Actionnet's Bulletins
Sept 02 to June 05

For reports on national and international actions which don't get reported in the mainstream media go to uk.indymedia.org

For news from across the globe check out www.schnews.org.uk

Around the World in 80 Protests _02/08/07

‘Around the World in 80 Protests’ is a new website documenting the often unreported world of global campaigning and resistance. From El Salvador to South Korea, people are protesting against corporate injustice, poverty and climate change; so if you’re fed up with pop-stars and celebrities getting all the credit for ‘saving the world’, take a look at the website .

Footprints for Peace - derby Creating change through peaceful action _06/07/07

'Footprints for Peace' are a group of peace activists travelling the world to raise awareness and inspire people to work for a community of peaceful change.

Many nuclear sites have been visited, and they realise that they are not just working on local struggles - but are engaged in an international struggle. The nuclear industry threatens us all. Today there is an urgent call for global action to break the cycle of mass destruction created by the mining of uranium, the enrichment process, nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons, the use of depleted uranium and the disposal of radioactive waste.

In May the group of marchers started out from Dublin and will end their walk in London on 9 August, going via Faslane Trident nuclear-submarine base and visiting many other nuclear sites along the way, walking through Derbyshire between the 10 - 14 July. They work with local communities to raise public awareness about the suffering and coercion that communities suffer by the nuclear industry.

Everyone interested in peace from all spiritual beliefs and none are welcome to join the walk, and are invited to join their vigil at 4pm on Sunday 15 July at the main gates of Rolls Royce, Raynesway, Derby. Rolls Royce make the nuclear reactor cores used to power the Trident submarines which carry Britain's nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Britain's Trident nuclear weapons system is illegal under International and British law because the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction is a war crime under the Geneva Convention and other International laws. Rolls Royce Raynesway is complicit in this crime. It is helping Britain break its international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to make progress towards nuclear disarmament.

Mordechai Vanunu sentenced to another 6 months in prison _06/07/07

Mordechai Vanunu (Israeli scientist who has already served 18 years in prison) has been sentenced to 6 months imprisonment (plus another 6 months suspended) for talking to foreigner news media. He is not in prison at present as the court held over his serving the sentence pending any appeal, which Mordechai has until September to decide whether or not to launch.

He is found guilty of giving interviews to international media outlets over the past three years. "While returning a man to prison after he served 18 years there does not bring joy to anyone, there was no other choice but to take this step to make clear that the nation will defend its secrets and protect its security," the prosecutor, Dan Eldad, said in a statement issued by the justice ministry.

The statement read: "The order stemmed from the fact that the accused had hoarded in his memory classified information that has not been released, and the release of which could harm the security interests of Israel."

Mr Vanunu has insisted he only wants to pursue a peaceful anti-nuclear campaign. "All I want is to be free, to leave the country," he said.

He received his 18-year sentence after telling the Sunday Times about his work as a technician at Dimona, with the disclosures tearing away the veil of secrecy around an assumed Israeli nuclear arsenal.

You can send Mordechai your support – by writing to him at PO Box 20102, Herodotus Post Office, East Jerusalem 91384, or e-mailing him on vmjc1954@gmail.com. There’s a petition for freedom for Mordechai on the Downing Street web site at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Free-Vanunu

Scottish Parliament Votes Overwhelmingly against Trident Replacement_16/06/07

The Scottish Parliament voted by a huge margin on 71 votes to 16, with 39 abstentions on a motion that “congratulates the majority of Scottish MPs for voting on 14 March 2007 to reject the replacement of Trident…and calls on the UK Government not to go ahead at this time with the proposal in the White Paper” [see note 1].

Labour MSPs supported the motion, including former Minister Malcolm Chisholm who resigned from his position last December over the issue. The bulk of the Labour benches abstained on the main motion, opening up a significant split with the Westminster leadership.

The vote, whilst not taking specific measures against the Trident system shows the anti-Trident majority in the new parliament, allowing for further votes to implement sanctions against the system, based at Faslane Naval Base 25 miles north-west of Glasgow. Both the SNP and Green election campaigns pledged to take action using the Parliament’s environmental protection powers to either ban or tax the transport of nuclear warheads through Scotland, vital for the maintenance of the system.

A summary of the Scottish Parliament debate and report on Trident and devolved powers are available at: www.banthebomb.org/newbombs/Notridentrep.htm Views of Scottish MPs and MSPs are at: www.scotland4peace.org/Binthebomb/btbindex.htm

1. The full text of the motion, number S3M-169 and proposed by Green MSP Patrick Harvie reads “That the Parliament congratulates the majority of Scottish MPs for voting on 14 March 2007 to reject the replacement of Trident and calls on the UK Government not to go ahead at this time with the proposal in the White Paper, The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent.” (Taken from press release produced by www.cnduk.org CND 14 June 2007)

EcoEnergi in N.Staffs_16/06/07

EcoEnergi are a new, small company who are trying to help North Staffs become green through microgeneration. They supply and install domestic renewable energy solutions ranging from Solar Hot Water, Solar Photovoltaic, Biomass Heating, Ground/Air/Water Source Heat Pumps, Wind Turbines and Rainwater Harvesting. One of their aims is to make renewable energy an affordable option for everyone and seek installation opportunities with individual home owners, community groups, charities and small businesses. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone genuinely interested in reducing their domestic carbon emissions through generating their own power. Contact Matthew Leese on 0845 017 5282 Email: customer-info@btconnect.com Website: www.ecoenergi.com

Biodiesel in newcastle, Staffs - buy or get advice on making your own!_16/06/07

If you are against the Iraq war and the global monopoly of large oil companies, there is an alternative to fuel your diesel vehicle. Gaia Fuels www.gaiafuels.co.uk is my little company in Newcastle Under Lyme selling biodiesel made from recycled oil - collected locally. The price is 87p per litre which is cheaper than even the supermarkets. No money goes to George Bush!!! Opening times and a map are on the website.

If anyone wants to make their own, I can supply the materials cheap and offer help and advice. Call in between 6pm-8pm for a chat, tea/coffee and some fuel or info.

Sites designated under SOCPA extended _16/06/07

The list of sites which are designated under the s128 of the Serious Organised CRime and Police Act has been extended.

This section makes it an offence, punishable by up to 51 weeks in prison and/or £5000 fine to trespass on the designated sites. For a fuller briefing on this law see www.tridentploughshares.org/article1405

The new sites include a number of royal palaces, Chequers, etc. The most relevant for activists is probably the MoD building in Whitehall (the Old War Office Building is also designated). It also includes several GCHQ sites around England, the SIS (MI6) HQ (which is just listed as "85 Albert Embankment"), MI5 HQ ("Thames House"). Also designated is 10, 11 and 12 Downing St and "So much of the site including the Palace of Westminster, London, SW1A as is within the dotted line that is marked on the map in Schedule 8 (the Palace of Westminster and Portcullis House site)" The map is a very low quality gif on which most of the text is illegible --- if someone who knows the area better than me could have look and see if there are any implications that'd be good.

OK, some of these are pretty secure and difficult to get in to, but folk have got in to the MoD building in the past I'm sure. Note also in that case that "the wall and vehicle ramps on the west side of the building adjoining Whitehall Gardens and Raleigh Green" are designated but that "the steps, ramps and porticos that give access to the inside of the building" are not.

Anyway, the full list of sites is in the SI, available at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20070930.htm (Taken from DAAW (Direct Action Against War)

Women arrested at Aldermaston under new byelaws_16/06/07

Ten women from the Aldermaston Women Peace Camp(aign) (AWPC) were arrested on 8th June in a blanket action by MOD police just over a week after the introduction of new Bylaws designed to stop the women from their 22 year-long protest against the base which is currently building facilities for the upgrade of the Trident nuclear missile system.

The women were having a meeting when they were arrested at 21:50 in what one of them called “a blanket and arbitrary arrest”. They were taken to Loddon Valley police station and held overnight. A dog that belonged to two of the women was taken to Reading police station.

All ten women have been charged with 2 Bylaws offences and banned from a 5-mile radius around AWE Aldermaston. The first alleged offence is that they were camping when they were simply gathered around a controlled fire having a meeting, and the second, unfounded, charge was that they lit a bonfire.

The new Bylaws, which came into effect on 31st May 2007, specifically prohibit camping and lighting open fires. The women maintain that they were doing neither and that theirs was an unjustified arrest as the bylaws were specifically amended, after consultation with AWPC, to allow for meetings . They have all been bailed to appear before Newbury magistrates court on 21st June. Your support in court on the day would be greatly appreciated

The arrests came as AWPC have mounted a judicial review in the High Court against the new bylaw and the women prepared for a celebratory party to mark their 22-year long protest and bearing witness outside the nuclear weapons factory.

