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Uncle Albert’s Battered Whelks

Issue #59, 1st April Edition 2021

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THE

WORD

1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

TENANTS STUCK UNABLE TO SELL UNTIL THEY FOOT MASSIVE BILLS

Tories rat on promise to pay

to remove killer Cladding H

undreds of thousands of leaseholders living in unsellable and firehazard high-rise homes could be left with fire safety bills of up to £100,000 each after MPs voted against a proposal to protect them from the crippling costs. Amendments intended to stop building owners passing on the costs of fixing defects were defeated in a Commons vote on Monday evening. After 72 people were killed in the Grenfell Tower fire, combustible cladding was discovered on thousands of high-

Leaseholders could be left with fire safety bills of up to £100,000

The prophet Abraham went to visit his son Ishmael but he was not at home and his wife refused to let Abraham into the house. Before leaving, the prophet told her: “Tell Ishmael to change the doormat.” On his next visit, Abraham noticed a new woman welcomed him into the house, she offered him some food and told him his son Ishmael would be home soon. I do not wish to validate the authenticity of this story nor to question its truthfulness. What I am after is the moral behind it. But before we get there let’s talk a little bit about family ties, social

rise blocks, leading to bills for private leaseholders estimated by property experts at between £12bn and £20bn. The government has promised £5bn to replace combustible cladding, but only on buildings over 18 metres in height, and the money does not cover other fire safety defects. That has left leaseholders on shorter blocks with dangerous cladding and people with defective fire doors or missing fire breaks in wall systems with unsellable homes and huge bills. Sarah Jones, the shadow fire and policing minister, told parliament: “It is taking a heavy toll on people’s mental health and is putting millions of lives on hold.” She said government opposition to the amendment was a

He told parliament some residents faced bankruptcy and homelessness.

First-time Manchester buyer faces cladding bills up to £25,000

“betrayal of a promise made over 17 times that leaseholders should not be left to foot the bill”. The protection for leaseholders was originally proposed by Tory Stephen McPartland, who said that to require them to pay was “morally unacceptable”.

“They broke that promise … They failed to listen to common sense and the moral arguments. We are disappointed – and we are angry.”

But Chris Pincher, the housing minister, said the amendPeople affected by the vote ment could trigger legal action include Julie Frasier, 58, who by building owners against bought a two-bed flat in the the government to reDecks complex in Runclaim costs, while othcorn for £75,000. BETRAYAL ers could “walk away” from their ownership, OF A PROMISE She and other MADE OVER making the problem leasholders have worse. been told to expect 17 TIMES necessary safety work Paul Afshar of the to cost each of them End Our Cladding Scanbetween £30,000 and dal campaign said: “Ministers £40,000. and two prime ministers have promised countless times that She said. “It’s dreadful. I don’t leaseholders should not pay for have another £40k to throw at shoddy construction work, cor- the building. I may well have to porate malfeasance and botched go bankrupt. It is incredibly worgovernment interventions. rying. Financially, I will just be crushed.”

No place for the Good Samaritan

thy welcoming self-interest and hypocrisy instead.

knits and values weaved into the Middle East landscape.

Hospitality too has been given the chop. The current saying is “A guest is like a fish. It gets rotten after three days.”

Blood, honour, generosity and hospitality form the cornerstone in any middle eastern society. They may have varied according to circumstances yet they remain valued and respected. Families were the safety net, the haven for when life got a bit rough. A person could always count and rely on his or her family for support. Extended family members, guests, even strangers were given a special treat and welcomed into the household.

Those days are long gone, replaced by a message on WhatsApp or Messenger. Now, family comes with an expiry date. Acts of benevolence are no longer free, they are handed out as gratuity in a show of power relations. Good deeds are offered only if they serve a purpose or brought something in return. Religion has lost its essence. Mohammad, God’s messenger was adamant in urging his followers to look after ones neighbours as if they were family. Several sto-

ries describe how he treated his neighbours with care. Today these pseudo religious followers pray, worship and fast, that’s how far they’re willing to go because words are free whereas helping a person in need costs money. Last year, a friend of mine found herself in a tight financial spot. She was told: “We’ve helped once before. We’re not your only cousins.” This is the new face the Middle East. It struck a deal to let go of compassion, trust and empa-

Middle East societies are becoming more and more lonely, they are no longer beacons of culture, love and duty. It’s the survival of the fittest in its ugliest manifestation. The good Samaritan is out of place, a stranger in the land that saw the birth of the three monotheistic religions. Dear old Abraham it’s time to change the house altogether! By MARIAM LABBAN

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

THE

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JUSTIFIED ANGER OVER GOVERNMENT’S BID TO BAN PROTEST

Those Able to, Fighting

WHERE THEY CAN

ome demonstrations arguing against facemasks cite comfort as everything. Others argue for their very survival, hoping to be heard where they can be, with a mainstream media more concerned by whether the better off might have their quota of holidays this year. People like Gail Ward from Northumberland, a lady of the Waspi generation who, despite

decades of diability, continues to struggle to try and help where the need is obvious to all.

On becoming disabled, she looked into disabled issues. As with anyone who genuinely cares, she was horrified by the abuse and injustice in the current system. This was under Blair’s New Labour government, and the situation has grown far worse since the 2010 election of Conservatives & LibDems.

There’s something odd about Covid vaccines A presentation of Covid-19 vaccine data on YouTube identifies that the vaccines stated to be 92% or 95% effective we’re trialled largely in the USA at a time when the incidence of Covid was relatively low. Whereas the vaccines with lower efficacy were tested during the second wave of infections, when more than 60% of infections were of the new, South African variant. The key being that despite this there were no hospital admissions and no deaths among the vaccinated. This confirms that whatever the statistics regarding who tested positive, the vaccine achieved its purpose. So no lockdown is needed once we are vaccinated, and the danger of new variants is exaggerated. Why the talk of no overseas travel before Christmas?

Gail realises the problems are born of political choices of government, and it is the political parties who should be aware and changing things. Sadly she has found that politicians will often at most pretend sympathy, whilst they do nothing. She began the Hand2 Mouth project travelling the country to give the information disabled people might use to survive. Surviving hoping to live long enough to have a genuinely caring government which will end the abuse. When Gail became too unwell to travel she produced a DVD which gives the information which will hopefully slow the unnecessary deaths. The empathy gained from being among those being mistreat by the austerity politicians, has led her to be involved

helping elsewhere, setting up foodbanks and emergency help for the people who lost everything in the floods. Conservative voters obviously need to look at themselves and why they’re comfortable with the abuse and death of vulnerable people. Those not that callous, might though consider whether they should raise their voices more to argue to make the social security system something which is again the real safety net for those who fall upon hard times. By Disabilit y’s Voice

Read more at https://blueannoyed.wordpress.com

Helpers’ sign up for Priti’s plan to deport rough sleepers Priti Patel’s Home Office has sneakily relaunched a controversial programme that uses councils and charities to trick foreign rough sleepers into agreeing to be deported. Two charities and six councils have signed up to the scheme relaunched six months ago, according to documents obtained by Liberty Investigates, an arm of the human rights’ organisation Liberty. When one charity was approached over its participation, it immediately deregistered from

The Rough Sleeping Support Service was first exposed in 2019

the programme, saying it wanted to avoid putting rough sleepers at risk.

obtaining paperwork to help four people who had been placed in a hotel during the pandemic, and were now faced with the premises closing down.

Campaigners fear the scheme will dramatically increase the number of homeless asylum seekers who are destitute, with no right to work, no right to claim benefits or stay. The Rough Sleeping Support Service (RSSS) was trialled until it was exposed in 2019 by the Observer to be part of a secret plan to deport foreigners sleeping rough after getting their personal data without their consent. The Home Office would not say how many people had been deported under what critics say is an attempt to embroil charities in the government’s “hostile environment” policy.

