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City Council & Labour Party mixing it up
In the light of revelations of the Labour group mixing it up in the local Council in the present and in 2007, a small reminder of the Market Square opening evening might be relevant. Take a look at Who's square it is anyway? from the old Indymedia site from 2007. In particular take a look at £7.2m to vote Labour? with a nice scan of a leaflet handed out by JoCo. It makes a lot more sense now.
No Cuts in Nottingham!
Nottingham City Council are planning to cut tens of millions from their spending in the year from April 2011. They will meet to set this budget on Monday March 7th. Notts Save Our Services (SOS) are calling on them not to adopt their cuts budget. Actions: On the newswire: Unison anti-cuts public protest | Call a Councillor | Stop Nottingham City budget cuts! Protests elsewhere: Camden | Haringey | Hull | Islington | Lambeth | Leeds | Southampton These cuts will reduce services and support for vulnerable people such as: In addition there are to be cuts in leisure and cultural facilities such as public libraries. Also 368 Council employees are scheduled to lose their jobs. Further cuts to public services in coming years are planned. Notts Save Our Services, the local anti-cuts campaign, are urging Nottingham City Councillors not to adopt their cuts budget when they meet on 7th March. They should: Sign the petition to the Council urging them to resist bringing in cuts to public services. You can also collect signatures yourself (using the downloadable petition) and get them to us before March 7th. Tell them “No” to cuts! It was the reckless folly of speculative bankers that in 2008 necessitated a £86 billion government bail-out of big banks to prevent them failing. Now the Coalition Government want us to foot the bill for propping up their rich banker friends. That is why the Government is imposing public spending cuts, especially on local councils. Notts SOS says that ordinary people should not pay the debts of the billionaire bankers. What You Can Do
See and Discuss John Pilger's Latest Film
The Nottingham Stop the War Coalition has arranged a Film Screening of John Pilger's latest film, The War You Don't See. It's on Thursday, 31 March at 6:30pm in Nottingham Trent University's Chaucer Lecture Theatre 2, Goldsmith Street (just by the Nottingham Trent University tram stop) The film will be introduced by Professor Richard Keeble from Lincoln University's School of Journalism, (custodians of the John Pilger archive) and will be followed by a discussion. The War You Don't See, was shown late last year at The Broadway Cinema. It was also shown on the main ITV1 terrestrial channel (but a little outside prime time, at 10:30pm). This is your chance to see it at a reasonable time and, most importantly, to discuss it afterwards: the points Pilger makes about the media coverage of the War on Terror are crying out for discussion - and action! The early start (Note: 6:30pm start) is so that we have time for discussion. Pilger traces the history of ‘embedded' and independent reporting from the carnage of World War 1 to the destruction of Hiroshima, and from the invasion of Vietnam to the current war in Afghanistan. See Rageh Omar, among others, admit that he could have done better! We are very pleased that Professor Richard Keeble has agreed to introduce the film, and take part in the subsequent discussion. Professor Keeble is the acting head of the University of Lincoln's School of Journalism, and has recently edited a book on peace journalism - for which John Pilger wrote a preface. Entry is free, but you may be asked to throw money into our collection bucket. John Shemeld (Co-ordinator, Nottingham Stop the War Coalition)
Notts Uncut campaigners shut Natwest Bank
On Saturday 26th February, campaigner from Notts Uncut occupied Natwest Bank on Market Square and established “the big society reading room”. Protesters remained in the bank for around 2 hours before management decided to close early. The protest was part of a national day of action organised by UK Uncut against Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) who own Natwest. After Natwest, campaigners visited Vodafone and Boots, both targeted because of their efforts to avoid paying tax. On the newswire: Battle of Boots | Vodafone visited [yet again] by anti-cuts protest | Natwest Bank shut by anti-cuts protesters | Natwest Bank shut by protesters In 2008 RBS suffered the biggest loss in British corporate history – more than £24bn, forcing it to announce 9,000 job cuts. Despite this, former Chief Executive Sir Fred Goodwin – who had presided over the calamity – received a £342,000 a year pension, causing widespread public anger. Under the reign of Goodwin RBS had