A toddler's buggy is hit in Market St, a child is injured.
Inactivity reigns. The Town council have been 'dealing with the problem' since October last year.
Their responses are in.
" Councillor Judith Pickthall, deputy mayor of Ulverston, said: “This can
be solved and will be solved but as ever these things take time.”"
Do you detect a sense of urgency?
Are you reassured?
Is there anyone really focusing on this problem and who is it?
The replies that have been received are for the most part couched in officialese or is it typical political nonsense?
Stuff that maybe reassures the apathetic. Meanwhile a dangerous situation continues because a document lies gathering dust on a County Council Desk and no one is there to raise questions.
Why do we put up with these politicians?
If you ran a business like this - where would you get with the answer given by Judith Pickthall?
If Gavin Knott at Appleseeds or other successful business people in the Town like Gillams or for that matter I T Shaw who feed off Council contracts, were on the case - How long would it take to solve? - One month or perhaps two?
But here we are expected to put up with a year with still no firm date being even suggested.
Showing posts with label campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label campaign. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Friday, 7 September 2012
The West Coast Mainline bid
And where has John Woodcock, our local MP, been all this time?
He's Labour's Shadow Minister for Transport for God's sake and we haven't heard a peep from him.
Surely if Labour were a force to be reckoned with, it would be he who was leading the fight.
If you scour his web site there's not a mention of it.
No wonder we ordinary mortals are tearing our hair out in frustration: we see something blatantly crooked going on and no politician shouts out and leads the fight locally.
Yes he is doing something about through trains to Manchester but isn't the handling of this bid far more important and basic to the public's view of democracy. We are promised that with over 100,000 on a petition to parliament we get an emergency debate. Yet with well over 160,000 this has been denied - and who led what fight there was? No not the Shadow Minister for Transport but Tim Farron the Liberal Democrat. What kind of politician is John Woodcock? A cardboard cut out? He comes across as an eleven year old dressed up as a man. We're dealing with wolves out there we need real leadership.
Here is the answer I have received from his office:
No wonder the public are despairing of politics as we know it.
And the Greens where are they? (The answer is of course - mindlessly promoting the Greens without a thought to local issues or the good politicians we do have - had, Jayne Carson for example, a strong advocate on environment issues, ).
No wonder local people are talking about forming their own political party - things are getting desperate out there. Party politics rules and not the issues we're really concerned about.
He's Labour's Shadow Minister for Transport for God's sake and we haven't heard a peep from him.
Surely if Labour were a force to be reckoned with, it would be he who was leading the fight.
If you scour his web site there's not a mention of it.
No wonder we ordinary mortals are tearing our hair out in frustration: we see something blatantly crooked going on and no politician shouts out and leads the fight locally.
Yes he is doing something about through trains to Manchester but isn't the handling of this bid far more important and basic to the public's view of democracy. We are promised that with over 100,000 on a petition to parliament we get an emergency debate. Yet with well over 160,000 this has been denied - and who led what fight there was? No not the Shadow Minister for Transport but Tim Farron the Liberal Democrat. What kind of politician is John Woodcock? A cardboard cut out? He comes across as an eleven year old dressed up as a man. We're dealing with wolves out there we need real leadership.
Here is the answer I have received from his office:
Dear Dr Dellow
Thank you for your recent emails to John Woodcock regarding the West Coast Mainline bid, which we received on Saturday 1st September. Unfortunately John is not able to respond personally at the moment as he is recovering at home from a recent accident.
However, I can say that his position follows that of the shadow secretary of state, Maria Eagle, who has been quoted extensively in the media in the last fortnight. The shadow frontbench have a number of concerns about the government’s decision to accept the First Group bid. Firstly, they feel that First Group’s bid may be unrealistically high, which could lead to sharp fare rises or in First Group being unable to meet their contractual obligations. They also have concerns that, whatever company ends up running the West Coast Mainline, the franchise agreement allows the successful operator to close ticket offices, reduce staff levels and significantly increase fares so that some routes could see fare increases by up to 11% for the next two years and up to 8% each year until 2026. The recent fare increases are already seriously affecting many commuters and rail users.
John feels it is vital the government listens to these and other concerns that have been expressed in recent weeks. As I am sure you’re aware, the secretary of state for transport yesterday confirmed that the contract with First Group will not be signed until the legal process arising from Virgin’s challenge is concluded.
As shadow transport minister, John will continue to press the government to allow appropriate parliamentary scrutiny of the decision.
Thank you once again for writing to John on this important issue. He hopes to be back at work soon and will want to hear from you if there are any further issues you wish to raise.
Kind regards
Catherine Webb
Acting Manager
Office of John Woodcock MP
Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness
Tel: 01229 431204
Web: http://www.johnwoodcock.org
Follow John on Twitter: twitter.com/JWoodcockMP
YUK is the only response I can come up with. With all this information at your finger tips why aren't you setting yourself on fire (metaphorically of course) attached to the Houses of Parliament Railings?Thank you for your recent emails to John Woodcock regarding the West Coast Mainline bid, which we received on Saturday 1st September. Unfortunately John is not able to respond personally at the moment as he is recovering at home from a recent accident.
However, I can say that his position follows that of the shadow secretary of state, Maria Eagle, who has been quoted extensively in the media in the last fortnight. The shadow frontbench have a number of concerns about the government’s decision to accept the First Group bid. Firstly, they feel that First Group’s bid may be unrealistically high, which could lead to sharp fare rises or in First Group being unable to meet their contractual obligations. They also have concerns that, whatever company ends up running the West Coast Mainline, the franchise agreement allows the successful operator to close ticket offices, reduce staff levels and significantly increase fares so that some routes could see fare increases by up to 11% for the next two years and up to 8% each year until 2026. The recent fare increases are already seriously affecting many commuters and rail users.
John feels it is vital the government listens to these and other concerns that have been expressed in recent weeks. As I am sure you’re aware, the secretary of state for transport yesterday confirmed that the contract with First Group will not be signed until the legal process arising from Virgin’s challenge is concluded.
As shadow transport minister, John will continue to press the government to allow appropriate parliamentary scrutiny of the decision.
Thank you once again for writing to John on this important issue. He hopes to be back at work soon and will want to hear from you if there are any further issues you wish to raise.
Kind regards
Catherine Webb
Acting Manager
Office of John Woodcock MP
Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness
Tel: 01229 431204
Web: http://www.johnwoodcock.org
Follow John on Twitter: twitter.com/JWoodcockMP
No wonder the public are despairing of politics as we know it.
And the Greens where are they? (The answer is of course - mindlessly promoting the Greens without a thought to local issues or the good politicians we do have - had, Jayne Carson for example, a strong advocate on environment issues, ).
No wonder local people are talking about forming their own political party - things are getting desperate out there. Party politics rules and not the issues we're really concerned about.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
More on 'Click-click Campaigning'
If you've never tried it - here we catch on film both Neil Armstrong and Sue Goddard in action (wink).
With names popping up at the rate of one every 2 seconds at 7 in the morning - that's 1,800 per hour, and likely to be well over 50,000 per day - maybe 100,000 in a working day - I like the feeling of being part of a large group of people that all care about one issue.
With names popping up at the rate of one every 2 seconds at 7 in the morning - that's 1,800 per hour, and likely to be well over 50,000 per day - maybe 100,000 in a working day - I like the feeling of being part of a large group of people that all care about one issue.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Is this a new form of democracy?
There are even jobs down there! - Geoff
It's been a big week for 38 Degrees - just take a look at our Save Our NHS billboards up all over the UK. But that's just the latest in a long list of amazing things that nearly 1,000,000 38 Degrees members have helped make happen.