The world can't wait - lead up to G8 summit_24/05/07

Next month, leaders from eight of the richest and most powerful countries in the world will be meeting at the G8 Summit in Germany. At the 2005 Summit in Scotland a series of historic promises were made that, if fulfilled, would help many millions of people escape extreme poverty. The promises that have been kept have changed millions of lives. But most are at serious risk of being broken. And that's a disgrace. Help is needed to ensure the G8 deliver on the pledges made in 2005 and take further action to eradicate world poverty. The UK government intends to spend £76 billion on a new generation of nuclear weapons which are illegal, immoral and do not address our real security concerns. This money would be better spent fighting climate change and tackling global poverty. The World Can't Wait campaign has come together to call for urgent, decisive action, with a massive rally on Saturday 2nd June in London. Demand debt cancellation, trade justice, healthcare, education, water and sanitation for all, and firm plans to prevent catastrophic climate change and to address its impacts.

Please act now: Come to the London Rally on Saturday 2nd June Come to London on 2nd June to send Tony Blair off to Germany with our voices ringing in his ears. Join thousands of other campaigners and their families on the banks of the Thames and make your voice heard. This will be a fun day out with events organised in many of the parks and green spaces around Westminster, culminating in everyone making a massive noise and "ringing the alarm" against poverty at 2.30pm.

Register to attend the rally: http://www.yourvoiceagainstpoverty.org.uk/come-to-london

Send a message to the G8: Send an email message to Tony Blair and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to tell them that the world can't wait for an end to poverty. Let them know that the world is watching and will hold them accountable for their promises and actions.

Email Merkel now: www.yourvoiceagainstpoverty.org.uk/e-mail-merkel

Census data for Stoke-on-Trent to be collected by Lockheed Martin US Arms conglomerate. Green Party calls for boycot of the test taking place on 13 May. _12/05/07

Data gathered on 13 May 2007 during the first field test for the upcoming 2011 census will be 'captured' by US Arms company Lockheed Martin (1).

The Office for National Statistics is running the test in five different local authority areas, covering some 100 000 households in total, on the 13th May 2007 (2).

Unlike the eventual census, taking part in the test is voluntary. It will run in Liverpool, Camden, Bath and North East Somerset, Carmarthenshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Green Party Principal Speaker, Siân Berry, who lives in Camden, is urging people to boycott the census. She said: "With more sensitive information than ever being collected in the next national census, do we really want data about everyone in the UK being given to a foreign arms company?

"Why is the census being contracted out anyway? The government should take proper care of information about us.

"It's a bad sign of the developing database state, and shows that ID cards could lead to our identities being under the control of some very doubtful corporations.

"The majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. federal government agencies. They provide missiles and fire control, naval systems, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services (ISR). They claim to provide 'information necessary to anticipate and monitor worldwide crises by combining a variety of ISR systems into the vision of the global information network.' (3)

"This kind of firm should not be gathering sensitive data on the British public."

Siân also responded to comments from the Office of National Statistics and Lockheed Martin:

"The only responsible and prudent thing to do in this situation is to boycott the test census. Non-participation sends a signal to the government that we want more controls on who processes information about us.

"A fundamental tenet of census-taking is that the people filling in the forms should trust that they are doing so in privacy, to ensure they give accurate information. Involving a company with the dubious connections of Lockheed Martin could easily undermine public confidence, and so devalue the worth of the information collected."

The Office of National Statistics and Lockheed Martin have responded to Siân's comments online at www.newstatesman.com/200705080005 Contact: Green Party National Press Office: 0207 561 0282 For more information about Lockheed Martin and their involvement in the census, please see: (1) www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/cen1006.pdf (2) www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do? dsp=fec&ci=13155&rsbci=0&fti=0&ti=0&sc=400

Background: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is planning the first major field test for the next census to take place on 13 May 2007. More info at www.statistics.gov.uk/censustest

It will form part of the planning and testing programme leading up to the next census of Population and Housing for England and Wales in 2011.

Among the aims of the test are to test new data collection methods, new questions and to assess the performance of different contractors.

Unlike the eventual census, taking part in the test is voluntary.

The test will cover about 100,000 households in five different local authority areas: * Liverpool * Camden * Bath and North East Somerset * Carmarthenshire * Stoke-on-Trent

The involvement of arms company Lockheed Martin as one of the potential suppliers (handling all the data via their IT systems) is alarming on several counts,

• why is census data being handled by outside companies - why not done in-house?

• a lot of the data is sensitive - this time they are adding new questions on income and place of birth

• in particular do we want an American arms company with access to this data for everyone in the UK?

LM were involved in the last census in 2001 too, but this time

• public concerns about data protection are much higher

• US arms companies are much more of a concern, particularly if they will be holding data on everyone in the UK - what will they do with it?

• and this time there are new questions - for e.g about income

New questions:

• * National identity - to allow respondents to record their English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, Irish or other identity

• * Income - to collect level and sources of income * Language - to collect information on proficiency in English, Welsh, British Sign Language and other languages. In Wales, people will be asked about the frequency of their use of the Welsh language

• * Second address - to identify the number of people with a regular second address and the purpose and frequency of its use

• * Month and year of entry into the UK - to collect extra information about international migration

Given the voluntary nature of the test, and the fact that LM will have your data if you take part, Greens are calling for a boycott of the test in the affected areas.

This info is published and promoted by Jim Killock for the Green Party, both at 1a Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ.

Stoke BNP reject councillor _11/05/07

Before May, Stoke-on-Trent had 5 BNP councillors. With 3 gains and one loss at the May elections, Stoke's complement of BNP councillors increased to 7 - or so it was thought.

Yesterday, the BNP submitted their Group List to the City Council, with only 6 names on. The list did not include Mark Leat, councillor for Longton North, who has been effectively expelled by the BNP. Leat had been having serious differences with BNP group leader Alby Walker for several months: raised voices had been heard in the Stoke Town Hall Members' Room on several occasions.

Having been rebuffed by the Tories, Leat is expected to join one of the Independent groups on the City Council.

BNP candidates in Local Election: results _04/05/07

NorSCARF writes "In North Staffordshire, there were 11 BNP candidates, 10 in Stoke-on-Trent and 1 in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Of these, 4 were elected, 3 in Stoke-on-Trent and 1 in the Staffordshire Moorlands. However, sitting BNP councillor Steve Batkin was defeated in Longton North ward in Stoke-on-Trent.

Results in Stoke-on-Trent are as follows, Abbey Green: Ellie Walker (BNP) elected
Bentilee & Townsend: David Marfleet (BNP) elected
Blurton: Steve Hallam (BNP) in 3rd place
Burslem North: Donald Scaife (BNP) in 2nd place
Fenton: Christopher Dodd (BNP) in 2nd place
Longton North: Steve Batkin (BNP) in 2nd place
Longton South: Spencer Cartlidge (BNP) in 2nd place
Meir Park & Sandon: Pauline Smith (BNP) in 3rd place
Tunstall: Terence Cope (BNP) in 2nd place
Weston & Meir North: Michael Coleman (BNP) elected

There are now 7 BNP councillors in Stoke-on-Trent. For full details of the Stoke-on-Trent results, see www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/council-and-democracy/elections

BNP standing in forthcoming election_09/04/07

The BNP are standing in the following wards in Stoke in the local elections: Abbey Green, Longton North, Longton South, Meir Park & Sandon, Weston and Meir, Bentilee, Blurton, Fenton, Burslem North, Tunstall. In Staffordshire Moorlands they will be standing in Forsbrook. They are also standing in Alsager East in the Congleton Borough Council elections. However, they are no loner planning to stand in Stafford in 2007. NorSCARF and Unite Against Facism have been working to counter support for the BNP within local communities. UAF website: www.uaf.org.uk NorSCARF Email: norscarf@burslem.demon.co.uk

Spring 2007 edition of Sundial_18/03/07

The Local Agenda 21 Newsletter for Stafford -Sundial, is available now. It includes articles on - Going Fairtrade Bananas - A Certain Change, The IPCC Report - Birds at their Best With Bill - - A Greener Build - Gaol Goes Green - Help Step into Spring - Plan A for M&S - - Focus On... - News in Brief - Post Bag, as well as What's on listings. Read pdf directly via www.staffordbc.gov.uk/live/Documents/LA21/Sundial/Sundial_Spring_07.pdf or through the Local Agenda 21 webpages at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/la21

Trial of Maya Evans & Milan Rai in London on Tue 10th April_18/03/07

Maya Evans & Milan Rai are charged with organising & / or participating in an 'unauthorised' demonstration within 1km of Parliament during last October's 'No More Fallujahs' anti-occupation camp in Parliament Square. 2pm, Horseferry Magistrates Court, 70 Horseferry Rd, SW1P 2AX. Support welcome. BACKGROUND: "The Serious Organised Crime & Police Act, 2005 (SOCPA) rules compromise freedom of speech. Anyone who wants to demonstrate within 1km of Parliament must apply for permission at least 6 days in advance. Maya Evans, at that time 25, was previoulsly arrested on Tue 25th Oct 2005 for taking part in a demonstration in Parliament Square. She became the first person to be tried & convicted under the act (on Wed 7th Dec 2005). Maya Evans is again on trial for continuing to protest in Parliament Square without 'authorisation', this time along with Milan Rai of Justice Not Vengeance. Maya Evans has now written a book on her experiences. See websites for info www.j-n-v.org and www.parliament-square.org.uk

GM crops in Europe?_18/03/07

The Soil Association writes "A new proposal to encourage genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe is being considered by the European Parliament. MEPs are voting on motion (2006/2059 INI), submitted by Finnish MEP Kyösti Virrankoski, on March

First Aldermaston SOCPA arrest in run-up to Trident vote _18/03/07

At the start of the week that sees a vote on Trident replacement (14 March), Juliet McBride from Aldermaston Women's Peace Camp was arrested on Saturday 10 March 2007, after spending over two hours on a high security fence surrounding the new Orion laser at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston.

