No two schools are alike. But the government doesn't seem to agree. It wants to rush through plans to force every single school in England to become an academy the type of school paid for by taxpayers, but run by businesses, sponsors or trusts. Many teachers and parents are already standing against the plans, saying that they're "a step towards privatisation", ignore local views, and could force some schools to close. One size does not fit all, and local parents and teachers should have a say in the future of our school. ------ If this isn't your local school, click here to sign your local petition, or start one if no-one else has yet: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/start-a-campaign-for-your-school

The Forest of Dean community are about to have one of their most precious facilities stolen because of a wrangle between the council and a local academy over funding. Currently the leisure centre and pool hosts football clubs, indoor and outdoor netball, squash, group exercise ,tennis childrens' and adults' swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, Cinderford and district swimming club and a host of other activities. It is a jewel of the community continually hosting thousands of people hours on a regular basis for wholesome and healthy physical activity and social interaction: *Come see our swimming club members both young and old swimming their hearts out *Talk to the coaches who dedicate so much of ther lives to volunteer for us *Hear about masters swimmers who are soon to compete in european championships at the london olympic aquatic centre *Learn about swimmers who regularly compete in county and national competitions *See the social benefits of exercise and club membership it will do your heart good and help you to understand what is about to be lost as there is nowhere in the area with spare pool time or facilities to accommodate our club. without cinderford pool so much will tragically be lost. It absolutely breaks my heart to realise that short term and short sighted political and financial decisions can take all of this away for ever. If the district council and local mp mark harper allow this to happen they have clearly lost sight of their prime responsibility to maintain and care for the longterm health, fitness and welfare of our local community We deserve better from thoes who are paid to serve us

No two schools are alike. But the government doesn’t seem to agree. It wants to rush through plans to force every single school in England to become an academy – the type of school paid for by taxpayers, but run by businesses, sponsors or trusts. Many teachers and parents are already standing against the plans, saying that they’re ‘a step towards privatisation’, ignore local views, put profit before quality of education and could force some schools to close. One size does not fit all, and the pupils, teachers and parents of High Storrs School should have a say in the future of our school. #AintHighStorrsGotTimeForBeingAnAcademy #HighStorrsDoesntWantToBeAnAcademy

I believe it is important to have this level of transparency in order to be able to judge whether the candidates are fit for office.

Call on Cardiff Council to halt its attempts to transfer ownership of this important piece of Cardiff’s heritage to hotel company Signature Living. We need to fight to protect the historic integrity of a national icon. Any building in any city could become a home for this 'proposal.' Once this building is gifted to dubious developers, and the work carried out, it will be taken from the nation forever, with all profits made going to Liverpool. Signature Living’s owner was barred by from holding any company office for 8 years by court order. They have little interest or experience in renovating a building of this significance and will strip it of its character and most of the jobs it creates will be minimum wage zero hours contracts. Its financial methods leave it vulnerable to collapse and there is a real risk that the Coal Exchange could be left in a far worse state than it is in now. Despite concerns raised by local MPs and AMs, Cardiff Council justify this short sighted insensitive decision by saying the Coal Exchange is derelict which it is not. Signature Living specialise in hosting parties and accommodation for stag parties and hen do's and have been quoted as saying that they take the hen and stag parties "nobody else wants." The building although promised to be restored to full conservation standards, will succumb to daytime and late night revellers stumbling to find their way back to the 'hotel' becoming a nuisance to local businesses and residents. This building was built by the backbreaking work of our forefathers and made our nation famous globally. It belongs to the people of Wales, not developers whose main priority is to financially benefit not only from alcohol sales, but also claiming BPRA on a building they don't own. The company hasn't even acknowledged the 35 companies already in the building, almost 70 residents or the efforts action group Save the Coal Exchange who are maintaining this building. There has yet to even be a full survey instructed by the company, but yet they have plans that are all based on artist impressions. Stephen Doughty had a meeting with the developer who said that he would do "as much as the council would let him get away with" and that in fact, the building will be one third residential, one third serviced apartments, one third hotel. Their entire business model is based on BPRA which is being abolished this year due to developers exploiting it as a tax avoidance. Stephen Doughty has also said that the developer said they could turn it around in record time as they would "bring our own team in" yet they have publicly said they will use local labour. In a Wales Online article dated 12th April 2016, Signature Living was quoted that the 200 bedroom hotel "will bring 100 jobs and apprenticeships to Cardiff Bay, and another 60 jobs will follow when it opens in 18 months time." Then in an article on Wales Online dated 17th April 2016, Signature Living was then quoted as saying "there will be a restaurant on site and at least 200, and possibly as many as 300 rooms - some of which will be serviced apartments." Signature Living were also then quoted as saying that "the new Coal Exchange could be open within 8 months because he (Lawrence Kenwright) employs each team himself". So does that sound like local workmen? Or a team he's bringing in to "deliver the building in half the allowed time given to us." This is a grade II* listed building that will require CADW accredited surveys and craftsmen to carry out ANY restoration to the facade and hall. Really? This whole building, in 8 months? Another thing taken from the Wales Online article dated 17th April 2016. Is the fact that Signature Living can be quoted as saying "the project will not be funded by public money. We fund the process from investors from all over the world." But in the very same article Signature have admitted to using the BPRA (Business Premises Renovation Allowance) scheme, for his initial kickstart of funds. I'd like to point out that this is claimed as tax relief for the development of derelict buildings from the HMRC. SO if it wasn't claimed, that money would STILL be in the HMRC's possession. Meaning - IT IS PUBLIC MONEY. As it has been taken FROM the HMRC pot. THERE IS A SECRECY OF PROCESS. LACK OF TENDER FOR THE BUILDING. LACK OF COMMUNITY GUARANTEES. NO CLARITY REGARDING SPECIFIC USE. SUSPECT FINANCIAL MODEL. More info on BPRA as a tax avoidance for developers http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/news/hmrc-kick-starts-crackdown-on-commercial-property-tax-avoidance/a797955 Cardiff South & Penarth MP Stephen Doughty's concerns http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mp-raised-serious-concerns-over-11160631 and http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2016-04-14/should-40-million-cardiff-coal-exchange-hotel-project-go-ahead/ And a Private Eye article about the developers: http://codphilosophy.co.uk/sections/fishy-business/2014/09/class-act THERE HAS BEEN A CALL FOR A FULL PUBLIC ENQUIRY OVER THIS BY STEPHEN DOUGHTY MP. IT HAS ALSO BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO PARLIAMENT IN WESTMINSTER ON 20TH APRIL AT 11AM. IF NOTHING WAS UNTOWARD, THEN WHY HAS STEPHEN DOUGHTY MP CALLED FOR THIS? WE WANT AN OPEN, DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT PROCESS WITH THE COUNCIL CONSULTING THE PUBLIC THE WHOLE TIME WITH NO UNDERHANDED DEALS BEING ANNOUNCED AS "DONE." SURELY IT IS IN THEIR INTEREST TO AUCTION THE BUILDING FOR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, RATHER THAN LET IT GO TO RECOUP FUNDS OF £177,000 (WHICH WAS £1.2 ORIGINALLY). Transcript of Stephen Doughty's Westminster debate: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2016-04-20/debates/Hocdebdt20160420scrlgtghs_2Cwesthalldebateod3ticardiffcoalexchange/CardiffCoalExchange BBC: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36093246 And Wales Online article: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/call-halt-redevelopment-cardiffs-coal-11216462