pursued an aggressive expansion strategy. But in 2007, the bank overstretched itself with the disastrous acquisition of Dutch bank ABN Amro, leading a year later to a massive public bail-out of £20 billion. Taxpayers now have an 84% shareholding in RBS. Last year, RBS won government approval to pay its top investment bankers £1.3 billion in bonuses – despite announcing losses amounting to an extraordinary £1.93 billion. The Evening Standard described how the 2010 bonus pot was “distributed among 22,000 high-performing deal-makers – an average of £59,090 each” with some “getting awards that run into the millions”. RBS is this year expected to unveil a £613 million loss. However, The Sunday Telegraph disclosed in January that Stephen Hester, RBS’s chief executive, “is on course to be paid a bonus of £2.44 million”. Bank sources were reported as confirming that the amount “will be paid in shares, which Hester can cash in after three years”. Hester has argued that his bank has to pay out bonuses at market rates to keep top performers because without them taxpayers will lose out. However, as David Cameron pointed out before becoming Prime Minister, the UK’s bonus culture “encouraged short-term risk-taking instead of rewarding the long-term interests of shareholders and the public.” Cameron therefore argued that “where the taxpayer owns a large stake in a bank, we are saying that no employee should be paid a bonus of over £2,000.” As George Monbiot has explained, the government may claim they want to “tame the banks”, but in reality, they have been protecting them all along – not least by trying (and failing) to kill tougher European rules on bankers" bonuses. If the government won’t tame RBS and end the bonus culture, it’s up to us to act. It’s time to take back the banks so they serve everyone, not just the super-rich. After all, without us, they wouldn’t exist! RBS in the press
Battle of Boots
Boots the Chemist, pay your taxes. Saturday
Revolution is spreading - notes from local Notts
The people's power revolutions that have been seen spreading through the Middle East are being copied in others parts of the world. News from local Notts newcomer Hernan Rodregues on some weekend developments. With news that Chinese activists in Beijing tried to organise a demo over the weekend mirroring those in the Middle East new local activist Hernan Rodregues gave a talk on Sunday evening to a small group about the growing protest movement in Cuba following the transition of power to Raul Castro. Hernan has lived in the Notts area for less than six months after escaping from Cuba via a fishing boat and making his way to Miami USA. Having family links in the UK he came here and has claimed asylum, he is lucky that he no longer has any family in Cuba so he can speak with no real fear of retribution. First he gave some background on the dissident groups working underground in Cuba Dissident groups Dissidents During the "Black Spring" in 2003, the regime imprisoned 75 dissidents, including 29 journalists. The Foreign Policy magazine named Yoani Sánchez one of the 10 Most Influential Intellectuals of Latin America, the only woman on the list. An article in El Nuevo Herald by Ivette Leyva Martinez, speaks to the role played by Yoani Sanchez and other young people, outside the Cuban opposition and dissidence movements, in working towards a free and democractic Cuba today: "Amid the paralysis of the dissidence, bloggers, with Yoani Sanchez in the lead, rebel artists such as the writer Orlando Luis Pardo, and musicians such as Gorki Aguila are a promising sign of growing civic resistance to the Cuban dictatorship. And el castrismo, without doubt, has taken note. Will they succeed in sparking a popular movement, or at least consciousness of the need for democracy in Cuba? Who knows. The youngest sector of Cuban society is the one least committed to the dictatorship but at the same time the most apolitical, the one most permeated with political skepticism, escapism, and other similar 'isms.' It would seem, however, that after 50 years of dictatorship, public rejection of that regime is taking on more original and independent forms. Finally, a breeze of fresh, hopeful air." On March 29, 2009, Yoani Sánchez, at Tania Bruguera's performance where a podium with an open mic was staged for people to have one minute of uncensored public speech, Sánchez was among people to publicly criticize censorship and said that "the time has come to jump over the wall of control". The government condemned the event. Yoani Sánchez is under permanent surveillance by Cuba's police force, which camps outside her home There are currently 75 political prisoners in Cuba but free dissidents routingly face arrest and harrasment from police and army units. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Over the course of last weekend about 300 people came together in Havana and staged a demonstration calling for democracy, freedom for politcal prisoners and and end to the Castro family domination of key political positions. The police were initialy quiet and let the demo take place however after an hour a para-military unit arrived and dispersed the demonstraters will buckshot fire and tear gas. Six protestors are still missing after having been taken away with the soldiers. Hernan request people contact the Cuban embassy in London to ensure these individuals are not forgotten and the Cuban government is aware that international focus is upon them