Juliet was subsequently held for more than 10 hours and charged with Criminal Trespass under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. The Attorney General must now decide whether to proceed with a prosecution.

Her anti-nuclear protest was made just before parliament prepares to vote on the government motion on Trident Replacement: "That this house supports the government’s decision as set out in the white paper The Future of the United Kingdoms Nuclear Deterrent (CM6994) to take the steps necessary to maintain the UK minimum strategic nuclear deterrent beyond the life of the existing system and to take further steps towards meeting the UK’s disarmament responsibilities under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

While the White Paper outlined its belief in the need for imminent decisions on replacing the submarine fleet and missile bodies, the government claims that decisions on future nuclear warheads will not be required until the next parliament. However, work is already well under way on the new Orion laser - before any decision is made in parliament, at an estimated cost of over £180 million (see building work in pictures). Orion will be able to replicate the conditions of a nuclear explosion, can only be needed and intended to design new nuclear warheads.

BNP candidates in Stafford election_09/03/07

THE BNP is coming to Stafford to contest May’s elections, bringing the message with them: "We are here to stay". A British National Party group is being set up in the town with seats in Rising Brook and Highfields targeted in the borough council poll on May 3. Candidates are expected to be announced by the extreme nationalists in coming weeks after two residents said they were keen to stand. Read full article online at The Sentinel www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/detail.asp?cat=General%20News&id=7302380

MPs preparing to vote on Trident - vote day 14th March_09/03/07

The government has announced that a debate on Trident replacement will take place in the House of Commons on Wednesday 14 March from 12:40 – 7:00 pm, with a vote coming immediately after the debate. The debate and vote comes even though the government promised there would be a consultation on the issue.

Let you MP know that you oppose Trident replacement and encourage her/him to sign EDM 579 which calls on the government to extend the period of consultation on Trident to allow all points of view to be heard. To date 142 MPs have signed this. Contact your MP now

CND have called an emergency rally in Parliament Square on the 14th of March – the day of the debate and vote - to show the government the level of public opposition to Trident replacement. The rally will take place from 6-8 pm, but people will also be present in the Square, with banners and placards, throughout the debate.

For more events check out www.tridentvoteday.org.uk which lists anti-Trident events happening on 14th March.

The Greenpeace vessel the Arctic Sunrise which led a blockade of the Faslane nuclear weapons submarine base in Scotland two weeks ago will also be in London on the 14th. The crew were arrested and the ship was held by the Ministry of Defence, only being released last Friday. Jamie Woolley from Greenpeace writes "we can't stop yet. The vote in parliament - during which MPs will decide whether to replace Trident or not - is Wednesday 14 March so there's still time for you to make your voice heard. Write to your MP and tell them you think spending £76 billion on new nuclear weapons would be a misguided, hypocritical and frankly dumb decision. You can write your letter at www.email.greenpeace.org/tclevux_glllqjpj

If you're in London, you can come along, watch the show from the quayside and support the campaign. Make your way to where the Arctic Sunrise is moored at Butlers Wharf near Tower Bridge for 6.30pm Map .

We will also webcast the event live and for 24 hours after the performance so wherever you are, you'll be able to see the event. You can see it at www.email.greenpeace.org/pknipex_glllqjpj

If you can make it to the performance, you can easily send pictures and video to our moblog moblog using your phone or computer. Just send them by MMS or email to greenpeace@moblg.net .

You can join us in London to show your opposition. Text LONDON to 63777 and we'll let you know what you can do to help.

But above all, if you do one thing this week, write to your MP and tell them to vote against replacing Trident. We must sound like a broken record sometimes, but you need to tell them what you think. After all, they are supposed to be our representatives in parliament." Contact your MP now!

European Court of Human Rights rules unions can expel members of BNP_02/03/07

UAF writes "Unite Against Fascism welcomes the decision by the European Court of Human Rights that unions can expel members of the fascist BNP, which is not incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. UAF declared it a victory for those who have campaigned to keep fascists out of the workplace, on the grounds that the BNP spread division and hatred. The case was brought by ASLEF, following British courts' ruling in favour of a BNP member expelled from the union because of the incompatibility of BNP views and those of the trade union movement. The BNP has attempted to increase its legitimacy by setting up "Solidarity" - a front organisation to infiltrate the trade union movement.

Billy Hayes, General Secretary of Communication Workers Union and Treasurer of Unite Against Fascism said: "This ruling is an important step forward in the fight against the growth of fascism. The BNP poses a threat to the trade union movement not only because it is incompatible with the principles of the movement, but also because it whips up hatred and division, posing a threat to black, migrant, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered workers and others who are a fundamental part of the British trade union movement. The BNP seeks electoral legitimacy by infiltrating mainstream organizations such as the trade union movement. This ruling is the logical conclusion of what the BNP actually represents - a gang of racist thugs with a history of violence and criminality that must be opposed by all those who value democracy and freedom."

Unite Against Fascism has called three national days of action: Saturday 3rd March, Saturday 31 March and Saturday 28 April in key areas that the BNP will be targeting in the forthcoming elections. www.uaf.org.uk"

Greenpeace MY Artic Sunrise breaks through Faslane defences_23/02/07

On board MY Artic Sunrise on 23/02/2007 Rachel Sumner writes "I'm sitting on board the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise at the moment looking out through the little port hole in the campaigners' office watching police and military police boats whizz past.

At about 8am this morning we raised anchor and headed out of the Greenock dock towards the UK's nuclear missile submarine base at Faslane with a small flotilla of boats at our bow to blockade it.

Tony Blair is rushing through a vote in parliament next month to build a replacement for Trident - a new generation of nuclear weapons. The outcome of the vote will have severe implications not just for the UK, but also for the rest of the world.

Please write to your MP and tell the government you don't support their plans to build a new nuclear bomb: http://www.email.greenpeace.org/bcvevge_cnnniebe.html

Building new nuclear weapons is against international law, and politically sends a clear message to other countries that they also need them. Not only will it undermine international disarmament treaties, it comes with a massive price tag, diverting funds away from other issues for decades to come.

The government white paper on Trident replacement stated that the new nuclear weapons would cost £15-£20 billion to manufacture, but ignored the running costs. We believe total manufacturing, maintenance and operating costs for a new UK nuclear weapons system will be more like £76 billion.

While the Blair government has made it clear they want to commit the UK to nuclear weapons for the next 50 years, scientists and politicians agree that climate change is by far the greatest threat that the world faces.

We're currently anchored in front of the base with peace campaigners from around the world to prevent HMS Vigilant from leaving Faslane naval base. There's been mayhem in the Gareloch with six inflatable boats and some canoes trying to get close to the pontoon that protects the Trident submarine. One person managed to get on to the pontoon; he held up a banner reading NO NEW NUKES before being arrested.

Sixteen in all have been arrested so far. All of our boats are now out of the water and the Arctic Sunrise is the only one left. We're still near the entrance to Faslane, and we're surrounded by police and military police vessels. You name it, they're out there.

We want the UK government to abandon its plans to build a new nuclear weapon and take Trident off patrol so that we can work with other states to enforce existing disarmament treaties and restart disarmament negotiations.

You can follow the story as it unfolds on my weblog at http://www.email.greenpeace.org/qoalaii_cnnniebe.html

You can also join me in showing your opposition to a new generation of nuclear weapons by writing to your MP and telling the government that you don't buy their arguments for new nuclear weapons. Tell them you don't want to pay for Trident at a time when we should be investing in the renewable and decentralised energy solutions necessary to halt global warming.

You can send your letter here: http://www.email.greenpeace.org/dzyhyaj_cnnniebe.html Thanks for your support "

BNP ballerina to perform in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent_22/02/07

The English National Ballet (ENB) will be performing at the Regent Theatre in Hanley from Wednesday 28th February to Saturday 3rd March. One of their principal dancers is BNP member Simone Clarke. This is an issue that goes beyond Clarke's personal political persuasion. The ENB is publicly funded through the Arts Council and, as such, is obliged by the Race Relations Act to contribute to race equality and promote good race relations. Yet the ENB has seemingly allowed Clarke, one of its highest profile employees, to use her position as a platform for the BNP, for example, in a recent article in the Mail on Sunday. Inayat Bunglawala of the Muslim Council of Britain commented: "This will taint the ENB in the eyes of many minority communities. Questions need to be asked about how someone in that position can be allowed to abuse that position to promote the BNP". At Thursday's meeting, we need to consider how we will be responding to Simone Clarke's appearance at the Regent Theatre.

UAF organised a protest the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London W1 on 19th Feb were the ENB were holding their annual Gala fundraising dinner. A local protest is under discussion contact NorSCARF for info.