This is an email to update you on all that's going on, and give you a say in what we do together next.
So, please read on for updates on some of the other amazing things you have been part of. Or click here to vote straight away on what we do next. Voting will take a couple of minutes:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
PROTECTING OUR NHS
38 Degrees members first voted to make protecting the NHS a big priority in March 2011. By working together we've formed the biggest campaign ever to protect the NHS. Over the last few months we have:
Forced the government to delay their changes and rein in some of the dodgiest parts of their plan
Raised more than £300,000 for over 200 huge billboards to go up across London and the UK
Sent tens of thousands of letters to MPs to demand they publish a secret report into the risks facing the NHS
Raised money to pay for independent lawyers to analyse the government's plans
Contacted members of the House of Lords to make sure they read the latest legal advice
Helped push the NHS e-petition past the 100,000 milestone on the government website
@hentucky on Twitter said "38 Degrees' NHS campaign has been CRITICAL in helping to stop rushed changes."
Should we continue to make our campaign to protect the NHS priority number 1? Have your say here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
GETTING A FAIRER DEAL ON GAS AND ELECTRICITY BILLS
As winter set in, 38 Degrees members voted to prioritise tackling rip-off gas and electricity bills. Since then:
200,000 of us have signed up to switch gas and electricity suppliers. This will be the first time British customers have joined together to bargain to get a better deal on our gas and electricity bills. Together we're taking on the big gas and electricity companies with people power!
Almost 100,000 of us signed a petition which helped shame the gas and electricity companies into dropping their prices - though not by nearly enough!
Christopher emailed about The Big Switch to say "All it takes is a little co-ordination to make people power the most effective force on the market."
Have your say on whether tackling rip-off bills should still be a priority here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
STOPPING MURDOCH'S BSKYB POWER GRAB
38 Degrees members started campaigning against Rupert Murdoch's grab for control of BSkyB back in July 2010. Before we got involved, the government was saying that regardless of the hacking scandal the BSkyB deal would be waved through. We spoke up, and they caved in. It was a huge victory!
Seosaimhín on our blog said "Great work 38 Degrees! Let's show those in Power that the Voice of the People has it's own Power!"
Should we be doing more to keep an independent and democratic media in the UK? Vote here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
STOPPING LUDICROUS BONUSES FOR BANKERS
When plans were announced to award a huge bonus to Stephen Hester, chief executive of RBS, 38 Degrees members were outraged. In 48 hours over 80,000 of us signed a petition asking Hester to refuse his huge bonus. We won and he turned it down.
Suzie on email said "together we can make a difference."
PROTECTING OUR COUNTRYSIDE
38 Degrees members have a strong history of working together to protect England's forests. Over half a million of us signed the petition to stop England's forests being sold off. Together we won.
Since then, we have kept up the pressure:
Over 34,000 of us wrote in to the new Independent Panel on Forestry to tell them to protect our woodlands for future generations.
There are signs it's working: their interim report came out against a sell-off
We're speaking up against local sell-offs of beautiful countryside.Thousands of us signed a petition to stop the sell-off of the stunning Quantock Hills in Somerset. We lost the vote in the local council, but only just - and local 38 Degrees members are working out what we can do next.
Should we be doing more to protect wildlife and the countryside?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
DEFENDING OUR RIGHT TO BE HEARD
Health Minister Simon Burns compared 38 Degrees members to zombies - for emailing their own MPs about risks to the NHS! 38 Degrees members stood together to show Simon Burns that we're citizens not zombies:
Over 90,000 of us signed an open letter to Simon Burns
We chipped in to fund local ads in Simon Burns' constituency, in Chelmsford
Local 38 Degrees members met Simon Burns to make sure he came face to face with us and realised we are citizens who aren't going to take his insults lying down!
Dominique on Facebook said "38 Degrees has given me an opportunity to take an active part in positive change for the first time."
SECURING THE FUTURE OF 38 DEGREES
38 Degrees relies on donations from individual 38 Degrees members to fund all these amazing campaigns. Before Christmas we launched an appeal asking for volunteers to make a regular contribution by direct debit.
Over 2,500 38 Degrees members stepped up and signed up for a direct debit - thank you!
That means we're now far better placed to plan for the future, and can run even more people powered campaigns
Right now we are hiring three more campaigners to serve the 38 Degrees membership, taking the team to 9 staff. That means there will be more staff on hand to research campaigns, build web pages, and work with you to make change happen.
And there's more. 38 Degrees members sent floods of complaints to HMRC complaining about them letting big companies off billions of pounds of tax. We teamed up with Unlock Democracy to email MPs asking them to give constituents the power to recall MPs. We worked with disability charity Scope to challenge damaging cuts to support for sick and disabled people. The list goes on!
Together, almost one million of us are showing that people power really can be a force for change. Your participation, and your leadership, is the key to this success. So please help set the direction for what we do next. Take 2 minutes to vote here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
Thanks for being involved,
David, Becky, James, Cian, Hannah, Johnny, Marie, and the 38 Degrees team.
PS: We can't do everything - we make a difference, and win, because we focus on the big issues we all care about. This poll will help set the direction over the next few months. It will tell the office team where to focus their time researching campaign ideas and opportunities. The shortlist draws from the most popular suggestions made by 38 Degrees members over the past couple of months. Vote now:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/march-2012-poll
PPS:Ever fancied working for 38 Degrees? 38 Degrees needs three amazing people to join our small staff team and help nearly a million 38 Degrees members make their voices heard. Find out more information here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/jobs
NOTES
For more information on all of these campaigns. Check out the news section of our website: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/blog
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Contribute to the Syria Crisis through Amnesty International
I have a lot of respect for the trustworthiness of Amnesty International which is why I have responded to this appeal.
It is frustrating to watch our helplessness so I find it helpful to be able to do something in this way.
You may feel the same.
Abu Suhaib, aged 40, was standing in a small crowd when security forces fired an anti-aircraft missile, sending a grapefruit-sized piece of shrapnel up through his leg and out of his left thigh, taking his left thumb with it. 'My own flesh and blood splashed in my face.'
His is just one of many stories of unimaginable horror recounted to Amnesty researchers documenting human rights abuses happening in Syria right now. We've heard of mortars and guns fired at family homes, troops going door to door beating up men and boys, unarmed civilians shot by snipers.
The torture of those arrested, includes rape, beatings with electric cables, dynamite tied to a man’s hand and lit. Abu Suhaid told us: 'I’ve seen many beside me be shot and killed but I’m not afraid of dying. What I fear is being arrested.' Donate to defend people in Syria
As you read this, President Assad's regime is brutalising and slaughtering Syrian people and decimating whole areas of its cities - in an attempt to crush all forms of dissent. Up to 6,000 civilians have been killed over the past 11 months. Most recently, at least 465 people have been killed in the city of Homs during 17 days of intensive and indiscriminate shelling and sniper fire – the majority of them unarmed.
Yet activists continue to defiantly rise up in rejection of years of poverty, corruption and state brutality. We'll continue to support the people peacefully demanding change - but we need your help to do it.
Donate now to help Amnesty stop the killing in Syria. Your support will help us:
Please help us tell the world what is happening to Syrians standing up for their rights, however brutal it may be. Donate to support our crisis work in Syria
It is frustrating to watch our helplessness so I find it helpful to be able to do something in this way.
You may feel the same.
* * * * * *
Abu Suhaib, aged 40, was standing in a small crowd when security forces fired an anti-aircraft missile, sending a grapefruit-sized piece of shrapnel up through his leg and out of his left thigh, taking his left thumb with it. 'My own flesh and blood splashed in my face.'
