Green Reading

Redwoods Latest Mistake

2012-01-31T11:01:00.000Z

What a site John Redwood MP blog is for those wishing to ignore the science.

Just read some comments. They need to read some of the science and stop thinking its all a conspiracy theory involving watermelons.

The MP for Wokingham says:

"The fascinating thing is how uncertain the scientists are about their predictions. By the 2080s they forecast an increase in temperature in the UK of somewhere between 1 degree and 8 degrees. They think summer rainfall may have increased a bit, or may have fallen sharply. They think winter rainfall may have stayed the same, or may go up a lot.

They are not even sure what is happening to emissions of carbon dioxide. They say “It is too early to establish whether actual emissions are pursuing any particular emissions scenario”."

NASA say:

that "The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is very likely human-induced and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented in the past 1,300 years."

"Despite the fact it's been warmer and cooler at different times in the last 10 years, there's no part of the last 10 years that isn't warmer than the temperatures we saw 100 years ago."

AWE Protest Calcot 8th Feb

2012-01-31T10:28:00.000Z

"West Berkshire Council's planning committee will be hearing the application to build a new Technology Development Centre at the Atomic Weapons Aldermaston on Wednesday 8 February 2012.

Please come along to have your say and join us at the planning committee meeting at 5.45 pm at the Calcot Centre, Highview, Reading (near M4 Junction 12)."

Join the facebook group here

Shinfield Road Saga Continues

2012-01-30T09:45:00.000Z

The disaster at Shinfield Road continues to frustrate motorists and residents.

This weeks paper is full of Tories complaining about how terrible it is. They hope we forget their own part in the saga.
It was a Labour sheme implemented under a ConsLD coalition administration. They broke every promise. Tories said they would replace lights with a roundabout, this was the opposite. LD said they supported cycle paths but none were built.

On this and other issues the three big parties are just the same, time for a change. Get people out of cars and in sustainable transport, buses, cycling and walking.

Benefits Cap Myths

2012-01-23T10:30:00.001Z

Myths of the governments policy exposed here.

www.leftfootforward.org/2012/01/exposed-six-myths-of-the-benefits-cap/

It will drive hundreds if thousands into poverty, particularlly children. The disruption of moving all those people may even result in an increase in costs.

It encourages the break up of families and increases homelesness. Aside from rich people wanting to get rid of their poorer neighbours is there any benedit to this plan.

Come on Lords this is your chance to oppose this disaster. time for a change

Berkshire Greenpeace Campaign Against AWE

2012-01-21T14:44:00.000Z

Berkshire Greenpeace are campaigning against an application to West Berkshire District Council by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston to build new research facilities. We've been here before and the council usually ignore hundreds of objections, in fact we suspect they put them straight in the shredder. We've build a state of the art objection disposal contraption to save them the trouble.

More details and information on how to get involved at facebook.com/groups/notonukes/

No say in atomic weapons development from Berkshire Greenpeace on Vimeo.

A disabled Peer has her say on welfare reform bill

2012-01-18T20:37:00.000Z

Paralympian Tammi spoke against governments planned cuts to disabled people.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, one of the most successful disabled athletes in the UK and a TV sports presenter, seeks to amend parts of the bill with provisions that mean that there would have to be a pilot scheme before a tough new assessment regime for disability living allowance is introduced.

She was born with Spina Bifida and could walk until she was six. She was glad that she had move into a wheelchair because it gave her more independence and allowed her to attend mainstream education. From there she eventually got a degree in politics. Being a former paralympian she entered the Lords because of her campaigns regarding sport. She was also interested in welfare rights for disabled people.

In addition to the Welfare Reform Bill she also works on the Legal Aid Bill, lobbying to protect legal aid for disabled people. She is also still involved with Transport for London and is concerned accessible transport for disabled visitors to the Olympics in 2012.

Campaigners against the bill argue that only once the scheme is shown to work safely can it be expanded to include all two million claimants of the benefit.

“It makes sense to have a trial. It does not have to be long. In my experience as an athlete, you can have all the training plans you like but it’s only when you start doing it that you can see whether it works or not.

“Hundreds of thousands of people will be affected by these changes. We want the government to do what it says, which is helping people.”

And

I get a huge number of emails from disabled people who are really scared. I'm worried that, for disabled people who fall out of work, or cannot get work, we are going back on everything that we fought for over 40 years.

I accept that there needs to be changes to disability benefits – and the Government says it wants to get more help to the most severely disabled – but we need to be confident that the line is being drawn in the right place.

That's why there should be a trial period of one year, before lots of people move on to this new benefit"

The coalition proposes to replace the working-age disability living allowance (DLA) with a new personal independence payment, and cut spending by 20%.

Of particular concern are mental health problems which is the only area of working-age DLA benefits that is growing. Mental health problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose and campaigners say that without a medical consensus on how it affects work readiness, the assessment will be used to force people back to work.

Always Wear A Seat Belt

2012-01-15T20:53:00.000Z

A nice video here

hattip Howard Thomas

UK Famers Break Egg Law

2012-01-14T10:01:00.001Z

Despite lecturing other EU countries, the UK is still not Compliant with the EU battery cage ban. It was revealed that around 30 egg producers in the UK are still using illegal battery cages. According to figures issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), these cages could contain as many as 300,000 hens. This appalling news comes despite the regular and repeated assurances from the British egg industry that UK farmers would indeed be fully compliant with the ban on these cages when it came into force on 1st January this year. Urge Defra to take immediate action now http://action.ciwf.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=119&ea.campaign.id=13267&ea.url.id=74398&ea.campaigner.email=vtfLzRDaxTHzGJS7i9UjRTd7InaQQ1WN&ea_broadcast_target_id=0 Join the campaign along with "chicken out" and "compassion in world farming".

Camivelian; Dave Deals In Dark Arts

2012-01-12T10:22:00.004Z

BrightGreenScotland have pointed to some interesting aspects of Camerons posturings on a vote for an independent Scotland. While he claims to support the Union his actions help the cause for an independent Scotland.

So Who benefits from Scotish Independence? Cameron loses only one MP, the LD a handful but for Labour 41 of the 59 seats its a disaster they may never recover from. Cameron has some form, saying one thing and doing another. Claiming to be the greenest government ever to gain green votes while not reducing emissions. In this and many things he has followed the lead of Tony Blair.

Last month he delighted eurosceptics, "standing up for Britain" while actually promoting the cause of his wealthy city friends and reducing our standing in Europe.

"The employment of cunning and duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct", named after the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote Il Principe (The Prince).

Perphaps Cameron merely stumbles into these things but its possible has something of the Mandleson about him.

Time for a change

10 Years of Guantánamo Bay, Time To Close

2012-01-08T21:00:00.001Z

Guest post from the London Guantánamo Campaign.

Actions will be held all over the world over the coming week to mark the tenth anniversary of the illegal prison camp at Guantánamo on Wednesday 11 January 2012 and to renew calls to the US government to release the prisoners to safety and shut it down – be a part of history!

Shut Guantánamo – End 10 Years of Shame: public rally called by the London Guantánamo Campaign, Save Shaker Aamer Campaign, Stop the War Coalition and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

We need YOUR help with this action:
Wednesday 11 January: The London Guantánamo Campaign will deliver a petition to the US Embassy in London demanding the release of Shaker Aamer and Ahmed Belbacha to the UK and the closure of Guantánamo Bay. Please add your name to the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/release_aamer_and_belbacha/

Many thanks if you have already signed.

------------
Other actions to mark the anniversary:

Amnesty International petition to President Obama: add your name to Amnesty International’s international petition to President Obama:

“Ten years on and 171 detainees remain at Guantánamo Bay. Most have never been charged with a crime and don't know when they will face trial, if at all. Those who have been charged face unfair trial by military commission. Even those found not guilty can be returned to indefinite detention. This is in violation of international human rights law and must end now.”

http://www.protectthehuman.com/petition_actions/10-years-on-end-detentions-at-guantanamo-bay?utm_source=aiuk&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=SWHR&utm_content=Gbaynib

10-12 January: actions by Cageprisoners and Reprieve

Tuesday 10 January: Press conference, 10 years of Guantánamo; launch of Cageprisoners’ ‘LaaTansa: Never Forget’ online project, 10.30am, Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London, W2 1QJ

Wednesday 11 January: Guantanamo Remembered event

10 years event, including: panel discussion; photo exhibition; screening of short film about remaining detainees, 6-8.30pm, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL

Thursday 12 January: Film screening: ‘Death in Camp Delta’

6.30pm, Curzon Cinema (Soho), 99 Shaftsbury Avenue, London, W1D 5DY

The last two events need to be booked in advance

For more details: Cageprisoners on 0203 167 4416 or email: asim@cageprisoners.com

The LGC is not responsible for actions organised by other organisations – please contact them directly

London Guantánamo Campaign
london.gtmo@gmail.com
http://londonguantanamocampaign.blogspot.com/

Independence For Scotland Leads To An End Of UK Nuclear Deterent

2012-01-08T12:32:00.000Z

On Andrew Marr this morning David Cameron was asked if Scottish independence would see and end to our nuclear deterent. He avoided answering the question.

Currently our nuclear submarines are based in Faslane, Scotland. They could presumably be moved to another base in England but at considerable expense. Perhaps Devonport, near Plymouth, where the subs are at present dismantled.

If this is as difficult to answer as would seem by Camerons performance I am suddenly a fan of an independednt Scotland.

In an era of austerity lets see our pointless nukes cut.
Time for a real change.

Incredible Edible Todmorden

2012-01-06T12:42:00.002Z

The West Yorkshire town of Todmorden is having a quiet revolution. Residents decided to grow veg in areas otherwise covered by grass and encourage people to help themselves.

The town of 1500 hopes to become self sufficient in vegetables by 2015.

As fuel gets ever more expensive all towns should follow this example. Crime is down as are emissions.

http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2072383/Eccentric-town-Todmorden-growing-ALL-veg.html

Cow Lane Bridge

2012-01-01T10:47:00.001Z

Great timelapse video here.

I've been campaigning about this area; dangerous narrow road with no footpath, for over 5 years. There are two bridges, the video shows one has been widened (as part of changes to Reading Station), will have to check whats happened to the other one.

Plan B: Use Tax To Pay Our Debt

2012-01-01T10:08:00.001Z

The Chancellors plan has been to cut services and increase unemployment; its just making it all worse. Last year it was £903.0 billion is now £966.8 billion! So much for plan A, increased inflation, unemployment up and our debt getting ever worse.

The time has come to get the tax avoiders to pay up. Individuals as well as corporations. Some say that would gain up to £25 billion from industry alone. Even the HMRC claim it can end £35 billion avoidance.

And get the banks, who borrowed £850bn in bailout, to pay some of that money back.
Its time for change.

Have A Happy Xmas

2011-12-22T05:54:00.004Z

I was telling a friend recently about how to cheer yourself up when feeling low. I suggested listening to music, watching a favourite film or going for a walk. Then I ran across this website on http://www.care2.com/greenliving and though I would share it here. For some reason many people get depressed at Xmas, perhaps it's an overload of expecting too much; not helped by overeating, fizzy or alcoholic drinks, stressing about getting people the right presents and remembering to send cards.

Below is a quote from www.care2.com/greenliving/
"I asked some of my friends to tell me their happiness secrets because I love hearing from people how they enrich their lives. Here’s what they told me:

“I Call a Friend” Anita Thakur, 29, website owner Why it works: Chatting up with a pal fulfills the very human need to feel close, connected and intimate. Each time I share some good news with a friend, the joy doubles. When I’m sad, reaching out to a friend makes sure my misery is halved. How I make it happen: I’ve learned to say, ”let’s meet more often,” when I actually mean it. If it means a choice between some supposedly important chore and catching up with my best friend over coffee, I nearly always choose the latter, and I’m always glad I did.

“I Try to Stay Positive” Amita Dewan, 32, shopowner Why it works: Well, as they say, “at the end of the journey the pessimist might well turn out to be right, but at least the optimist has a more fun ride.” Luckily for me, I’m blessed with ‘happy genes.’ So, a few years ago, when I lost my purse in the middle of a crowded market, I refused to think it wouldn’t come back. Everyone scoffed, saying, “Nobody returns a free load of money,” (and my purse contained a load.) But guess what — someone actually called and returned it! How I make it happen: I practice replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. So, ‘I can’t’ and ‘it won’t’ become ‘I can’ and ‘It Will.’ Try it. Works every time!

“I Do Something” Sylvia, 49, homemaker Why it works: I believe studies show that action encourages ‘the happiness hormone,’ endorphins, to flow fast and easy. I’m no researcher, but I’ve seen that this is so true. When I’m feeling low, I clean out a cupboard, or roll out some pastry, or go out for a brisk walk. How I make it happen: I’ve learned to replace ‘mindless’ activity such as watching television or playing a video game with positive action: earlier, I used to let myself sink into the couch with a bag of chips, and that just made everything worse. Now, I can take most difficulties head on, because I make the right moves!

