can be called ‘Planet First’ zones. Then, at at the exits, provide areas where customers can divest themselves of unwanted packaging. It might work. It might even give a competitive advantage to a store that tries it. It would also be a good test of the public’s concern.

Tony has Downs syndrome and is partially sighted with no sense of direction. Our mother Margaret passed away recently. He has lived in the house all his life, and he has the support of the local community to keep him safe. Our Mother was his carer; I am now going to fill the large hole left by her passing and take care of him. I have offered to give up my tenancy in the same borough to move in and provide care for my brother. Due to the house having three bedrooms (Not large) one of which is used as his dependency room. We are being told that we can not stay at the property as it would be under-occupied by one room. The upheaval and loss would be detrimental to his health and well being.

It seems that while businesses need to licence to place chairs and tables on public footpaths, advertising boards are not regulated at all. They pose a serious problem for blind and partially sighted people in particular but also inconvenience other pedestrians. I have become aware of this more as I am starting to lose my eyesight through macular degeneration. It's important that town centres remain safe for all people.

Air pollution is a public health crisis, with illegal and harmful levels of air pollution across the UK. We need national and local government to act to clean up our air and make our towns and cities a healthier place to live for everyone but especially for babies and children. Air pollution affects us all, from when we are in the womb through to old age. It is linked to premature births and can stunt lung growth in children. Air pollution can trigger heart attacks and strokes, worsens asthma attacks and causes lung cancer. Babies, children and older people are more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. We need the Council, with the support of national government, to take urgent action to clean up our air to protect the health of children and babies.