UK Newswire Archive
King Eze Onuigbo's deportation Cancelled for now--Please help stop his detention
03-11-2011 03:00
Photos from University occupation
03-11-2011 02:46
Why we occupy, our statement.
02-11-2011 23:59
University of Birmingham Occupied!
02-11-2011 23:44
We have just marched into University of Birmingham Corporate Conference Centre. Our actions are not disrupting education or learning but rather those working to destroy public education in the interests of private profit.John Moores Uni-sport for the elite only
02-11-2011 19:29
£70m+ investment of public money leaves Liverpool John Moores students without an affordable and accessible sports centre.A Return To Mubarak's Prisons
02-11-2011 19:23
The letter, produced covertly from inside Bab el-Khalq prison where Abd El Fattah is being held, was handed to his pregnant wife, Manal, during a visit on Monday. It is being published in Arabic by the Egyptian newspaper al-Shorouk and in English by the Guardian, and is likely to intensify the growing divisions between Egypt's increasingly repressive army junta and pro-change activists on the street.
Abd El Fattah, one of Egypt's most prominent anti-regime voices and a former political prisoner under the Mubarak dictatorship, was taken into military custody on Sunday evening following public criticisms of the army's conduct on the night of 9 October, when at least 27 people were killed during a Coptic Christian protest in downtown Cairo.
Like many other activists, Abd El Fattah accused the army of direct involvement in the bloodshed, a claim that appears to be supported by extensive witness reports and video footage. He was charged by military prosecutors with "inciting violence against the army", and is being held initially for 15 days – a detention period that can be renewed indefinitely by the authorities. His arrest has provoked outrage across the Middle East and beyond.
Occupy Sheffield Meeting Tonight, 8pm, The Plug, Matilda Street
02-11-2011 18:22
Meet on Wednesday 2nd November at 8pm, The Plug, Matilda Street.15th Oct. impressions on how to improve democracy
02-11-2011 16:55
Compilation of the answers and proposals about the current democratic and financial system provided by the participants to the Leeds Street Assembly for Global Change on the 15th of October.
On the 15th of October, during the Leeds Street Assembly, the participants were asked the following questions about the current democratic system. These are their answers:
What democracy is and how it could be improved:
Democracy should give a people the ability to change government when necessary.
Equal rights and justice for everyone.
Equal power of votes is what democracy means to me. I'd like to see PR with 5% barrier. I'd like to see many more parties and independent candidates. And enabling of local communities to change things for themselves.
People's government for the people and with the people.
Democracy is to have members of the public elected by society (open electoral lists voted by the members of a party or even by society in general) to represent and fight for the interests of their voters, so that they are integrated in the policies implemented to choose the direction and realities of the country. After that, democracy is when these representatives (politicians) are honest, committed and loyal to the action plan they proposed before running for the elections.
Democracy should be the political structure which would allow ALL citizens to decide about the issues that interest everyone.
Democracy for me is the system that allows a society to choose what laws it has and change them when their needs change. At the moment we don't have true representation in our governments. It is still a class system.
Democracy is an illusion. We need politics that isn't in the pockets of the richest few.
Democracy is a decision making process which takes into account the opinions of everyone.
How it could be improved in the UK:
Proper public control of the government and banks. No privatisation.
Get rid of the corporations running the planet, give power back to the people.
I think pure democracy leads to quite right wing policy because progressive voices are always in the minority.
Real public education and health system. Common interest to be promoted.
National budgets being voted by the public. Any drastic decisions affecting the country (Irak war i.e.) being decided by a referendum (online?). Having charities and independent organizations to assess major welfare system changes (particularly referring to NHS cuts and education).
Through a radical social change.
Give the media barons less power, make it less about pleasing Rupert Murdoch, etc. and more about actual democracy.
I'm not sure it's the best option.
Would you like your opinion to be considered by decision-makers more directly in the event of:
- a war:
Yes, because war is not necessary. / Yes, no war. / No, I want this based on expert opinion and happen fast. / Yes, through a referendum. / Yes. / Of course. / Yes. / War is pointless, little more than government-sanctioned murder.
- an economic reform:
Yes, we should not have to suffer the results of something we have had no control over. / Yes, through a referendum. / Yes. / Of course. / Yes. / [Yes.]
- a social reform:
Yes. / Yes, through a referendum. / Yes. / Of course. / Yes. / [Yes.]
- others:
I don't think direct democracy will work while we have a press that is 80% right wing and makes of disabled people out to be criminals.
Education reform, immigration policy.