Natwest Bank shut by anti-cuts protesters
Saturday 26th February Notts UK Uncut occupied Natwest Bank, ultimately forcing it to close early. The theme was "The Big Society Reading Room" .... setting up a temporary library in the bank. Notts UK Uncut occupied Natwest Bank, ultimately forcing it to close early. The theme was "The Big Society Reading Room" .... setting up a temporary library in the bank. The Natwest just off Market Square was targetted as part of a national day of action against Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) who own it. Campaigners are angry that the firm has been allowed to pay investment bankers massive bonuses, despite the fact that it was bailed out by the British taxpayer to the tune of billions of pounds in 2008. Protesters entered the bank around 11.30am and were able to remain in for more than 2 hours. For most of this time the bank was still in operation. This created a bizarre atmosphere, with customers queuing to be served on one side of the store while campaigners were sat with banners on the other, often chanting and reading stories. After an hour or so, a couple of Community Protection Officers arrived, surveyed the situation, took some notes, and generally hung about. After a further interval, a couple of armed officers arrived complete with side arms!! [presumably leaving the H&K assault rifles in the car outside]. After a few exchanges, realised that the protest was of good order and didn't seem to need such policing. After a bit of a chat with the management, they to hung about a bit also. Eventually, the management clearly decided they'd had enough and the bank was shut early, with a note stuck to the door explaining only that this was due to "unforseen circumstances." From Natwest, protesters moved onto Vodafone and Boots [again], targetted because of their efforts to avoid paying tax. Notts UK Uncut Nat West ‘bail in’ http://falseeconomy.org.uk/campaigns/event/notts-uk-uncut-nat-west-bail-in UK Uncut http://www.ukuncut.org.uk Notts SOS http://www.nottssos.org.uk ____________________________________________ 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>
Nottingham Animal Rights - March 2011
Thanks to all who supported the Black Fish benefit gig at Sumac on Friday 26th March which raised £260. The Black Fish is a European based conservation organisation that takes action on the issues of whaling, industrial fishing and marine animals in captivity. Using investigation and intervention, The Black Fish has set out on a mission to change attitudes towards our precious oceans and work to protect the unique life within them. http://www.theblackfish.org/ Read on for more events. Nottm Campaigns - March 2011 Friday 4th March 2011 to Sunday 13th March Also Friday 4th 3-5pm - Harlan demo - Contact 07703 031667 Sabbing - usual routine and contacts. GBC demo 1:15pm 7pm - League Against Cruel Sports East Midlands Group meeting @ fellows morton and clayton 6:45pm - Mcleafleting at Clumber St - Contact 07703 031667 7:30 - Nottingham Animal Rights meeting - Sumac Almost immediately after the meeting we will be heading off to the National Animal Rights Spring Gathering, a weekend of networking, workshops, discussions, actions and social activities hosted by the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford. http://www.argathering.org.uk/
Vodafone visited [yet again] by anti-cuts protest