All conflicts of interest should be declared when policy making according to parliamentary rules - this is in the public interest

The risks from smoke are already recognised extensively and this is why the policy exists so are unlikely to need listing here. Currently the strategy of having a policy and signs are not effective. I have observed it being an issue over years but was driven to create this petition recently due to attending maternity myself the last few months as an outpatient and then inpatient. Leaving with my new born through a cloud of no fewer than 8 smokers on either side of the door and smoke pouring in whilst I was waiting to leave drove me to take action.

No two schools are alike. But the government doesn't seem to agree. It wants to rush through plans to force every single school in England to become an academy the type of school paid for by taxpayers, but run by businesses, sponsors or trusts. Many teachers and parents are already standing against the plans, saying that they're "a step towards privatisation", ignore local views, and could force some schools to close. One size does not fit all, and local parents and teachers should have a say in the future of our school. ------ If this isn't your local school, click here to sign your local petition, or start one if no-one else has yet: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/start-a-campaign-for-your-school

JENGbA (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association) is a grass roots campaign who were instrumental in helping The Supreme Court reach this land mark decision. This was a legal victory and a vindication for all those who have campaigned tirelessly against this error, of which we have felt so much pain but now feel so much hope. With this in mind we the undersigned now feel that the issue merits the full attention and the support of Parliament and request a full public inquiry that can review cases swiftly and rectify the mistakes. Without this 'Hillsborough' type inquiry then a thirty two year mistake that has led to the continued incarceration of men, women and children will continue to be a stain on the British justice system. Please sign and help us fight for an inquiry into all of the cases, so the truly guilty can be captured and the innocent will walk free.

The ACV has been appealed. The Local Community has campaigned successfully to list the Three Horseshoes in Fordam as an 'Asset of Community Value'. Pubs listed as Assets of Community Value are automatically granted additional planning protection. Without ACV status, a pub can be demolished or converted into several other uses without planning permission. The local group are therefore campaigning to see the pub remains listed to ensure it remains in the local community. The ACV also gives the opportunity to bid to buy the pub should it come up for sale. There are around 50 community owned pubs already in the UK. The pub was nominated by the CAMRA Branch - other nominating bodies can include: Parish Councils, groups of 21 local people or a Neighbourhood Forum. For more info please visit: http://mycommunity.org.uk/resources/understanding-the-community-right-to-bid/

Bristol is in the midst of a worsening housing crisis. With over 10,000 on the housing waiting list and private sector rent increases of 25% in just four years the situation is getting desperate. We need more homes of all types to help people onto the property ladder and to ensure there are enough affordable homes for those who need them. Private tenants need protection from extortionate rents and poor living conditions. On 5th May Bristol will elect a new Mayor. Whoever the winning candidate is they must make ending Bristol's housing crisis their number one priority. A new coalition of groups has formed to lead a single, united campaign - A Mayor For Homes. Please join us and make sure that Bristol's next Mayor delivers more, affordable housing and protections for tenants.

Following the overwhelming success of England’s women at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada last year – with semi-final viewing figures peaking at 2.4 million on the BBC despite an 11pm kick-off, and with the third-place playoff victory against Germany drawing a peak of 2.5 million viewers despite a 10pm kick-off – it's time that our women get equal broadcast coverage on free-to-air television as their male counterparts. Given that the women took England to their highest finish in a World Cup competition since the men won in 1966, we should be celebrating their sporting achievement, and the massive rise in popularity in women's football, both professional and at grassroots level, over the past decade.