His is just one of many stories of unimaginable horror recounted to Amnesty researchers documenting human rights abuses happening in Syria right now. We've heard of mortars and guns fired at family homes, troops going door to door beating up men and boys, unarmed civilians shot by snipers.
The torture of those arrested, includes rape, beatings with electric cables, dynamite tied to a man’s hand and lit. Abu Suhaid told us: 'I’ve seen many beside me be shot and killed but I’m not afraid of dying. What I fear is being arrested.' Donate to defend people in Syria
As you read this, President Assad's regime is brutalising and slaughtering Syrian people and decimating whole areas of its cities - in an attempt to crush all forms of dissent. Up to 6,000 civilians have been killed over the past 11 months. Most recently, at least 465 people have been killed in the city of Homs during 17 days of intensive and indiscriminate shelling and sniper fire – the majority of them unarmed.
Yet activists continue to defiantly rise up in rejection of years of poverty, corruption and state brutality. We'll continue to support the people peacefully demanding change - but we need your help to do it.
Donate now to help Amnesty stop the killing in Syria. Your support will help us:
- Train and advise Syrian activists
- Provide material support to Syrians peacefully protesting
- Provide platforms for human rights activists to speak out to the rest of the world
- Enable communication from within Syria and the border region, including through live broadcasts
- Bring Syrian human rights defenders to the UK to lobby the government
Please help us tell the world what is happening to Syrians standing up for their rights, however brutal it may be. Donate to support our crisis work in Syria
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
NHS
Words from the 38 degrees campaign that I agree with and have responded to with a donation.
I certainly think that changes need to occur but I don't trust Cameron's route.
I've just made a donation to buy billboard ads all over London telling David Cameron he's making a big mistake with our NHS.
See what the ads will look like here:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-billboards
David Cameron knows that his plans for the NHS are a disaster, but he thinks it would be simply too embarrassing to abandon the plans now. If we show him the NHS is an election issue, we can change his mind.
With billboard ads all over London, we can warn potential Conservative voters that most doctors and nurses oppose the plans, ahead of the crucial Mayor of London elections.
Could you chip in too by making a secure donation here?
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-billboards
I certainly think that changes need to occur but I don't trust Cameron's route.
* * * * * *
Hi,I've just made a donation to buy billboard ads all over London telling David Cameron he's making a big mistake with our NHS.
See what the ads will look like here:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-billboards
David Cameron knows that his plans for the NHS are a disaster, but he thinks it would be simply too embarrassing to abandon the plans now. If we show him the NHS is an election issue, we can change his mind.
With billboard ads all over London, we can warn potential Conservative voters that most doctors and nurses oppose the plans, ahead of the crucial Mayor of London elections.
Could you chip in too by making a secure donation here?
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-billboards
* * * * * * *
Now only 48 hours later this campaign has already raised £280,000 from 20,000 people, £80,000 more than anticipated ( and still rising!).
Being part of this movement feels very empowering.
One's small contribution really counts.
Not only will 200 bill boards go up all over London this Monday morning but bill boards in major cities across the country will also have ads.
Shall we do a little dance and wave a frying pan over our heads?
What will the Lib Dems make of this at their up and coming conference?
Being part of the 38 degrees movement is good as it is a-political. One is not supporting a party but a concept.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Our Health service - a friend's view - just received
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22670
No organisation as big as the nhs will ever be perfect and it will need constant revision, reorganisation, rethinking, but at least we have this wonderful provision, free to all at the point of need. The privatisation risks within this bill are all too clear to many of us.
I also see, on the news today, that a body representing GPs has been excluded from current Downing Street discussions. A dissident voice .... yes, well ...
I know that all my friends don't share my political views, but I believe that equality in health care goes way beyond political leanings so I'm hoping you'll sign this government petition to trigger a parliamentary debate on the bill. Indeed, if the words Big Society have any meaning then our nhs would have to be a corner-stone!
Send the link to your friends!
It needs 100,000 signatures and there are currently 60,000. It's doable if we care to do it.
love
Linda
Even though the 100,000 target has been reached , it seems to me that achieving an even higher target makes the point even more forcibly.
Geoff
No organisation as big as the nhs will ever be perfect and it will need constant revision, reorganisation, rethinking, but at least we have this wonderful provision, free to all at the point of need. The privatisation risks within this bill are all too clear to many of us.
I also see, on the news today, that a body representing GPs has been excluded from current Downing Street discussions. A dissident voice .... yes, well ...
I know that all my friends don't share my political views, but I believe that equality in health care goes way beyond political leanings so I'm hoping you'll sign this government petition to trigger a parliamentary debate on the bill. Indeed, if the words Big Society have any meaning then our nhs would have to be a corner-stone!
Send the link to your friends!
It needs 100,000 signatures and there are currently 60,000. It's doable if we care to do it.
love
Linda
Even though the 100,000 target has been reached , it seems to me that achieving an even higher target makes the point even more forcibly.
Let's aim for 200,000 - we're not far off now.
For me the NHS is not a thing that should be primarily run by cash considerations.
A far better approach is to change the way the present administrators fulfil their responsibilities.
We got a good system that has been allowed to deteriorate - it needs correcting not demolishing.
Some parts of the NHS are working well. Let's spread good practice and assert ourselves to make sure it all works better rather than use a top down approach of change from the top.
It's time to flex our muscles . . . .
By signing petitions, writing letters, speaking to those who misbehave.
Isn't time that we all shouldered our responsiblities rather than ask someone like Cameron to do it for us?
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Tenants with poor property -the role of SLDC officers
I made contact with these officers by phone asking for the environment officer to do with housing.
Jane Latham then dealt with my enquiries .
They admitted their coverage on their web site of their role in ensuring good quality rented accommodation, could be greatly improved.
The email to contact them is housingrenewal@southlakeland.gov.uk and is to be found here on their web site.
Their procedure is:
If requested by you, they will visit any property to determine whether in their opinion there is a problem caused by the condition of the building.
If there is , they will contact the landlord informally to get them to put things right.
If dampness, for instance is caused by the tenant, they will take no further action.
For instance if a lot of clothes are dried in a room without adequate ventilation leading to damp problems then this is the responsibility of the tenant. If on the other hand it is caused by the state of the building they will attempt to get the landlord to do this.
If the landlord agrees informally to put things right - fine. If not they will serve a formal notice for the landlord to do the work necessary.
If then the landlord still does not put things right they will step in and pay for the work themselves and recover their costs from the landlord afterwards.
I asked how much contact they had had in the last year, with the public from their area, which covers that of SLDC ie including Ulverston and Kendal. They said that they had about 25 to 30 requests which resulted in only one notice being served to a landlord. In this case the recommended work was done.
On this basis you would expect there to be no problem in this area.
So over to you.
If you need further confidential help come back to me.
If you are getting no satisfaction I am willing to come in and video the problem and put it on Youtube.
I can do this entirely anonymously so that no one need know which property I am referring to and your identity would be protected.
My next step could be to approach the police to see at what stage they would get involved.
I could also go to the various rental agencies to find out their policy regarding damp properties and landlords with poor property.
I don't plan to do any further work unless tenants contact me and are willing to do something for themselves.
This issue could feature in the coming elections in May to determine the prospective candidate's attitude if in fact we can establish that there is a problem.
Jane Latham then dealt with my enquiries .
They admitted their coverage on their web site of their role in ensuring good quality rented accommodation, could be greatly improved.
The email to contact them is housingrenewal@southlakeland.gov.uk and is to be found here on their web site.