Saturday 26th February After the successful occupation of Natwest Bank by people as part of Notts UK Uncut campaign, ultimately forcing it to close early, people moved on to the Vodafone store in Clumber Street, Nottingham. After the successful occupation of Natwest Bank by people as part of Notts UK Uncut campaign, ultimately forcing it to close early, people moved on to the Vodafone store in Clumber Street, Nottingham. This was the latest in a series of many such visits, by people wanting to point out that the cuts to public services, stand in starck contrast to the tax evasions of some large corporations. Staff have become wise to the methods of protestors, and on arriving a few seconds before the demonstators, I saw a 'spotter' stationed near the doorway, and alerting staff to close the shutters, on sighting the first signs of the group. However, a couple of smartly dress protesters fooled these arrangements, getting in before the shutters closed. They then exibited signs and slogans in their window, much to the amazement of passers-by. Vodafone "not paying their taxes" Demo http://nottingham.indymedia.org.uk/articles/649 Anti Cuts, Corporate Tax & Student Fees Demo video http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/videos/832 UK Uncut http://www.ukuncut.org.uk Notts SOS http://www.nottssos.org.uk ____________________________________________ 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>
Notts arms dealer in trafficking conspiracy
A Nottinghamshire businessman has been implicated in an international arms trafficking racket. Guy Tinsley, director of Cotgrave-based Easy Tiger International, was recorded in a series of taped phone conversations arranging the illegal import of AK-47 magazines into the US. In 2008, Tinsley was acting as buyer for a US-based firearms wholesaler called American Tactical. He brokered deals to buy tens of thousands of Chinese AK-47 magazines worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from German arms dealer Karl Kleber. These deals were illegal because US law prohibits the import of firearms or ammunition from China. But that didn’t seem to trouble Tinsley. In a series of phone calls in early 2008, he told Kleber that he didn’t care where the ammo came from, and they discussed the markings that had been stamped on the magazines to falsely indicate that they had come from Bulgaria. What they didn’t know was that, acting on a tip-off, US and German investigators were recording their conversations. In January 2011, Kleber and his co-conspirator, British arms dealer Gary Hyde were arrested. They were charged along with Paul Restorick, the Kent-based arms dealer who had recruited them. However, Tinsley has so far escaped attention. Easy Tiger’s registered office is 10 Kingston Drive – a detached residence in a quiet cul-de-sac in the picturesque village of Cotgrave – hardly the place one would expect to find an international arms business. But in 2009 the company had a stall at DSEi – the world’s biggest arms fair – at which Tinsley was seen trying to sell 40 000 AK-47 assault rifles and 500 grenade launchers. The AK-47 and its variants the most widespread and worst regulated weapons in the world. They have been used by child soldiers, insurgents, criminal gangs and terrorists to massacre, maim, rape and rob in every country from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, and even in Britain. According to The Guardian, “the shadowy world of Britain’s arms dealers has been thrust into the spotlight” by this arms trafficking case. Tinsley’s business associates have previously been involved with shipping weapons between warzones including Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Iraq. There remains no effective international legal framework to prevent unethical arms dealers like Guy Tinsley from profiting from war and genocide. The implementation of the global Arms Trade Treatywould make it harder for them, but it would not trouble major arms corporations such as Nottingham-based Heckler & Koch.
Notts County Council workers strike against cuts
On Thursday 24th February, Unison members at Nottinghamshire County Council were out on strike against £150 million budget cuts. The strike was timed to coincide with the council meeting where the budget was to be set. The union also organised a march across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall. Nottinghamshire is the first council in the UK to experience strike action in response to the cuts, but with jobs and services being slashed across the country many more unions are likely to join them. Workers at Barnet council have already voted to strike against privatisation plans dubbed, “easyCouncil,” while Unison members at Birmingham reportedly voted unanimously for a strike ballot at meetings held in early-February. On the newswire: Notts County Council Strike: 2 Rally & Speeches | Notts County Council Strike: 1 The March | Notts County Council strike: rally | Notts County Council strike: March | Notts County Council workers on strike | Notts County Council workers to strike Previous features: Notts County Council announce £72m cuts | Protests against county council cuts Pickets There were pickets at many of the council’s bases, located across the county, including at County Hall, the authority’s main headquarters. Picketers at been in place at County Hall since before the building was opened at 5.30am and by 8am were covering all the entrances to the building. Few people were deterred by