“I Do Nothing” Anand Srivastava, 55, businessman Why it works: Meditation or even just sitting in stillness for a while helps you tune out of your stresses and tune in to your pure consciousness, where there’s nothing but calm and happiness. I’ve discovered that my mind is clearer afterwards, which helps me make the right decisions, leading to more happiness."

join The Small Four renewables

2011-12-19T05:57:00.001Z

Thinking of switching to Renewables? -- Read on!Ecotricity, Good Energy, Green Energy, Ebico - The Small Four Energy Companies!Ecotricity http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/Good Energy http://www.goodenergygroup.co.uk/Green Energy http://www.greenenergy.uk.com/Ebico www.ebico.org.uk/Shameless plug for donations to the Green Party! -- Please mention Reading when joining!http://www.greenparty.org.uk/support-us/ethical_partnerships.html EcotricityEcotricity is dedicated to providing clean and affordable electricity, through continuing investment in new green energy.The Green Party will receive a £40 donation from Ecotricity for every new customer and £60 for business sign-ups..Good EnergyGood Energy's electricity is 100% renewable and their tariff is certified by the independent Green Energy Supply Scheme. No fossil fuels, no carbon, no nuclear.Switch now and Good Energy will donate £25 to the Green Party and you'll get £25 off your first bill. The Green Party will also recieve a donation of up £120 for business sign-ups.

Bad Joke

2011-12-18T13:08:00.000Z

Why is ok to call for executing strikers yet joke about a riot on facebook and get prison. Jeremy Clarkson was probably joking, but many were offended yet nothing is done.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-16185152

A double standard seems to operate, in this and in many things. Instead of jail for fraud many MPs were let off with nothing.

Who Matters More To Cameron, People Or The City Of London

2011-12-13T19:50:00.001Z

Caroline Lucas MP (Brighton Pavilion, Green) House of commons debate 12 Dec 11.

Given that it was precisely the City of London’s deregulated recklessness that did so much to exacerbate the impact of the financial crisis in this country, can the Prime Minister tell us why he persists in behaving as if the interests of the City were synonymous with the national interest, which they clearly are not?

David Cameron has still not introduced the promised regulations, he is largely financed by the city and so seems to put their interests first.

Camerons Euro Crisis

2011-12-10T22:27:00.000Z

Cameron seems to be so scared of a referendum he has isolated the UK within Europe.
Some have pointed out that Europe has cut short the careers his most famous predecessor Thatcher, he has reason for fear.

I am no fan of the Euro, but he claimed to be supporting it, then wouldnt support a treaty that would increase financial clarity. And lets not forget its lack of regulations that got us into this financial mess, he appears to be opposed to any increase on regulations to his friends in the city.

Its difficult to see how he can achieve much in Europe in the future, he has become a uniting figure for the rest of Europe that are lined up to oppose him. Who would have thought he would make Gordon Brown look less bad, but I think he has achieved this. Even down to increasing spending on the Olympics while cutting sports facilities, his priorities are all wrong.

Financial analyst Max Keiser says "Crazy Cameron suicidal with knife in Euro gunfight"

Interesting to see how his actions are viewed in Europe, thanks to the Guardian.

Germany
Der Spiegel The man who said no to Europe
"British prime minister David Cameron has completely isolated his country on the European stage – and many in his country applaud him for it. But he will soon have to prove that London still has clout in the UK and that his no to fiscal union wasn't just a bone thrown to Eurosceptics."

Inside, a comment piece by Roland Nelles says: "The UK is standing petulantly alone, no longer wanting to play."

Die Welt The end of Britain's EU membership
"Beginning of the end of Britain's EU membership" is the headline on its main online story. It quotes the president elect of the European parliament, Martin Schulz, as saying: "I doubt whether Britain stays in the long term in the EU. Britain has never been isolated in the EU sun." He believes Eurosceptics will now seize it as an opportunity to force the UK out of the EU.

France
Le Monde: Great Britain isolated like never before
"Let's be fair: The British are nothing to do with the crisis of the euro. They bear no responsibility for the inability of the leaders of the area to solve their problems of sovereign debt. But there is a sense that the British are well away from a movement towards greater economic integration and budget. They are not. They do not believe in the European idea. They are unrelated to this project now well becalmed, but yet it seems more essential than ever to forge a singular entity that can exist as such among the other centres of power of the 21st century."

Spain
El País The cracking of Cameron gives wins to the Eurosceptics
"The crisis serves to weaken a prime minister who does not have the full support of his own party due to the rise of Eurosceptic sentiment and the perception that pragmatism has led Cameron to change the sidewalk. The fiasco of yesterday may mark his career. In the short term has become a hero in your party. A retreat would make him lose that halo."

Ireland
Irish Times Odds on Britain leaving the EU have shortened
"In the end, Cameron miscalculated", writes the paper's London correspondent Mark Hennessy. "Angela Merkel did not make the concessions he believed she would. But without a guarantee the financial transaction tax would be killed off. Cameron could not have come home – so he had no choice but to say no to the deal."

UK
Financial Times: Britain opts for the empty chair
"Forcing the eurozone to set up its own parallel union will not protect the City … By precipitately wielding his veto, Mr Cameron may well have hastened the formation of such a bloc, to the detriment of British interests."

Daily Telegraph Cameron stands as lone man of Europe

Daily Express: Britain close to EU exit

Ecological Internet

2011-12-08T20:24:00.001Z

I was reading an email from Ecological Internet, and thought I would look up Dr Glen Barry. Apparently in 1993 Dr. Glen Barry invented blogging, defined as web based commentary, linking to other articles. Wow.

He also writes the Earth's oldest climate blog; since 2003.

In December of 2010, Dr. Barry was recognized as one of "25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" by the Utne Reader.They described him as an "Eco-Rabble Rouser" and stated that as "an early political blogger, Barry has built a massive network for ecological change.

Just Hours To Save Us All

2011-12-08T13:12:00.001Z

Please sign the petition along with half a million others.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_planet_is_dying/?cOuQiab

Mean Spirit, guest post from FoE

2011-12-04T21:12:00.001Z

MP Offers No Support for Local Solar Businesses

Spirit Solar Managing Director Erica Robb is furious at the lack of interest shown by Reading West MP Alok Sharma in the appalling situation facing local solar panel companies as a result of the cuts in the Feed-in Tariff (FiT). The support payments for new installations were due to fall from April 2012 but now are to be slashed from 12th December.

The haste with which the cuts were introduced showed complete disregard for the effects on businesses, jobs, and prospective customers. When confronted about the cuts by Erica Robb, the Reading MP’s only response was to say if she didn’t like the government’s actions she should not vote for it in 2015.

Erica Robb, MD of the Portman Road, Reading, company said:

"It is frankly unbelievable that any government would be so irresponsible as to give a fledgling industry (that has created 39,000 jobs in a year or so) six weeks’ notice to accommodate such fundamental changes."

"We estimate our losses from the fiasco at £80,000. We have already had to make three people redundant. Some newer, smaller companies which had invested to meet expected sales before next April will have been hit much harder."

"We have a 14 week marketing pipeline. The government have no grasp of what it costs a business to be given 6 weeks’ notice to install a 10 week order book. We lost on higher stock costs, higher labour costs, and aborted marketing / technical assessment work for projects which couldn't be completed in the timescale."

She also commented that costs to the industry have fallen so prices can be reduced and solar power will still be economically viable for many people and businesses at the lower FiT rate. However the government’s reckless behaviour has completely undermined confidence in the industry. It will also undermine investor confidence in any subsidies that the government may propose in the future, whether for solar or for any other sector.

Friends of the Earth is taking the Government to court over the timescale of the consultation into the cuts which ends on 23rd December – eleven days after the cuts come into effect.

John Booth of Reading Friends of the Earth added:

"It is disgraceful for the government to cut the FiT before the end of their ‘consultation’ exercise. It should start again with a new twelve-week consultation on changes to take effect from April."

"We agree that the FiT rates should be reduced, but in a planned way that relies on evidence of reducing costs, not a series of stop-start lurches that are devastating to those trying to build businesses and create jobs in the industry."

The CBI has condemned the move as an "own goal" by Ministers.

climate march 2011

2011-12-03T13:47:00.002Z

Not as big a turnout as before but The climate march is on again in London. Its my babies first March and she is loving the friendly atmosphere.

I suspect having it just days after the big pensions protest has meant some campaignrs couldnt go again.

Its always great to run into old friends and make new ones.
Update:
This is the end of the March, outside Parliament. People are queueing for some vegan curry, great stuff.

Pensions Are Worth Fighting For

2011-11-30T13:28:00.001Z

The governments economic policies are not working, so time for plan B. Instead of a plan for a low carbon future Osbourne wants millions unemployed while building roads causing our emissions to increase. Those out of work will need support while the tax take spirals down.

The wealthiest 1% continue to avoid paying tax while the govern ment hits the poorest paid hard. Less pensions for more work, many will have no retirement but work till they die. And with cuts to health and safety more will die particularly in construction.

it seems every promise made by the tories is broken, we are no nearer paying off the debt while their greenest government ever boast is a bad joke.

Time for people to wake up to whats hapening. Espesially the LD who continue to talk about prigressive politics while propping up the heirs of Thatcher. Time for a change.

True Food Win 'Best Retail Initiative' at the BBC Food & Farming awards.

2011-11-27T19:53:00.000Z

Congratulations to a worthy winner, Readings own True Food Coop.

A special programme on the awards will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Friday 25th November 12 noon and featured on the Food Programme Radio 4, 12.30pm Sunday 27th and repeated 3.30pm Monday 28th. Or listen again.

True Food Co-op only exists today because of the generous contributions of its many members. Join a winning team.

Keith Taylor MEP In Reading

2011-11-27T09:46:00.000Z

This week Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South-East of England, came to Shinfield and Reading.

He joined a campaign to lower speed limits in the nearby villages from 40 to 30 mph, and to 20 mph by the two schools in Shinfield. They campaigned in Three Mile Cross, where they gathered signatures for the petition, which is available online .

See more here on Marjories blog

Poorest councils will face biggest cuts

2011-11-22T20:30:00.000Z

Deprived inner-city areas of London and large cities in the north are facing the most drastic reductions of up to 8.9% this year alone, with the shires and county councils relatively protected by their burgeoning council tax revenue. The Local Government Association labelled the cuts the "toughest in living memory".

Exterminate

Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Manchester, Rochdale, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Doncaster and South Tyneside are among the 36 local authorities that take the maximum cut of 8.9%.

Meanwhile Dorset gets a 0.25% increase in funding and Windsor and Maidenhead, Poole, West Sussex, Wokingham, Richmond upon Thames and Buckinghamshire all get cuts of 1% or below.

Cant have anything to do with which Party runs whitch council no can it.
Its time for a change.

Climate March London 3rd December guest post

2011-11-22T06:03:00.001Z

Campaign against Climate Change www.campaigncc.org

March and Rally in London, Saturday 3rd December
Assembles 12 noon near St Paul's (for precise location check www.campaigncc.org) for march to Parliament.

Climate Vigil and symbolic "Climate Refugee Camp"
Midnight Friday 2nd on the Thames foreshore near the Millennium bridge

7%

7% of the world's population produce 50% of the world's emissions
7% of the world's emissions are produced by 50% of the world's population

Bring your placard / t-shirt / cardboard cut-out / symbol for 7% to the demo

Full timetable and event details:

9.00 pm to 5.00 am (Friday 2nd-Saturday 3rd) Vigil and symbolic "Climate Refugee Camp" on the Thames foreshore near the Millennium (wobbly) Bridge. Main vigil events from Midnight to 1.00 am.

Organised by "Durban 2011 Global Day of Action Group" including Hackney and Tower Hamlets Friends of the Earth, World Development Movement, Biofuelwatch, 350.org and Christian Ecology Link.

Turn the desolate foreshore alongside the rising waters of the Thames into a 'stage' on which to bring the reality of climate change impacts on vulnerable people around the world home to the City of London, the heart of the consumerist carbon-burning economy that created those impacts in the first place....

If you come to this event please wear stout footwear and warm, windproof and waterproof clothing. Download a Foreshore Safety leaflet here. (A candle in a jar would also be good !)

12 noon (Saturday 3rd) Assemble for the Climate Justice March - assembly point will be in the St Pauls / Millenium Bridge area (check www.campaigncc.org for precise location soon). The march will leave around 1.00 pm. March in support of the tens of thousands mobilising in South Africa to demand climate justice at the Durban Climate Talks.

2.30 - 3.00 pm Climate Justice Rally outside Parliament. Demonstrators will split into two groups to represent the 7% versus the 50% (see above) and demand urgent action to achieve a Zero Carbon Britain by 2030.

3.30 pm End of event.