Liz Rutherfoord, chief executive, said the RSSS in good faith, but that the charity would not rejoin without further investigation of the risks to those they were attempting to help.

Part of the scheme’s relaunch involves asking organisations to trick down and outs into signing a 19-page agreement which includes deportation as a possible outcome.

questionable, given the vulnerability of rough sleepers, language barriers, and the power imbalance between client and caseworker.

Experts said consent obtained in this way was

London-based charity

PAGE FORM Single Homeless Project (SHP) said it had joined TO READ AND SIGN only because of problems

The second charity that signed up to the scheme, Camden Routes off the Streets, run by charity Change Grow Live, has made no comment. A spokesperson for Camden council, which commissions the charity to run a multi-agency rough sleeping support hub, said it was seeking clarity on the “boundaries and safeguards in place”.

THE

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

POMPEII FROZEN IN TIME AND NUDISTS FREEZING IN BRIGHTON

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY 29th March 1974 - Thousands of clay warrior figures are discovered in Xian, China, by local farmers. 2004 – Work place smoking is banned in the Republic of Ireland. The ban affected all pubs and restaurants, making it the first the first country in the world to do this. 2017 – Theresa May launches UK’s exit from the European Union by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. 30th March After a row lasting nearly a 100 years at Yale University, USA, and a lengthy campaign against the university, Inca artefacts taken from the the 15th century site of Machu Picchu, in southern Peru, are finally returned.

31st March 1889 – Construction of the Eiffel Tower is completed. 1958 – Britain and America are urged to join the Soviet Union in suspending nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere. 1986 – England abolishes six metropolitan county councils. 1st April 1748 – In Italy, the ruins of Pompeii are found. 1973 – Purchase Tax and Selective Tax are replaced by Value Added Tax. 1980 - Brighton opens Britain’s first nudist camp. 1990 – Up to 1,000 prisoners at Manchester’s Strangeways prison riot about overcrowding. It lasted until

the April 25 Britain’s longest prison riot. 2nd April 1916 – The start of the two year Battle of the Somme. 3rd April 1895 – The criminal libel case brought by Oscar Wilde against the Marquess of Queensberry. Wilde dropped the case but not before evidence from the trial led to him being imprisoned with hard labour for homosexuality. 4th April 1906 – Mount Vesuvius in Italy erupts. 1958 – CND displays it’s peace symbol in London. 1968 – Martin Luther King Jr is assassinated by James Earl Ray.

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

THE

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LABOUR SLATED POLL TAX PROTESTERS WHO TURNED THE TIDE

BEGINNING OF THE END FOR THATCHER

n the 31st of March 1990, a protest was arranged across the country, the largest being in London’s Trafalgar Square. Three days before P-Day, the organisers realised there were going to be a lot more people than expected, more than could fit into Trafalgar Square. They asked MPs and the department of the Environment if they could change it to Hyde Park. They were told no as there wasn’t time to re-plan. The demonstration went ahead, and as expected, there was not enough room. Trafalgar Square was not suitable. There was a building site nearby with scaffolding and bricks easily accessible.

There was national outrage, and what’s more a lot of it came from her own supporters, even her own MPs. A POLICE RI

OT VAN ENTERED AT SPEED CHARGING AT PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATORS TO CLEAR THE SQUARE

People were angry with the proposed Poll Tax or community charge as the Tories preferred.

The Tax was sold by the Tories as fairer than the Rates, but the truth it was a way to let the rich pay less and the poor pay more. A shop assistant could

end up paying the same as someone in a mansion.

The Peaceful march began at Kennington Park, where they proceeded towards Trafalgar Square.

By 2.30pm Trafalgar Square was full. The police prevented more people going there. They blocked both ends of Whitehall on the side that was near the Downing Street security gates and lined the streets. The people were trapped.

There was national outrage, and what’s more a lot of the outrage came from her own supporters and even her own MPs

Protesters by Downing Street, were agitated by the heavy handed police arresting people, including one person

in a wheelchair. Soon mounted riot police arrived and started charging at some of the demonstratorss to clear Whitehall.

Stop Press: Good News Women’s issues. 1. The Supreme Court ruling that Asda store workers (mainly women) were entitled to compare themselves to distribution staff for equal pay purposes. The company claimed they had the right to differentiate pay when it amounted to between ￡£1.50 and £3 per hour less than the 40,000 store workers were getting than distribution. The GMB union has called for Asda bosses to “sit down” and reach an agreement on paying back-pay. 2. Natasha Baldwin fought back when she was assaulted while on a run. As holder of 10 kick boxing world titles she hit her attacker so hard she broke her hand! That’s the way to do it. 3. Shrewsbury 24: After 49 years of campaigning The Court of Appeal overturned the convictions of 14 men jailed for picketing during the 1972 national builders’ strike. The decision came too late for six of the accused who have died. Six months after the picketing the Thatcher Government pushed for them to be charged with unlawful assembly and conspiracy to intimidate even though police had been satisfied at the time with the conduct of the pickets as none had been arrested. Lord Justice Fulford ruled: “What occurred was unfair”. The proposed Crime, Police and Sentencing Bill is a step back to 1972.

Packed Trafalgar Square with many of the exits blocked by the police, when a police riot van drove into the square at speed charging at peaceful demonstrators allegedly to drive them away. People were trampled on, hit with police batons and thrown across the street by the force of the vehicle. Protestors retaliated some throwing building poles and debri. Eventually the police opened some of the exits were opened. Some people were directed along Regent Street, Oxford Circus and others, where it was alleged there was looting, shop windows were smashed and properties set on fire. This demo had been organised by people of varied political opinion to peacefully show popular dislike of the tax. The Poll Tax was dropped exactly a year later.

THE

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

THE DANGERS OF A NATION BECOMING OBSESSED WITH FLAGS

RULE BRITANNIA?

o, our government are asking us all to be proud of our flag, to fly them from ALL civic buildings and to re-swear never-ending allegiance to Queen and country. A year or so ago they were all arguing about ‘Rule Britannia’ being played, or not played at the proms, which led to a somewhat predictable uproar from the Churchill-loving Colonial Clown himself, along with many other Brexit-driven little Englanders who were utterly outraged at the very notion that their song of oppression and conquest might not get played. But did they really know who Britannia was? Did they even care that she’s depicted wearing

a Roman Centurian helmet, and that she would become personified by Rome as a goddess?

Her name simply the latinised variant of the old Brittonic word for Pretani’, at a time when our lands consisted of the isles of Albion, Hiburnia and Thule? I wonder if any of them had ever heard of Athena, a Greek goddess who was depicted on coins in ‘exactly’ the same pose as Britannia is on our coins today, complete with trident, shield and helmet from as early as 290BC? Indeed, the further back you dig, the more you realise that ‘Rule Britannia’ and its imagery is little more than a misnomer based on the legends of other cultures, essentially stolen and now used almost as a corporate logo for the oppression and dominance of others under British rule, now conveniently taken up by the Brexit-brigade to batter the outsider with, and ram home some

warped image of nationalism and racial purity all wrapped up in the Union flag. Which brings me somewhat nicely back to the flag issue.

We’ve seen them throughout history before of course, but nowhere were they used to such brain-washing and nationalistic effect as in Nazi Germany in the run up to, and during the Second World War. Indeed, it became a virtual crime to refuse to fly the swastika, to not pledge allegiance to the Fuhrer, or to protest against the government. Today, in the UK we are being told that the flags must be flown, and that if we object in any way we are unpatriotic and an enemy of the state. ‘ I have to laugh when the English claim they are such a wonderful nation.