Camp for Climate Action 2007 off to a running start_22/02/07

Climate campers are at it again! More than seventy people from around the UK met in Leeds last weekend and decided to organise another Camp for Climate Action this summer from 14th to 21st August. As many of you know, for ten days last August hundreds of people gathered in the shadow of Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire to share knowledge and inspiration to tackle the greatest threat to life on Earth, live an example of more just and sustainable alternatives, and confront one of the UK's biggest polluters in a day of mass direct action.

Following on from this success, Camp for Climate Action 2007 will take place near to a target relating to aviation or the coal or oil industries. The location will be chosen over the coming months. Working groups have been set up to organise outreach, fundraising, site practicalities and workshops. Self managed camping, eating and living neighbourhoods around themes and geographical areas are also being planned, contact details are on the website.

There is loads to do, and everyone is invited to get involved - next planning meeting are in mid-March. Check the website www.climatecamp.org.uk for more info.

The energy descent is going to take a hell of a lot of energy dissent!

Motorway widening_22/02/07

Protests are building up as work has commenced on the widening of the M1 Motorway near Sheffield. The M1 is due to be widened from Leicester to Leeds, and around the M25 near Luton in a project costing £3.74 billion - which is expected to rise considerably. Sections of the M1 get 160,000 vehicles a day. Since the campaign was started a year ago, there have been banner drops over the M1, as well as the picketing of exhibitions by the Highways Agency promoting it. For more see www.nowideningm1.org.uk

Meanwhile nearer to home GAME is continuing to organise against the expansion of the M6 through Staffordshire and Cheshire. If you want to get involved or give a donation find out how by emailing alison.crane@ntlworld.com

ROAR activities are being planned for March in Stoke _07/02/07

All contributions welcome e.g., performances, help with organisation. Plans already include, an Art Show, an Arabic Evening with food and music, Asylum Seekers music and art. Check out ActionNet's Diary for details of events. Email if you want to get involved.

Brian Haw wins Channel 4's most inspiring political figure award 2007_09/02/07

The Parliament Square peace protestor, Brian Haw, has won the UK's Channel 4's 2007 award for the Most Inspiring Political Figure.

Mr Haw attended the ceremony on 7 February hosted by Channel 4, in association with the Hansard Society. He gave a rousing acceptance speech before an invited audience of Members of Parliament, Peers and journalists.

The award ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 7pm on Saturday 10 February and repeated on 13 February.

Mr Haw received a massive 54 per cent of all votes cast by the public for Most Inspiring Political Figure 2007. General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the British Army, who recently said that troops should be withdrawn from Iraq, came second with 18 per cent.

The actual political leaders amongst the nominees, Tony Blair and David Cameron, were backed by only eight and six per cent of the vote respectively. Other nominees were Aishah Azmi and the Archbishop of York.

Mr Haw said, "I would like to say a warm thank you to everyone who voted for me. This is a vote against this government's killing, maiming, torture, stealing. Its a vote for the children of Iraq and Afghanistan, for all our children - our future. For truth, justice, peace and democracy for all."

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
The ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 7pm on 10 February (repeated on 13 Feb). For more information about Brian Haw see www.parliament-square.org.uk For more information on the Channel 4 awards see: www.channel4.com/news/microsites/P/politicalawards/index.html

NOTES
Brian Haw has been protesting opposite Parliament since 2nd June 2001. Initially he was campaigning against the economic sanctions on Iraq and the bombing of the country by the US and UK. After 11 September 2001, he widened his focus, directing his messages of peace against the 'war on terror' and the terror that the US and UK have inflicted on Afghanistan and Iraq. Brian has been the subject of many attempts by various authorities to remove him and his display, including the introduction of a new law in 2005 banning unauthorised demonstrations near Parliament. Despite this, and the removal of most of his display by the police in May 2006, he continues his vigil for peace and justice. In January 2007 his dismantled display was meticulously reconstructed for an exhibition by the artist Mark Wallinger at Tate Britain.

Parliament Square Peace Campaign for supporters of Brian Haw and the right to protest www.parliament-square.org.uk

Big Trident Debate - Vote Now! _12/01/07

VOTE on the Big Trident Debate website on the replacement of Trident at www.bigtridentdebate.org.uk and on the No.10 website at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk

12 People from Staffordshire & Stoke blockade group arrested at Faslane _21/12/06

The group made up of approx 40 people from Stoke, leek, Newcastle and Stafford and other parts of the Midlands - which also included people from ActionNet-northstaffs - took responsibility for two days of action as part of the year long blockade Faslane 365. A White Elephant parade took place on the Sunday saving the blockade for the busier Monday morning. The White elephant theme is taken formt he idea of Trident being like a 'white elephant' - an expensive object that is no longer wanted'. Elephant head dress, placards and banners along with a sound system playing Nellie the elephant paraded from North to South gate. The sun shone and the views (minus the base) were beautiful.

Monday morning early saw another parade concealing the blockaders who sat down and locked on to one another in a matter of seconds on the A814. We weren't able to blockade in front of the north gate as police directed us away from the gate around the roundabout. So the blockade happened on the roundabout. Police surrounded and later put up screens (much to the annoyance of our photographers) and a specialist crew arrived to deal with the lock ons.

Arrestees were held at for 30 hours and then released after having being charged but not prosecuted. Read one arrestees statement. For a more detailed report and other information go to http://www.faslane365.org/en/blog/18 and also the White Elephant365 blog at www.whitelephant365.blog.co.uk

CND's 'Preventing Trident Replacement' conference online at YouTube _03/11/06

Documentary film maker Wolfgang Matt has produced a 3 and a half minute video summary of this conference. Includes clips from speakers, Bruce Kent, Louise Richards,War on Want, Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading, Sian Jones and more... View at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2m0TuQSGMc

Plane Stupid activists in court today _06/10/06

One activist from N. Staffs who was arrested as part of the Plane Stupid action writes "Following the plane stupid action at East Midlands airport on Sunday 24 th September 2006 , 25 activists were arrested and detained at a number of police stations around Leicester . A sky reporter was arrested at the scene and his footage of the action was confiscated before it could be broadcast. 9 females were held at Leicester Central, 16 males at Coalville (a disused overspill station normally for football hooligans and asylum seekers) and a sky reporter was held at Loughborough.

The police response was outrageous. Armed police raided a Baptist minister’s house, waking and interrogating his son. This was followed by another raid and more questioning a few hours later. Many other homes were also raided and equipment and other possessions seized, many of which it seems have no relevance to the incident but have stopped people going about their personal lives. All activists were held for 36 hours with 5 minutes access to the outside ‘exercise’ yard and ‘vegan’ food which contained milk and egg. The police refused anyone their ‘right to one phone call’ throughout the 36 hours under anti-terrorist legislation. More detailed report

All the activists have been charged with aggravated trespass, causing a nuisance to the public and entering a restricted zone with some also charged with criminal damage. Bail conditions include not going within 500m of any uk airport and not to associate with co-defendants. As the females were released into the centre of Leicester, they were told by the releasing officers that their bail conditions applied immediately, they would be released 5 minutes apart and if they were seen communicating would immediately be rearrested for breaking their bail conditions. Community safety policing – hmm?"

The activists appeared at Loughborough Magistrates Court todaY (Friday 6th Oct). Bail conditions were lifted and they have to attend Loughborough Crown Court on Dec 15th.

Greenham Common women begin Faslane protest _06/10/06

Kirsty Taylor (Sunday Herald 1st October) writes "Veterans from the women’s peace camp at Greenham Common will mark the 25th anniversary of their campaign to ban nuclear weapons by kicking off a year-long protest at the Trident base at Faslane today.

The women, who were one of the biggest media stories of the 1980s and 1990s, arrived at the American airbase at Greenham Common in the south of England on September 5, 1981, to campaign against the storage of cruise missiles there..

At the height of the demonstration in the early 1980s, they attracted tens of thousands of women to join them, severely embarrassing then prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

A decision on the future of the warheads maintained at Faslane is set to be made before the end of 2006. Campaigners fear that the government will opt to build a new generation of nuclear weapons to replace the current submarine-based Trident system.

At noon today, the Greenham women will begin the blockade organised by campaign group Faslane 365. They will be joined by all-female protest groups from around the world, including the anti-war charity Women In Black and the English nuclear protest group Aldermaston Women.

It is hoped the blockade will increase the political and financial costs of deploying and replacing Trident. So far, 52 groups have signed up to protest at the base. Each group will stay for a minimum of 48 hours before handing over to the next group to maintain the continuous blockade.

Dr Rebecca Johnson lived at Greenham Common for five years. She is now the founding director of the Acronym Institute For Disarmament Diplomacy and is co-ordinating the women’s blockade today.

“It is significant for us to start this protest, because it is the 25th anniversary of Greenham and we want to make that link with the major success of the peace movement in the 1980s,” she said.

“Male protesters have been requested to stay at home and look after children for the first three days.”

Angie Zelter, founder of Faslane 365, said: “Women are incredibly good at staging long-term projects. We wanted to make a link with the women’s peace movement of the 1980s and the women of Greenham Common. We want to link it with the success of the past. We also want to show how Faslane is breaching international laws . We want to contest these nuclear weapons’ existence.