This year the floods in Pakistan have returned displacing 5 million and killing hundreds. Last year's floods were the worst in living memory with 20 million affected and 2,000 killed. Last year also saw record breaking temperatures in Russia with wildfires and crop failures while this year we have seen the latest in a series of exceptional droughts in East Africa causing famine in Somalia.

The frequency and severity of weather related disasters is on the increase and scientists tell us this is due to human-induced climate change caused overwhelmingly by the high emissions and high consuming lifestyles of richer countries like our own. Its the poorest and most vulnerable around the world - many of them in Africa where this year's climate talks are being held - who have done the least to cause the problem but who are suffering the most. And all this is set to get Climate Change lists.

World headed for irreversible climate change in five years

2011-11-18T22:18:00.000Z

If fossil fuel infrastructure is not rapidly changed, the world will 'lose for ever' the chance to avoid dangerous climate change.

The world is likely to build so many fossil-fuelled power stations, energy-guzzling factories and inefficient buildings in the next five years that it will become impossible to hold global warming to safe levels, and the last chance of combating dangerous climate change will be "lost for ever", according to the most thorough analysis yet of world energy infrastructure.

Anything built from now on that produces carbon will do so for decades, and this "lock-in" effect will be the single factor most likely to produce irreversible climate change, the world's foremost authority on energy economics has found. If this is not rapidly changed within the next five years, the results are likely to be disastrous.

"The door is closing," Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency, said. "I am very worried – if we don't change direction now on how we use energy, we will end up beyond what scientists tell us is the minimum [for safety]. The door will be closed forever."

Shock As One Million Youths Unemployed

2011-11-16T13:16:00.001Z

The current generation face a miserable xmas and a bleak new year. Unemployment us up, inflation is up, education grants are cut and student loans tripled while inflation soars. Cuts are hitting those least able to cope. Civil servants face more cuts include; health workers, teachers, police, even border agency staff.

Many people who voted Tory or LD have said this is not what they voted for.

Time for a change.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/youth-unemployment-level-shocking-6262890.html

CBI Support FIT

2011-11-11T06:09:00.001Z

Green groups have neen protesting the halving if the solar renewables subsidy feed in tariff. Now the CBI has also said how it damages buisneses investing in the future.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15687873

The local government association has similarly stated councils will loose millions canceling schemes for solar roofs.

Friends if the earth are mounting a legal challenge, good luck to them

Update:
News yesterday was that worldwide fossil fuel gets 8 times the subsidy of renewablea. Time to invest in future generations, health, education, jobs in renewables. time for a change.

May Must Go

2011-11-10T09:35:00.001Z

Not fit for office. In oppisition in 2004 said Minister is respoinsible not underlings. She was right then and should resign. Time for change.

Free Tibet Petition

2011-11-08T21:36:00.000Z

Days ago, Palden Choetso walked out of her nunnery, covered herself in petrol and set herself on fire while pleading for a 'free Tibet'. Minutes later she died. In the past month, nine monks and nuns have self-immolated to protest a growing Chinese crackdown on the peaceful Tibetan people.

These tragic acts are a desperate cry for help. Machine gun-toting Chinese security forces are beating and disappearing monks, laying siege to monasteries, and even killing elderly people defending them -- all in an effort to suppress Tibetan rights. China severely restricts access to the region. But if we can get key governments to send diplomats in and expose this growing brutality, we could save lives.

We have to act fast -- this horrific situation is spiraling out of control behind a censorship curtain. Over and over we have seen that when diplomats themselves bear witness to atrocities, they are motivated to act, and increase political pressure. Let’s answer Palden's tragic cry and build a massive petition to the six world leaders with the most influence in Beijing to send a mission to Tibet and speak out against the repression. Sign the urgent petition

Petition to Stop Cuts to Solar PV Feed-in Tariffs

2011-11-04T19:37:00.001Z

On 31st October 2011 the Department for Energy and Climate Change proposed to cut feed-in tariffs (FITs) for solar energy generation from 43.3p to 21p, a drop of over 50%. This cut would affect retrofit installations of less than 4kW. Cuts proposed to FITs in other generation capacities were similarly drastic. We petition the government to withdraw this proposal and halt their attempt to cut FITs across all capacities, but especially below 4kW. These cuts would be highly destructive to the solar energy industry, which as a new sector is highly vulnerable to drastic market changes. If the plan is passed, it will jeopardise the 25,000 jobs directly linked to the industry, not to mention put terrific strain on at least ten times as many that that supply the industry such as manufacturers, movers, scaffolders, electricians, plumbers, web developers and stationers.

Solar has been too successful - that's why tariffs were cut

The premature FIT cuts are going to wreck green industry and damage the case for community and business schemes.

Remember Climategate? Why Wasn't This Story Equally Big

2011-11-02T20:10:00.001Z

When formerly 'skeptical' scientist warms to the reality of Climate Change, its time to pay attention. He even looked all the way back to data compiled by Ben Franklin and Thomas Jeferson. And was sponsered by the 'Libertarian' Koch brothers.

Physicist Richard Mueller's research over the last two years reaches the same conclusion espoused by an overwhelming majority of the scientific community: the world's getting warmer.

His findings line up with those of NOAA and NASA, which agree that the land is about 1.6 degrees warmer than it was during the 1950s.

Perhaps now we can move past the decades of climate-change denier distraction, and get down to dealing with the crisis.

Go Figure

2011-11-02T20:06:00.001Z

Tories were in revolt over Europe fearing its increasing powers.

But are very keen for Greece to do what they are told by the Europe. In a democracy it's always legitimate to turn to the people,, why not have a vote on this.

Its easy to ask others to undergo austerity measures, much harder to apply it to your own country.

And if were not for Greece we would be talking about Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The Euro is unstable, it will continue from crisis to crisis, kinder to disband it now.

Once upon a time Cameron supported feed-in tariffs

2011-11-01T22:47:00.000Z

The government announced how it was reducing the support it gives to the solar industry through Feed in Tariffs. Greenpeace are reminding people that once Cameron wanted to convince people how Green he was by supporting this, now its cut in half.

The Tories are still blaming everything they do on the last Government. But the financial disaster we are in is as much the Tories fault as anyones, back in his day Cameron was praising Brown as an 'awesome' chancellor, they hope we have forgotten this. They didnt act as oposition should have but instead Cameron described his rival as “awesome” and “a figure of colossal power and intellect”.

We are all in this together, some are more 'in' than others.

Plaque to remember those who were killed in the Bombing Raid on Reading on 10 February 1943

2011-10-30T20:37:00.000Z

I would like to sign the petition, but as I dont live within RBC they wont let me. So all I can do is ask others to sign.

In order to mark the 70th anniversary of the worse bombing raid on Reading during World War II we request that the Council commission a plaque or inscription to remember the people who were killed in the bombing raid on Reading town centre that took place on 10 February 1943.

Just Do It - a tale of modern-day outlaws

2011-10-27T21:45:00.000+01:00

A film about climate activism, see the trailer here.

A film by Emily James is a documentary that lifts the lid on climate activism. Just Do It is a new documentary film that entertains and inspires. It takes a behind-the- scenes look at the world of UK climate change activists, offering a funny and engaging look at a community who refuses to sit back and allow the destruction of their world.

End Tax Aviodance

2011-10-26T21:47:00.000+01:00

Caroline Lucas is campaigning to end corporate Tax avoidance.

Click here for the petition.

Firstly, the Chancellor should force all multinational companies filing accounts in the UK to reveal their use of tax havens and publish what profits they earn and what tax they pay in each country in which they operate, without exception. Secondly, banks should be required by law to give details of all accounts they maintain for companies operating in the UK so HMRC and Companies House can chase any companies who pretend to be dormant to evade tax. These two simple changes could help recover billions of pounds of lost tax for the UK by revealing those hiding their income from view.

Inequality To Blame For The Riots

2011-10-25T20:38:00.000+01:00

Seventy-one per cent of 11-18 year-olds taking part in the first HeadsUp forum of the new school year, 'How equal is Britain?' thought that inequality was either mostly or partly to blame for the riots in English cities this year.

The 'How equal is Britain?' debate, running from September 26 - October 14, attracted a record number of comments from young people. The forum covered a variety of issues ranging from the role of inequality in the recent riots to equal representation in Parliament and sexism in sport.

Opinion was divided on the reasons for the riots:

"I believe that the people who got involved in the riots had a reason. Maybe it was because the government were not really taking care of them. They have got nothing left, so they have got nothing to lose."

"I don't think there was a message behind the riots because it could have started for a reason but most people that were involved with it were doing it for the excitement and money that looting provides."

Those taking part in the forum were asked if inequality played a part in the riots:

* 31% thought inequality was mostly to blame
* 40% thought that inequality was partly to blame
* 16% thought people involved were responsible for their own actions
* 13% were not sure what caused the riots

Equal representation of women in Parliament also attracted a lot of posts, with many agreeing with Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP, who took part in the debate:

"Over half the population is female, yet we have a situation in which the important decisions about the future of the country are taken by men."

There was some debate as to how this might best be achieved, with some students supportive of fairer gender representation but stopping short of endorsing quotas:

There was also extensive discussion of women in sport. Posters felt that women had fewer sporting opportunities than men, owing to limited TV coverage, stereotypes about specific sports for each gender and poor P.E. lessons at school.

Sadam Husein and Colonel Gaddafi

2011-10-23T19:27:00.001+01:00

I dont often, but found this quote from Stop The War is interesting. Most commentators seem to think the killing of foriegn leaders they dont like is a good thing. Many even support the war in Libya. I remain suspicious.

As with the capture of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, it will be described as a turning point and a further victory in the seemingly endless 'war on terror'.

There is little reason for the triumphalism. Nato's war on Libya was not a humanitarian intervention' but a war for regime change -- illegal under international law. It was about the western powers attempting to regain control of the region in the face of the Arab uprisings across the Middle East.

Yet despite its overthrow of the regime in Libya imperialism faces many problems in the region.

"Gaddafi was a tyrant, he was always warning Arab rulers they were next and what happened to Saddam will happen to them, but his forecast came true with his own death," Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman of the Iraqi government told Reuters.

I would like a bit more constistency, why intervene in Iraq and Libya but not Zimbabwe. If its based on human rights why not China or Saudi Arabia? Many are suspicious of a link to oil. Or arms sales.

The 99%

2011-10-23T14:19:00.000+01:00

An international movement to protest the way that the bankers continue to profit while ordinary people are paying the penalty for their (and politicians) mistakes.

Some call them 'occupy wall street' while othes know them as 'the 99 percent'.

We are getting kicked out of our homes. We are forced to choose between groceries and rent. We are denied quality medical care. We are suffering from environmental pollution. We are working long hours for little pay and no rights, if we're working at all. We are getting nothing while the other 1 percent is getting everything. We are the 99 percent.

In the UK people are aware that St Pauls Cathedral was closed but seemingly not of much more.

Report That Older people 'hoard' family homes

2011-10-23T13:55:00.000+01:00

The very idea that people might be encouraged to leave larger underused homes seems to have hit a raw nerve with the Tories. 'An Englishmans home is his castle' was all very well but we have been heading for a shortage for a number of years, mostly thanks to the Tories (and Labour who had similar policies). Selling of council housing made Maggie Thatcher very polular but sacrificed future generations for the then residents, who largely did very nicely. This was folowed by a failure to build any more of them.

The thinktank Intergenerational Foundation said that 16 million people live in underoccupied homes and there were 25 million empty bedrooms. IF, which is a non-party political charity campaigning for the rights of “younger and future generations” in British policy making, said that the lifecycle of housing was “breaking down” as older people “hoarded” family homes.

The report says: ‘Whilst these older groups may think they are keeping an “asset” for future generations, the negative impact is felt primarily among the young who face higher lifetime levels of debt and smaller living space as a result.

What they ignore at their peril is a housing crisis. Shelter says 'More than two million people find their rent or mortgage a constant struggle or are falling behind with payments.'

Greens have a plan to sort this out, a land value tax. Underused porperties will generate a higher tax than smaller ones so encouraging people to move. The LibDem 'Mansion Tax' would go part of the way, as would giving the current system proper banding. But the big three parties are not brave enough to announce that the wealthy would have to pay more, so instead those least able to afford it are suffering.

Empty properties should be encouraged to be used first, empty buisnesses could be converted to housing when they have been unused for years.

I would also want to increase tax on second homes, it just seems wrong to me that the wealthy can have two or more homes while the young cant get their first one.

Some politicians want to see us build our way out of this problem, but as the best sites are taken this would mean using more marginal land, increasing flooding. Lets use what we have better, its more efficient.

18 Million To Make People Homeless

2011-10-20T07:49:00.001+01:00

What a shame, what a waste, what a tradjedy. Millions wasted , violent clashes, and many families now in need of housing.