the pickets, but it was noted by several people that it was very quiet for a Thursday. Whether this is because of the strike or if people have taken leave or arranged to work at home so as to avoid the strike isn’t clear. One person who did refuse to go in was a Labour councillor who explained he had never crossed a picket line in his life and wasn’t about to start now. Most people going into work didn’t make much effort to engage with picketers, usually going out of their way to avoid eye contact. One council worker, however, tried to explain that while he was a Unison member, he was also a LibDem (evidently he wasn’t embarrassed by this) and supported what the government was trying to do to fix the “mess” created by Labour. Strikers on the vehicle exit apparently encountered a greater number of people and were able to stop at least on postal delivery coming in. Reports from elsewhere in the County tell a varying picture, with only 1 picket at the Employee Services Centre in Rushcliffe Business Park and as many as sixty at Lawn View House in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The council’s own “disruption” page listed 2 customer service points, 6 day services and 11 libraries as being closed, at least for some of the day. From 11am, strikers began congregating on Victoria Embankment for a march to County Hall and a rally. Once that was completed a presence was maintained on the main vehicle entrance in the hope of ensuring any deliveries did not cross the picket line. It is too early to confidently evaluate the impact of the strike action. While it may not have been as big as could be hoped for it is worth noting that after months of ignoring the union, the council organised a meeting to discuss their concerns as soon as the result of the ballot was announced. The ballot was for open-ended action and meetings are planned over the next couple of weeks to see where the dispute can move forward from here. March Unison had originally wanted to march from Bridge Field in West Bridgford, but Tory-run Rushcliffe Borough Council refused permission for the union to use the land, claiming that do otherwise might be seen as “supporting a political initiative”. Unison condemned the decision, but relocated the start point to Victoria Embankment. Unison had organised coaches from around the county and union members were joined by campaigners from Notts SOS, members of the CWU and FBU, the Labour Party (keen to get a dig at the Tory county council) and others. Based on discussions with people there and union officials there were probably around 650 people in attendance. Not a awful turnout, but certainly disappointing. The march was to make its way across Trent Bridge to County Hall, but protesters were only allowed to use one lane of the bridge, in an area marked off by cones, with three van-loads of police to make sure people didn’t accidentally wander into oncoming traffic. The effect of this was to trap people between the fence overlooking the river and a line of coppers as if they were in the world’s thinnest kettle. From Trent Bridge, demonstrators followed Loughborough Road, again only allowed on one lane of the road and then into County Hall via the car entrance for a rally. Rally This is the fourth such lobby of County Hall since the Tories took control of the council, but the first to be preceded by a march. There were a range of speakers, but there was a clear orientation towards trade unionists. Among them Unison’s head of local government Heather Wakefield, Jean Thorpe from Nottingham City Unison and somebody from the FBU. Other speakers included the head of the Labour Group on the council Alan Rhodes and at least one service user. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately), the PA wasn’t very good so I couldn’t actually hear much of what was being said. At one point, the speakers system packed up completely (blamed, jokingly on council leader Kay Cutts) and speakers had to make do with a megaphone. The crowd was initially quote noisy and chanted enthusiastically. Unfortunately, as inevitably happens, people drifted off. The event was just about to be drawn to a conclusion when it was discovered that the BBC would be going out live at 1.30pm, so the chanting was started up again and kept up fairly impressively throughout the broadcast. It was notable that while the previous such rally in October had filled the area in front of County Hall, this one didn’t do so. Whether this was because it is currently half term or for some other reason isn’t clear. While not as large as might have been hoped, the turnout was still impressive and the rally was a central part of the action on the day. With further strike action likely this probably won’t be the last time workers rally outside County Hall.