Everyone knows that the English are really German, that our kings were German, and that even in Russia the emperors were either of German origin or received their education in Germany’ – Hermann Göring – May28th 1946 Adrian Angel

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

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GOVERNMENTS USE PATRIOTISM TO COVER UP THEIR SINS

DEMOCRACY IS BEING SQUEEZED OUT

ne of the signifiers of Fascism is an emphasis upon patriotism - a patriotism defined by those in power.

Dear Julian, You exposed The Truth for all our sakes. For doing so, you have been made to suffer for over a decade at the hands of those whom you exposed on behalf of us all. Boris now appears to expect I just wanted to thank you and send you my solidarity. that every public Those who imprison, vilify and silence you, do so with public funds, in building must fly our names, while you spoke, and now suffer, on behalf of us all. This the so-called IT’S MANY is unconscionable. We will not be silenced. We will keep fighting for your release as well as for the transparency, accountability and Union Flag. Go DECADES justice you sought, in order to stop and hold the criminals in our to Snowdonia SINCE I WORE governments to account. Boris and fly An injustice to one is an injustice to all. In silencing, torturing, A RED your flag on any imprisoning and robbing you of your Freedom and Human Rights, PO public building PPY they are doing the same to us all and along with you, they are there. I ‘d pay good attempting to silence, discredit, vilify, money to watch. hide and imprison The Truth itself. But the darker their deeds and acts, the Patriotism allows brighter you and that Truth shine. Keep shining! governments to cover up their We will free you. We will free the Truth. sins. It is many decades since I Love, gratitude, strength and solidarity to wore a red poppy. In the First you, Stella, your parents and family. World War the reason all those M-E

The Peace Treaty was actually a Revenge Treaty

remember that people used to say about Mussolini, “At least he made the trains run on time.” So, a benefit of Fascism was efficiency. Without pausing to reflect upon the ends to which that efficiency was directed can we just look at our current government? Marks out of ten for efficiency? Zero would be generous.

Letter to Julian Assange

young men died was because they were covering up the political cock ups of politicians,

kings and emperors. People say that Second World War was different, it was

justified. Well, it might also be seen as WWI Part Two. The Peace Treaty was actually a Revenge Treaty. Not revenge on German decisionmakers but revenge on ordinary people. If Churchill had had his way that revenge would have been far greater. Back to Fascism. I

Democracy is being squeezed out of our political system. Our Bercow-less House of Commons is by-passed and we have Government by Press-Release. Starmer, long ago had his Robespierreby-pass operation. The Labour Party has become the Committee of Public FOR EFFICIENCY? Docility.

ZERO WOULD BE GENEROUS

By Cliff Jones

Publicly run healthcare is the most efficient system During the decade-long austerity onslaught started by the coalition government in 2010, claiming it was necessary after the 2008 financial crash, we saw savage cuts to public services and wages. Now, a year after Covid19 arrived, we are starting to hear a similar message of “we won’t be able to afford...”. Already we’ve seen a lower-than-inflation 1% pay increase offered to nurses.

The most efficient, cost-effective way to run a health service is as a public sector service. If healthcare is publicly funded and publicly provided, the admin cost is around only 4% of the total (as it was up until the late 1970’s). Those in charge of our health service now are modelling it on the American system, where admin takes around 35% of the budget. After decades of re-structuring, our NHS is well on the way to that

Already we’ve seen a lower-than-inflation 1% pay increase offered to nurses

around £88bn will need to be repaid. This has had a major impact on several hospital trusts which have had to cut services, cut staff, or sell land.

appalling wasteful figure. In addition PFI, the Private Finance initiative, is crippling our

health service with vast debts. Originally brought is under New Labour, around £11bn was spent on building new hospitals, and

Private providers, whose main aim is to make profit, often by denying care, are NOT the answer if money is tight in the near future. We must insist on re-nationalisation and send the private profiteers packing. Health care must be recognised and supported as a human right. By Clive Collins / Wandsworth

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

THE PERCEPTION IS THAT WE CAN PROTECT THE NHS BY BEING VIGILANT

NHS privatisation isn’t coming, it’s well underway

he public has a perception of visible privatisation that serves UnitedHealth and the near complete plan very well.

closures that will force us to use private services - eg hospitals & procedures of ‘limited clinical value’.

subsidiary Optum.

OUR

Establishing itself, its systems and values via ‘backroom support’ roles like commissioning and training.

Meanwhile, GOVERNMENT The perception is that we while everyone’s IS ABOUT TO can protect the NHS by being looking & waving CHANGE vigilant, pointing & shouting banners over there, LAWS & mobilising with petitions UnitedHealth and its NHS leaders & campaigns when we see a corporate aim has been learn from Optum private company - eg Centene successfully imported, how to set up ‘integrated taking over NHS GP practices barely noticed into the fabric of care systems’ and ‘population - or when we see cuts and the NHS, through Stevens & UH health management’ to run the NHS like the corrupt US healthcare system, Our vaccine greed will come back to bite us and there is no resistance. Here are the vaccines the UK has ordered for 55 million people requiOur government is about to ring a vaccine, in addition to the Pfizer vaccines already purchased: change laws which will then Johnson & Johnson Adenovirus vaccine UK 30 million allow UnitedHealth to take AstraZeneca Adenovirus vector vaccine 100 million control without competition or Novavax Recombinant protein vaccine 60 million future legal challenge, and some still think they’re protecting the Total UK orders 190 million NHS from privatisation. Are we happy that our Government is depriving other countries of It’s very much already in giving the vaccines to its populations? This is life threating and extending the date when international borders can be reopened. I place, and worryingly in the think it called shooting yourself in the foot. later stages. By Robbie

By Liz Dennis / Surrey

A subsidiary of the largest US health insurer is currently training NHS leaders

Protest is being restricted, but we must still ACT! Covid-19 has given the Government a perfect excuse for the last year. And yet, Covid-19 certainly hasn’t stopped them accelerating their efforts to dismantle and privatise our health system. There’s plenty we can all do, NOW. People can make short videos, and share them. Small socially distanced stunts could still work. Maybe use old campaign footage or photos, and re-circulate them. Write letters to local papers. Send press releases to the media, as they rarely come to you these days. Telephone radio callin shows. Organise an on-line event, and make it a public affair. Watch and share these excellent NHS documentaries - The Great NHS Heist, Sell Off, Sicko (Michael Moore from 2007), and John Pilger’s recent effort The Dirty War On The NHS. There’s also a good Denzel Washington film entitled John Q. Another two points I’d like to make are these. Don’t wait for others’ permission to act. Often when you’re in a group, or a political party, they drag their feet, or limit what should be done. There’s no time for that. Just grab one or two contacts, or do something on your own, and get busy. The other point is to reach beyond your regular circles. Preaching to the converted is pointless at this stage. We need everyone to realise the need to totally re-nationalise our NHS. As Aneurin Bevan once said: “The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.” The time to fight is now, and we’re the ones who need to do it. By Colin Crilly / South London campaigner

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

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I WILL NOW SCREAM MY DEFIANCE OF THIS GOVERNMENT

PATIENT’S EYE

It hasn’t been a year for me

e started our ing my defiance, and should lockdown I want a symbol, it will w h i l e be to stand 2m from all the Government others and defy Priti procrastinated. I was Awful’s Awful Law, at not meekly quiet a time and place of my at midday, nor lit a own choosing, when candle for those who this is all over. died through official DAYS SINCE WE neglect. I shall not be respectSTARTED OUR LOCKDOWN ful when I protest. I do From now on I’ll be scream- not consider parliamentarians

390

I will no longer clap my hands for people expected to work cheaply, take risks without adequate PPE, and die

our “leaders,” for they have shown no leadership.

have worked throughout, the delivery drivers, supermarket workers, the postal services, transport staff, taxi drivers. I DO NO

I will no longer clap my hands for T people the poliCO N SI D ER ticians think can These people PARLIAMENTARIANS have work cheaply, suffered OUR “LEADERS,” take risks withfor us. AS THEY HAVE out adequate SHOWN NO PPE, and die. I If you don’t shall agitate for a think any group LEADERSHIP substantial Corodoesn’t belong on navirus Bonus for all my list, then check who have been obliged to their death rates, and then work during the crisis: medical get yourself a job doing what and care staff, school staff, who they did.

