STATEMENT ON PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK’S ‘MATHS TO 18’ POLICY FROM DYSCALCULIA NETWORK We, at the Dyscalculia Network, welcome the Prime Minister’s focus on the importance of numeracy skills. However, we are worried by the absence of dyscalculia in discussions surrounding the stated plans to extend compulsory maths education to the age of 18. 6% of the UK population have dyscalculia. This means that around 1 million children and 2-3 million adults have a learning difference which means they cannot perform arithmetic like the rest of the population and struggle, for instance, to relate value with number, reading clocks and understanding time. An inclusive approach to maths would ensure universal screening for dyscalculia, much like what is proposed for dyslexia, and compulsory training for all maths teachers into how to support dyscalculic children and adults in their classroom. It would also emphasise not only mathematical facts and processes but mathematical thinking. Unfortunately, nothing has been mentioned by the Prime Minister or opposition parties about dyscalculia. This is deeply regretful. We believe passionately that the answer to lowering numeracy skills is not more maths but targeted and contextualised numeracy that is tangible, relevant, and accessible. Real-life numeracy that can help people in their every-day lives. This includes approaches that can improve the lives of the many people in this country that have dyscalculia. #Dyscalculia #dyscalculiaawareness #neurodivergent #mathsteacher Not everyone is good at maths. Dyscalculia should have as much input as dyslexia.

Having moved from City of Edinburgh Council to Midlothian Council I was surprised to find that there are no arrangements for interlibrary loans between the two Councils. Compared to the City of Edinburgh, Midlothian naturally has a smaller Council with much fewer public libraries, most of which are quite small in size and selection. 1. This puts the people in the more rural areas around Edinburgh at a considerable disadvantage, particularly those who are less mobile and find it difficult to travel, with few or no buses connections between the towns of Midlothian. 2. Public libraries are instrumental in “levelling up” and closing the attainment gap. 3. They serve a wide section of the population from families to the elderly and people with disabilities. Would the two Councils please consider introducing interlibrary loan facilities to provide equal opportunities for the rural areas.

Because our system has failed, it is completely broken. 31% child poverty and a cost of living crisis in the 6th richest country in the world should be proof enough for all! The wealth gap is driving poverty and crime in our country whilst crippling our key services like the NHS. It is only through people power that we can change this so we must unite and stand together.

Anyone who knows young people who get stressed by maths, or remember being stressed by maths, or simply want to protect student choice

In December 2022 it was decided by the Colehill Sports and Social Club committee that adult cricket was to end indefinitely at Colehill Cricket Club. This was under pressure from a small number of neighbours who had recently moved into houses bordering the cricket ground. Cricket has been played there over 100 years before they moved in. Colehill Cricket Club has formed part of the community for many years. The ground was gifted to the Club under the covenant cricket was played at the ground. In recent years it has been home to Wimborne and Colehill teams. Clubs that strive to bring local young players through their teams and benefit the community of Colehill. Many new movers to Colehill during Covid-19 have got involved in the sides. A proposal was raised by the committee to erect a 48m long x 8m high fence but we feel this was over and above what was necessary and became untenable due to the huge cost of the project. We understand risk exists when cricket is played but believe a more pragmatic approach could be taken to resolve the dispute. We believe the decision to ban adult cricket is not a proportionate response to the risk involved. We do not believe the community interest and history of cricket in the village has been taken into account properly and hope this petition will demonstrate its value to the local community. We ask you to sign this petition to encourage the Colehill Sports and Social club committee to reverse the decision to ban adult cricket and take a more pragmatic approach to resolving the issue and ensuring cricket in the village can continue.

The NHS is on its knees, it needs something to help.

Many people are getting help with normal heating bills but we, on district heating are getting nothing. We cannot afford a 300% rise and it will cause health and financial problems to the most vulnerable

Our society today is far more diverse than in 1953, at the time of the last coronation. The oaths the Queen took then (see below) would feel alienating and excluding to many of us today. Please support our move towards a new text, for King Charles's coronation, which is much more inclusive. (In 1953 the Queen affirmed this oath: "Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?")

Juan Guaidó - although leader of the opposition until recently - was never interim president of Venezuela - which was a political white elephant in the room (not!) and used by US imperialism and its allies trying to oust the democratically elected government of Maduro, in fair and impartial elections - held several times over recent decades - in this manner trying to give a soft coup d'etat against a democratically elected social democratic, but independent and nationalist government.

Surely there is a case for the victims of this incurable condition to be exempted from the burden of prescription charges.

It’s a mark of progress in achieving less intrusive lighting with less light pollution emitted compared to existing street lights

I strongly believe animal testing and cruelty needs to be banned. Too many poor animals suffer so we can benefit with the tiniest amount of happiness like from beauty products. These creatures don't have rights that they deserve. they are kept in tiny cages... and some people say it is better because they are breeded to do it but that just makes it worse, these animals have had no other life. I want to stop animal testing all together and the thing is we can make it happen, so why not start today? The actions have to happen