Natwest Bank shut by protesters
Saturday 26th February was a busy day for anti-cuts campaigning in Nottingham city centre. Activists from Notts SOS were out collecting signatures for a petition against cuts by the city council and building for the rally next weekend. Meanwhile Notts UK Uncut occupied Natwest Bank, ultimately forcing it to close early. The Natwest just off Market Square was targetted as part of a national day of action against Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) who own it. Campaigners are angry that the firm has been allowed to pay investment bankers massive bonuses, despite the fact that it was bailed out by the British taxpayer to the tune of billions of pounds in 2008. Protesters entered the bank around 11.30am and were able to remain in for more than 2 hours. For most of this time the bank was still in operation. This created a bizarre atmosphere, with customers queuing to be served on one side of the store while campaigners were sat with banners on the other, often chanting. Eventually, the management clearly decided they'd had enough and the bank was shut early, with a note stuck to the door explaining only that this was due to "unforseen circumstances." From Natwest, protesters moved onto Boots, targetted because of its efforts to avoid paying tax.
Notts County Council Strike: 2 Rally & Speeches
Thursday February 24th Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike, to coincide with this the union organised a march meeting on the Victoria Embankment ar 11.00am and marching across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall in West Bridgford. Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike, to coincide with this the union organised a march meeting on the Victoria Embankment ar 11.00am and marching across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall in West Bridgford. Unison had originally wanted to march from Bridge Field in West Bridgford, but Tory-run Rushcliffe Borough Council refused permission for the union to use the land, claiming that do otherwise might be seen as "supporting a political initiative". Unison condemned the decision, hence relocating the start point to Victoria Embankment. Unison says: Nottinghamshire County Council councillors met on 24 Feb to set a budget. Vital public services are at risk, and 1,000 staff face being compulsory sacked in the next few months. Notts County Council does not need to make these cutsLike other councils, they should be lobbying central government for adequate funding to protect local jobs, services and the Notts economy. The council says it will spend £60million on making 3,500 staff redundant over 3 years. Putting people on the dole will mean services are permanently cut, will take millions out of reduced or deleted — and our local economy. It will also mean more is spent on benefits — keeping people in jobs costs less than keeping them on the dole. And jobs keep services running. UNISON has identified £27 million the council could use to protect services and jobs. Back UNISON in our call for: * NO compulsory redundancies * YES to lobbying the Government for funding * PLANNED service changes, not savage cuts, as a better way to protect services, jobs, & communities. Notts Unison http://www.nottsunison.org.uk Liam Conway of Notts NUT addresses rally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgKFzCKP808 NottsSOS http://www.nottssos.org.uk ____________________________________________ 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>
Notts County Council Strike: 1 The March
Thursday February 24th Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike, to coincide with this the union organised a march meeting on the Victoria Embankment ar 11.00am and marching across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall in West Bridgford. Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike, to coincide with this the union organised a march meeting on the Victoria Embankment ar 11.00am and marching across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall in West Bridgford. Unison had originally wanted to march from Bridge Field in West Bridgford, but Tory-run Rushcliffe Borough Council refused permission for the union to use the land, claiming that do otherwise might be seen as "supporting a political initiative". Unison condemned the decision, hence relocating the start point to Victoria Embankment. Unison says: Nottinghamshire County Council councillors met on 24 Feb to set a budget. Vital public services are at risk, and 1,000 staff face being compulsory sacked in the next few months. Notts County Council does not need to make these cutsLike other councils, they should be lobbying central government for adequate funding to protect local jobs, services and the Notts economy. The council says it will spend £60million on making 3,500 staff redundant over 3 years. Putting people on the dole will mean services are permanently cut, will take millions out of reduced or deleted — and our local economy. It will also mean more is spent on benefits — keeping people in jobs costs less than keeping them on the dole. And jobs keep services running. UNISON has identified £27 million the council could use to protect services and jobs. Back UNISON in our call for: * NO compulsory redundancies * YES to lobbying the Government for funding * PLANNED service changes, not savage cuts, as a better way to protect services, jobs, & communities. Notts Unison http://www.nottsunison.org.uk Liam Conway of Notts NUT addresses rally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgKFzCKP808 NottsSOS http://www.nottssos.org.uk ____________________________________________ 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>
Notts County Council strike: March
On February 24th Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike and the union also organised a march and rally. Unison had originally wanted to march from Bridge Field in West Bridgford, but Tory-run Rushcliffe Borough Council refused permission for the union to use the land, claiming that do otherwise might be seen as "supporting a political initiative". Unison condemned the decision, but relocated the start point to Victoria Embankment.