I might write to Astra Zeneca to thank them for developing and selling at cost a safe and effective vaccine destined for poor countries that cannot afford more brands with names like Ftizer, Medusa, Johnson Jackson and Jillson, or Novichovax, and so on. So when it all went quiet last week, you might have heard some roaring and shouting. That would have been me. By Patient.I

Nightingale Hospitals close Staffing is a make or break in places since 2010. The num- In September 2020 the Governissue for the NHS. So basical- ber of nurse training places was ment U-turned and introduced ly we have not recruited or limited to what the Govern- a £5,000 a year maintenance trained sufficient nurses - not ment would fund with bursa- grant. because we can’t but beries. cause we won’t. We There would be no need to went into the When the nurs- recruit staff from overseas if EVEN WHEN pandemic short BEDS WERE PUT ing bursaries were these financial issues had been of 10,000 docscrapped in 2017 addressed. IN PLACE THERE tors and 40,000 and applicants WAS NOBODY TO nurses and the had to apply for The Nightingale hospitals GIVE CARE TO THE student loans to were designed to look lowest proportion of ICU beds pay tuition and after ‘lower risk’ patients PATIENTS in Europe, as a maintenance fees from other hospitals them unsafe. There percentage of popinstead, the Govern- and serve as a comprowas also concern parulation. Ten years of ment gambled that in- mise for younger fitter ticularly in London Austerity highlighted the un- creasing numbers would apply patients. Staff were apthat some trusts would derfunding. as there would be no funding parently anxious about not be able to release limit. However UCAS data in- the water supply and toistaff with so many cases Nursing is a hugely popular dicates that in fact there was a let facilities, conditions MILLION TO in their hospitals. MAKE THE course to study. In 2015 there 30% decrease in applications. that could have made GOVERNMENT were 59,000 applications but A shortage of specialLOOK LIKE THEY despite the growing demand ist staff to move patients There would have been no need to WERE DOING for staff the number of nurse between hospitals SOMETHING recruit staff from overseas if the training places remained static meant that many peoat 20,000. There was no growth ple had to suffer serious illness financial issues had been addressed

£530

at home. There are plenty more reasons to criticise the Government’s handling of the pandemic and it is true that some of the hospitals were useful for Out Patient appointments and diagnostic imaging, but private hospitals who rented unused beds to the NHS could perhaps have been used for those facilities. By (Bernice Cockerham) but please call her Gilead Jones

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

POLICE CLAIMS OF BROKEN BONES AND COLLAPSED LUNG UNTRUE

Well blow me down

ow the propaganda damage has been done to the protesters in Bristol and many “Labour” supporters had a go at the protesters for their “violence” the police have admitted no officers suffered broken bones or punctured lungs. The liberals in the party will

THE Times recently carried a piece with the headline ‘Let women use weapons against abusers, urges QC’. Dame Vera Baird, the ‘Victims Commissioner’ wants Priti Patel to change the law to allow victims of domestic abuse to use disproportionate force in

The liberals in the Labour Party will never learn but that’s not what they want to do never learn of course, but that’s not what they want to do. Their goal is to stop the left. After all, if they were politically

Murder In the guise of self-defence? self-defence. At present a domestic abuse victim can lawfully use only strictly proportionate force to protect themselves. This woman is a QC and one might expect she would

The money spent on COVID does not need to be paid back Is it possible to borrow from yourself? Do you borrow your own money when you want to spend it? No - so neither does the government borrow its own money which it creates. Even though the media and the Chancellor incessantly talk about government borrowing it isn’t actually borrowing. The money spent on COVID does not need to be paid back. EVER. By Charlie

honest they’d be in another party. You’ve gone quiet on Labour Facebook pages Liberals. I guess you realise that as you are in the

driving seat now, there six by Corbyn. The is no need to engage fight is not finished THEIR GOAL with the left. until socialism or But this is far barbarism wins. IS TO STOP from over. You thought you’d THE LEFT, BLAIRITES You’ve done already dealt your bit to usher KNOCKED FOR with the likes of in barbarism, let’s SIX IN 2015 me under Kinnock hope you’ve failed. and Blair but you swere knocked for Edward Hunter

have given some thought to the possible consequences of such a change. Aside from the problem of a woman murdering her husband under the guise of self-defence, it has the potential to change a vi-

olent, but non-lethal, attack upon a woman into a killing, if the perpetrator feels himself threatened with a weapon being wielded by the victim. Any competent defence

Bristol Protest Police quietly ‘retract’ claims that officers suffered broken bones at Bristol protest. “These protesters may have been there against the law but they were not spoiling for any fight, from my perspective.” These were extremely volatile situations and I saw it as my duty as a journalist to document as much of what I saw as possible. Read more at Labour Heartlands By Martin Booth - Labour Heartlands

lawyer could make the most of this. More https://northernvoicesmag.blogspot.com/ By Les May

Perkins deletes tweet praising police violence against protesters Labour front-bencher Toby Perkins has deleted a tweet in which he responded to footage of police in Bristol laying into protesters with batons by praising the officers and their actions as ‘well done’, ‘e n t i re l y appropriate’ and a ‘good example By Skwawkbox 23.03.21

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

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IT’S ALL ABOUT SINGERS - THOSE WITH THE MICROPHONE

ON THE JUKEBOX TONITE!

he Jukebox has every song you ever wanted to hear on it, singles, out takes, album tracks, live versions, songs they sang walking home after a few bevvies, appearances on ToTP.

Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz, Lord! won’t you buy her one? Keep her happy.

Murray Head – Say It Ain’t So, Joe. I’m afraid it is so, Murray.

Listen and weep – then listen all over again. By Jack in the Jukebox

Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come, and everything else covered by everyone else Otis Redding – My Girl, as the sign in the lift says, press this button to be put in contact with Otis. I wish.

Karen Carpenter

Suzanne Vega – Solitude Standing, and she should know – there is a back catalogue of quirky numbers, but nobody is to put on that awful drum and bass version of Tom’s Diner right? The acapella song was infinitely superior.

Jimi Hendrix

Probably for later on when the bar is full, Karen Carpenter, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Jones. Just help yourself folks, before we fall into a purple haze. After all we’ve only just begun haven’t we? Tom Jones

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

UP AND COMING BANDS

THE BEAT FROM THE STREET

ean ‘F**kin’ Hutchinson, Punk/ Folk musician and one time frontman/part co-collaborator of the now defunct ‘Dean Hutchinson and The Strange, Weird People’ a man with a flair for giving it large to the Tories and to the Right in general, and a worthy initial debut artist and performer for this, the very first in a long line of articles on both up n coming and established artists and bands, courtesy of Adrian and The Word.