All they needed was to find a legal site for them to live on and they would have gone. What a waste

Reading Borough Council's home insulation rate lags behind national average

2011-10-16T20:17:00.000+01:00

Reading is below average for insulating its homes according to the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Green candidate Jamie Whitham is calling for a concerted effort to improve the situation and reduce energy bills for the residents.

Out of a total of just over 65,000 homes in the town, the Council has so far managed to insulate a total of only 5,443 homes in the space of three years, equating to a homes treated measure of just 6.9%. The national average is a homes treated measure of 10%.

Elsewhere councils have match-funded the Energy Saving Trust's scheme. These include Kirklees in Yorkshire, where every house was offered the option of free loft and cavity wall insulation. This initiative was led by Green Councillor, Andrew Cooper, which has put the town at the top of the league table nationally. This work has given Kirklees a homes treated measure of 24.8% showing what is possible.

Green candidate for Park Ward Jamie Whitham said: "Proper insulation can save households around £100 per year, combat fuel poverty, and reduce our carbon emissions. We have already suggested that the Council could use the profits from the solar panel scheme to fund more energy-saving measures. It is time that the Labour administration in Reading started prioritising this area."

Camerons Weak Leadership

2011-10-15T12:45:00.000+01:00

As is often the case, when a minister resigns his friends are saying what a fine job he did. I dare say they think they are being loyal but is their any truth in it?

Lets look back at a few highlights as his term as defence minister.
The following were a disgrace, made us an international joke.
British troops on front line in Afghanistan told they face the sack

Defence cuts 'to leave aircraft carriers without any planes'

While cuts are made everywhere else, the nuclear weapons are seemingly sacred, despite the cold war being over for decades. SO we have nukes we dont need but no harriers for carriers. Not joined up thinking.

Cameron says he is impressed with Liam Fox's record as defence secretay, but I am not. He said "A weak leader is someone who jumps at it because of some artificial deadline. Let's get the facts established, and then we'll make a decision." So he must be a weak leader then.

Leading From The Middle?

2011-10-15T08:36:00.001+01:00

The Chancellor George Osbourne announced that the UK will not lead the rest of Europe in its efforts to cut carbon emissions. So that the country's carbon targets will probably be watered down. What hapened to the "Greenest Government Ever"?, More like 'We will only be as Green if everyone else does too'. Thats following not leading.

In a potentially explosive intervention, Osborne insisted the government will only cut emissions in line with its neighbours to ensure British businesses are "not disadvantaged".

Speaking at the Conservative party conference, the chancellor accused environmental regulations of "piling costs on the energy bills of households and companies" and argued that the government should not adopt green targets that damage the business sector.

Actually it would have meant we would be leading in a growing sector, leading to an increase in exports. Instead others will continue to dominate and we will have to continue to import Green technologies such as wind turbines.

So lets not invest in the future, they want us to continue much as we are; a bit behind. Who thought these people would stick to their promises?

Arrogance Of Power

2011-10-14T07:44:00.001+01:00

Today Oliver Letwin MP is shown throwing constituents correspondense in the bin in a park. On 5 occasions. Voters should be able to recall him and kick him out.

Meanwhile more secrets leak out about the dodgy characters surrounding the Defence secretary, if he had any consience he would have resigned by now.

Locally last night Labour members displayed their own arrogance. Blocking in other cars as they were too lazy or just didnt care enough. Reminds me of the Labour Cllr who abused his civic centre parking privilege and left his car there for months. At our expense.

Most politicians start wanting to help people, once in power it seems to go to their heads and their sence of self importance rises.
Udate;
Meanwhile they are closing down libraries, one opened by Mark Twain. Frozen public sector pensions for two years, cut the benefits to those who need it most.

We're not all in this together.

Two New Eco Homes in Reading

2011-10-11T19:18:00.000+01:00

Catalyst Housing Group have recently completed the eco-refurbishment of two Victorian ‘hard to treat’ houses in Reading.

The range of energy-related measures installed in these properties make the project the first of its kind in the Borough. The project has been endorsed by the European Union as an official partner of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign and is a finalist for the ‘Sustainable Smaller Housing Project of the Year’, which is one of the Sustainable Housing Awards 2011.

Two different approaches have been taken for each of the properties:
· ‘Cost house’ (Palmer Park Avenue) - where the marginal costs over and above the standard refurbishment costs have been kept as low as possible.

· ‘Performance house’ (Addington Road) - where the budgetary constraints have been secondary to the final building performance.

One of the main objectives of the project has been to gain the knowledge and experience required before considering rolling out energy-related measures in programmes of work across the stock.

Although the full range of measures will not be replicated in other properties at this time; the measures which optimise carbon dioxide reductions whilst representing the best value for money will be identified as suitable for incorporation in other programmes of work and will help to inform our long-term Asset Management sustainabilty strategy.

A Guest Post from
Catalyst Housing Group
A charitable housing association
www.chg.org.uk

Fox In Deep Doodoo

2011-10-10T13:41:00.001+01:00

But he isnt the only one. I warned them already but anothr MP Gerald Howarth has behaved in similar way. Both should go.

My earlier blog post is here
http://greenreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/up-in-arms.html

A Million Engineers Say Yes We Can, Its Politicians Saying No

2011-10-09T20:35:00.000+01:00

The technology needed to cut the world’s greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 already exists, according to a joint statement by eleven of the world’s largest engineering organisations, including the UK's Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The problem lies with politicians and the consequent lack of legislation and finance needed to ramp up efforts to tackle climate change.

The professional bodies, together representing 1.2 million engineers, submitted their opinion to the South African Deputy High Commissioner as part of preparations for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which is to be held in Durban from November 28 to December 9, (COP 17).

Occupy Wall St, Guest Post Avaaz

2011-10-09T11:21:00.000+01:00

As working families pay the bill for a financial crisis caused by corrupt elites, the protesters are calling for real democracy, social justice and anti-corruption. But they are under severe pressure from authorities, and some media are dismissing them as fringe groups. If millions of us from across the world stand with them, we'll boost their resolve and show the media and leaders that the protests are part of a massive mainstream movement for change.

Thousands of Americans have non-violently occupied Wall St -- an epicentre of global financial power and corruption. They are the latest ray of light in a new movement for social justice that is spreading like wildfire from Madrid to 146 cities and counting, but they need our help to succeed.

The worldwide wave of protest is the latest chapter in this year's story of global people power. In Egypt, people took over Tahrir Square and toppled their dictator. In India, one man's fast brought millions onto the streets and the government to its knees -- winning real action to end corruption. For months, Greek citizens relentlessly protested unfair cuts to public spending. In Spain, thousands of "indignados" defied a ban on pre-election demonstrations and mounted a protest camp in Sol square to speak out against political corruption and the government's handling of the economic crisis. And this summer across Israel, people have built "tent cities" to protest against the rising costs of housing and for social justice.

These national threads are connected by a global narrative of determination to end the collusion of corrupt elites and politicians -- who have in many countries helped cause a damaging financial crisis and now want working families to pay the bill. The mass movement that is responding can not only ensure that the burden of recession doesn't fall on the most vulnerable, it can also help right the balance of power between democracy and corruption. Click to stand with the movement:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_world_vs_wall_st/?vl

In every uprising, from Cairo to New York, the call for an accountable government that serves the people is clear, and our global community has backed that people power across the world wherever it has broken out. The time of politicians in the pocket of the corrupt few is ending, and in its place we are building real democracies, of, by, and for people.

Quantitative Easing

2011-10-08T15:38:00.000+01:00

The Tories in opposition were dismisive but now in government its back. Some are saying its just giving money to banks to boost their bonuses, Labour failed with this, will Tories do better?

Greens want to invest in low carbon economy, creating jobs. There is great danger in leaving large numbers long term unemployed, particularly young people whos careers have just started out been derailed.

Some say that the money from QE will find its way through to ordinary consumers; but other economists reckon there are many more direct methods of stimulating growth. They could buy up the bad debts on the books of the banks; invest in social housing; lend the cash direct to small firms; or build all of the government's latest wave of offshore wind-farms – enough to generate almost half of Britain's electricity.

Will handing banks lots of extra money cause them to speculate on commodities such as oil, boosting their price, pushing up inflation and making life even harder for cash-strapped consumers? If they can be made to invest in small buisness, wind farms, social houising, it will help. Otherwise they will mess us up as badly as Labour.

10 Years of War Achieves Nothing

2011-10-07T06:20:00.002+01:00

We have been in a state of war for a decade, many people have died but nothing was gained. This war has lasted about as long as every other conflict involving the uk for the last century put together, but we are no closer to seeing our troops coming home.

Remember when it started, we were told thay shots would not be fired, that troops would be home by xmas. well weve heard all that before.

Does anyone in authority care how much the war has cost, both in lives and cash. Meanwhile they cut spending on everything; health, defence, even on the police. Total allied toll; 2,753 soldiers' lives and a cost of £258billion. No one seems to count the deaths of innocent civilians. Even the Mail has woken up to this. (Updated)

Aside from arms sales who benefits from this war, we are all loosers. We are all in this together.

Drive Faster; Kill People Kill Planet

2011-09-30T19:35:00.000+01:00

"Our Roads are among the safest in Europe, so lets change them." So says Tory Transport Minister Philip Hamond, who seems to want more deaths on the Road. The speed limit on motorways could be raised from 70 to 80 Mph, making them less safe, as well as increasing emissions.

Perhaps this isn't too surprising, it was Tories who called for an end to speed cameras and cuts to health and safety. Monbiot analyses it here, "Tory Boy racers".

The government has admitted that its proposal to increase the speed limit on motorways to 80mph would lead to more pollution and increase the risk of road deaths.

Ben Stewart of Greenpeace sais: "The more we learn about the new speeding rules, the worse it looks. This was meant to be the decade we finally made the big push to get off oil, instead we have a government driving hell for leather in the wrong direction."

Sian Berry, from the Campaign for Better Transport, agreed the DfT underestimated the impact: "In practice, real fuel consumption will increase much faster than the DfT traffic models predict, so carbon emissions will be higher." Previous research has shown that a medium-sized petrol car increases its emissions by 15% when going from 70mph to 80mph, while diesel cars with engines of more than two litres increase their emissions by 25%.

Meanwhile Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for South East England has welcomed today’s decision by the European Parliament to support 20mph speed limits in urban areas. The measure was part of a report, adopted by the parliament, which aims to improve road safety across the EU.

Decades ago in the USA high fuel prices cased a maximum speed limit of 55 mph. We should be looking at reducing the speed limit today to reduce emissions and increase safety. Here is a campaign to go back to 55 mph.

R.I.P. Wangari Maathai, Nobel Prize Winner and Kenyan Green Party Founder

2011-09-28T20:37:00.000+01:00

This week, the world mourned the sudden death of Nobel Peace Prize winner and conservationist Wangari Maathai, who was undoubtedly one of the Worlds true heroines.

She fearlessly stood up to the government and individuals whose actions were a threat to the environment. She founded the Green Belt Movement, an inspirational tree planting initiative. She became increasingly critical of worldwide governance, falling-out with politicians in Kenya, felt deep disillusionment with the World Bank, the IMF, Britain and other former colonial powers. Increasingly she sided with the world's poorest people, becoming a hero of the worldwide ecological and African democracy movements.

She set up Mazingira, the Kenyan Green Party, winning 98% of the votes in her constituency, and then joined the coalition that finally overthrew Moi in 2002. She was a junior environment minister in the government of President Mwai Kibaki between January 2003 and November 2005.

In the virtual world, her life was celebrated in more than 3,000 online news articles, several hundred obituaries and countless tweets on the social media website, Twitter.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said: “Rest in peace Dr Wangari Maathai. A great woman, an inspiration for many women across Africa, a magnificent visionary & embodiment of courage.”

Hilary Clinton, US Secretary of State said: “Wangari Maathai understood the deep connection between local and global problems, and helped give ordinary citizens a voice.”

Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and a Nobel Laureate, put it simply, saying, “Let us all plant a tree to honour Maathai”.

While His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered sombre condolences to the family of his fellow Nobel Laureate.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela chose to upload a few photos of Prof Maathai at the third Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on his Facebook page.

A Solar Roof For All Saints, Wokingham: Guest Blog

2011-09-27T20:32:00.000+01:00

Here in Wokingham we could be only weeks away from having our own solar panel array, if all goes according to plan.

Will you help realise the dream of using the huge roof of The Cornerstone community centre to generate cost-free and clean electricity and bring in vital Government funding which can be used for local community projects?

How to support
Simply by signing up at the Energyshare website you can increase our chances of getting funding for the project. The more signed-up supporters the scheme gets the greater our chance of success. To become a supporter sign up at:

www.energyshare.com/all-saints-wokingham

Click “Support this Group” and then click "sign up" and follow the instructions. The system will send you a verification email with a link to click through. Once you have clicked through you are shown as a supporter. Please ask your friends, family and colleagues to sign up too! It only takes a few minutes, and each supporter makes a difference. Applications close on the 30th September 2011, but we have a real chance of success.