Notts County Council strike: rally
On February 24th Nottinghamshire County Council met to set its budget. Unison members at the council were on strike, to coincide with this the union organised a march across Trent Bridge and a rally in front of County Hall. This is the fourth such lobby of County Hall since the Tories took control of the council, but the first to be preceded by a march. There were a range of speakers, but there was a clear orientation towards trade unionists. Among them Unison's head of local government Heather Wakefield, Jean Thorpe from Nottingham City Unison and somebody from the FBU. Other speakers included the head of the Labour Group on the council Alan Rhodes and at least one service user. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately), the PA wasn't very good so I couldn't actually hear much of what was being said. At one point, the speakers system packed up completely (blamed, jokingly on council leader Kay Cutts) and speakers had to make do with a megaphone. The crowd was initially quote noisy and chanted enthusiastically. Unfortunately, as inevitably happens, people drifted off. The event was just about to be drawn to a conclusion when it was discovered that the BBC would be going out live at 1.30pm, so the chanting was started up again and kept up fairly impressivley throughout the broadcast. It was notable that while the previous such rally in October had filled the area in front of County Hall, this one didn't do so. Whether this was because it is currently half term or for some other reason isn't clear. While not as large as might have been hoped, the turnout was still impressive and the rally was a central part of the action on the day. With further strike action likely this probably won't be the last time workers rally outisde County Hall.
Notts County Council workers on strike
On Thursday 24 February, Unison members at Nottinghamshire County Council were out on strike against £150 million budget cuts. The strike was timed to coincide with the council meeting where the budget was to be set. There were pickets at many of the council's bases, located across the county, including at County Hall, the authority's main headquarters. Picketers at been in place at County Hall since before the building was opened at 5.30am and by 8am were covering all the entrances to the building.
World Week for the Abolition of Meat
Closing communiqué Closing communiqué
Middle East dictatorships armed by H&K
Across the Middle East and North Africa, people have risen up to try to overthrow their undemocratic governments, and these uprisings have been met with state-sponsored violence and repression. Now Notts Anti-Militarism can reveal that several of these repressive regimes have been armed by a company with an international sales office in Nottingham: Heckler & Koch. In Libya, forces loyal to 42-year dictator Muammar Gaddafi have been slaughtering civilian protesters in the streets. According to Jane’s Infantry Weapons, Libya’s armed forces are still equipped with Heckler & Koch G3 rifles. They bought these rifles from the Greek state manufacturer, which was in turn licensed by Heckler & Koch. This is an arrangement that H&K has used many times in order to evade export restrictions. The regime in Bahrain has also been shooting pro-democracy demonstrators. Bahraini forces are equipped with the more up-to-date MP5 submachine gun. This weapon is also used by the armed forces of Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, all of which have seen pro-democracy demonstrations recently. Jordanian forces are also armed with Heckler & Koch’s modern G36 assault rifle. And these are only the countries that have seen recent pro-democracy uprisings. Heckler & Koch weapons are used by other repressive regimes in that part of the world, including Lebanon, which teeters on the brink of civil war, Sudan, which has been riven by conflict for decades, and Saudi Arabia, whose autocratic regime is characterised by gross abuses of human rights. This is just a snapshot of the profile of Heckler & Koch, whose weapons have been sold to undemocratic and repressive regimes around the world, and have killed at least 1.5 million people. If the people of the Middle East can face down the bullets in a once-in-a-lifetime fight for freedom, then the people of Nottingham should rise up and end the company that makes these weapons.
Affinity - issue #3: mental health
The third issue of Affinity explores the complexities of mental health, providing two personal perspectives on how the struggle to maintain a healthy mind can affect our battles for dignity and freedom against a sick society. Affinity is an irregular zine providing space for analysis and critical reflection on strategies for resisting the dominant culture. Previous issues on privilege and violence can be found at blackirispress.wordpress.com. We very much welcome comments, ideas or contributions for future issues. Please contact blackirispress@riseup.net. |
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