Successful Campaigns

Pensions dashboard The government committed to getting the pensions dashboard off the ground. It means we’ll be able to keep track of all our pensions in one place, stopping us losing out on thousands of pounds. When news came out that the government was considering scrapping the dashboard, over 200,000 of us jumped into action. We signed open letters, emailed our MPs and our research, which proved how much people could lose without a pensions dashboard, was plastered all over the press. The government saw our messages in their inboxes and in the media - and yesterday they acted.

09/01/24 - We did it! Ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells has bowed to our 1.2 million strong petition and will hand back her CBE with immediate effect. She said she was “truly sorry for the devastation caused to the subpostmasters and their families” and that she as continuing to support and co-operate with the inquiry into the scandal. She added: “I am, however, aware of the calls from sub-postmasters and others to return my CBE. I have listened and I confirm that I return my CBE with immediate effect.” David Smith, who started this petition said: "Thank you to each and every person who has signed this petition. It has been a catalyst for action allowing us to have a voice and is hopefully a first historic step on the path to the victims of the Post Office scandal getting the justice they deserve." “To me, the removal of the CBE is just the start. The ultimate goal is for the subpostmasters to get the justice they deserve. In many ways, this is symbolic, but it is a massive symbol." “What I’m hoping is that as soon as somebody as senior as her is held accountable at this level, it will start a domino effect that will lead to the justice and compensation that everyone affected deserves.” You can read more about the story here https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2024/01/09/post-office-scandal-win-paula-vennells-hands-back-cbe-but-fight-for-justice-goes-on/ In other news a new petition has been started calling for Alan Bates to be honoured for his role in exposing the Post Office scandal. You can sign that here https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/give-alan-bates-a-cbe-for-exposing-post-office-scandal

With many thanks to everyone who signed the petition, we heard yesterday from Haringey Council that *they will not be progressing with the SUD scheme in the Chestnuts Park playing field*. This is fantastic news for the park, and shows that your voice makes a difference! We got over 1000 signatures in just 3 days, which is a fantastic response. Thank you to our Councillors (Tammy Hymas, Mike Hakata, and Emily Arkell) for fighting our corner; and thanks again to you for raising your voice and stopping this scheme.

18 December update: Mr and Mrs Grant have this afternoon heard that they have now been granted a one year licence by Dorset Council, commencing 1 January 2024. This means that they can continue operating, and will now not be forced to close on 31 December as had previously been the case. Previously, Dorset Council had, at last, on Tuesday 12 December, carried out an inspection of the kennels. This should have occurred 2 months ago when Mr Grant originally applied for a new licence to commence 1 January. The inspection team on 12 December had stated that they were unaware of the challenge to Dorset Council's interpretation of the Regulations 2018 and associated DERFA statutory guidelines regarding the issue of a lack of integral exercise runs for each kennel and the statutory guidance that allows for multiple exercise opportunities in lieu of integral runs. It seems Dorset Council has now recognised its earlier erroneous interpretation of the DEFRA guidelines, and have accordingly dropped their previous intransigent position. Mr and Mrs Grant are now, with immediate effect, accepting further business throughout 2024. This petition relating to Dorset Council's previously declared intention to close the kennels on 1 January without an inspection was sent to the CEO Dorset Council on Tuesday 5 December; at that stage it had attracted 817 signatures since it was launched 3 days beforehand. It was accompanied by a report amplifying the detail contained in the petition, demonstrating exactly why the Council’s original position was in breach of the DEFRA guidance for boarding kennels, and thus unwarranted and unjust. The owners of Pets Haven kennels would again like to express their profound appreciation to all who supported the petition. As would all the dogs currently boarding there, and which can board there in 2024. Your involvement meant that Dorset Council was unable to ignore the issue.

03/04/19 We won! Tenant farmers, David and Alison Telfer have won their fight against eviction from their farm. An agreement has been reached and the Telfers are able to remain in their home until retirement. Joan McAlpine MSP, who had been fighting to let the Telfers remain, had this to say about our petition: "I'd also like to thank the organisers of the 38 Degrees petition who gathered 89,000 names of people who wanted to support Alison and David." https://www.joanmcalpine.com/joan_mcalpine_delighted_by_win_for_telfers https://www.thenational.scot/news/17548831.scottish-couple-win-right-to-stay-on-their-tenant-farm/

09/08/18 We Won! We won! Women's Refuges have been saved from disasterous funding changes. The government has listened to the hundreds of thousands of people who joined Women’s Aid, in calling to stop planned changes to how refuges are funded. We told Ministers that these disastrous planned funding reforms would have put women and children’s lives at risk. Refuge managers warned these plans would have “been the end”. We are delighted that the Government has acted; rent in refuges will continue to be funded through housing benefit, which is the very last secure form of income for our national network of services. Up and down the country survivors and refuge services are breathing a sigh of relief. Refuge doors will stay open for the women and children escaping domestic abuse who so desperately need their help. Domestic abuse refuges save lives. With on average two women every week being killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales, refuges provide lifeline. Our campaign is not over; our next battle is to ensure that the funding for the support refuges provide to a survivor and her children - from therapy to help with housing and finances - is secure. We hope you will continue with us on our campaign to win a sustainable funding future for these life-saving services. Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/09/plans-to-remove-womens-refuges-from-uk-welfare-system-dropped

UPDATE - 02/07/15 - A big thank you to everyone who signed our save the Hopper petition, a fine example that people power can make a real difference. The service is now safe until April next year, but we must keep a very close eye, to ensure that the service is funded in the next financial year. More here: http://melkshamnews.com/2015/07/01/people-power-secures-ruh-hopper-for-another-year/

16/01/23 We Won! To everyone who signed and supported, On Saturday evening Colehill Cricket Club completed and exceeded our fundraising goal to ensure that adult cricket can continue to be played at Colehill. The support we have received has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each and every donation, every signature or post share, no mater the size has been humbling. It cannot be overstated how much the support that we have received means to us. We move forward into a new season with the support of the local and wider community, both cricketing and non-cricketing at the forefront of our minds. This support will push us to be the best cricket club that we can be. The most engaging cricket club we can be, and the most welcoming cricket club we can be. We hope to do all of our supporters proud over the coming weeks, months and years. And, if you do find yourself in our sleepy corner of east Dorset, please pop by and say hello to Colehill Cricket Club. Now Your Cricket Club. Many thanks from myself (George), the Colehill team, and players & supporters past and present who will continue to share the joy we do, getting to play at such a wonderful ground.

07/09/23 - We Won! Following pressure from our campaign, The Government has confirmed that the UK will re-join the EU's flagship scientific research scheme. Congratulations to everyone who signed. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-66737714

Update 13/11/23 Following widespread public anger, including our petition, Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman as Home Secretary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67401753