Read more
As well as generating thousands of pounds in Government pay-outs every year for the next 25 years for local projects, an array of photovoltaic panels will cut the Cornerstone's annual electricity bill in half, reducing pressure on hire charges for all in the community who need to use the building

Another aim of the project is to champion solar energy in the town so other local community buildings will follow.

Technical feasibility has been confirmed by the original architects' team of the 7 year-old Cornerstone building. It has the green light from the professionals and the benefit of their expert guidance on exact numbers and positioning of the solar panels.

Now planning permission from Wokingham Borough Council is being applied for.

Funding needs to be found. Local community support is vital to success in the scheme's application to Energyshare - a national fund founded by River Cottage and British Gas to support inspiring, community-led renewable energy projects which will create real change.

The scheme has almost 400 signed -up supporters at present and on that basis has already made it on to the shortlist of 100 projects in the country being considered by Energyshare for funding. To make it into the final shortlist it needs many many more supporters– thousands rather than hundreds would be good!

The Cornerstone is a community centre owned by All Saints Church Wokingham and run with and for our local community. Its mission is to enrich the lives of the people of Wokingham and deepen our spirit of community.

All Saints Church is a double holder of the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Ecocongregation award, dedicated to caring for creation and reducing its carbon footprint.

To become a supporter sign up at
www.energyshare.com/all-saints-wokingham
Click “Support this Group” and follow the instructions

THANK YOU!

Your support can bring benefits to Wokingham for the next quarter-century and help save many communities worldwide from the worst effects of climate change.

Tom Clancy Predicted 9/11

2011-09-26T20:28:00.000+01:00

After 9/11 there were many conspiracy theories. I don't recall any mention if this book however.

Its chilling to read about a plane deliberately crashed into Washington DC killing hundreds including most of the senate and the president. Its a Japanese pilot in this case but the book is about an Iranian plot to take over Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi. Theres a muslim agent in the secret service, and others spreading the ebola virus around the states; hoping to destabilise the USA.

Tom Clancy's, 1994 novel 'Debt of Honor' has a jumbo jet being crashed intentionally into Capitol Hill, killing most of the top functionaries in U.S. government. The follow up novel 'Executive Orders' (1996) starts just after this crash.

I suppose there are so many disasters predicted in novels and film it may be just a coincidence; but I think Clancy should get some credit. Of course its also possible that he gave the idea to terrorists. Interesting that he chose the Capitol building for the plane to crash into, I'm still not sure why the World Trade Centre was seen as such an important target.

Save The Children

2011-09-25T13:40:00.000+01:00

Sign up to Save the Children petition.

In 2010, they helped 3 million children through our work, ran world-class programmes to save children's lives and challenge world leaders to keep to the promises they've made to give children a brighter future.

In the UK we're campaigning so that no child is born without a chance. As part of this campaign we're calling on the Chancellor to make childcare support for struggling families in the UK more affordable. Affordable childcare is crucial so parents can earn enough to give their children the best start in life.

You can learn more about this campaign on our website. In the meantime if you are interested in campaigning in your local area or would like more information on the campaign please email us at campaigns@savethechildren.org.uk.

Farm Shops

2011-09-24T09:45:00.001+01:00

Its always interesting to find some new farm shops, so today for the first time a link to John Howarths blog as he has links to some I hadnt known about.

Here is my own post about farm shops from some time ago.

He starts with Wellington farm shop, in my view overpriced. Theres another one nearby (2 miles) but it seems little known The Organic Farm Shop, Holdshott Farm, Reading Road, Heckfield, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0JZ, 0118 932 6650

He then lists:
crazybear Stadhampton, Oxfordshire
fielders farm shop Theale
vicars game Ashampstead RG8 8SJ
Grays Farm and pick your own farm, Wokingham RG40 3AN

Sustainable Shower Wins Prize

2011-09-20T20:20:00.001+01:00

A British entrepreneur’s award-winning shower that could save 5.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually will soon be available to consumers. Guest blog about a green innovation.

Brit entrepreneur Nick Christy was announced as the winner of a global green challenge, championed in the UK by People's Postcode Lottery.

Nick and his team have secured £435,000 from the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge to bring his sustainable shower to market. His winning entry, the Water Recycling Shower, reduces water usage and energy costs by an impressive 70%.

The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge jury were impressed by Nick’s effective and innovative invention, his solid business plan, and the ease with which the shower could become a common feature in all households. On his win, the 40 year old declared “It’s fantastic. The prize money puts my team and me in a position to devote ourselves full-time to getting this shower on the market.”

“If we were to achieve even just a 1% market share in Europe, USA and Australia, 5.3 million tons of CO2 and 211,574 gigalitres of water could be saved annually. This could have an enormous positive impact on the environment.”

The shower’s special design means it reduces water and power consumption without reducing water flow at the showerhead so it does not forfeit the showering experience for its green credentials. The shower design is completely hygienic. The ‘recycled’ water is filtered and heat pasteurised as it is heated for use.

Now in its fifth year, the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge encourages people to think creatively about fighting climate change. Previous winning British ideas include a flat roof turbine, designed by Yorkshire man Dean Gregory of The Power Collective.

Dale Farm Eviction

2011-09-19T08:07:00.001+01:00

what a shame that the Dale Farm communuty is to be broken up by Basildon council. The residents owm the land but dont have plamming permissiom for all of it.

A shame that it could not be settled by negotiations but rather what many are describing as a battle. there are better ways to do things. People may get hurt and lots of money has been wasted.

Update
Activists have aparently been building brick walls as barriers.

Shut Down DSEi

2011-09-16T21:42:00.000+01:00

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas hasfound cluster munitions openly being promoted at the Defence System and Equipment International Exhibition (DSEi) being held in London, in breach of UK law.

Caroline Lucas said, “ I’m shocked that the British Government seems unable or unwilling to police arms sales happening here on its own soil. This is the second breach this week of the UK export control act 2002, and who knows how many others are happening.

Since the government has demonstrated that it is unable to control arms sales in this country, this exhibition should be shut down.”

New Threat Bath Road Reservoir Reading

2011-09-13T16:26:00.001+01:00

Message from the campaign to save the Bath Road Reservoir. I have supported them since this blog in 2007. Despite the sucess in January the developers are back again with another proposal.

Thames Water has partnered Bewley Homes and will be submitting a new detailed planning application for the Bath Road Reservoir site in the very near future. In case they have failed to contact you – Thames Water are holding a public consultation about their new plans on Sat 24th Sept, in Downshire Square Church Hall, from 2 – 6pm.

We URGE you to attend this consultation tomake your views known– after losing at the 2010 Public Inquiry; they will have revised this planning application, so there is a greater likelihood of it being accepted.

Whilst the Localism Agenda proposes to give communities a stronger voice, Reading Borough Council cannot reject planning applications simply on overwhelming public opposition; there must also be legitimate planning reasons. The outcome of the Public Inquiry meant some previous objection reasons will not carry weight (e.g. biodiversity, traffic and parking); so future objections will need to focus around issues such as it’s appropriateness in respect to the nature and character of the local area (density, building heights, materials etc), and potential damage to the
setting of the Water Tower and historic environment.

Attending the consultation will allow you to voice any opposition and concerns about aspects of their proposal – e.g. their insistence on keeping 2.5 and 3-storey buildings despite previous recommendations of a maximum of 2-storeys; the proposed numbers and density; the height of the building platform and the buildings themselves; the lack of community amenities; the demolition process – prior to any building, the site would be flattened and concrete broken up (meaning about 2 years of noise 9-5, with all the dust, noise, dirt on the roads, vibration (potentially
increasing the risks of subsidence problem).

We strongly urge you to attend and have your say in your future and that of the area; but to also not be seduced by their glossy presentation – these proposals will have huge impacts. Express your objections to the unsatisfactory parts of the plans (e.g. 2.5 and 3 storey buildings, heights, density, building platform heights, lack of amenities) and express to TW the sort of ‘conditions’ we would want in place to minimise the impact, were it to go through – these could include restricting demolition work on weekends, effective air quality and noise monitoring,
damping down demolished concrete to reduce dust spread, noise limitations,
breaking up the concrete off site, restrictions on vehicle sizes etc.

On this day we also hold our annual ‘street party’ with attractions for both children and adults, BBQs, music etc - beginning at midday. We will host hourly walks from Western Road round the corner to TW’s consultation in Downshire Square - starting 2pm at the north end of Western Road - to ensure that everyone is able to attend TW’s consultation. We invite you to join us, not only in attending this consultation but also to the street party - we will thank everyone who attends the consultation and comments with a glass of punch and an invite to the street party!

If you have any questions please telephone either:
Graham on 07808 143649
or Mel on 07866 500854
www.savethebathroadreservoir.co.uk

Ten Years On From 9/11

2011-09-11T17:10:00.000+01:00

I'v been listening to people reflecting on the events on ten years ago. One thing that surprises me is how few see the oppertunity lost.

The world was in such shock after the attack, the USA could have got most anything it wanted. Instead of launcing an intelligence gathering excercize on Al Quada, with a view to making the world a better place, healing the woulds that divide us, they launched a 'wat on terror'.

It started with bombing Afghanistan, followed by Iraq. Rather than make the world safer they put everyone in danger. They promised to keep our values but the rule of law seems damaged, perhaps irrepairably. Where is presumption of innocence, proper trials, freedom of expression and protest. Now the authorities are linked to torture and Guantanamo, despite many promises, is still open.

They even made Al Quada seem far more powerful than they were, instead of a small group they were made to seem to represent all muslims! To many people today the word muslim is unfortunately still linked to terrorist. This never hapened with catholics during the troubles, for this I blame Bush and Blair.

Even today do people have any idea what motivated the terrorists? According to an article by Jason Burke:

Bin Laden made his own agenda clear in a series of public statements. The Islamic world was under attack from a belligerent West set on the domination and humiliation of Muslims, he said, and it was every believer's religious duty to fight back. It was not a case of 'hating freedom', he claimed, but of desiring freedom from supposed American-led oppression. He repeatedly listed the various parts of the world - Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya, Afghanistan and, latterly, Iraq - where he felt Muslims were oppressed.

Bin Laden's attacks aimed to radicalise and mobilise the Islamic world. The purpose of holing American warships or destroying the Twin Towers was primarily to scare or damage America, but was also intended to inspire those in the Muslim world who had hitherto rejected his extremist message. Bin Laden realised that many were pleased to see the US wounded and humiliated and went to great lengths to ensure that only targets that would be widely regarded as legitimate were hit. Suicide bombers were an integral part of this strategy, supposedly demonstrating the power and righteousness of their cause by their own self-sacrifice.

He doesnt seem to mention the US troops stationed in Saudi Arabia. Aparently almost all those troops left Saudi in 2003.

Then there is the USA support for Israel, about which much has been written already.

I recall some descussion of uniting the Muslim world, a Caliphate Khilafah). The Arab spring will have changed this posibilities, but I have heard little discussion on this.

UK Housing Shame

2011-09-10T11:17:00.001+01:00

Housing conditions in Britain are among the worst in Western Europe and cost the nation about £7bn a year by adding to the pressure on the NHS and other public services, says a major study.

An alliance of housing experts warns that a lack of affordable, decent homes, cuts to local authority housing budgets and the Coalition Government's benefit 'reforms' (cutbacks) are creating "real hardship, misery and ill-health" for some of the country's most vulnerable people.

Almost 4,000 people are sleeping rough on London's streets, an increase of 8 per cent since last year. About half of these are from the UK and the rest from a wide variety of other countries, notably Poland.

Many Libdems campaign on housing issues so this is an issue that may deepen unhapiness within the coalition. At some point the Libdems will notice that they are propping up a government that has not delivered on any progressive promises.

The excuse they gave a year ago was that they could manage the economy, they have not delivered even on that promise. The Libdem conference is soon, lets see how they respond.

Update: Camerons answer, build more houses on marginal land, change planning laws to favour developers. Meanwhile the rich can have as many homes as they like. It just seems so wrong to me that some people have two homes while others are homeless.

Green New Deal Email Your MP For 1010

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000+01:00

Dear MP,

Good housing - living in a warm home shouldn't be a luxury.
Rocketing fuel prices - letting heat escape through our draughty doors and leaky windows is literally throwing money away.
Our inefficient houses are bad news for the climate too – did you know three-quarters of the energy we use in our homes is for heating?
The only way to effectively tackle the rise of fuel poverty is with a major programme of energy efficiency, retrofitting all properties to basic minimum standards

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Windisch
This email was sent via 10:10. http://www.1010uk.org

No-one likes seeing their hard-earned cash disappearing through the roof, walls and windows, but that's the reality for millions of us who live in draughty, underinsulated houses and can't afford to do them up this winter.