Maybe we should educate kids into a more critical, debating mentality where they find solutions to problems collaboratively rather than having them fed to them.
Before any decision made.
More information!
We must protect the NHS.
Main concerns about the future of society. Is there a current political system capable of delivering a solution? If not, what are the alternatives?
The fact that the people that have caused most of the current troubles are getting more and more control. They should not have any.
There is no future unless we get rid of the banks or whoever are running the system. [The alternative] is a system based on love, peace and respect.
I think clearer citizenship focus in schools could create a population that can have the right debate. A free rather than corporately restricted Internet allows views to be heard. A citizenry that values the process of politics as our grandparents and great grandparents did will solve any problem. Our biggest weakness is that so many people don't think they have a role.
Not really [there isn't a current political system capable of delivering a solution], because we are ruled by the elite and not by the people. There should not be a "rule" by a common agreement. [As an alternative:] Participative democracy, from a local to a national and even international level.
Loss of welfare state. Weaker people having a really hard time and being unprotected by the State and ignored by their peers. [As an alternative:] Assemblies of neighbours making proposals to parliament and constituencies that will be seriously taken into account.
[Alternative system:] Council Communism.
Markets dictate the decisions our politicians take. They do so only considering the profit in it, but their profit is not the society's profit it's their own. So our needs have no funds. I believe in democracy but we don't have that. We don't vote who controls IMF and banks and corporations and that should change.
Environment is a major concern. Ability to provide essentials is a big concern. Resource-based Economy is only viable option I have seen.
Further proposals to reform democracy and the financial system:
What would you do to improve our democracy?
The capitalist system is broken - the top down trickle theory doesn't work. Any attempts at QE have made the rich richer and the poor poorer. Any further attempts should be bottom up! Tax the rich, not the poor. Get rid of media control. Banks should not control governments. A new "people's party" needs to evolve. Labour let us down. Justice need to be for all - corrupt rich bankers jailed for their action.
Resource-based economy as proposed by Jacque Fresco.
The left needs to put smaller differences aside for the sake of creating a movement capable of having its voice heard. Monetary donations to politicians/political parties should be made illegal.
What would you do to improve banks and the financial system?
Need to close down all off-shores around the world - should be a fundamental goal of the movement. Finish banking secrecy as a mean to end corruption and tax dodging. Increase tax rates for banks and other financial institutions. Central banks main preoccupation should be employment and not inflation and should be accountable to democratic institutions. Cap CEO's wages and bonuses. Tobin Tax on Financial Transactions. Dismantle IMF and World Bank. Public audit to all debts to find out who owes what to who.
The minimum wages should be higher and there should be a limit on what anyone could earn: a maximum wage which does not allow anyone to be a millionaire. Richer people should pay higher tax. No commissions or bonuses for bankers.
Expose the truth about how the corporations and banks which have the money are supporting wars, environmental destruction and oppression. SPREAD THE WORD. Expose the massive world propaganda control in the media. Give up television.
Strictly separate any personal banking from investment banking; no bailouts. Force banks to operate sustainably in a co-operative manner. Enforce a high transaction fee for high risk dealings. Stop the creation of fictitious money and transactions around that which create more and more debt. Tax the rich more consistently.
Get rid of the evil b**ds who are controlling it. Have a world forum based in peace, love and respect
Two Evictions in Hackney this Friday
02-11-2011 16:55
Bailliffs have served eviction notices to two squats in central Hackney for this Friday.
While parliament is discussing the criminilisation of squatting, more evictions are coming up in Hackney. Bailliffs have served notices to two squats in Hackney for this Friday ( 4th November ) morning:
184 Well Street at 8.30 am and 320 Mare Street at 9.45am. Come down to give the Baillifs a 4th of November they that they won't forget and spread the word!
related Video: Orange Fence squat in Hackney
Dementia in Bath and NE Somerset to rise by 25% within decade
02-11-2011 16:55
A recent survey carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society* shows that the number of people with dementia in Bath and North East Somerset is set to increase by up to 25 per cent in the next 10 years.Whats the future of Greece?
02-11-2011 16:27
can someone explain whats happening right now in greece?Palestine Today 11 02 2011
02-11-2011 14:59
G20 Statement from Occupy London
02-11-2011 14:55
With the G20 starting today, Occupy London General Assembly has agreed on its proposal for a shared statement of the global occupy movement to the G20 counter-summit and worldwide occupations.This statement is a work in progress. It is therefore offered as a beginning of a dialogue. We want assemblies around the world to collaborate and develop a vision together.
• Our global system is unsustainable. It is undemocratic and unjust, driven by profit in the interest of the few.