Their procedure is:
If requested by you, they will visit any property to determine whether in their opinion there is a problem caused by the condition of the building.
If there is , they will contact the landlord informally to get them to put things right.
If dampness, for instance is caused by the tenant, they will take no further action.
For instance if a lot of clothes are dried in a room without adequate ventilation leading to damp problems then this is the responsibility of the tenant. If on the other hand it is caused by the state of the building they will attempt to get the landlord to do this.
If the landlord agrees informally to put things right - fine. If not they will serve a formal notice for the landlord to do the work necessary.
If then the landlord still does not put things right they will step in and pay for the work themselves and recover their costs from the landlord afterwards.
I asked how much contact they had had in the last year, with the public from their area, which covers that of SLDC ie including Ulverston and Kendal. They said that they had about 25 to 30 requests which resulted in only one notice being served to a landlord. In this case the recommended work was done.
On this basis you would expect there to be no problem in this area.
So over to you.
If you need further confidential help come back to me.
If you are getting no satisfaction I am willing to come in and video the problem and put it on Youtube.
I can do this entirely anonymously so that no one need know which property I am referring to and your identity would be protected.
My next step could be to approach the police to see at what stage they would get involved.
I could also go to the various rental agencies to find out their policy regarding damp properties and landlords with poor property.
I don't plan to do any further work unless tenants contact me and are willing to do something for themselves.
This issue could feature in the coming elections in May to determine the prospective candidate's attitude if in fact we can establish that there is a problem.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Tenants with poor property
I'm coming across stories of tenants in real hardship because of negligent landlords:
Houses with rooves leaking, others with water running down walls (which I've seen) others that are incredibly damp.
True it's been very wet for some time but this is no excuse for poor behaviour from landlords resulting very damp houses which can affect the health of those having to live there.
I'm planning a name and shame article which could go on Youtube with filmed examples.
Interested in going on the video?
So far I've got three properties in my sights with no permissions yet.
Speak up please.
Youtube really does have an impact particularly if the landlord is well know as is the case in one of my examples.
Houses with rooves leaking, others with water running down walls (which I've seen) others that are incredibly damp.
True it's been very wet for some time but this is no excuse for poor behaviour from landlords resulting very damp houses which can affect the health of those having to live there.
I'm planning a name and shame article which could go on Youtube with filmed examples.
Interested in going on the video?
So far I've got three properties in my sights with no permissions yet.
Speak up please.
Youtube really does have an impact particularly if the landlord is well know as is the case in one of my examples.
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Mark Westall
I've been asked to publicise the fact that Mark is missing and everyone is concerned for this friendly guy.
You can read the report in the Evening Mail here.
And a further report in the Westmorland Gazette here
I'm told that he went up to his room in his mother's house in North Lonsdale Road South Ulverston at 9:30 in the evening. When his mother checked later the same evening he was gone and hasn't been seen reliably since. He is the habit of seeking solitude and could well be somewhere 'living' locally ; equally well he could be anywhere.
If you come across him in any way please contact the police so that his family can make contact.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Government Idiocy
How does it make any sense to make savings by closing down Furness Enterprise?
I read in the Westmorland Gazette that after 21 years of successful operation in helping thousands of people to find work in this area by assisting small businesses to set up in this area . . . .
At a time when we are all struggling to get to find jobs, the very organisation that we need to help small businesses stand up on their feet . . . . .
One that has worked so well in the past . . . . .
The Furness Enterprise is to . . . .
Be helped to work even harder?
No it is to . . . . . close.
No wonder Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “This is bad news for the many local businesses Furness Enterprise supports, and is a terrible sign of the way the out-of-touch Conservative-led government is turning its back on areas like this.”
There's an e-petition to sign if you wish
Dave Whitehead, in the comments below, points us to an alternative view on the action being taken above.
It would be good to get people's views on the performance of Furness Enterprise. This is where a good councillor who is familiar with this organisation and we could trust could advise us. Alternatively some good investigative journalism by a local reporter. - I'm all for emplying one.
What do you think?
I read in the Westmorland Gazette that after 21 years of successful operation in helping thousands of people to find work in this area by assisting small businesses to set up in this area . . . .
At a time when we are all struggling to get to find jobs, the very organisation that we need to help small businesses stand up on their feet . . . . .
One that has worked so well in the past . . . . .
The Furness Enterprise is to . . . .
Be helped to work even harder?
No it is to . . . . . close.
No wonder Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “This is bad news for the many local businesses Furness Enterprise supports, and is a terrible sign of the way the out-of-touch Conservative-led government is turning its back on areas like this.”
There's an e-petition to sign if you wish
Dave Whitehead, in the comments below, points us to an alternative view on the action being taken above.
It would be good to get people's views on the performance of Furness Enterprise. This is where a good councillor who is familiar with this organisation and we could trust could advise us. Alternatively some good investigative journalism by a local reporter. - I'm all for emplying one.
What do you think?
Thursday, 19 January 2012
"Save the Internet"
This, for me, is well worth supporting:
What I like is that it enables you, as well as sending a concocted message, to leave a (polite and reasoned) message with a leading senator on his facebook page - something I have done.
Today could be the day we save the free Internet.
The US Congress was poised to pass a law allowing officials to censor access to any website around the world. But after we delivered our 1.25 million strong petition to the White House, it came out against the bill and with public pressure at a boiling point even some bill backers are switching sides. Now, the Wikipedia - led blackout protest has rocketed the public campaign to the top of the news.
We are turning the tide. But the dark forces of censorship are trying to revive the bill right now. Let’s bury it for good today. Click to sign this emergency petition to save the Internet now and if you've signed already, to email, call, Facebook, and tweet Congressional and corporate targets. Then send this to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet_action_center_b/?vl
The bill would make the US one of the worst Internet censors in the world -- joining the ranks of countries like China and Iran. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) would allow the US government to block any of us from accessing sites like YouTube, Google, or Facebook.
We got the White House to switch sides and now our global campaign and the growing public pressure is forcing Congress to abandon the bill. Last weekend, Senator Cardin, who cosponsored the legislation, announced he will vote against it! Then six prominent Republicans penned a letter requesting that the bill be shelved. Now the lower house vote is reportedly on ice.
Just days ago we were told it was impossible to stop the corporate censorship cabal, but now this is at a tipping point and amazingly we could win! Let’s stop US censorship today. Sign this emergency petition to save the internet now and forward it to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet_action_center_b/?vl
This US legislation could infringe on all of our freedoms. But if we win, we will show that when people unite with one voice from all over the world we can stop the abuse of power anywhere. We have brought this bill back from the brink. Now, if we amplify our voices today, we can put an end to the most powerful Internet censorship threat that the world has ever seen.
With hope,
Dalia, Ian, Alice, Ricken, Diego, David, and the Avaaz Team
Sources:
White House statement:
https://secure.avaaz.org/whitehouse_internet_statement
Wikipedia joins web blackout in SOPA protest (BBC):
http://www.avaaz.org/bbc_sopa_wikipedia
American Censorship's fact sheet on SOPA:
http://americancensorship.org/infographic.html
Everything you need to know about Congress's online piracy bills in one post (Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-congresss-online-piracy-bills-in-one-post/2011/12/16/gIQAz4ggyO_blog.html
SOPA and PIPA sponsors caving in to opposition (Talking Points Memo):
http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/sopa-and-pipa-sponsors-caving-into-opposition.php
White House will not support SOPA, PIPA (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/14/white-house-sopa-pipa_n_1206347.html
Controversial online piracy bill ‘shelved’ until consensus is found (The Hill):
http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/204167-sopa-shelved-until-consensus-is-found
What I like is that it enables you, as well as sending a concocted message, to leave a (polite and reasoned) message with a leading senator on his facebook page - something I have done.