Now we have an opportunity to fix this. The government claims to be working on a new policy to provide loans to cover the cost of energy-saving home improvements. Repayments are linked to, and automatically deducted from, the money you save on fuel bills.

But as always, the devil's in the detail. With just days till MPs debate this for the last time, there are some big problems with the deal as it stands.

This could be the most important bit of practical climate legislation for years. It's crucial that our MPs get this right, so let's make sure they know it!

Click here to email your MP now

Climate minister Chris Huhne has said the Green Deal will bring a 'once-and-for-all refit' of Britain's homes, making sure your street is 'ready for a low-carbon future'. There are three big things that need to change if that's going to happen:
Cheaper: Green Deal loans could have interest rates as high as 10%. If they want to offer a proper alternative to a bog-standard bank loan, they'll need to bring this right down.
Quicker: As things currently stand, landlords with the leakiest houses won't have to fix them until 2018. That's 680,000 households potentially facing six more long cold winters. We can do better.
More attractive: If the government really wants people to take this up, they need to make it as attractive as possible. Think council tax rebates, cuts in stamp duty and mandatory efficiency reporting on sale properties.

Time is tight, but if we all email our MPs this week we can push this issue right to the top of their agenda and make sure these problems get fixed.

Since the beginning, 10:10 has been about cutting our own emissions, while using our combined weight to push for policies that make it easier to do the right thing. If we can get MPs to fix the Green Deal in parliament, we'll have helped tackle one of the biggest obstacles to low-carbon living in this country.

Daniel Vockins
10:10 campaign manager

A Wind Of Change

2011-09-07T17:20:00.001+01:00

Since 18 December 2010 there have been a wave of revolutions:
Jasmine in Tunisia with President Ben Ali going into exile after 24 years in charge,
and Egypt with President Mubarak on trial after 30 years;
a civil war in Libya resulting in the fall of the regime there after 42 years;
civil uprisings in Bahrain pearl revolution,
Syria ending its 47 years of emergency rule,
and Yemen after a 30 year rule from President Saleh.

I cant recall a wave of change like this since 1989 when Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia and Romania left Soviet influence.

Clashes at many other areas including the borders of Israel show the Arab Spring is not over yet.

Some have predicted 2012 is the year of great changes, its easy to scoff but no-one predicted what has happened in 2011. Or that the world financial crisis would happen in 2008. I'm not sure Boris getting to run the London Olympics is quite the disaster that was predicted.

A more sustainable world is what is needed, and that means planning for future generations, not using all our scarce resources on ourselves. Climate change and peak oil are coming soon, the effects are being felt now. That means extreme weather and rising fuel prices. I expect the poorest will go hungry and those on marginal land, low lying or at the edge of deserts will have problems.

The Tories promised us the greenest government ever, but have not delivered. Some Tory MPs are saying climate change is not happening, only two seem to be making any sense. Local MP John Redwood looks out the window and sees a cold summer, ignoring the 'warmest British spring in 100 years followed one of the coldest UK winters in 300 years.'

Action is needed now, not excuses or red herrings. Let the wind of change blow across UK politics.

September Berkshire Blog Rankings

2011-09-06T16:06:00.000+01:00

This is a just as a matter of interest list, not to be taken too seriously. The way they are ranked is controversial, and I have only included the blogs that are in some way related to Berkshire and politics. Suggestions for new ones appreciated, but I don't know how frequently I will do this.

1, = 126 John Redwoods Diary
2, +3 264 babyrambles
3, -1 270 Mark Rekons
4, = 336 Liberal Burblings
5, -2 513 Another Green World Derek Wall
6, +1 911 left outside
7, -1 940 Cartoon Blog
8, +2 1175 Gareth Epps
9, -1 1203 Cllr Richard Willis
10, -1 1537 green reading - Adrian Windisch
11, +2 1798 Redlands Libdems
12, = 1809 Cllr Warren Swaine
13, +1 2007 Cllr Rachel Eden
14, +4 2024 Duncan Bruce
15, +1 2183 Mr London Street
16, -5 2338 Jane is the one
17, -2 2580 Rob White - Bloggy Blanc
18, -1 2743 Tony Jones
19, = 3060 Green Construction Uk
20, = 3231 Reading List
21, = 4916 Cllr Prue Bray
22, = 4391 Adrian Holister
23, = 4885 Cllr Ricky Duveen
24, = 4897 Gideon Mack - Orangutan
25, = 4987 Greening St. Johns

For August see here

Help stop the planning free-for-all FoE, Woodland Trust, National Trust, CPRE

2011-09-06T09:56:00.000+01:00

Join environmentalists including Friends of the Earth who call for planning rules that take protecting our natural environment and sustainable development seriously.

The Government claims that the existing rules don't work because developers need a free reign to "build what they like, where they like, when they like." Mr Osborne and Mr Pickles said sticking with the "complicated" current system "puts at risk young people's future prosperity and quality of life"

But its proposed changes could derail the planning of new green industries and decent affordable homes - and push through short-sighted developments like supermarkets and incinerators.

We could also lose local parks, shops and allotments - and our right to a say in our communities. Some forests could be stripped of protection under planning reforms being considered by the Government, the Woodland Trust has warned.

National Trust warns planning changes could tear up countryside. London's green belt could be sacrificed to Los Angeles-style urban sprawl in the name of economic growth under sweeping reforms to the planning system unveiled by the government this week, the National Trust has warned. The 3.6 million-member organisation voiced "grave concerns" on Tuesday over government proposals to slash 1,000 pages of planning policy to just 52 pages in a move that has won the ringing endorsement of property developers.

Shaun Spiers, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Chief Executive, said: "The Treasury's ill-informed intervention in the planning debate reinforces the sense that the government's planning reforms are more about boosting short term growth figures than about truly sustainable development."

Climate Change Australia Carbon Tax Petition

2011-09-05T13:06:00.000+01:00

427,000 people have signed the petition organised by Avaaz. See their email below.

Right now, a major climate fight is blowing up in Australia; the government is about to pass a law that would cut carbon emissions and get polluters to pay. But big businesses, backed by Rupert Murdoch, are trying to kill the bill.

This carbon pricing law is a win-win measure -- it will push dirty businesses towards clean production and generate more resources for working families. If it passes, it will spur other major emitters to follow suit and could be the next best hope for our climate. But Murdoch's megaphone of fear is massive; he owns seventy percent of Australia's press. If together we can drown out his campaign to crush the bill with messages of hope from across the world, we could help it pass.

This battle is being fought on the Australian air waves now. Sign the urgent petition to back this bold initiative and share it with everyone.

We are all under threat from climate change -- including the droughts and storms that cause forest fires, floods and failed harvests. Australia’s proposal would start to shift its economy to halt it. The measure would make polluting companies pay, encouraging them to become more efficient while funding technologies of the future and increasing support to the most needy. Yet Murdoch -- who has a long history of supporting climate denial -- has joined with mining companies to spread wild predictions of job losses and economic doom.

Countries like Denmark, Sweden and Costa Rica have already introduced carbon-pricing, spurring innovation and reducing pollution. If we now embolden Australia -- the worst rich country per person carbon polluter -- to follow their lead, it will generate momentum for other major emitters such as China and the US to follow suit, boosting our chances of a global climate deal next year.

Avaaz members across the world have been strong campaigners on climate change -- our actions together have often influenced governments and companies. Right now, Australia’s people and political leaders need our support to face down the profiteers and renew our hope in climate solutions. Let’s remind our Australian friends that they're not alone in this crucial climate fight:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/australian_carbon_price/?vl

Politicians and businesses often think short-term, when long-term action is needed. When our people-powered movement counters these tendencies and proposes a clear vision of the future we want, we bring out the best in our leaders. Let’s shore up Australia’s resolve, then approach other governments until we achieve the global climate deal the world needs.

With hope,
The Avaaz team.

MORE INFORMATION

Australia plans to impose carbon tax on worst polluters (BBC)

Australia plans to put a 'carbon price' on industrial emissions (CNN)

Australia overtakes U.S. in per capita carbon emissions (Bloomberg)

David Cameron supports Australian carbon tax (The Telegraph)

Political will, public doubts on Australia climate policy (The Economist)

Murdoch media attacks carbon tax proposals (Independent Australia)

Road To Corruption

2011-09-04T20:48:00.000+01:00

As usual, all Reading councillors have been offered two free tickets worth £360 for Reading Festival, but Green councillor Rob White says this practice must end. It may start small but coruption is coruption, Cllrs start looking for freebies to 'help' them make descions; where does it end.

Newly reinstated LibDem Cllr Warreb Swaine attempts to defend grabbing the free tickets by suggesting he needs to 'monitor the festival' from inside, clearly getting to listen to some of the UKs top bands almost for free has nothing to do with it. Its this expectation of priveledge that offended people about politicians over the recent expenses scandal. They think different rules apply to them, but they are wrong.

Festival organisers say councillors who claimed weekend tickets, worth over £180 each, had to donate £30 to charity.

Apparently some directors of Reading Buses get free bus passes.

Cllrs are said to get to park their cars in the centre of town for free, most will only use this as a way to get to council meetings, which would be fair enough. One Cllr left his car in this car park for months, thats the slippery slope of coruption.

Maiden Erlegh's Catchment Area Decision

2011-09-01T17:48:00.000+01:00

Speaking after hearing that the Secretary of State has finally come to a decision over changes to Maiden Erlegh's catchment area.

Green Park Ward councillor Rob White said: "it is great news that the Secretary of State has rubberstamped the adjudicator's recommendation that radial distance should be used for the tie-breaker. This is wonderful news for people in Reading who live close to the school who were being discriminated against and unfairly excluded by Wokingham Council. "Well done to everyone from the Parents' Campaign and the wider community who has worked so hard to make this happen. "However, in the medium term we need a new secondary school in East Reading. Unfortunately we are still waiting to hear back on that one."

More fair for Wokingham residents who live near the school also.

Wokingham Council.">Wokingham Borough Council confirmed that it was disappointed with the outcome of the Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA)’s review of admissions arrangements at Maiden Erlegh School, in particular that proposed tie-breaker arrangements had been rejected.

Maiden Erlegh School's chairman of governors Huw Jones said: "Maiden Erlegh School adopted Wokingham Borough Council's admission arrangements which were determined by the council on March 31, 2011 when the school became an academy on April 1, 2011. The schools' adjudicator acknowledges that the school acted reasonably in doing this. "Now that Maiden Erlegh is responsible for setting its own admission arrangements it will, of course, accept the Secretary of State's direction to amend the ‘tie-breaker’ arrangement to one of simple radial distance and will include this in the school's published admission arrangements. "The governing body is currently looking at future admission arrangements."

Previous posts on this.

"Bonfire of the Quangoes" a damp squib

2011-08-30T17:05:00.000+01:00

Cameron promised a "Bonfire of the Quangoes", and delivered a damp squib. He has closed a few quangoes that were doing some good work, but even that cost us money.

Britain's highest-paid quango bosses are almost doubling their salaries with six-figure bonuses, special allowances and pension windfalls, an investigation has found.

“Some of these pay packets are absolutely shocking and equal in one year what a normal person earns in a lifetime. This can’t continue” said Tory James Wharton.

Its an old storey, the rich get richer, the poor poorer. Labour delivered much the same in their time in office. Time for something different, get the Greens in.

Berkshire Political Blog List August 2011

2011-08-29T12:46:00.000+01:00

This is a just as a matter of interest list, not to be taken too seriously. The way they are ranked is controversial, and I have only included the blogs that are in some way related to Berkshire and politics. Suggestions for new ones appreciated, but I don't know how frequently I will do this, the last time was Feb! Then about a hundred blogs were included, which just took far too long for me to do, so I stopped for a while.

1, 135 John Redwoods Diary
2, 265 Mark Rekons
3, 379 Another Green World Derek Wall
4, 274 Liberal Burblings
5, 414 babyrambles
6, 747 Cartoon Blog
7, 875 left outside
8, 1051 Cllr Richard Willis
9, 1277 green reading - Adrian Windisch
10, 1494 Gareth Epps
11, 1593 Jane is the one
12, 1624 Cllr Warren Swaine
13, 1642 Redlands Libdems
14, 1760 Cllr Rachel Eden
15, 2167 Rob White - Bloggy Blanc
16, 2286 Mr London Street
17, 2529 Tony Jones
18, 2864 Duncan Bruce
19, 2895 Green Construction Uk
20, 2923 Reading List
21, 4802 Cllr Prue Bray
22, 5447 Adrian Holister
23, 5753 Cllr Ricky Duveen
24, 5801 Gideon Mack - Orangutan
25, 6187 Greening St. Johns

Inactive for a month or more;
1394 Daisy's Campaign Diary
1428 Bracknel Blog
2780 Cllr John Ellis
5846 Sheepdrove
7049 Cllr Emma Warman

Curfew Against Disabled Drivers

2011-08-24T17:24:00.001+01:00

A Disabled driver contacted me about the parking restrictions now in place in Reading town centre.