“Each block [of protesters] will decide how they carry out the process.. The cyclists might just cycle around, older groups might be sitting or standing – it is completely up to the individual groups. Some groups may be as small as 10, others may be in their hundreds.”

Liz Khan, from Women In Black London, said: “At a time when the major threat Britain faces is from climate change, Trident is a relic of the cold war. It’s ludicrous to think the government is planning to waste up to £76 billion on more nuclear weapons. Trident should be scrapped, not replaced.”

Several leading writers, artists and performers are also backing the campaign. Actress Emma Thompson has signed a letter of support, as have writers Iain Banks, AL Kennedy, George Monbiot and John Pilger. Many politicians will also travel to the site to protest in the coming year.

John Swinney, SNP MSP for North Tayside, said: “I am supporting the blockade because it is very important that the whole nuclear issue is brought to the fore in Scottish politics. It is a huge issue to renew Trident as the government seem set on committing themselves to.

“It needs to be known that not every party in Scotland is in favour of the renewal of nuclear weapons.”

Marlyn Glen, Labour MSP for North East Scotland, is the only Labour MSP to have pledged support so far.

“Replacing Trident could cost in the region of £20bn, a waste of a massive amount of money,” she said. “Renewing the Trident missile system would stand in opposition to the UK government’s commitment made in May last year at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to accomplish the elimination of nuclear arsenals. It would make the world a more dangerous place to live in, not a safer one.”

A spokesperson for Faslane said: “We fully support their democratic right to protest. The Faslane naval base is here to provide a service required by the Royal Navy – everything we do will be directed towards continuing to provide that service.

“They are planning a year-long protest – we will make sure business runs as normal.”

Strathclyde Police said that they would be making arrests if the actions of protesters constituted breach of the peace or obstruction, regardless of the size of the protest."

Women, men and children from Staffordshire will be taking part in Faslane 365 on 17th and 18th Dec. To join in or just show support in whatever way you can email: staffordshire@faslane365.org

Staffordshire at Faslane365: update _30/09/06

Dates have been confirmed for people from Staffordshire to take part in Faslane 365 (see website www.faslane365.org). They will be at Faslane on 17 and 18th Dec. Four training days have been organised to include nonviolent direct action training, legal issues, to discuss peoples' fears and concerns, practical issues as well as providing time to get to know one another. People are needed on the 17th and 18th Dec, both in Scotland and back in Staffordshire, so if you want to get involved, now is the time to get in contact. Please download, complete and return the following letter and questionnaire Also please download and distribute flyers (79 kb)

Plane Stupid is Britain’s first national direct action campaign group opposing the growth in aviation and the government’s plans for airport expansion.

New 'mixed' monthly camps at Aldermaston _26/09/06

Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston has set up monthly camps to halt development of the next generation of nuclear weapons, and to assist the people's disarmament of Britain's nuclear bomb factory. For info visit website: www.aldermastonwatch.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Re-trial ordered in case of Fairford defendents _26/09/06

A judge at Bristol Crown Court has ordered a re-trial in the case of two peace activists charged with damaging military equipment to stop planes taking off. After a day and a half of debate, the jury failed to reach any clear verdict.

Paul Milling and Margaret Jones are charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage after disabling several dozen bomb carrying and fuel vehicles at RAF Fairford in March 2003. They were attempting to hinder take-off of 14 B-52 planes to bomb Iraq at the start of the 2003 invasion. Milling and Jones say this was a bid to delay the planes’ departure for Baghdad and give more people time to flee the city – thus protecting property and helping to prevent war crime.

The trial begins next week at the same court, of Phil Pritchard and Toby Olditch, charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage for trying to reach and disable a B-52 bomber at Fairford.

Biodiesel on sale in Newcastle-u-Lyme _20/09/06

Gaiafuels is a small biodiesel producer in Newcastle-under-Lyme licenced to sell roadfuel to the public. Produced from waste veggie oil 'it's local, clean, recycled, carbon neutral and no war is required!' Find out where, when and how much visit website: www.gaiafuels.co.uk email: gaiafuels@hotmail.com or phone: 01782 681214 or mobile 07808 064295

Unite to Stop the BNP West Midlands Autumn 2006 Conference

If you are concerned about the growth of support for the BNP across the West Midlands then come along to this conference and learn with others how to stop them. The conference will be held on Saturday 7th October at the Council Chamber, Birmingham Council House.

Key speakers from Trade Unions and UAF will start a workshop based conference which will include:-

• Multiculturalism under attack

• How do we deal with BNP councillors?

• Is the BNP just another party?

• Islamophobia - the cutting edge of racism in 2006

• Music to stop the Fascists

• Immigration and Asylum - what they say and what we say

Help Stop the BNP, Support this Conference

• Delegates £10

• Individual activists £5

• Concessions £2

To book a place contact Birmingham UAF, c/o BTUC 55-57 Allison St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5TH birminghamUAF@hotmail.com or phone 07837 244 518

McVICTORY!

Greenpeace writes "If you could describe the sweet smell of success then perhaps this time, just this once, it would smell like a Big Mac. Thanks to enormous pressure from thousands of our supporters from around the world (and that means you), McDonald's has agreed to stop buying chicken fed on soya grown in deforested areas of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Now we really are loving that. Thousands upon thousands of emails and letters were sent to their European headquarters, and these have been directly responsible for this amazing result so an enormous thank you to everyone who took part. We were hoping to reveal all in last month's newsletter but negotiations went on longer than expected, so better late than never!

The campaign has been so successful that not only have McDonald's made their own pledge, they've been instrumental in getting other food companies and supermarkets, such as Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Waitrose, signed up to a zero deforestation policy as well. But it goes even further than that, and pressure from all these companies has forced their suppliers, the big multinational soya companies such as Cargill, to come to the negotiating table.

The result is a two-year moratorium on buying soya from newly deforested areas and, given that our campaign only began in earnest in April, this is a fantastic achievement. The campaign has been a perfect example of what Greenpeace does best - mobilising our supporters around the world so companies, governments and other decision makers are only too aware that we all want a greener, more peaceful world, so thank you once again. Read the full story www.greenpeace.org.uk/mcvictory-txt

More Prestwick Flights: Peace Camp Set Up

CND writes "The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the establishment of a peace camp at Prestwick airport, after a night of more flights and the arrest of four peace protestors.

Shortly after 11pm Saturday night, four peace activists entered Prestwick airport to conduct a Citizens’ Weapons Inspection, in the light of public concerns about the transport of weapons from the United States to Israel via UK territory. They observed one US Air Force plane on the tarmac, and four Atlas cargo planes landed during the time they were present in the area. One of the planes that landed was met by three fire engines, suggesting that hazardous cargo was on board, possibly explosives.

The four protestors, Stephan Vanesing, Rolf Bullen, Sylvia Boyce and Kate Holcombe, were arrested shortly after 1am this morning (Sunday). They are in custody until Tuesday.

A peace camp has now been established opposite the terminal at Prestwick Airport, and the organisers welcome supporters to join them. The contact for the Prestwick camp is Lesley on 07966 649 370. Peace camps will also be established this week at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Brize Norton, where weapons transportations from the US to Israel have also landed. The contact for these camps is Mell on 07760 161 755."

Electronic Lebanon

A project from the Electronic Intifada which offers commentary, analysis, human rights and development information, and voices from on the ground. Check out Electronic Lebanon at www.electronicintifada.net/lebanon

Crisis in Lebanon and Gaza

As Israel continue air strikes the Palestine Solidarity Campaign calls for urgent action - Check out http://www.palestinecampaign.org/campaigns.asp?d=y&id=145 to find out how.

Faslane 365 _15/06/06

Faslane 365 is a year-blockade of the naval base at Faslane where Britain's nuclear weapon submarines are berthed.

The next year or so will be a critical time for the disarmament of Britain's nuclear weapons. Although the government seems determined to replace the current system (which anyway has still many years to run) with a new one, there is at least the possibility of some public debate. Faslane 365 is a golden opportunity to put serious pressure on our elected representatives.

In recent years there have been a series of mass blockades of the base. These involved people peacefully blocking the entrances to the base and they are famous for their good humoured and carnival atmosphere. Although they have been successful it is now the time to take the next step of causing continuous peaceful disruption at the base at a level which the authorities will not be able to cope with.

The idea is that an organisation, or an area, signs up to be responsible for a particular two-day period and hopefully gathers at least 100 people who would be willing to risk arrest. That's the number you need to have an effective blockade. If they cannot manage 100 then they could be matched with another group or groups to make up the numbers. These groups have a complete say in how they do the blockade and will have the chance to highlight whatever concerns them most, which needn't be Trident, although they should be able to connect the two issues. So Faslane 365 is asking for 48 hours of your time to make the connections: to publicise and work on your issues while helping to physically close the Trident nuclear base.

All we sign up to is a basic demand to get rid of Trident and not build any new WMD, and a commitment to nonviolence.