* * * * * * *
Today could be the day we save the free Internet.
The US Congress was poised to pass a law allowing officials to censor access to any website around the world. But after we delivered our 1.25 million strong petition to the White House, it came out against the bill and with public pressure at a boiling point even some bill backers are switching sides. Now, the Wikipedia - led blackout protest has rocketed the public campaign to the top of the news.
We are turning the tide. But the dark forces of censorship are trying to revive the bill right now. Let’s bury it for good today. Click to sign this emergency petition to save the Internet now and if you've signed already, to email, call, Facebook, and tweet Congressional and corporate targets. Then send this to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet_action_center_b/?vl
The bill would make the US one of the worst Internet censors in the world -- joining the ranks of countries like China and Iran. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) would allow the US government to block any of us from accessing sites like YouTube, Google, or Facebook.
We got the White House to switch sides and now our global campaign and the growing public pressure is forcing Congress to abandon the bill. Last weekend, Senator Cardin, who cosponsored the legislation, announced he will vote against it! Then six prominent Republicans penned a letter requesting that the bill be shelved. Now the lower house vote is reportedly on ice.
Just days ago we were told it was impossible to stop the corporate censorship cabal, but now this is at a tipping point and amazingly we could win! Let’s stop US censorship today. Sign this emergency petition to save the internet now and forward it to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet_action_center_b/?vl
This US legislation could infringe on all of our freedoms. But if we win, we will show that when people unite with one voice from all over the world we can stop the abuse of power anywhere. We have brought this bill back from the brink. Now, if we amplify our voices today, we can put an end to the most powerful Internet censorship threat that the world has ever seen.
With hope,
Dalia, Ian, Alice, Ricken, Diego, David, and the Avaaz Team
Sources:
White House statement:
https://secure.avaaz.org/whitehouse_internet_statement
Wikipedia joins web blackout in SOPA protest (BBC):
http://www.avaaz.org/bbc_sopa_wikipedia
American Censorship's fact sheet on SOPA:
http://americancensorship.org/infographic.html
Everything you need to know about Congress's online piracy bills in one post (Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-congresss-online-piracy-bills-in-one-post/2011/12/16/gIQAz4ggyO_blog.html
SOPA and PIPA sponsors caving in to opposition (Talking Points Memo):
http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/sopa-and-pipa-sponsors-caving-into-opposition.php
White House will not support SOPA, PIPA (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/14/white-house-sopa-pipa_n_1206347.html
Controversial online piracy bill ‘shelved’ until consensus is found (The Hill):
http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/204167-sopa-shelved-until-consensus-is-found
Friday, 6 January 2012
What Cameron is not revealing
This is the latest from Avaaz, an organisation that in my view is well worth supporting.
Here it reveals the concerns of eminent MPs from both sides of The House.
Margaret Hodge is very critical.
It seems that the Tax office doesn't have the resources to deal with big businesses who employ top lawyers to extract every concession possible.
What appears to be happening is that the tax office do a deal in order to get some money immediately rather than fight lengthy court battles.
Let's hope this action puts pressure on Cameron to do something.
MPs are outraged, claiming we are owed over 25 billion pounds in back taxes from these and similar dodgy deals. But the tax agency has blocked an inquiry into the scandal and refuses to release any documents to shed light on why these tax breaks were ordered in the first place.
By acting together now we can ensure full transparency on the Goldman Sachs and Vodafone deals, and get them to pay the tax they owe. Let’s turn up the heat -- sign the tax justice petition to David Cameron -- we’ll deliver it with a splash next week:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/goldman_sachs_pay_your_tax/?vl
The cosy relationship between the public tax authority and major private companies is shocking: the tax agency boss had more than a hundred lunches with big business tax lawyers and advisers, leading to the companies being let off millions in taxes. The agency tried to obstruct a recent Parliamentary inquiry using flimsy confidentiality arguments, and threatened the whistleblower who helped expose the scandal.
The coalition is weak and on the defensive over the economy and several Conservative and Lib Dem MPs are fuming over these tax revelations. But the government has yet to demand full payment. Only public pressure can change Cameron's position and ensure that big businesses pay what they owe rather than manoeuvre and lobby to minimise their tax bills.
We should be able to trust our public tax body to be free of corporate capture and able to recover taxes owed without fear or favour. Join the call for tax justice -- click below to sign the petition:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/goldman_sachs_pay_your_tax/?vl
From Occupy to the G20, citizens across the world are coming together to push back corporate interests, fight against dodgy deals corrupting our governments and bring back transparency -- and the pressure is working. Let's come together now and win tax justice for us all.
With hope,
Alex, Antonia, Emma, RIcken, Mary, Rewan, Diego and the entire Avaaz team
More information:
MPs attack HMRC’s ‘cosy’ deals with big business (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16253205
MPs say taxman "too cosy" with companies (Reuters)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/uk-britain-taxes-idUKTRE7BJ03S20111220
The end of all take and no give (New Statesman)
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/12/tax-returns-public-firms
HMRC hid 'sweetheart' tax deals for big business, MPs say (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/dec/20/inland-revenue-sweetheart-tax-deals
Taxman targets small firms after sweetheart deals with big business (Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081461/HMRC-plans-checks-3-000-fines-missing-paperwork.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Goldman Sachs’s Tax Rate Drops to 1% (Bloomberg)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a6bQVsZS2_18
Here it reveals the concerns of eminent MPs from both sides of The House.
Margaret Hodge is very critical.
It seems that the Tax office doesn't have the resources to deal with big businesses who employ top lawyers to extract every concession possible.
What appears to be happening is that the tax office do a deal in order to get some money immediately rather than fight lengthy court battles.
Let's hope this action puts pressure on Cameron to do something.
* * * * * *
Our tax chief had secret lunches with Vodafone and Goldman Sachs and then handed them billions in tax breaks – while keeping Parliament in the dark! MPs are outraged, claiming we are owed over 25 billion pounds in back taxes from these and similar dodgy deals. But the tax agency has blocked an inquiry into the scandal and refuses to release any documents to shed light on why these tax breaks were ordered in the first place.
By acting together now we can ensure full transparency on the Goldman Sachs and Vodafone deals, and get them to pay the tax they owe. Let’s turn up the heat -- sign the tax justice petition to David Cameron -- we’ll deliver it with a splash next week:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/goldman_sachs_pay_your_tax/?vl
The cosy relationship between the public tax authority and major private companies is shocking: the tax agency boss had more than a hundred lunches with big business tax lawyers and advisers, leading to the companies being let off millions in taxes. The agency tried to obstruct a recent Parliamentary inquiry using flimsy confidentiality arguments, and threatened the whistleblower who helped expose the scandal.
The coalition is weak and on the defensive over the economy and several Conservative and Lib Dem MPs are fuming over these tax revelations. But the government has yet to demand full payment. Only public pressure can change Cameron's position and ensure that big businesses pay what they owe rather than manoeuvre and lobby to minimise their tax bills.
We should be able to trust our public tax body to be free of corporate capture and able to recover taxes owed without fear or favour. Join the call for tax justice -- click below to sign the petition:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/goldman_sachs_pay_your_tax/?vl
From Occupy to the G20, citizens across the world are coming together to push back corporate interests, fight against dodgy deals corrupting our governments and bring back transparency -- and the pressure is working. Let's come together now and win tax justice for us all.