The times they are alowed to park are so restricive that they feel that they are under a curfew.

Here is a link to their petition, please sign it.

The Reading Access Forum denies proper consultation ever happened as RBC was unable to give them details of where the disabled bays were to be and there was no indication that there would be time restrictions.

There have been several articles about this in the Local media

Other links you might find interesting

Which shows quite clearly what areas of the town can not be accessed by walking disabled or those in self propelling wheelchairs that can not manage long distances. Outside the hours of 11am to 4pm and and aftter 7pm anything in the area surrounded by red arrows is a no go zone. Even during the core hours much of it is not accessible because the bays are not appropriately spaced/placed.

In addition, right at the start of the scheme the Taxi drivers went on a go slow and a load of disabled parking bays in Friar Street mysteriously became taxi bays over night after a meeting with RBC.

Gary served 9 years in the RAF as a front line aircraft engineer after losing a leg a below the knee. He is now a blue bade holder but is determined to continue to walk the short distances he is capable of. He is just one of the many people affected by this situation.

Both he and I feel that we are being told to get into electric wheelchairs because we are inconvenient and don't fit into any of the nice neat solution boxes. All we want is to be able to maintain our independence as much as possible and to be as much a part of society as we can. Instead we are being marginalised and excluded.

Feeling Poor, You're Not Alone

2011-08-24T13:27:00.002+01:00

Low and middle income people are struggling with rising inflation and a poorly managed economy. There is little hope in the job market, and many prices are rising far above incomes or official inflation rates.

Research by Ipsos Mori found that 48 per cent of people in low to middle-income households – defined as having a gross income of between £12,000 and £48,000 a year – have any cash left over at the end of each month. This is compared with 66 per cent among higher-income households.

Rail fairs set to rise by around 13%, bus fairs 7%, food prices have doubled in the last 20 years.

People have been asking if there is a plan B for the economy, we want a Green New Deal.
. Massive investment in renewable energy and wider environmental transformation in the UK, leading to,
. The creation of thousands of new green collar jobs
. Reining in reckless aspects of the finance sector - but making low-cost capital available to fund the UK's green economic shift
. Building a new alliance between environmentalists, industry, agriculture, and unions to put the interests of the real economy ahead of those of footloose finance.

Updat:
In other countries wealthy people, including L'Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, have signed a petition to pay more tax following US billionaire Warren Buffett's call to raise taxes on the super-rich.

Chris Huhne's Response Is Not Good Enough

2011-08-24T09:17:00.000+01:00

Have you ever felt fobbed off by a politician's response to your online actions? Friends of the Earth are campaigning on an energy-saving petition. They don't think Energy Secretary Chris Huhne's response to this petition, signed by 10,000's, is good enough.

He says proper advice for councils on how to cut their emissions is a luxury we may not be able to afford - but it'll cost a lot less than clearing up after catastrophic climate change.

We've posted his response online and set up a quick action for you to reply.

Feeling fobbed off on climate action? Please take action today .

Greens select 2012 Park Ward candidate

2011-08-22T10:15:00.002+01:00

Jamie Whitham has been selected as the Green Party candidate for Park Ward in 2012. If elected he will join the Green team of Councillor Rob White and Councillor Melanie Eastwood fighting for a fair deal for Park Ward and Reading residents.

Jamie has lived in the Ward for 15 years, since studying at Reading University nearly 20 years ago. He currently runs a small software company based in Reading.

He has also been an active member of Greenpeace for many years, campaigning against nuclear weapons, for more renewable energy and for sustainable fishing of our oceans. In his spare time Jamie is a keen cyclist, gardener and active member of the community.

Green Party candidate for Park Ward Jamie Whitham said: "The impact of coalition cuts reaches into education, housing and social care, all public services I will fight passionately for.

"I have watched and helped the Green Party go from strength to strength in Reading. It was great when Rob White broke through on to the Council in 2010 based on our year-round hard work. We took another step forwards this year with Melanie Eastwood being elected to work alongside Rob. Holding the balance of power has meant we can get more done for residents in Park Ward on school catchment areas, parking problems and local green spaces. We have also achieved borough-wide successes such as restoring some bus pass concessions, limiting cuts to adult social care and safeguarding work on community cohesion.

"A third Green councillor in 2012 would allow us to get more done both in the ward and across the borough, helping put fairness, integrity and the environment centre stage."

Condem Violence

2011-08-20T09:36:00.002+01:00

Stop the war coalition have an interesting view in the riots. Cameron and his ilk are quick to condemn violence in the uk while causing it in other countries. Better to be against all violence and seek a peaceful solution. Understanding the causes is not always such a quick process, many people will need to ne heard, not just those calling for water cannon and a return to national servicr or doubling the prisons

http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/the-london-riots-the-war-in-afghanistan-and-amy-winehouse

Some me thuggery is more worthy of condemnation than others . Don 't hold your breath waiting for David Cameron to express outrage over the " sickening violence " of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq or the bombing of Libya .

Update, Green Party says Brisish society is not sick

Dispersal Order For Reading Festival 26/27/28 August

2011-08-18T18:46:00.000+01:00

Police were given extra powers to deal with troublemakers at 2010 Reading Festival after large fires were started at the 2009 event. Police and Reading Council have decided to have one this year also. Local residents expect congestion on roads aound Reading from Thursday 25th, we were surprised this year with roads closed one week early due to floods. Lets hope it stays dry for the festi.

Groups of people set tents, hedgerows and rubbish on fire in 2009, while fencing was also ripped up.

Labour lead Cllr Rachel Eaden says "This years dispersal order will enable the police to break up any group, defined rather broadly as '2 or more', who they think is likely to cause trouble: not just festival goers but also aggressive ticket touts. It's a power they use with discretion and I hope it will be of benefit not just to local residents but also to our visitors. As I said in the police's press release what we want is for all who attend to have a fun, safe time."

This year's Reading Festival has sold out. The headliners are Muse, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and Pulp.

Lammy The Magnificent

2011-08-16T21:02:00.003+01:00

The Local MP where the riots started is one David Lammy, Labours ex education minister. Listening to the stuff he comes out with reminded me of his celebrated mastermind appearance.

Question 1) What was the married name of the scientists Marie and Pierre who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903 for their research into radiation? Fairly easy I would have thought, but instead of Curie, he said Antoiinette, oops.

2) Which fortress was built in the 1370s to defend one of the gates of Paris, and was later used as a state prison by Cardinal Richelieu? A bit harder, but he said Versailles, the palace of the king, not the Bastille.

3) Who succeeded to the English throne aged nine on the death of his father Henry VIII in 1547? He said Henry VII, Henry VIIIths father, not his heir, but I can understand that, easy to get confused under pressure.

And 4) Which country's Rose Revolution of 2003 led to the resignation of President Edward Shevardnadze? He said Yugoslavia, not Georgia.

So all completely wrong. Dear me, perhaps his party should have taken a hint.

Historian David Startkey recently described Lamy as sounding white on newsnight, perhaps he is an idiot also. Listening to him on question time over the years his veiws are often rather extreme.

Looking into the origins of the riots, it seems when Duggans family went to the police station to get answers, they still had not been informed by the police that he was even dead! They had already heard all about it in the local media, so this is very poor indeed. Unlike Cameron I won't blame everything on the police though, he has forgotten that they follow the lead of politicians in what they do.

Being Cameron, he simply ties the riots to his own political agenda, its part of broken Britain, its due to a 'dependency culture' as well as Health and Safety! Surprised it has nothing to do with Al Qaeda or bad weather, but there is still time. And according to Camerons ilk it cant have anything to do with cuts, even cuts to the police.

The other problem is our prisons, Cameron wants to throw thousands of rioters in jail. Already overcrowded, the prison reform trust says 'Prison numbers are at a record high level and most prisons are experiencing problems associated with overcrowding.' They also warn that 'swingeing cuts and a massive influx of suspects and offenders will present an unprecedented test of its durability and of the resilience of staff.'

Bill Gates $42 Mllion For Reinventing the toilet

2011-08-14T08:19:00.000+01:00

Last month the Gates foundation announced a $42 million project over several years to develop a toilet that doesn't need water, mains power or sewerage and that will cost next to nothing to maintain. Unfortunately they dont simply want a compost toilet.

The modern flush toilet and sewerage system was invented in the 18th century and is credited with saving more lives than any other advance in healthcare. However, there are still some 2.6 billion people around the world who have to use pit latrines or defecate in the open. They either dont have enough water or

The new toilet must not use water, require expensive infrastructure of a sewerage system, doesn’t need to be connected to mains electricity and, unlike composting toilets, not need lots of space and time.

Inadequate sanitation causes an estimated 1.5million children to die each year due to diarrhoeal diseases. But with water scarce - 1.6 billion people currently live on less than one thousand litres of water a year and by 2020, experts predict that this figure will rise to between 3.2 and 4.6 billion (the average Briton uses 55,000) - toilets that flush the problem away, using precious water and expensive infrastructure, are clearly not the answer.

Loughbouough University has got £250,000 for their part. Loughborough is the only British university to receive this award and is among eight prestigious institutions worldwide to receive a grant for the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, which calls upon experts to prototype, conceptualize and design innovative ways and means of disposing human waste in the developing world.

Name And Shame Criminals

2011-08-13T08:52:00.001+01:00

David Cameron, member of the gang known as the Bullingdon Club while a student, smashing windows, along with Boris Johnson.

Nick Clegg who damaged a greenhouse with a rare collection of plants when he was 16. Oops.

All those MPs who falsely claimed expenses and have got away with it.
http://10drowningst.co.uk/naughtymps.html has some interesting statistics, though I have not checked them myself.

"7 have been arrested for fraud
17 have directly or indirectly
bankrupted at least 2 businesses
3 have done time for assault
71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
14 have been arrested on drug -
related charges
8 have been arrested for shoplifting
21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
84 have been arrested for drink
driving in the last year"

Its a surprise that they get any wirk done

Government Bullies Unemployed For Corporate Profit

2011-08-13T08:39:00.000+01:00

Unemployed people are being forced to work without pay for corporations, including Tesco, by jobcentres. Some are working for up to six months while receiving unemployment benefit of £67.50 a week or less.

A new report by corporare watch says that the government is bullying people into unpaid work for the profit of corporations.

The government says that unpaid work placements, which are also given in small businesses, voluntary organisations and public sector bodies, help people gain vital experience and prepare them for the workplace, but campaigners say they provide companies with free labour, undercut existing jobs and that people are “bullied” into them.

In an interview published by Corporate Watch a woman who was given a placement in Primark for six months, under the previous government's welfare programme, says her work was the same as that of other paid staff and that she was not given a job at the end of it. She also says she was told her benefits would be stopped if she did not attend.

A variety of multinational companies in the retail and service sectors appear to be taking people on unpaid placements. Employment services company Working Links, which has been awarded contracts to administer the coalition’s flagship Work Programme in Wales, Scotland and the South West of England, told Corporate Watch it worked with all the major retailers across Britain and “actively promoted volunteering as a tool to help our customers in their journey to find sustainable employment.”

A Tesco spokesperson said the company has 3,000 work experience placements for “the young unemployed,” while Asda and Sainsbury's are both named in a list, obtained last month under the Freedom of Information Act, of companies, voluntary and public sector bodies taking unpaid work placements organised by A4e, another employment company contracted by the government, although Sainsbury's denied working with A4e.

The corporate placements are not limited to retail: Hilton Hotels told Corporate Watch they have “committed to 100 placements at hotels around the country – that’s more than one for every hotel we operate.”
Explaining the reasons behind its involvement, Hilton said: “the work experience initiative will help unemployed young people to develop the skills needed to secure a sustainable job,” but campaigners critical of these “workfare” programmes question why the companies are not paying a proper wage.
A spokesperson for the Boycott Workfare campaign said: “These placements are not designed to help people into full-time paid work but they serve to increase organisations' profits. They provide a constant stream of free labour and suppress wages by replacing paid workers with unpaid workers. People are coerced, bullied and sanctioned into taking the placements. Placements in the public sector and charities are no better and are making volunteering compulsory. This is taking away the right of a person to sell their own labour and their free will to choose who they volunteer their time for.”
When asked by Corporate Watch, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) did not say how many placements led to paid jobs. Tesco said “many work placement staff starting on work placements will become Tesco employees,” while Hilton said “a number” of young people are offered full-time positions at the end of their placement. Asda and Primark did not comment. Sainsbury’s said they organise their own ‘You Can’ programme, outside the government schemes, which they said always leads to paid work.
People are sent to work unpaid through different government schemes, all under the Get Britain Working banner. Tesco and Hilton are taking 18-24 year olds for between two to eight weeks on Work Experience Placements direct from Jobcentres. People were sent to Primark and Asda by contracted employment companies through the previous government's Flexible New Deal for up to six months and this will be continued in the recently started Work Programme. The DWP said the decision to send people to corporations under the Work Programme will be made by the employment provider companies as they see fit.
This is in addition to the Mandatory Work Activity scheme, through which 20,000 people will be sent to work (unpaid) for up to 30 hours a week for 4 weeks. The DWP said these jobs will “deliver a contribution to the local community” and will not involve major corporations.

http://www.corporatewatch.org/?lid=4029

Transport Cuts Hit The Most Vulnerable

2011-08-12T05:49:00.002+01:00

The Green Party calls for transport re-think as report shows vulnerable are worst hit by bus cuts

The report said “Vulnerable people especially the young, the old, the disabled and the poor will be the hardest hit by the withdrawal of bus services”

The Green Party has called on the Coalition to re-think its transport policy following today’s report on bus services, which shows that cuts are disproportionately effecting the most vulnerable.