_07/07/06 The year long blockade is set to kick off on 1st October. A Staffordshire group have committed to take part in Faslane365 during December. As well as those willing to risk arrests people are needed who will avoid being arrested so that they can offer support in a variety of ways. There is a lot of support available from people who have done the Faslane thing and know the ropes, the legal issues, how you need to prepare, etc. They are willing to provide workshops and the website www.faslane.org is already a mine of useful information. For more information and if you're interesting in being involved contact staffordshire@faslane365.org. Whatever you feel able to do, Faslane365 needs your support. Whatever your age, ability, experience there is something you can do to help. The world of the future is the one we'll leave behind, join in to ensure it's a good one! Download and distribute flyers (rft 45kb).

Save Iceland - International Protest Camp

Saveiceland.org write "The Summer 2006 Icelandic people and friends of Iceland from all over the world come together to express their outrage at the corporate conspiracy to make Iceland an El Dorado for heavy industry to exploit and pollute...A series of gigantic dams is already under construction... These dams are designed solely to generate energy for a massive ALCOA aluminium smelter...some areas earmarked for destruction are protected under Icelandic and international law. All areas are of outstanding natural beauty and their unique botanical, geological, biological and ecological characteristics are of universal scientific importance." To find out more about Saving Iceland check out the website www.savingiceland.org The camp begins 21st July 2006!

Support Malcolm Kendall-Smith _18/04/06

Recently, Malcolm Kendall-Smith, a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF was jailed for 8 months for refusing to go to Iraq on the grounds that the war was illegal.

The following statement from Kendall-Smith appeared in the Independent: "I have been convicted and sentenced, a very distressing experience. But I still believe I was right to make the stand that I did and refuse to follow orders to deploy to Iraq - orders I believe were illegal. I am resigned to what may happen to me in the next few months. I shall remain resilient and true to my beliefs which, I believe, are shared by so many others."

"Iraq was the only reason I could not follow the order to deploy. As a commissioned officer, I am required to consider every order given to me. Further, I am required to consider the legality of such an order not only as to its effect on domestic but also international law. I was subjected, as was the entire population, to propaganda depicting force against Iraq to be lawful. I have studied in very great depth the various commentaries and briefing notes, including one prepared by the Attorney General, and in particular the main note to the PM dated 7 March 2003. I have satisfied myself that the actions of the armed forces with the deployment of troops were an illegal act - as indeed was the conflict. To comply with an order that I believe unlawful places me in breach of domestic and international law, something I am not prepared to do."

"The invasion and occupation of Iraq is a campaign of imperial military conquest and falls into the category of criminal acts. I would have had criminal responsibility vicariously if I had gone to Iraq. I still have two great loves in life - medicine and the RAF. To take the decision that I did caused great sadness, but I had no other choice."

Please e-mail your messages of support for him to justin@roselaw.co.uk/P>

Eight BNP Candidates standing for the Potteries in the local election _07/04/06

BNP Candidates are standing in eight wards in forthcoming election at the beginning of May. NorSCARF have stepped up their campaign against rascism and facism in and beyond the Potteries over the past year. In the final run up to the May election if you've any time to spare to support this campaign, please contact NorSCARF to offer your support email: norscarf@burslem.demon.co.uk

• Abbey Green: Neil Walker

• Bentilee & Townsend: Phillip Sandland

• Blurton: Spencer Cartlidge

• East Valley: Raymond Booth

• Fenton: Christopher Dodd

• Longton North: Michael Coleman

• Longton South: John Barnett

• Weston & Meir North: Anthony Simmonds

'Matt back from Palestine' nite_23/03/06

Back from Palestine, Matt will be doing a feedback, discussion, pictures, benefity, dj thang as part of a community arts event in Stoke on Trent at 5pm Sunday 2nd april at CARTWRIGHT HOUSE, (nxt to Mitchell Memorial Theatre, Hanley). Ph Joe: 07751628185 for more details. Matt has spent the last month in Palestine with Boomchucka circus For more info on Boomchucka www.circus2iraq. For Matt's blog http://mattboomchucka.iblog.com/index.php

Nuclear Power No Thanks!_23/03/06

Zina from Nuclear Power No Thanks writes "The government is currently reviewing its energy policy in relation to climate change. It seems that Tony Blair wants to build 10 new nuclear power stations around the U.K. Apparently he thinks this is a solution to Britain’s need to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 and 60% by 2050. In reality, even if we doubled nuclear power in the UK, it would only cut carbon emissions by about 8%. It would also prevent the money and government support from going to the real solutions (efficiency and renewable energy); double the amount of radioactive spent fuel in the UK (which we still have no safe way of storing); increase the number of terrorist targets in the UK; require billions of pounds of public subsidy and deeply undermine the renewable energy sector. And the link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons proliferation is ever present. The same enrichment facilities can be used to make 3% enriched uranium for power station fuel or 90% enriched uranium for nuclear warheads - hence the worry around Iran at the moment. In addition to all of this, there is only enough uranium ore for the next 50-100 years of nuclear generation even if it remained at current levels. If Britain genuinely wants to make the necessary cuts in carbon emissions it must support renewable energy production and energy efficiency. There is only so much money that the government and private investors have available to put into developing electricity generation systems. If it goes to nuclear it won’t go to renewables and efficiency. The UK has enough wind power alone to meet our energy needs nine times over. As tidal, wave and solar technologies develop, a diverse renewables industry will emerge. Combined with the 30% reductions in energy demand through efficiency (including reducing air travel and car usage) identified as possible by the government in the 2003 Energy Review, there is no need for nuclear. If we act by May 2006 we might be able to stop the government setting policy in favour of nuclear power. Please get active." To find out what you can do to help check out www.nuclearpowernothanks.org

Organic fruit & veg box scheme: Fruits of the Earth_23/03/06

Fruits of the Earth provides organic fruit and veg to Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Moorlands, Macclesfield, Stone and the Stafford area. Registered with the Organic Food Federation, Fruits of the Earth runs an organic fruit/veg box scheme and a markter stall on Leek Market. For more information check out their website at www.fruitsoftheearth.info

Stoke Veggie/Vegan egroup_23/03/06

To join an egroup for veggies and vegans in Stoke check out www.yahoogroups.com/group/stokeveg

Latest Edition of Sundial online_27/02/06

The Local AGenda 21 newsletter for Stafford Borough, is now available from the LA21 website - www.staffordbc.gov.uk/la21 There are articles on the 'Brick by Brick' Sustainable Construction Conference, The Wildspace! Project, Stone Famers' Market, Fairtrade Fortnight, the Green Awards and lots more. Direct link www.staffordbc.gov.uk/live/Documents/la21/sundial/Sundial_Spring_06.pdf

North Staffordshire M6 Action Group_24/02/06

The first meeting will be held on Sunday 26th Feb in BJs (the bar downstairs in the Union, opposite the diner) from 1:30 till about 3:00pm. If you can't make it from the beginning, just drop in when you can.

Background and agenda: There is a plan by the government to expand the M6 Motorway between the end of the current Birmingham M6 Toll and roughly Manchester. This will affect Keele directly, many communities and ecosystems along the route and increase other ecological problems such as climate change. To give one example, the proposed junction south of the potteries will be about the size of Trentham Gardens.

Key decisions are being made in the next few months, even if the process will take many years. There is an existing Group Against Motorway Expansion (GAME) in Stafford http://nom6.blogspot.com that is working to oppose plans. People from GAME, regional representatives from Friends of the Earth, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, etc. met on 14th Feb to discuss plans for a North Staffordshire M6 Action Group.

Agenda for first meeting of North Staffordshire M6 Action Group 1. Introductions. 2. Discussion about purpose of group 3. Discuss structure of group 4. Discussion about plan of action · Leafleting? · Public meetings? · Mailing list? · Fundraising? 5. Set date for next meeting 6. Any Other Business

The Vanunu Freedom Ride_24/02/06

To protest at Mordechai Vanunu's continuing persecution, to demand his complete freedom and the dismantling of all nuclear weapons, a sponsored cycle ride is taking place - the Vanunu Freedom Ride - starting at Faslane, the UK's nuclear weapons base near Glasgow on 7th April 2006. The ride travels on to Glasgow and ends in London on 21st April 2006, stopping overnight in the Potteries on 16/17 April (Easter Sunday/Monday).

For telling the world that Israel was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Vanunu spent 18 years in prison - 12 of these in solitary confinement. Vanunu was released from prison in April 2004, but is still not a free man. His freedom of speech, movement and association are all severely restricted in clear contravention of his human rights. He is denied a passport, is not allowed to leave Israel and suffers continuing harassment by the Israeli authorities. 20 years' detention is 20 years too long. The cycle ride will raise awareness of Vanunu's situation and Israel's nuclear weapons - still secret and not subject to international inspection.

Cyclists are welcome to join in for as short or as long a distance as suits them - anything from a couple of miles, a couple of hours, a couple of days to the whole trip! People who do not wish to cycle can support by organising practical help and publicity for the cyclists. Donations and creative ideas for publicity-raising events or activities are also welcome.