With hope,
Alex, Antonia, Emma, RIcken, Mary, Rewan, Diego and the entire Avaaz team
More information:
MPs attack HMRC’s ‘cosy’ deals with big business (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16253205
MPs say taxman "too cosy" with companies (Reuters)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/uk-britain-taxes-idUKTRE7BJ03S20111220
The end of all take and no give (New Statesman)
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/12/tax-returns-public-firms
HMRC hid 'sweetheart' tax deals for big business, MPs say (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/dec/20/inland-revenue-sweetheart-tax-deals
Taxman targets small firms after sweetheart deals with big business (Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081461/HMRC-plans-checks-3-000-fines-missing-paperwork.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Goldman Sachs’s Tax Rate Drops to 1% (Bloomberg)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a6bQVsZS2_18
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Protect the freedom of the Internet
AVAAZ explains that action in the USA can have a real effect on our freedom of communication because so much hardware actually sited in the USA. I suggest that it is very important to support them.
* * * * * * * *
Right now, the US Congress is debating a law that would give them the power to censor the world's Internet -- creating a blacklist that could target YouTube, WikiLeaks and even groups like Avaaz!
Under the new law, the US could force Internet providers to block any website on suspicion of violating copyright or trademark legislation, or even failing to sufficiently police their users' activities. And, because so much of the Internet's hosts and hardware are located in the US, their blacklist would clamp down on the free web for all of us.
The vote could happen any day now, but we can help stop this -- champions in Congress want to preserve free speech and tell us that an international outcry would strengthen their hand. Let’s urgently raise our voices from every corner of the world and build an unprecedented global petition calling on US decision makers to reject the bill and stop Internet censorship. Click below to sign and then forward as widely as possible -- our message will be delivered directly to key members of the US Congress ahead of the crucial vote:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/
For years, the US government has condemned countries like China and Iran for their clampdown on Internet use. But now, the impact of America's new censorship laws could be far worse -- effectively blocking sites to every Internet user across the globe.
Last year, a similar Internet censorship bill was killed before reaching the US Senate floor, but it's now back in a different form. Copyright laws already exist and are enforced by courts. But this new law goes much further -- granting the government and big corporations enormous powers to force service providers and search engines to block websites based just on allegations of violations -- without a trial or being found guilty of any crime!
US free speech advocates have already raised the alarm, and some key Senators are trying to gather enough support to stop this dangerous bill. We have no time to lose. Let's stand with them to ensure American lawmakers preserve the right to a free and open Internet as an essential way for people around the world to exchange ideas, share communication and work collectively to build the world we want. Sign below to stop US censorship, and save the Internet as we know it:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/
In the past months, from the Arab Spring to the global Occupy Movement, we've seen first hand how the Internet can galvanize, unify and change the world. Now, if we stand together, we can stop this new attack on Internet freedom. We've done it before -- in Brazil and Italy, Avaaz members have won major victories in the fight for a free Internet. Let's take the fight global, and mobilize to defeat the most powerful censorship threat that the Internet has ever seen.
With hope,
Luis, Dalia, Diego, Emma, Ricken, Aaron, Antonia, Benjamin and the rest of the Avaaz team
More information:
Op-Ed: Blacklist Bill allows Feds to remove websites from Internet (Digital Journal)
http://digitaljournal.com/article/313463
Disastrous IP Legislation Is Back – And It's Worse than Ever (EFF)
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/10/disastrous-ip-legislation-back-%E2%80%93-and-it%E2%80%99s-worse-ever
Silicon Valley legislators oppose online piracy act (SFGate)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/15/BUO81LV0KI.DTL
House Hearing on Stop Online Piracy Act Scheduled (PC World)
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/243659/house_hearing_on_stop_online_piracy_act_scheduled.html
Growing Chorus of Opposition to "Stop Online Piracy Act"
https://www.cdt.org/report/growing-chorus-opposition-stop-online-piracy-act
The stop online piracy act: summary, problems, and implications
https://www.cdt.org/files/pdfs/SOPA%202-pager%20final.pdf
Why Is Justin Bieber So Pissed Off?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-karr/why-is-justin-bieber-so-p_b_1071055.html
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Support Palestine at the UN
I've just received this.
Let's not allow this new intitative to support Palestine to slip away.
Let's not allow this new intitative to support Palestine to slip away.
Dear Amazing Avaaz community,
Emergency -- within hours, President Abbas will decide whether to stand up to US pressure and let the world vote on Palestinian statehood, or leave New York with nothing achieved. Let's flood our governments with phone calls and messages telling them to stand behind Abbas, and send a massive wave of support to him to stand strong -- it will be delivered by an Avaaz flotilla of ships that will sail past the UN tomorrow morning:
Today, Palestine's bid for statehood could be dead for months, unless we save it. On Wednesday night, US President Obama met with Palestinian President Abbas, and likely heavily pressured him to avoid a full vote of the United Nations assembly, a vote that Palestine would certainly win. Yesterday, the pressure seemed to be working, with the Palestinians backing off a vote.
It will be a tremendous disappointment to the world and Palestinians for this moment to pass with nothing accomplished. It will undermine peace and feed hopelessness, extremism and violence. But we can still turn it around. In hours, Avaaz will bring a 'flotilla' of ships up the river next to the UN, covered in massive banners. Another boat of journalists from the world's major media will film the flotilla and interview our spokespeople. If we can say that in just 12 hours, 250,000 people have called on Abbas to stand strong and let the world vote, it will help define this moment in the media -- influencing Abbas' decision about whether he can answer the call of history.
This week, Avaaz met with several foreign ministers and our rally in New York to deliver our 1 million-strong petition made news everywhere. But the US lobbying is furious - we urgently need to call on Abbas to stand strong and each of our countries to stand with him. Click below to sign the petition and urgently message/telephone/facebook/twitter key governments and leaders, or leave comments on key press articles to shape the media narrative of this moment. We have just hours before President Abbas addresses the UN with his decision, let's do all we can:
The bid for statehood is a peaceful, moderate, diplomatic attempt to move towards peace and give Palestinians hope after 40 years of occupation, oppression and colonization by Israeli 'settlements'. It would provide for a more balanced and fair peace process between two equal and legitimate states. Avaaz-sponsored polls and others show that large majorities of people across the world support this move. But Israel's extremist government, with its powerful US political lobby, is determined to kill this sensible proposal and keep Palestine weak, offering instead more years of fake peace talks while they colonize more Palestinian land. Ironically, these extremists threaten Israel even more than they do Palestine, since growing numbers of Palestinians are giving up on two states and deciding to embrace a long term struggle -- one they liken to South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle -- for a single secular democratic state with equal rights for all ethnicities and faiths -- effectively the end of Israel as a Jewish state.
Something big is going on here. President Obama says a Palestinian state can only be granted out of negotiations with Israelis. But when Israel applied to the UN for statehood, the US didn't require that Palestinians agree to it. The US rhetorically backs pro-democracy demonstrations in Libya and Syria and elsewhere, but when Palestinians seek freedom, Washington does everything they can to block it. That kind of bias, where a staunch, even blind Israeli ally is the only 'peacemaker' we have is partly why this conflict has persisted for decades. But finally the world has had enough -- 127 nations, including Brazil, India, China and, now, France have stood up to call for a new direction. If others join them, the era of US/Israeli hegemony over this conflict may be coming to an end, with a much wider and wiser set of global and regional voices, especially the voices of the people themselves, to replace it. It all comes down to the next few hours -- let's get the world to stand up, and make it happen:
Abbas is likely to present his bid for statehood and UN membership to the UN Security Council tomorrow, but that small body is controlled by a US veto, and the US can refer his request to a technical committee that will bury it for months. But in the UN General Assembly of all nations, the US has just one vote like any other country. The General Assembly can't fully admit Palestine to the UN, but it can declare Palestine a state, with access to a range of international organizations, like the International Criminal Court, that will improve the rights of Palestinians. UN recognition of statehood will also give greater international legitimacy to non-violent Palestinian efforts to disrupt the Israeli military occupation and illegal colonisation of Palestinian land.