The report from the Transport Committee, entitled ‘Bus Services after the Spending Review’, reveals that local authority cuts to transport budgets have seen the young, old and disabled hit hardest. The cross party committee also criticised the lack of consultation undertaken before 70% of councils reduced subsidised services or raised fares. [1]

Alan Francis, Green Party transport spokesperson, said:

“The Select Committee report should be a wake-up call to government and councils that are cutting the funding for local bus services. Vulnerable people, especially the young, the old, the disabled and the poor, will be the hardest hit by the withdrawal of bus services.

“These people depend on bus services in order to access jobs, shops, education and health care, and are precisely the people that the government should be looking out for, rather than making their lives more difficult.”

The report shows that the Coalition is failing to fulfil its pledge to provide better value for money in public transport [2], with prices set to rise above the rate of inflation, and further loss of services expected. [3]

===
Notes

Transport Committee Report, ‘Bus Services after the Spending Review’, available in full here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmtran/750/75002.htm

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14480391

2. www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/RP11-22.pdf

3. http://www.epolitix.com/latestnews/article-detail/newsarticle/bus-service-cuts-threaten-most-vulnerable/

Riots Round London

2011-08-09T06:17:00.000+01:00

Green Mayoral candidate and member of the Metropolitan Police Authority,
Jenny Jones, has reacted to last night's riots in Tottenham by calling
for swift action to restore vital youth services and a review of
communications failures between the police and the community.

Jenny Jones said:

"We urgently need to examine all the factors that led to last night's
events in Tottenham, a community suffering from one of the highest
deprivation levels in the country [1], and take appropriate action to
prevent repercussions.

"We need a full investigation into the shooting of local man Mark Duggan
which seems to have been the trigger for last night's riots, and an
urgent review of stop and search and what communications failures there
were between the police and Tottenham's community. Violence and looting,
and smashing up your own streets is not the answer. It's bad for the
old, the poor, and those who run the small businesses people rely on.

"The Government must take some of blame for what went wrong last night.
Cuts to local services, especially youth services [2], played a role in
fomenting tensions in the area. With one of the highest unemployment
rates in London, Tottenham urgently needs help. Emergency funds to stop
youth centre closures and a review of policing must now be a priority."

Notes to editors

[1] Residents in Haringey claiming Job Seekers Allowance rose for the
fourth consecutive month in February to 10,159, according to the Office
for National Statistics. The figures show eight per cent of the adult
population of Tottenham are on the dole, a fifth of which is
under-24-year-olds.
Source:
http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/news/topstories/8917424.Call_for__game_changer__as_unemployment_rises_again/

[2] The Government reduced the local youth services budget by 75% after
a cut of £41m to Haringey council's overall budget.
Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jul/29/young-people-gangs-youth-clubs-close

Hattip Another Green World

Crisis, What Crisis

2011-08-08T07:17:00.001+01:00

Weeks after two senior policemen resign due to suspicion of corruption, while the usa and euripean economy slumps, London riots and our leaders go on holiday

We are not all in this together. Those most in need suffer, charities are struggling, prices rise and there are few jobs around. Much of the media will be saying blame social media, youths or looters and ignore the crisis.

Never Again

2011-08-06T07:35:00.000+01:00

66 years ago today an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed instantly and hundreds of thousands more were condemned to a slow death from burns, radiation poisoning and other injuries.

On 9th August 1945 a further bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

This must not happen again. Consider donating money to CND to help them campaign. Or join. www.cnduk.org/

Swaine Sorry

2011-08-04T09:13:00.001+01:00

Cllr Warren Swaine has apoligised for his tweet
<a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/councillor-warren-swaine-apologises-for-offensive-tweet-24907.html"></a>
http://www.libdemvoice.org/councillor-warren-swaine-apologises-for-offensive-tweet-24907.html

It takes more bravery to admit you are wrong than.tocause offence

Black Lib Dem Threatens to Resign Over Dodgy Swaine Reinstatement

2011-08-03T05:49:00.001+01:00

At least one black Lib Dem has threatened to resign his membership over Cllr Swains refusal to apologise.

Since they welcomed him back to the fold last week, the party’s group on Reading Borough Council have been doing their best to bury the story of an offensive racial remark by their member Warren Swaine, who suggested MP Chuka Umunna would use his race to excuse himself “for being a muppet”:

Anger that the controversial councillor now refuses to apologise for the outburst has been met with apparent indifference by regional officers and local leader Cllr Daisy Benson, who has squashed efforts to raise the issue. And it seems some of her colleagues are far from happy.

A failure to take the matter seriously has left senior black party members “absolutely furious”. Lewisham councillor Duwayne Brooks, best friend of the murdered Stephen Lawrence, is rumoured to be so unhappy that he has suggested he may resign.

Speaking to institutional problems within the party, we may have reached the point where the handling is as damaging as the original remark.

Hatip
http://politicalscrapbook.net/2011/08/reading-race-row/

Auction Of Allotments

2011-07-31T20:39:00.001+01:00

A Berkshire council will be selling new allotment plots in an online auction.

Windsor and Maidenhead will sell 14 plots for those with spare cash, money talks. The National Society Of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners spokesman said this scheme was unfair to people who could not meet the reserve prices.

Council deputy leader Simon Dudley said: "It's one of our manifesto pledges to have more allotments and we're hoping to roll out more." They only seem interested in those with cash, for some reason.

In Wokingham BC some areas, Woodley have good allotment provision, I live in Early where they dont. I support the Earley Allotments Action Group that is trying to do something about this.

Join http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/EarleyAllotmentsActionGroup/

What Happened To May Day Bank Holiday Monday

2011-07-31T07:00:00.003+01:00

Tories quietly cancelled May day, the traditional workers holiday enjoyed in the UK for decades.

In March, though many have made holiday plans already, the Tories said they would move it to another day. They are talking about having a Patriotic day celebrating Nelsons victory at Trafalgar or some such in October. By leaving it so late before deciding they will have messed up many peoples holidays.

Many websites including this still dont know. Come on Cameron, make a descion.

Parties Imploding

2011-07-30T12:35:00.002+01:00

Locally the Tories seem to be imploding, as they have deselected a sitting Cllr who was suffering from Cancer. Many see this as an part of a leadership challenge on Cllr Andrew Cumpsty. Cllr Chowdhary, who is in his fourth year as a councillor, said he felt humiliated but will remain loyal to the party and serve out his term. "I feel I am just in the wrong place at the wrong time because I am up for selection. My heart is broken.
"Conservative Central headquarters is aware of the situation and are taking this rather seriously, with a possible investigation."

Nationally the BNP seem unable to submit their accounts.

After the recent Lib Dem colapse its hard to believe they will recover, they are still associated with too many broken promises and supporting an increasingly failing Tory led coalition. Reading some LD bloggers you would think they were flying high, I wonder when they will update their bar charts from the 2010 local elections with results from 2011 where they were firmly rejected by voters.

Meanwhile local ex Lib Dem Cllr Warren Swaine who had been suspended by his party because of a possibly racist tweet says he is "really pleased" to have been reinstated. he has been ordered to undertake diversity training. He claims "The thing I am pleased about is that I proved beyond doubt that there was no racist intent behind my comment." Only Warren knows what his intent was, but many people have complained about the language used, lets hope he learns a lesson. His blog and website are mostly used to spread nasty fictions about local people, his colleague Kirsten Bayes has also started down this dangerous path.

Hard to be taken seriously when blog posts are invented, as Nadine Dorries found.

Protest Live Animal Exports

2011-07-25T10:48:00.000+01:00

Unusually every Cllr in Thanet voted against live animal exports. But still it goes on. www.kentnews.co.uk/mobile/news/thanet_council_set_to_take_export_fight_to_the_eu_1_965328

Saturday 13th August demonstration against live animal exports, organised by Thanet Against Live exports and Compassion in World Farming.

Bring friends and family and help to show the level of opposition to this inhumane trade. Meet at Ellington Park, Ellington Road, RAMSGATE, CT11 9SX from 11.00am, ready to march at 12.00 noon.

Updates at http://www.ciwf.org.uk/about_us/default.aspx and look for Thanet Against Live Exports on FACEBOOK. The demonstration is called to oppose live exports which have been newly instigated from Ramsgate, with unanimous opposition from the local councillors and over 35,000 people already having taken action to contact MPs and others about this activity.

You've Been A Very Naughty Billionaire

2011-07-20T10:20:00.002+01:00

Jonny Marbles throws a foam pie at Murdoch and says "You has been a very naughty billionaire". Wendy hits him. Labour suspend his membership. Splat.

His blog is here anarchish.blogspot.com/
Twitter here
mobile.twitter.com/JonnieMarbles

Murdochs wife Wendy hits the protester. Just like Prescott it seems the protester is to be charged with assault but not the person who hits the protester.

Custard pies are a bit of a tradition now. Mandleson got green slime. Purple powder was thrown in parliament. Eggs are more common but less pleasant.

Keith Taylor Green MEP Campaigns on air pollution in Reading

2011-07-18T20:42:00.000+01:00

Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for Berkshire and the South East, brought his new air pollution campaign to Reading today Monday 18 July. He met with local Green councilor, Melanie Eastwood, who has successfully lobbied for air pollution monitoring to be re-installed outside Alfred Sutton Primary School, a pollution hotspot with high levels of the pollutant Nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Councillor Eastwood said: “As an asthma sufferer since childhood, this is a matter close to my heart. The landscape around the school, stretching far and wide, has changed at an alarming rate over recent years. In just the last 5 years alone, a huge part of East Reading, particularly the land owned by Reading University, has been so significantly developed it is unrecogniseable.

“Both Reading and Wokingham Local Authorities need to face the reality that they are losing the ecological battle in the town and that they are putting our lives at risk by continuing to permit the large-scale development that is taking place in this area.

“This area is very densely populated, losing any more trees or open spaces will see the pollution levels rise to such an extent that the health of our children will suffer. Quality of life includes being able to have the right to enjoy the natural environment around us and I fear that not enough is being done to give the children in Reading this choice”.

Pic from the last euro election

The Corrupt, The Buffoon and the Scoundrel

2011-07-17T10:58:00.000+01:00

After the bankers, it was the politicians, now its journalists. But who are the media choosing to quote on the phone hacking scandal.

Theres Keith Vaz MP who famously was found to be corrupt, the then PM Tony Blair stopped the investivation.

Then theres the Buffoon "Lord" Prescott. All those promises he made, all that power he had. What did he achieve with it? Some croquet at our expense and he got a title he doesnt deserve; is he saying "Im alright Jack and stuff the rest of you". He may have been a victim if hacking but when he the authority all he did was watch Murdoch snuggle up with with Tone.

Lastly theres ex PM Gordon Brown, who has made only two appearances in the house of commons in over a year. Anyone one else would long since have been sacked, he should be given the boot. He is drawing a good wage and expecting a good pension despite his damaging everyone elses pensions. What a scoundel.

Dont Ruin The NHS

2011-07-15T21:13:00.000+01:00

For two thirds of its life the NHS focussed on delivering good health care for very little money. It was cost and clinically effective despite chronic underfunding.

That changed 20 years ago with the introduction of the market;
providers (hospitals, cleaners, ambulance services, etc.) were split away from organisations that purchased care. This allowed successive governments to introduce private companies into the market.

These private providers have increasingly taken over from state providers while raking in profits and being accountable to no-one except their shareholders. Their motive is making money not health care.

The new health bill, despite some minor changes brought in after the "listening exercise", takes the NHS further down the path of privatisation. It will bring competition and privatisation and turn the National Health Service
into a scheme to make money for private companies.

The health bill also removes the duty of the Secretary of State to provide medical services and it gives GPs the duty to hold the budgets for care of their patients. GPs are concerned that this will damage their relationship with patients who will be worried about an obvious conflict of interest.

The Green Party has opposed the bill since its introduction, calling
for an end to the market, an end to privatisation and for the NHS to be truly accountable to its users.