For more details and to register for the ride see www.vanunufreedomride.org.uk

To join the ride for part or all of 16th/17th April and to find out what is happening locally, contact Alison on alisoncrane@ntlworld.com

Funding raising for Palestine - Street Performance, sponsored endurance unicycling and more_16/02/06

Matt will be in North Staffs from weds 22nd Feb (22nd) to Sat 25th Feb to do street performance, sponsored events, info stalls/talks - (see blog for more details http://mattboomchucka.iblog.com/index.php) for a trip to Palestine with Boomchucka circus. The month will be spent facilitating Arab-Palestine combined workshops, they will donate and train people to use circus equipment so the workshops/project can become self-sustainable. If you think you can help with organising an event, sponsorship, donations - anything at all !!! please get in touch - every little bit of help is important to take the magic and play of circus to children and adults whose every day reality is such a traumatic conflict situation. To contact Matt email: pandemonium@mhsanctuary.ever1.net edress or text (up until Tues 21st) on 07849208143.

The Quiet Death of Freedom by John Pilger_28/01/06

01/05/06 -- -- On Christmas Eve, I dropped in on Brian Haw, whose hunched, pacing figure was just visible through the freezing fog. For four and a half years, Brian has camped in Parliament Square with a graphic display of photographs that show the terror and suffering imposed on Iraqi children by British policies. The effectiveness of his action was demonstrated last April when the Blair government banned any expression of opposition within a kilometre of Parliament. The High Court subsequently ruled that, because his presence preceded the ban, Brian was an exception.

Day after day, night after night, season upon season, he remains a beacon, illuminating the great crime of Iraq and the cowardice of the House of Commons. As we talked, two women brought him a Christmas meal and mulled wine. They thanked him, shook his hand and hurried on. He had never seen them before. "That's typical of the public," he said. A man in a pin-striped suit and tie emerged from the fog, carrying a small wreath. ""I intend to place this at the Cenotaph and read out the names of the dead in Iraq," he said to Brian, who cautioned him: "You'll spend the night in cells, mate." We watched him stride off and lay his wreath. His head bowed, he appeared to be whispering. Thirty years ago, I watched dissidents do something similar outside the walls of the Kremlin.

As night had covered him, he was lucky. On 7 December, Maya Evans, a vegan chef aged 25, was convicted of breaching the new Serious Organised Crime and Police Act by reading aloud at the Cenotaph the names of 97 British soldiers killed in Iraq. So serious was her crime that it required 14 policemen in two vans to arrest her. She was fined and given a criminal record for the rest of her life.

Freedom is dying

Eighty-year-old John Catt served with the RAF in the Second World War. Last September, he was stopped by police in Brighton for wearing an "offensive" T-shirt, which suggested that Bush and Blair be tried for war crimes. He was arrested under the Terrorism Act and handcuffed, with his arms held behind his back. The official record of the arrest says the "purpose" of searching him was "terrorism" and the "grounds for intervention" were "carrying placard and T-shirt with anti-Blair info" (sic).

He is awaiting trial

Such cases compare with others that remain secret and beyond any form of justice: those of the foreign nationals held at Belmarsh prison, who have never been charged, let alone put on trial. They are held "on suspicion". Some of the "evidence" against them, whatever it is, the Blair government has now admitted, could have been extracted under torture at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. They are political prisoners in all but name. They face the prospect of being spirited out of the country into the arms of a regime which may torture them to death. Their isolated families, including children, are quietly going mad.

And for what? From 11 September 2001 to 30 September 2005, a total of 895 people were arrested in Britain under the Terrorism Act. Only 23 have been convicted of offences covered by the Act. As for real terrorists, the identity of two of the 7 July bombers, including the suspected mastermind, was known to MI5, and nothing was done. And Blair wants to give them more power. Having helped to devastate Iraq, he is now killing freedom in his own country.

Consider parallel events in the United States. Last October, an American surgeon, loved by his patients, was punished with 22 years in prison for founding a charity, Help the Needy, which helped children in Iraq stricken by an economic and humanitarian blockade imposed by America and Britain. In raising money for infants dying from diarrhoea,

Dr Rafil Dhafir broke a siege which, according to Unicef, had caused the deaths of half a million under the age of five. The then Attorney-General of the United States, John Ashcroft, called Dr Dhafir, a Muslim, a "terrorist", a description mocked by even the judge in his politically-motivated, travesty of a trial.

The Dhafir case is not extraordinary. In the same month, three US Circuit Court judges ruled in favour of the Bush regime's "right" to imprison an American citizen "indefinitely" without charging him with a crime. This was the case of Joseph

Padilla, a petty criminal who allegedly visited Pakistan before he was arrested at Chicago airport three and a half years ago. He was never charged and no evidence has ever been presented against him. Now mired in legal complexity, the case puts George W Bush above the law and outlaws the Bill of Rights. Indeed, on 14 November, the US Senate effectively voted to ban habeas corpus by passing an amendment that overturned a Supreme Court ruling allowing Guantanamo prisoners access to a federal court. Thus, the touchstone of America's most celebrated freedom was scrapped. Without habeas corpus, a government can simply lock away its opponents and implement a dictatorship.

A related, insidious tyranny is being imposed across the world. For all his troubles in Iraq, Bush has carried out the recommendations of a Messianic conspiracy theory called the "Project for a New American Century". Written by his ideological sponsors shortly before he came to power, it foresaw his administration as a military dictatorship behind a democratic façade: "the cavalry on a new American frontier" guided by a blend of paranoia and megalomania. More than 700 American bases are now placed strategically in compliant countries, notably at the gateways to the sources of fossil fuels and encircling the Middle East and Central Asia. "Pre-emptive" aggression is policy, including the use of nuclear weapons. The chemical warfare industry has been reinvigorated. Missile treaties have been torn up. Space has been militarised. Global warming has been embraced. The powers of the president have never been greater. The judicial system has been subverted, along with civil liberties. The former senior CIA analyst Ray McGovern, who once prepared the White House daily briefing, told me that the authors of the PNAC and those now occupying positions of executive power used to be known in Washington as "the crazies". He said, "We should now be very worried about fascism".

In his epic acceptance of the Nobel Prize in Literature on 7 December, Harold Pinter spoke of "a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed". He asked why "the systematic brutality, the widespread atrocities, the ruthless suppression of independent thought" of Stalinist Russia was well known in the west while American state crimes were merely "superficially recorded, let alone documented, let alone acknowledged".

A silence has reigned. Across the world, the extinction and suffering of countless human beings can be attributed to rampant American power, "but you wouldn't know it," said Pinter. "It never happened. Nothing ever happened. Even while it was happening it wasn't happening. It didn't matter. It was of no interest."

To its credit, the Guardian in London published every word of Pinter's warning. To its shame, though unsurprising, the state television broadcaster ignored it. All that Newsnight flatulence about the arts, all that recycled preening for the cameras at Booker prize-giving events, yet the BBC could not make room for Britain's greatest living dramatist, so honoured, to tell the truth.

For the BBC, it simply never happened, just as the killing of half a million children by America's medieval siege of Iraq during the 1990s never happened, just as the Dhafir and Padilla trials and the Senate vote, banning freedom, never happened. The political prisoners of Belmarsh barely exist; and a big, brave posse of Metropolitan police never swept away Maya Evans as she publicly grieved for British soldiers killed in the cause of nothing, except rotten power.

Bereft of irony, but with a snigger, the BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce introduced, as news, a Christmas propaganda film about Bush's dogs. That happened. Now imagine Bruce reading the following: "Here is delayed news, just in. From 1945 to 2005, the United States attempted to overthrow 50 governments, many of them democracies, and to crush 30 popular movements fighting tyrannical regimes. In the process, 25 countries were bombed, causing the loss of several million lives and the despair of millions more." (Thanks to William Blum's Rogue State, Common Courage Press, 2005).

The icon of horror of Saddam Hussein's rule is a 1988 film of petrified bodies in the Kurdish town of Halabja, killed in a chemical weapons attack. The attack has been referred to a great deal by Bush and Blair and the film shown a great deal by the BBC. At the time, as I know from personal experience, the Foreign Office tried to cover up the crime at Halabja. The Americans tried to blame it on Iran. Today, in an age of images, there are no images of the chemical weapons attack on Fallujah in November 2004. This allowed the Americans to deny it until they were caught out recently by investigators using the internet. For the BBC, American atrocities simply do not happen.

In 1999, while filming in Washington and Iraq, I learned the true scale of bombing in what the Americans and British then called Iraq's "no fly zones". During the 18 months to 14 January, 1999, US aircraft flew 24,000 combat missions over Iraq; almost every mission was bombing or strafing. "We're down to the last outhouse," a US official protested. "There are still some things left [to bomb], but not many." That was six years ago. In recent months, the air assault on Iraq has multiplied; the effect on the ground cannot be imagined. For the BBC it has not happened.

The black farce extends to those pseudo-humanitarians in the media and elsewhere, who themselves have never seen the effects of cluster bombs and air-burst shells, yet continue to invoke the crimes of Saddam to justify the the nightmare in Iraq and to protect a quisling prime minister who has sold out his country and made the world more dangerous. Curiously, some of them insist on describing themselves as "liberals" and "left of centre", even "anti-fascists". They want some respectability, I suppose. This is understandable, given that the league table of carnage of Saddam Hussein was overtaken long ago by that of their hero in Downing Street, who will next support an attack on Iran.