A well-known performer of Plymouth’s alternative music scene, I have had the great pleasure of watching Mr Hutchinson play on a number of occasions in the South West’s spiritual home of the alternative, ‘The Nowhere Inn’, and as is always the case whenever I’ve watched him play he has delivered in his own inimitable style, playing a string of angst-ridden and oft-times very personal compositions that leaves the listener in no doubt as to the fact that this man sings from his heart - and definitely does not like the Tories. And hey, that’s just fine by me and no doubt will win the praise of the entire editorial of ‘The Word’ in general so, onwards… Hailing from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, England, Dean moved South, acoustic guitar in hand to study music at the University of Plymouth. As a performing artist, he cut his teeth navigating the local

And this week we turn our spotlight upon, Dean Hutchinson

circuit, honing his skills in the style of TV Smith of The Adverts and coming across on the scene as a kind of Anarcho/ Punk Bob Dylan with a poised and rigid middle-finger attitude to the establishment to match. During his time on stage Dean has continued to make a name for himself supporting such notable acts as Attila the Stockbroker, POG, Robb Johnson, and Tim Holehouse,

amongst many others that have performed at the famous ‘Punx Picnic’ annual event. Indeed, as a writer and deliverer of what can only be described as highly emotive lyrics, you’ll be very hard pressed to find a more dynamic and consummate musician, his songs belted out with a truly heartfelt passion and fire that will assuredly leave you charged and in the mood to kick in the door of

Music The universal language of communication. No matter what your ethnicity, your religion or your personal background, music is the means that talks to us all and is understood by everyone. Indeed, it is the perfect medium to inform and to pass on a message, a belief, a banner to get behind and to rally a cause. Nobody ignores music, its messenger, or its message…

Number 10 and demand an end to Tory rule, forthwith.

We’re with you there, Mr Hutchinson. Long Live the Protest Song. ‘F**k the Tories’… Notable tunes in Dean’s repertoire include the rousing and anthemic ‘Just a Little to the Left’, complete with a little Boris bashing thrown in there for good measure, ‘Almost Famous’, the title track from his first EP, and ‘Paul’ a deeply emotive song about a guy that was beaten to death for the crime of having hailed not from our own shores, but from the shores of another, which I’m sure you will agree is a sad indictment of a country that is now seemingly rapidly returning to a state of xenophobic and race hate-filled venom once again. Dean Hutchinson – Be sure to pay him a visit at https:// deanhutchinson.bandcamp. com/ Via his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ dchmusic or even at the ‘Pit and Pendulum’ public house in Plymouth when the current situation allows, where you’ll often find him pulling pints behind the bar to pay the bills, diligently arranging band nights for other local bands and artists, or contemplating his next EP during the lull times, which I am told is now imminent. You can’t miss him. He’s the guy with the dyed and ever-changing hair, sporting a range of suitably anarchistic tats. Tell him Adrian sent you… By Adrian Angel Photo Credits – Greenbeanz Photography and Marthaphoto

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

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PART TWO THE ORIGINS OF THE BLOOD LIBEL

An understanding OF ZIONISM Z

ionism as a political Ideology began in earnest around tensions between Arabs and Jews before World War One. An Arab was allegedly murdered by a Jewish moneylender, the body found in a drainage channel. Many Arabs erroneously believed that Jews were guilty of ritual sacrifice and the incident promoted riots in many previously peaceful places. British Colonialism had since the 1914-18 War taken over the region of Palestine and its surrounding territory. The area had previously been under the rule of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Palestinians had been promised a homeland

as a reward for fighting World War One, on which the British reneged. The British, a peacekeeping force between the Jews and Arabs, were increasingly under attack from both sides; my father was there from 1936 to 1939 with the Royal Marines who pulled out at the declaration of World War Two. By 1948, the Jews aided with British Arms and support, were able to gain the upper hand. They declared the State of Israel. Zionism, a growing ideological organization in Europe, was encouraged by a pamphlet ‘The Jewish State’ previously written and published in 1896 by a Secularist, Theodor Herzl,

Zionism took the example of Christians who believed in the promise of Genesis

an Austro-Hungarian Jewish given to the Jews, the right to journalist, playwright, political expel Palestinians and adoptactivist, who then organized a ing such beliefs helps return world congress of Zionists the Jews to their ‘Promin Basel, Switzerland ised Land’ thus bringIN 1923 1897; he became the ing on the ‘Rapture.’ HITLER First President of ATTEMPTED the Zionist moveAll these conment. In later cepts and techniWHAT WAS years Jewish refcal terms can be CALLED THE ugees displaced Googled. MUNICH by both world wars PUTSCH would begin to flock The British soto Israel. called Peacekeeping force helped Jews to arm Zionism took the example themselves, then left to fight the of Christians who believed in Second World War, after which the promise of Genesis. Evan- more refugees went to Israel. gelists believe the Torah to be Thus Zionists created the excuse a spiritual shadow of the New of being a chosen people under Testament. God (according to a book that may or may not be true) comIn support of the Jews as bining belief in an invisible deity friends, they could receive a with an historical claim. spiritual reward. They further claimed that by the extension In 1923 Hitler attempted of Abraham’s promise from God what was called the Munich

Retired To The Sun We inherited seven orange trees and a clementine. There are three pear trees, two plum trees, two nespira trees, and three duospira (persimmon) trees. We have one surviving apple tree, a crabapple, several quince trees, three kinds of fig, a pomegranate, dessert grapes, and wine grapes.

We have planted two lemons, three cherries, two almonds, a sweet chestnut, an apricot, several kiwi, two passionfruit, two peaches, raspberries, and three medronho.

Nespira is the important element in amoretto. It is a bit

We must not forget Britain’s part which is still being played out. By Paul John Ross buy another if we want any fruit.

An alternative is to place them on a flat surface until they are all ripe or beyond ripe. A big duospira produces a huge quantity of fruit.

Medronho is a bush with bright berries that grows on useless land such as on hillsides. Centuries ago, Portuguese goat herders discovered that their goats got drunk on medronho berries. Distilled medronho berries will melt your ear wax, which is why it is served in amazingly small glasses. We are only growing them because of our intense interest in Portuguese culture.

With kiwi, there are male plants and female plants. Our male red kiwi died, so we must

We may purchase a still next year. Home distilling for personal use is legal in Portugal.

My wife makes great orange wine. It goes down softly, and hits when you try to stand up. We have tried to make pear cider “perry”, but due to inexperience it went bad. We will probably have another go. The plum trees were sadly neglected. We have given them two good prunings and a warning. Hopefully, this year’s crop will be acceptable.

Putsch, a failed takeover by Nazi troopers; and was imprisoned for nine months, during which time he wrote a book called Mein Kamph (My Struggle). Hitler could be said to have adopted a similar strategy to early Zionists. He took his stand from a fictitious history of the Germanic race in a not dissimilar manner, associating National Socialist beliefs with old Norse gods and religious deities and used them as a driving force in creating an ideology, in Germany’s case in association with a fabled Nordic history, merging bigotry, religion and ideology, a claim to superiority in race, and segregation coupled with inhumane treatment.

like a cherry, but with three stones. Slightly crushed, and steeped in aguardente, nespira produces a drink similar to amoretto. Duospira or persimmon is divine when it is just right, but it causes your mouth to pucker if it is not quite ready. You can make jam from it, but one under ripe

fruit will damage the batch.

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

BEST OF THE WEB

Top US health official warns of ‘impending doom’ The head of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stark warning after the country hit the unwanted milestone of 30 million Covid-19 cases on Sunday, amid a significant rise in new infections. “I’m going to lose the script and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom,” DR. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday. “Right now I’m scared,” she told reporters during a news briefing, after earlier pledging to level with the American people, “even if it was not the news we wanted to hear.” Iran seemingly rejects new reported nuclear proposal

according to Politico, citing officials familiar with the proposal. In exchange, Iran would be asked to halt some of its nuclear development, including work on advanced centrifuges and the enrichment of uranium to 20% purity.

But the alleged offer has already received a chilly reception in Tehran. A senior government official told Press TV that Iran would stop its 20% nuclear enrichment only if the US first ends all sanctions placed on the Islamic Republic. The official warned that Tehran would further reduce its commitments under the 2015 nuclear accord if Washington refuses to lift the economic restrictions, cautioning that time was running out for the US to reverse course. Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a similar response to Biden’s reported new deal.