• An economic system based on infinite growth, but which relies on finite resources, is leading humanity and the environment to destruction. As long as this system remains in place, people of the world continue to suffer from an increasingly unfair share of income and wealth.
• We seek a global system that is democratic, just and sustainable. The world’s resources must not go to the military or corporate profit, but instead go towards caring for people’s needs: water, food, housing, education, health, community.
• An international, global collaboration has started, and is working on a statement that will unite the occupy movements across the world in their struggle for an alternative that is focused on and originates from people and their environment.
OccupyLSX: 2 potential legal cases suspended today
02-11-2011 14:55
This morning, delegates from Occupy London Stock Exchange met with the Chapter of St Paul’s and the Bishop of London. It was a positive meeting, during which they informed us of their intention not to pursue legal action, rather their desire to work together in the call for social justice.
Both parties have agreed to engage in direct and constructive dialogue, which was previously not possible due to the ongoing legal process. Occupy London will be meeting with them again soon to discuss political, ecumenical and logistical issues. The Chapter and Bishop of London issued a statement today to confirm their decision.
Other issues raised at the meeting with St Paul’s were upcoming special events, which both the Cathedral and occupiers will work together to ensure coordination. These include Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas services, a Requiem this week, as well as the general day to day running of the Church and camp.
Occupy London is still awaiting firm confirmation of the Corporation of London’s plans. It is saying it is has temporarily ‘paused’ legal action.
Mary Singer, a volunteer for Occupy London said, “We are all very happy to see that the threat of court proceedings against the camp is being reviewed by the City. It is important that our right to protest is respected. As the church has agreed, the occupation is here to fight for a more just, democratic society.”
NEXT threat to OLSX?
02-11-2011 14:22
The Lancaster Unity blog published on-line chatter that shows EDL activists discussing an abortive plan to attack OLSX. EDL chatter discussed OLSX in terms of an alleged plan by "lefties" to close St Paul's on Poppy Day or Remembrance Sunday, and this theme has been hyped by The Daily Mail. These claims are even more ridiculous now that St Paul's has re-opened, but this all suggests a potential threat to OLSX which needs to be taken seriously in terms of contingency and PR planning _Pigs who attacked car with baseball bats allowed to stay pigs
02-11-2011 13:40
Six on-duty Scotland Yard coppers attacked a suspected stolen car with baseball bats. The entire thing was caught on video. Today the resulting investigation found them guilty of discreditable conduct. Time for some cold hard justice, right?Nottingham Occupation: Tuesday Day 18
02-11-2011 12:55
Tuesday Day 18
The occupation of the Market Square, continues ......
After some of the damp conditions during the last week ....... Tuesday was a nice bright and sunny day. As ever, many passers by stopping, reading the banners and displays and debating with the campers.
I think those holding out against the elements for these issue, need to be congratulated for their commitments and deserve help and support from us.
Please drop by and offer your time, help, donations of food, bedding, waterproofing, warm clothing ...... oh, a bit of love.
+++++
While I was there, a man from the council dropped by to say they were removing bins from the camp since they didn't wish to provide any kind of support to those campers in the market Square. Whenever questioned, he would only point out "that he was only the messenger .... and didn't set policy". They of course wouldn't present themselves ... and would only send out a minion ....
Some in the camp then gave me this statement to be published:
========================================
Occupy Nottingham
Press Statement
Nottingham City Council have said that they are happy to continue to allow us to maintain out right to protest. However, they have stopped the waste removal company from taking away our rubbish as they have said that they will not facilitate our protest ... The question now remains as to what we should do with it?
When asked whether there could be some kind of portaloo / toilet factility provided for late night, they have said no way! Consequently, occupants have been left desperate for the toilets with nowhere to go!
The question remainswhy are there no overnight toilet facilities in Nottingham? Occupy Nottingham have bee forced to rely on the goodwill of local supporters, but what about the general public?
========================================
Links to earlier reports on the camp .... on the last posting from Saturday at:
Nottingham Occupation: Saturday Day 15
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2129
Nottingham Indymedia have added a few features with more links ......
Nottingham is occupied [1st Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2079
Nottingham Occupation Continues [2nd Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2100
Occupy Notttingham: Moved but still in occupation [3rd Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2116
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
<ends>
Glasgow Housing Association Expose Tenants to Asbestos
02-11-2011 12:55
Tenants, Residents and Workers gathered outside the offices of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) today to demand a full independent investigation into the extent of asbestos in GHA properties.
German PM: Stop Int'l Spying (re: Kennedy, et al)
02-11-2011 12:34