President Abbas is right now preparing to deliver his speech.. At a reception on Wednesday he was reported by the New York Times as saying "I am fed up with all these people, and I don't know what to do". The hopes of the Palestinian people are riding on a man who, after being repeatedly betrayed and undermined by the US, is losing hope himself. But a large majority of the world, and 80% of his own people, support his goal. Let's ask him to put his hope in the world and the call of his people, let the world vote to recognize Palestine, and then trust the world and his people to help that new state flourish.
With hope,
Ricken, Emma, Wissam, Nicola, David and the whole Avaaz team
SOURCES
Avaaz protests in front of the UN get international coverage (BBC)
Detailing pressure on Abbas and his frustration (NYT)
Avaaz poll showing support for Palestinian independence (Guardian)
Polling of Israeli and Palestinian support for UN vote (Jerusalem Post)
French support for statehood bid (France 24)
Former Israeli diplomats: Recognize Palestine (YNET)
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
The National Health Service - A crunch vote coming up
I must admit that I don't understand the issues.
With the news focus on
Libya, Libya,Libya,
and
Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi,
It's been difficult finding the real news on the important issues that are going on behind the scenes.
However I've received this which is clear from one view point.
So until I get my tired brain (I've been overdoing things recently) to understand the issues I'm posting it as it attempts to inform us and stimulate action.
Perhaps others that understand the issues better will chip in and add their views.
Over the next two days, our MPs vote on the future of our NHS. Liberal Democrats are talking about a rebellion. [1] And Conservative MPs are nervous – they've been busy trying to spin their way out of trouble on the NHS all summer. [2]
38 Degrees members have sent over 40,000 emails to MPs from all parties in the last week, and now others are speaking out too. Powerful doctors and nurses’ groups are queueing up to say this bill is bad news for patients. [3] The British Medical Association sent shockwaves with their official verdict, calling on MPs to either make major amendments, or kill the bill. [4]
This week, anything could happen. This is the moment to make sure our MPs are in no doubt: we want them to say no to these dangerous changes to our health service right now. Click to send your MP an email:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
MPs must choose whether to protect our health service from changes that could take us down the road to US-style healthcare, or whether to toe the government line and jeopardise the NHS that’s been looking after us since 1948.
We know the NHS isn’t perfect. But every day, nurses and doctors deliver babies, treat illnesses and look after people at the end of their lives – striving to be true to the founding vision for the NHS, that it cares for all of us from “cradle to grave”. [5]
Imagine someone you love being diagnosed with a serious illness, and having to worry not just about how you’ll cope, but how you’ll pay for their treatment. We know that country – it’s called the United States of America. [6] That could become the reality here if we don’t stop these changes.
Many MPs are already wavering and working up the courage to vote no. [7] The government is frantically trying to spin their way out of trouble. [8] It’s time for a huge, people-powered push to call on our MPs to do the courageous thing - click to email your MP:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
Even if we don't win the vote, we can still save the NHS. The closer this week’s vote is, the more the House of Lords will be compelled to go over every last detail of the proposed changes with a fine-tooth comb, knowing how controversial it has been. That’s why we’re not backing down, we’re ramping it up. Click to send your MP a message now:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
Thanks for being involved,
Johnny, Hannah, Marie, Becky, Cian, David and the 38 Degrees team
PS: People power built the NHS. After the Second World War, politicians and the public demanded a free health service for everybody. Together, they created our NHS. Now politicians are trying to undo that incredible achievement. The main thing standing in their way is people power. That’s why we need to convince our MPs to protect our NHS. Click to send your MP an email:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
NOTES:
[1] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8739621/Liberal-Democrat-talks-to-decide-which-way-to-jump-on-NHS-reforms.html and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14778406
[2] http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/nhs-legal-opinion-respond-to-your-mp/
[3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8738561/New-NHS-could-be-more-complex-and-costly-warns-nursing-chief.html
[4] http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/01/bma-letter-mps-nhs-reform
[5] The phrase was used in the Beveridge Report which was the beginning of the modern welfare state: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_State.
[6] Thousands of Americans die every year because of the inadequacies of the US healthcare system: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/nikki-white-and-health-care/?apage=7 and http://www.seattlepi.com/local/opinion/article/Surviving-the-U-S-health-care-system-1242239.php.
[7] http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2011/09/05/tough-test-for-lib-dem-loyalties-as-nhs-refor
[8] We’ve responded in detail to Conservative and Lib Dem spin here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/nhs-legal-opinion-respond-to-your-mp/ and here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/exposed-liberal-democrat-response-to-independent-nhs-legal-advice. Also it has been revealed that fears about privatisation may have been well-founded: http://www.spinwatch.org/blogs-mainmenu-29/tamasin-cave-mainmenu-107/5452-nhs-reforms-plunged-into-fresh-turmoil
With the news focus on
Libya, Libya,Libya,
and
Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi, Gaddafi,
It's been difficult finding the real news on the important issues that are going on behind the scenes.
However I've received this which is clear from one view point.
So until I get my tired brain (I've been overdoing things recently) to understand the issues I'm posting it as it attempts to inform us and stimulate action.
Perhaps others that understand the issues better will chip in and add their views.
* * * * * * *
Over the next two days, our MPs vote on the future of our NHS. Liberal Democrats are talking about a rebellion. [1] And Conservative MPs are nervous – they've been busy trying to spin their way out of trouble on the NHS all summer. [2]
38 Degrees members have sent over 40,000 emails to MPs from all parties in the last week, and now others are speaking out too. Powerful doctors and nurses’ groups are queueing up to say this bill is bad news for patients. [3] The British Medical Association sent shockwaves with their official verdict, calling on MPs to either make major amendments, or kill the bill. [4]
This week, anything could happen. This is the moment to make sure our MPs are in no doubt: we want them to say no to these dangerous changes to our health service right now. Click to send your MP an email:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
MPs must choose whether to protect our health service from changes that could take us down the road to US-style healthcare, or whether to toe the government line and jeopardise the NHS that’s been looking after us since 1948.
We know the NHS isn’t perfect. But every day, nurses and doctors deliver babies, treat illnesses and look after people at the end of their lives – striving to be true to the founding vision for the NHS, that it cares for all of us from “cradle to grave”. [5]
Imagine someone you love being diagnosed with a serious illness, and having to worry not just about how you’ll cope, but how you’ll pay for their treatment. We know that country – it’s called the United States of America. [6] That could become the reality here if we don’t stop these changes.
Many MPs are already wavering and working up the courage to vote no. [7] The government is frantically trying to spin their way out of trouble. [8] It’s time for a huge, people-powered push to call on our MPs to do the courageous thing - click to email your MP:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
Even if we don't win the vote, we can still save the NHS. The closer this week’s vote is, the more the House of Lords will be compelled to go over every last detail of the proposed changes with a fine-tooth comb, knowing how controversial it has been. That’s why we’re not backing down, we’re ramping it up. Click to send your MP a message now:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
Thanks for being involved,
Johnny, Hannah, Marie, Becky, Cian, David and the 38 Degrees team
PS: People power built the NHS. After the Second World War, politicians and the public demanded a free health service for everybody. Together, they created our NHS. Now politicians are trying to undo that incredible achievement. The main thing standing in their way is people power. That’s why we need to convince our MPs to protect our NHS. Click to send your MP an email:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-crunch-vote
NOTES:
[1] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8739621/Liberal-Democrat-talks-to-decide-which-way-to-jump-on-NHS-reforms.html and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14778406
[2] http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/nhs-legal-opinion-respond-to-your-mp/
[3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8738561/New-NHS-could-be-more-complex-and-costly-warns-nursing-chief.html
[4] http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/01/bma-letter-mps-nhs-reform
[5] The phrase was used in the Beveridge Report which was the beginning of the modern welfare state: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_State.