WHO, as well as leaders of over 20 nations, on Tuesday. The UN health watchdogs and top politicians published a joint opinion piece, ran by major newspapers worldwide. “There will be other pandemics and other major health emergencies. No single government or multilateral agency can address this threat alone,” the article reads. To prevent coronavirus-style turmoil in the future, “nations should work together towards a new international treaty for pandemic preparedness and response.” The coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 127.6 million worldwide and killed nearly 2.8 million, has in their opinion exploited the world’s “weaknesses and divisions,” but it might also become an opportunity to “come together as a global community for peaceful cooperation that extends beyond this crisis.” AstraZeneca renames Covid vaccine

the simple ‘AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine’, to ‘Vaxzevria’. In a press release, the company said that the name change does not involve any alterations to the actual drug. Medical workers should be made aware of the rebrand though, the firm said, because the labeling and packaging can look different.

“President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders to promulgate the amended annexes,” China’s official Xinhua news agency said in a short report.

The European Medicines Agency signed off on the new name last week after AstraZeneca sought approval for the change from the EU regulator. Covishield, which is based on the same formula but was developed in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, will retain its current branding.

Restorer of the Sistine Chapel dies aged 92

Chinese steal Democracy Chinese leaders have endorsed a sweeping overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system, slashing its number of directly elected seats and ensuring a majority of the city’s politicians will be selected by a reliably pro-Beijing committee.

President Joe Biden is putting the final touches on an offer to Tehran that would provide some relief from US sanctions,

Leaders of 23 countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) have backed the idea of creating a global treaty that would bolster international cooperation in case of future health emergencies like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The idea of the treaty received formal backing from the

AstraZeneca has renamed its Covid-19 vaccine, a move that coincides with the company’s struggle to reassure the public that its drug is safe, following numerous reports of potential adverse effects. The British-Swedish pharmaceutical has rebranded its jab, which previously went by

The chief restorer of the Sistine Chapel, who revived the “dazzling splendour” of Michelangelo’s frescoes, has died aged 92, the Vatican Museums has said. “Master Gianluigi Colalucci passed away last night,” the museums said on their Instagram account.

Leaders of 23 countries advocate global treaty Iran has signalled that it will not scale down its nuclear program until Washington removes its unilateral sanctions, in an apparent rebuke of a new proposal reportedly being prepared by the Biden administration.

Hong Kong’s 7.5 million residents are still not sure what the new law contains with no details yet published.

The new measures, which bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature and were imposed directly by Beijing, are the latest move aimed at quashing the city’s democracy movement after huge protests.

“It is thanks to his courage and talent that today the colours of Michelangelo’s Vault and Last Judgment appear in all their dazzling splendour,” the message said. Mr Colalucci worked on the Sistine Chapel from 1980 to 1994, removing centuries of dust and smoke that had dulled the vivid colours of the Renaissance masterpiece.

POLITICS AND EVENTS

Dear Maggie I bought and paid for something I needed but now

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Mad Madge Talks Across Oceans Of Time

FROM BEYOND THE WALL OF LOST SPIRITS, LOOSED TEMPORARILY FROM THE HORRORS OF ETERNAL TORMENT, AUNTIE MAGGIE ANSWERS YOUR LETTERS.

Dear Margaret This is an open letter regarding that religious education lesson in Batley. We the undersigned think it simply wrong that you mock religion. We also object to images of Muhammed. We know he is not having the best of times playing for Liverpool but he is still relevant. Yours, Thor, Odin, Zeus, Apollo and the Jesus and Mary chain As you all know I am consigned to an afterlife of eternal torment and purgatory, which includes having to answer questions in this appalling Trot rag. I must say it makes a pleasant change to see all you ethereal deities agreeing with each other from your respective post life realms. Hell is full of ‘religious’ types who are so convinced their doctrine is the only righteous one and persecuted all other faiths. Ironic isn’t it that starting a movement to stop people being dicks to each other ends up with division. As for Liverpool F.C. F**k the red shite I’m a Toffees supporter.

1st April 2021

BOJO’S DIARY A daily insight into the mind of the former Daily Telegraph comedy act.... Saturday 20th Mar – Rugger on Telly. Beers, Dominos and little Wotsisname in a carrycot on the sofa. Carrie was spark out on Zopiclone and Pinot Grigio. Became morose and wan when Ireland started playing half an hour before England and won. Laughed my arse off when the Taffs lost out on the Grand Slam to the Frogs in injury time. Celebrated with a cheeky go on Pornhub. Sunday 21st Mar – Census Day in the flat. Blimey it took me hours on Carrie’s laptop, with all those different names and addresses for my 9 or 10 children and their 4 or 5 mothers, that I may or may not be supporting, probably. Made some of it up, who’s going to notice. Lying doesn’t count if you want it to be true. Monday 22th Mar – Spent the morning at a Warplane factory to cover up the fact that I’m actually cutting the number of soldiers, sailors and airmen and replacing them with drones and robots. But at least we are replacing some planes and enough Nuclear bombs to destroy the planet twice. All at the push of a button or a computer algorithm, with minimal staffing. What could possibly go wrong? I bet Vlad Poo Tin is quaking in his snow-topped Ugg Boots, bare-chested on a horse. Tuesday 23rd Mar – Had to do one of those Downing Street briefing things. “Hands! Face! Space! Questions from Laura Kuenssburg at the BBC” etc. I committed to building a marvellous Memorial to the glorious dead, whilst not admitting blame myself, possibly a garden bridge or an undersea roundabout. Spiffy. Wednesday 24th Mar – At PMQ’s I actually said “They don’t like it up ‘em” got an enormous laugh.. Stammerer puckered up like a cat’s behind. I am slaying this job. Thursday 25th Mar – Broke up for Easter hols, chance to catch with Carrie and little Thingy....

the people I bought it from won’t let me have it. What can I do? Yours Faithfully, the EU. Well my continental friends welcome to the wonderful uplands of unfettered Capitalism. This is exactly the sort thing that Brexit was all about. On one side you have a bloc of nations, with combined negotiation and regulations attempting to provide a commodity fairly and equitably, and on the other side you have the UK with no regulation buying more than it actually needs. Wonderful. Although it is odd that everyone is kicking the sh*t out of Astrazeneca who are producing their vaccine worldwide at cost, whereas Pfizer are charging way more for theirs and only selling it in select markets. It’s almost like big Pharma are influencing Governments in order to maximize profits and control competition. What is Owen Smith up to these days? DEAR AGONY AUNT I have spent nearly 50 years fighting to clear my name for a crime I did not commit but now I have justice the MSM do not want to talk about it. Please help?

Yours, Ricky Well Ricky Laaaa, You’s gonna have to dooo better than go on dat softlad Jeremy Vine on Radio 2...... You know what I’m going to drop the sarcastic Scouse accent, it’s difficult to type and auto-correct doesn’t like it. Seriously though, Ricky if you hadn’t had a second career in that showbiz, this story would have been buried years ago. You jumped up Leftist upstart. Dear Madge Your advice helped my team beat the all-powerful San Marino. Do you think we are now ready for a big side like Canvey Island? Best wishes, G Southgate Gareth you worm, I’ll never forgive you for missing that penalty in ’96. You can wear bespoke suits and waistcoats but you will always be a gammy footed, bottling, softarsed bastard. As for your FIFA world rankings how the hell can you be fourth, when you play against part timer, Farmers boys from a non existent principality in Northern Italy. Maybe play Lilliputian 2nd IX in the next round before a mouthwatering clash against Narnia.

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

BIZARRE NEWS

PUNCHING POTUSES Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks in San Antonio, Texas, have put the likeness of the former US President back into storage after visitors kept taking their frustrations out on the figure. Clay Stewart, regional manager told the San Antonio Express-News newspaper: “They punched and scratched the figure, inflicting so much damage that management had it pulled from public view.”