This cannot change until we, in the west, look in the mirror and confront the true aims and narcissism of the power applied in our name: its extremes and terrorism. The traditional double-standard no longer works; there are now millions like Brian Haw, Maya Evans, John Catt and the man in the pin-striped suit, with his wreath. Looking in the mirror means understanding that a violent and undemocratic order is being imposed by those whose actions are little different from the actions of fascists. The difference used to be distance. Now they are bringing it home.

John Pilger's new book, Freedom Next Time, will be published in June by Bantam Press.

This article was emailed through the PeaceUK network (www.peaceuk.co.uk) this article was first published in the New Statesman www.newstatesman.co.uk

Help needed to send Matt to Palestine with Boomchucka circus_27/01/06

Boomchucka circus who performed in Iraq in 2003 - check out www.circus2iraq.org are going on tour in Palestine from January 2006 (now) to March this year; Matt Wilson (Joe from Planetsound's brother) is going with them for a month. It is a self funded tour so to get there he needs other peoples help. He's putting in my time, energy, skills and equipment (and what money he has) but he has more debts than savings at the moment. Can you help?

THE WISHLIST
- Obviously donating cash - see breakdown below
- do you know funders / donors whose door he should be knocking on?
- have you been to or got contacts with organisations in palestine? please send me advice, tips, contacts...
- can you offer me work in feb or april so that he can raise money this way?
- do you have contacts with airlines or insurance to help reduce costs there or to be able to take more circus equipment as luggage
- afterwards maybe in april he will be up for doing some circus events to raise awareness and funds - could you help with this?
- donations of circus equipment, costume, makeup, resources
- he needs help making his psion palmtop internet accessible so that he can use it while he's there
- He says 'this is a long term project and this tour will hopefully create many future opportunities for involvement and things to be provided: please use your imagination, its not all about money and no bit of help will be too small'
Contact for Matt pandemonium@mhsanctuary.ever1.net or by text (until Tues 21 Feb) 07849208143

Financial donations are needed for:
- £1000 to cover Matt's personal costs: food £5 a day; hotel £10 a day; return flight britain to hungary; return flight britain to palestine; health insurance; miscellaneous

- the projected costs for the circus tour are over £10,000 which includes
- paying for drivers and vehicles; paying for translators; communications; subsidising individual performers who havent raised enough;

New Stop the War Group_27/01/06

Neil Wallworth is starting a new Stop the War Group locally. Ring him on 07947 506635 if you're interested.

Unwanted computer equipment?_06/01/06

If you've an old monitor, PC, printer contact the Chernobyl Children's project that transports resources to Belarus. Contact Barbara and David Cox on 01298 83225. They live in Longnor.

The Ethical Computer Centre - TECC will also accept computer parts that they can reuse. Their shop is at 187-189, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 1AP. Tel: 01782 823035

German media: U.S. prepares Iran strike _06/01/06

By MARTIN WALKER UPI Editor

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The Bush administration is preparing its NATO allies for a possible military strike against suspected nuclear sites in Iran in the New Year, according to German media reports, reinforcing similar earlier suggestions in the Turkish media. The Berlin daily Der Tagesspiegel this week quoted "NATO intelligence sources" who claimed that the NATO allies had been informed that the United States is currently investigating all possibilities of bringing the mullah-led regime into line, including military options. This "all options are open" line has been President George W Bush's publicly stated policy throughout the past 18 months. But the respected German weekly Der Spiegel notes "What is new here is that Washington appears to be dispatching high-level officials to prepare its allies for a possible attack rather than merely implying the possibility as it has repeatedly done during the past year." Full story http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20051230-112208-8968r

Act Now to Stop the Next Generation of Nuclear Weapons _03/01/06

AWE Aldermaston - Laser Facility - Call for a Public Inquiry. This is URGENT: please act now.

Sian from Aldermaston Women'sPeace Campaign writes "As you may know, West Berkshire Council at their last planning meeting (23/11/05) deferred their consideration of the Ministry of Defence's Notice of Proposed Development (NoPD) for the "Replacement" laser facility (ref. 05/02003/RESMAJ), because the committee had not all seen a Strategic Sustainability Appraisal and Site Development Context Plan submitted by AWE Aldermaston (this plan appears to be their response to a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment, which they still have not done). The decision was also deferred because of the strength of the objections sent in, and voiced at the meeting by several groups and individuals, the large number of objectors at the meeting, and the consistent work throughout 2005 in presenting objections to the planning committee. They are due to consider the NoPD again on 26 January 2006. We now have a real opportunity to stop this application - and with it the building at AWE Aldermaston of facilities to build the next generation of nuclear weapons. It has become clear, including to West Berkshire Council, that the developments at AWE Aldermaston are more than a local matter, and that's why we want you to write to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and ask him to call in the laser application, and establish a public inquiry. He is not obliged to do this, but if we send enough letters then there is a good chance. A public inquiry would stop the developments for now, and probably take at least two years, which would give us more time to build a real opposition to any replacement for the Trident weapons system. We have been successful in getting this far. AWE imagined their plans would go through without any problems, and from the number of portakabins they moved onto the site last week, they obviously still think they can pull the wool over everyone's eyes. This may be our best chance yet to stop the development of the next generation of nuclear weapons at Aldermaston".
Download full letter (in pdf) , print and send to Deputy Prime Minister's office and copy to Rt Hon John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Defence, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Aldermaston Women's Peace Campaign website www.aldermaston.net

Failed asylum seekers in Stoke - support needed _3/11/05

North Staffs Asylum Seekers and Refugee Support group writes "There are about 300 “failed asylum seekers” living in North Staffs – entirely dependant on the good will and charity of friends and other local people.

Once a claim for asylum is exhausted – and this may be because they have lost their final appeal, but may simply be that limitations on the available legal assistance has left them unable to make an appeal – asylum seekers in this position are left homeless and destitute.

Although the government expects failed asylum seekers to travel home, they also recognise that many countries are unsafe to return to and so take no action to remove people. This means that failed asylum seekers are left in limbo with no financial support or housing, and unable to go home.

Unless failed asylum seekers have dependant children or have very serious health problems they will be made homeless. They are not permitted to work, and all financial support ceases.

It seems incredible in 21st century Britain that anyone should be left entirely destitute, but failed asylum seekers are.

The North Staffs Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support Group is asking for donations to provide food tokens to local failed asylum seekers. If you would like to help us to provide some small level of support – please send a cheque made out to: “North Staffs Asylum Seekers and Refugee Support Group” P O Box 2341 Stoke-on-Trent ST4 5WR"

BNP march Nov 5th in Keighley, West Yorkshire _31/10/05

It appears the authorities are allowing a British National Party march to take place Keighley, West Yorkshire, on Saturday November 5th. The BNP have deliberately called this demonstration during the Muslim festival of Eid, in a bid to stir up a response from the local Muslim community as they did in Bradford, Oldham and Burnley 4 years ago. Three days before, BNP leader Nick Griffin is being tried for racial hatred in Leeds. UAF & LMHR are looking to mobilise thousands of people from across the UK on both these days to come to West Yorkshire and stop the Nazis from stirring up racial hatred and to demand their leader Griffin is jailed.
LMHR & UAF urges everyone who wants to see peace and unity not division and racism to come to West Yorkshire on November 5th. Coaches and minibuses are being organised to bring people from around the country, contact Unite on 020 7833 4916 for details. We need to make sure that the BNP are prevented from staging a racist march by a massive turnout of people opposed to racism and fascism from across the UK.
Love Music Hate Racism email or visit website www.lmhr.co.uk

Trident Ploughshares action in Derby _28/09/05

Trident Ploughshares and East Midlands CND are having a weekend of action in Derby, Friday 22nd - Monday 24th October, targeting the Rolls Royce factory on Raynesway. It will include leafleting, a public meeting, a blockade, and a demo.
There will be a minibus going from Stafford, leaving on Saturday morning and returning after anyone arrested has been released. There will be a meeting for anyone interested in going, on Sunday 2nd October at 8pm at Friends Meeting House, Foregate St, Stafford
Rolls Royce Raynesway is responsible for supplying and maintaining the nuclear propulsion system for the Trident submarines, which carry the British nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Rolls Royce are currently providing new long-life reactor cores as part of the on-going programme of re-fitting the subs in Devonport. There will be indoor floor-space accommodation and food provided from Saturday. Everyone taking part in the blockade should arrive in time for the workshop and planning on Sunday afternoon. However, there are plenty of opportunities to take part if you can't risk arrest. For more details, and to download a mobilisation pack and registration form, go to www.derby.co.uk or phone 0845 330 3877.

Staffordshire share-a-lift _28/09/05

Set up with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and pollution, this initiative is a free service that help put you in touch with other people travelling similar routes to work. Visit the website to find out more and register www.Share-A-Lift.com

Freecycle Stoke-on-Trent _21/09/05

Freecycle is a free to use network that is open to everyone. The Stoke -on-Trent FreeCycle network covers North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. If you've things you no longer want advertise them on the Freecycle network rather than sending them to the landfill or incinerator. If there's something that you want, check out the network to see if anyone is getting rid of something you need. The rules of the network: All items MUST be 100% free. No politics, no advertisements.
National Freecycle Network website www.freecycle.org or to join the Stoke-on-Trent Freecycle network email freecyclestoke-on-trent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com