[6] Thousands of Americans die every year because of the inadequacies of the US healthcare system: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/nikki-white-and-health-care/?apage=7 and http://www.seattlepi.com/local/opinion/article/Surviving-the-U-S-health-care-system-1242239.php.
[7] http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2011/09/05/tough-test-for-lib-dem-loyalties-as-nhs-refor
[8] We’ve responded in detail to Conservative and Lib Dem spin here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/nhs-legal-opinion-respond-to-your-mp/ and here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/09/02/exposed-liberal-democrat-response-to-independent-nhs-legal-advice. Also it has been revealed that fears about privatisation may have been well-founded: http://www.spinwatch.org/blogs-mainmenu-29/tamasin-cave-mainmenu-107/5452-nhs-reforms-plunged-into-fresh-turmoil
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Robinson's Brewery Site
I've been thinking a lot around this issue and have reduced the argument to what does Ulverston need most on this particular site which is central to the town:
A supermarket or housing with a high degree of affordable and small units suitable for older people.
I come down on the latter.
Several of the housing schemes that have been built recently provide poor housing even modern potential slums that are not being bought by our young people.
The housing at Taylor Court on Stanley Street instead of providing dwellings for local people is being operated as a series of Holiday Cottages called Laurel Court.
The nine units at the Gill end of Upper Brook Street are so crammed in and on to of each other that they will provide the modern day equivalent of the slums of the last century. Living rooms are placed on top of other peoples bedrooms with hardly a view out of many of the windows.
I think that most local young people would rate housing above a supermarket. To achieve an desirable result, I would have thought that the new development would need to be controlled by a housing association so that the units actually reach the local people and not people attracted to retiring here having lived elsewhere.
It could be hard to persuade the planning committee that a rejection of a supermarket will not be reversed by appeal with the force of money on the side of the bullying Supermarket Big Four.
John Harris writes of his experiences in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol which was recently in the news because of local opposition to Tesco.
When it comes to planning this is what can happen:
"The local stories that underlie this picture of endless expansion tend to follow much the same script. Once one of the Big Four has a town in its crosshairs, it can usually be assured of eventual success. If planning permission is initially refused, supermarkets will appeal, knowing that the legal costs to any local authority will be so high it will usually rather cave in – so, though councillors often take a stand, the local officers who fret about their budgets turn out to be more pliable. Just to tilt things the supermarkets' way even further, there are Section 106 agreements, named after the relevant part of the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990, whereby big corporations can swing the debate by offering to fund no end of sweeteners: libraries, public spaces, housing, even schools."
It's not going to be an easy fight to win,
See the web site "Keep Ulverston Special" for the latest news. They also have a petition to sign.
We have until August 19th to send in our views to the planning officer Kate Lawson at K.Lawson@southlakeland.gov.uk
A supermarket or housing with a high degree of affordable and small units suitable for older people.
I come down on the latter.
Several of the housing schemes that have been built recently provide poor housing even modern potential slums that are not being bought by our young people.
The housing at Taylor Court on Stanley Street instead of providing dwellings for local people is being operated as a series of Holiday Cottages called Laurel Court.
The nine units at the Gill end of Upper Brook Street are so crammed in and on to of each other that they will provide the modern day equivalent of the slums of the last century. Living rooms are placed on top of other peoples bedrooms with hardly a view out of many of the windows.
I think that most local young people would rate housing above a supermarket. To achieve an desirable result, I would have thought that the new development would need to be controlled by a housing association so that the units actually reach the local people and not people attracted to retiring here having lived elsewhere.
It could be hard to persuade the planning committee that a rejection of a supermarket will not be reversed by appeal with the force of money on the side of the bullying Supermarket Big Four.
John Harris writes of his experiences in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol which was recently in the news because of local opposition to Tesco.
When it comes to planning this is what can happen:
"The local stories that underlie this picture of endless expansion tend to follow much the same script. Once one of the Big Four has a town in its crosshairs, it can usually be assured of eventual success. If planning permission is initially refused, supermarkets will appeal, knowing that the legal costs to any local authority will be so high it will usually rather cave in – so, though councillors often take a stand, the local officers who fret about their budgets turn out to be more pliable. Just to tilt things the supermarkets' way even further, there are Section 106 agreements, named after the relevant part of the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990, whereby big corporations can swing the debate by offering to fund no end of sweeteners: libraries, public spaces, housing, even schools."
It's not going to be an easy fight to win,
See the web site "Keep Ulverston Special" for the latest news. They also have a petition to sign.
We have until August 19th to send in our views to the planning officer Kate Lawson at K.Lawson@southlakeland.gov.uk
Monday, 8 August 2011
Here's a guy I admire
Just arrived by email:
Tonight MondayAugust 8 at 9 pm Channel 4
'Hugh's Fish Fight: The Battle Continues' is on Channel 4 tonight, MondayAugust 8, at 9pm - it would be fantastic if you could watch . . .
See
Tonight MondayAugust 8 at 9 pm Channel 4
'Hugh's Fish Fight: The Battle Continues' is on Channel 4 tonight, MondayAugust 8, at 9pm - it would be fantastic if you could watch . . .
See
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Stop Murdoch's Criminal Empire
From a friend:
Not a joke. If you agree, sign their online petition. Site is secure and only requires name and email address
Les
Murdoch's criminal empire is being uncovered, but he is still calling the shots and could get the BSkyB prize. I just signed a petition to make sure Cameron and Hunt immediately stop the deal and ensure it is assessed on whether Murdoch is morally fit to be given half our country's commercial media. Join me!
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_the_murdoch_mafia_2/96.php
Not a joke. If you agree, sign their online petition. Site is secure and only requires name and email address
Les
Murdoch's criminal empire is being uncovered, but he is still calling the shots and could get the BSkyB prize. I just signed a petition to make sure Cameron and Hunt immediately stop the deal and ensure it is assessed on whether Murdoch is morally fit to be given half our country's commercial media. Join me!
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_the_murdoch_mafia_2/96.php
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Forests in public ownership
Hello
Ulverston Green Party members were involved locally in the campaign to keep the Forestry Commission forests in public ownership. Now that battle has been won the consultation process about how to manage them is taking place. Much could still be lost to commercial and private interests.
It will help if thousands of people to answer the quick questions put together by 38 degrees to make sure they hear a huge, people-powered message that we want them to look after our forests. Please click here to take a few minutes to answer the questions - the first one is “what do forests and woods mean to you?”:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/answer-forests-future-questions
Best wishes
Chris Loynes
Ulverston Green Party members were involved locally in the campaign to keep the Forestry Commission forests in public ownership. Now that battle has been won the consultation process about how to manage them is taking place. Much could still be lost to commercial and private interests.
It will help if thousands of people to answer the quick questions put together by 38 degrees to make sure they hear a huge, people-powered message that we want them to look after our forests. Please click here to take a few minutes to answer the questions - the first one is “what do forests and woods mean to you?”:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/answer-forests-future-questions
Best wishes
Chris Loynes
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