Stewart added that political waxworks have often caused problems for the museum. “We’ve always had trouble with the presidential section because no matter what president it was Bush, Obama or Trump - they’ve all had people beat them. “The ears were torn off Obama six times. And then Bush’s nose was punched in.

ESTATE AGENTS HONESTY CAUGHT ON CAMERA The pair were being filmed as they were looking around the three-bedroom bungalow in Kent but were unaware that their harsh comments were being captured. One of the estate agents can be heard saying that the house should be knocked down so something else could be built in its place. The homeowner said: “I am just so angry I was so shocked when I saw it. They were all nice to my face. The camera is there to monitor the kids. We keep a camera in the room for the children’s safety due to them getting up in the night often. POLICE GET THE GOAT Officers were required to capture the animal after it was spotted chasing vehicles and joggers on a busy road. Members of the

public came to the aid of the first officer on the scene by grabbing the goat by its horns until another officer arrived to help transport the animal back to its enclosure.

One officer posted on Facebook: “Fresh from this morning’s high-visibility foot patrols across our areas, PCSO Robbins was alerted to a report of anti-social behaviour of the four-legged horned variety near to Westonon-Trent. Said goat was out on the main road chasing cars and passing joggers. PCSO Robbins held the goat by its horns with the help of member(s) of the public until PC Stevens, from Swadlincote Police, attended to assist.”

izens to stop visiting government officers to request a name change, which allows them to get an all-you-can-eat sushi meal. Officials said that the spate of name changes was wasting government time and reminded people that their names can only be legally changed three times. The offer began earlier this week when sushi restaurant chain Akindo Sushiro said anyone with the Chinese characters in their name could get free food for themselves and five friends. One student changed her name to ‘Kuo Salmon Rice Bowl’ but was planning to change it back the following day.

“The goat is now safely back in its enclosure.”

Other fishy names included ‘Salmon Prince’, ‘Meteor Salmon King’ and ‘Salmon Fried Rice’.

FISHY NAMES IN TAIWAN Officials are pleading for cit-

BRIT JUICES RECORD British man has set a world

Mystic Mandy Horoscopes Aries, An increase in your financial status could lead to changes in your household. You might choose to redecorate or purchase new furniture or move to a better place. Or you could be made homeless by a cruel and uncaring Tory Government, but a change is as good as a rest. Lucky number – Planck’s Constant. Avoid – Jugglers

Taurus, You seem to have a greater understanding of the needs and desires of those closest to you. Unfortunately, this process could also involve leaving some old friends behind, but sod them they’re losers anyway. Don’t fight it. Avoid physical intimacy. Lucky cake topping – Marzipan. Gemini, Increased enthusiasm for your favourite project may take you in a new direction, Gemini. You could even decide to change careers in order to devote yourself more

fully to doing what you’ve just dreamt up out of thin air, you feckless wastrel. Lucky cigarette Capstan Full Stength. Avoid Epidemiologists.

Cancer, If you’re in a committed relationship, expect to feel a new sense of mutual purpose and make some new friends. If you aren’t involved, Cancer, love could come into your life today. In either case don’t rule out self pleasuring in order to observe social distancing. Lucky stationary item – Bluetack. Avoid shellfish. Leo, Positive emotions like love, enthusiasm, or optimism that have been repressed for years could surface today, bringing a new sense of joy and anticipation for the future, Leo. Although that might be down to sleep deprivation or Alcoholism. Lucky breakfast cereal ‘Luckycharms’. Avoid ‘Easy Peeler’ Tangerines

Virgo, You may run into some old friends you haven’t seen for a while. Talking with others could start your mind in a new direction as well as breaching lockdown as potentially leading to an early Covid death. Take a walk before you go to bed tonight or you might not be able to sleep, it could be your last. Lucky car – Ford Probe. Avoid Noble Gasses.

but as you are reading horoscopes first you probably just dither a bit before giving up. Lucky word –‘Lucky’. Avoid – Avoidance.

Libra, The development of a talent that you’ve neglected could have surprising results, Libra. It would make a change as you are normally a complete void. Lucky narcotic ‘Mandies’. Avoid Oregano.

Sagittarius, Your intuition should be growing by leaps and bounds. Today you may get psychic messages from everywhere, both personal and universal. This can be a bit overwhelming, Sagittarius, particularly if you aren’t used to it due to logic and intelligence overcoming basic superstition. Lucky country Kyrgyzstan. Avoid Welsh Rugby supporters.

Scorpio, A period of great inner transformation and powerful upheaval in your outer life is coming upon you now, Scorpio. A part of you wants to welcome it and charge ahead, while another part holds back,

Capricorn, A number of new and exciting relationships could appear in your life now, some of them showing promise of becoming close. Old ones seem to be fading. This can make you a little sad, Cap-

record for the fastest time to drink a Capri Sun pouch. Declan Evans captured the title of the fastest time to down the juice after he began looking for records to break during the lockdown. Evans found that Guinness had set the benchmark for the record at 18 seconds, but it had yet to be officially attempted. The 20-yearold from Lincoln began to perfect his technique and was able to set a time of 16.65 seconds. Evans told The Lincolnite: “It is a stupid record to hold, but that is the fun of the Guinness World Records. I think it will definitely get beaten. I wouldn’t say it was that fast.” “It is a silly record anyone can try, but I am proud to have it and it is still a world record. Once I achieved it, it was quite rewarding and I want to try more records in the future.”

ricorn, but it’s a process that you can’t stop. You callous, uncaring, fickle Libertine. Lucky lubricant – Castrol GTX. Avoid peppered ham. Aquarius, Rewards from hard work and dedication could finally be in the offing, Aquarius. You experience the warm feeling that comes with being a self-satisfied narcissist. Lucky brewery Shepherd Neame. Avoid One-way systems. Pisces, Educational or spiritual growth on your part is likely to attract new friends who could become close companions. There could even be a new romantic partner in the bunch. This comes from the expansion of your mind. In fact it is all in your mind as you haven’t left the house in months. Lucky insect – Leatherbacks. Avoid Plutonium.

POLITICS AND EVENTS

SATIRE

1st April 2021

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1st April 2021

POLITICS AND EVENTS

CLEAN UP OYSTERS, DESERT TOOTHPASTE AND TRUSTING CITZENS

HOPE AND GOOD NEWS

K environment: A scheme is in place to return native oysters to improve the health of coastal waters, which involves growing thousands of them under harbour pontoons. The ‘Wild Oyster Project’ will see 4,000 mature oysters placed in six harbours off the North East of England, Wales and Scotland.

Medecins Sans Frontieres: A new clinical trial has found that giving people one-fifth of the normal yellow fever vaccine is just as effective as the full dose. This will help save more lives during outbreaks

of the fatal disease. The World Health Organization has now changed its official guidance on the prescribed dose making it easier for governments and international aid organisations to combat outbreaks. For more, click this link https://tinyurl.com/y6hwh662 China: Climate change, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices are quickly degrading soil. China loses about 3,366 square kilometes (1,300 square miles) of farm and pasture to desertification

every year, which forces entire populations to move. Scientists from China’s Chongqing Jiaotong University have developed a miracle paste made from plant cells that they claim can reverse this damage. Rather than trying to ‘fix’ already dry soil in place with thirsty plants, they wanted to see if they could make sand grow crops. The paste is made from the ice cream and toothpaste additive E466 and fertilisers and thoroughly mixed into the desert sand. and thoroughly watered. The paste binds everything creating a viable soil which retains water, support nutrients, and helps plants to grow, even though it’s still sand. It has been tested in the Ulan Buh Desert, a particularly harsh environment that’s both very dry and very windy. Results were nothing short of miraculous. Plants grew, animals arrived, and an entire ecosystem took root. https://

tinyurl. com/vz643kr9 Citizen’s Assemblies: Theses gatherings of people (usually 100-150), selected to be a true snapshot of the place in question (say, a country or city) based on demographic criteria such as gender, age, income and education level. The citizens are selected by lot just like picking citizens for jury service. Great efforts are made to ensure everyone can take part, by paying for attendance, providing childcare and improving accessibility for the

disabled One held in France voted to ban paying rent for energy-inefficient housing and to ensure all buildings meet strict new environmental standards. Other citizen assemblies have decided on waste management in Brazil, constitutional reform in Mongolia, environmental disaster management in Uganda and, famously, abortion in Eire. People have been found to trust citizens assemblies much more than they do politicians to act in their interest. For more https://tinyurl.com/dbbmtzp3 New Internationalist.

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

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WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

HARRIET TUBMAN

arriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross; c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War.

Harriet was born a slave in Maryland. She was beaten and whipped by her various masters as a child suffering a traumatic head wound when an irate slave owner threw a heavy metal weight intending to hit another slave and hit her instead. The injury caused dizziness, pain, and spells of hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), which occurred throughout her life. As an illiterate child, she had been told Bible stories by her mother and she acquired a passionate faith in God. She rejected the teachings of the New Testament that urged slaves to be obedient and found guidance in the Old Testament tales of deliverance. Tubman was devout, and when she began experiencing vivid dreams, she interpreted them as revelations from God. This religious perspective informed her actions throughout her life. Harriet struggled to keep her family together as her slave owner, Edward Brodess, sold three of her daughters (Linah, Mariah Ritty, and Soph), separating them from the family forever. When a trader tried to buy her youngest son, Moses, she hid him for a month, aided by other slaves and free blacks in the community. When Brodess and the slave trader found her son Harriet told them, "You are after my son; but the first man that comes into my house, I will split his head open."Brodess backed away and abandoned the sale. Her biographers believe this incident influenced her belief in the possibilities of resistance. Around 1844, she married a free black man named John

Tubman. Although little is known about him or their time together, the union was complicated because of her slave status. Since the mother's status dictated that of children, any children born to Harriet and John would also be enslaved. In 1849 Harriet escaped to Philadelphia with two of her brothers, Ben and Harry, However, after a notice was published offering a $300 reward for the return of Araminta, Harry and Ben had second thoughts and returned to the plantation. However instead of remaining in the safety of the North, Harriet made it her mission to rescue her family and others. In December 1850, Tubman received a warning that her niece Kessiah was going to be sold, along with her two young children. Kessiah’s husband, a free Black man named John Bowley, made the winning bid for his wife at an auction in Baltimore. Tubman then helped the entire family make the journey to Philadelphia. This was the first of many trips by Tubman returned to Maryland to rescue her family. She had to flee but left a message for her mother by singing a coded song to Mary, a trusted fellow slave, "I'll meet you in the morni n g ," she intoned, " I ' m bound for the p ro m i s e d land." She subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved families and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped abolitionist John Brown recruit men for his

raid on Harper's Ferry. Harriet or 'Moses' as she was called, "never lost a passenger”

When the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850 she helped guide fugitives farther north into what is now Canada and helped newly freed slaves find work. When the Civil War began, Tubman worked for the Union Army, first as a cook and nurse, then as an armed scout and spy! The first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, she guided the raid at Combahee Ferry, which liberated more than 700 slaves. After the war, she retired to the family home on property she had purchased in 1859 in Auburn, New York, where she cared for her ageing parents. She was active in the women's suffrage movement until illness overtook her and she had to be admit-

ted to a home for elderly African Americans that she had helped to establish years earlier.

Two decades after the wars end, a U.S. congressman went so far as to introduce legislation calling for Tubman to receive a $2,000 pension, but the bill was defeated. In the end, Tubman received some military benefits, but only as

the wife of an “official” veteran, her second husband, Nelson Davis. Gratitude eh! After she died in 1913, she became an emblem of American courage and freedom. The city of Auburn commemorated her life with a plaque on the courthouse. Dozens of schools were named in her honour, and both the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn and the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge serve as monuments to her life. On April 20, 2016, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced plans to add Tubman to the front of the twenty-dollar bill, moving President Andrew Jackson, a slave owner, to the rear of the bill See some Harriet Tubman quotes: https://tinyurl. com/5678nknr

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ARTYFARTY

etting creative can make you happier, according to a new BBC survey of almost 50,000 people published in May 2019. Over three quarters of respondents in the BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test said creativity could help block out stress and anxiety, with almost a quarter naming some kind of making or craft practice as their favourite activity. The test, carried out in collaboration with University College London between March and May 2018, is the largest

study of its kind. Its aim was to explore how creative activities can help us manage our mood and boost wellbeing. Making – whether creating physical or digital artwork, working with textiles or wood, or engaging in pottery, calligraphy or jewellery – emerged as the most popular category of creative practice, with 23.9% of 47,924 people across Britain pointing to one of these as their favourite past-times. This was closely followed by musical activities – singing, playing an instrument or composing – at 23.8%. Gardening, reading, cooking and writing also proved

to be popular.

UCL senior research fellow Dr Daisy Fancourt, who led the study, said the results revealed three main ways in which we use creativity as a coping mechanism to control our emotions: as a ‘distraction tool’ to block out stress and anxiety (76% of participants pointed to this as a reason to engage in creative activities); as a ‘self-development tool’ to build up self-esteem and inner strength (69%); and as a ‘contemplation tool’, to get the headspace to reflect on problems and emotions (53%). ‘This study is the first to

show the cognitive strategies the brain uses to regulate our emotions when we’re taking part in creative activities,’ she said. ‘While previous studies have shown the strong link between creative activities and emotions, we’ve not been sure about how this has been hhappening.

The researchers said engaging in new creative activities – regardless of your skill level – appeared to be particularly good for our emotions and wellbeing, while activities people had done for more than ten years became less effective at regulating negative emotions.

They said that emotional benefits could be derived from even a single session of creativity, although there seemed to be cumulative benefits from regular engagement. Live creative activities that involve face-toface social interaction are better than virtual ones – as demonstrated by a related experiment where responses of people who had taken part in a live group singing session were compared with those who had taken part virtually, from home. When faced with particular hardships in our lives, the researchers said, creative practice could be particularly beneficial.

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Rape and sexual harassment in schools revealed to be rampant M

ore than 5,800 a n o n y m o u s testimonials cataloguing 600 rapes, 5,500 acts of sexual harassment, abuse and assault in UK schools have been posted on the website Everyone’s Invited.

Samuel Schulenburg, 19, it included approximately 250 anonymous stories from girls who went to nearby schools.

Stories have also emerged from other private schools such as Highgate – where pupils walked out of classes on Thursday The 22-yearafter the publication PRIVATE old who set up of accounts of SCHOOLS SUCH alleged abuse – the campaign in AS HIGHGATE – June said that and Westminster. the focus on feeWHERE PUPILS paying schools Set up in WALKED OUT risks minimising June by Sara, OF CLASSES the issue, which Everyone’s Invited she warns is now has 33,000 happening in schools followers on Instagram throughout the UK. and has seen an influx of testimonies since the death Pressure on some of the of Sarah Everard earlier this country’s most prestigious month sparked a national schools is mounting as stories c o n v e r s a t i o n from fee-charging Dulwich a b o u t College, Latymer Upper women’s School and Westminster safety. School appear on the site. On Friday the head of Dulwich College warned pupils they could face fines if they supported “a demonstration against the predatory culture of Dulwich College and the school management [that] condones it”. An open letter in last week’s Sunday Times branded Dulwich College “a breeding ground for sexual predators”. Written by former pupil

Critics have argued the allegations it contains are anonymous and unverifiable, but Sara said that was vital to protect victims in a culture that stigmatises sexual violence. “Those testimonies are just the tip of the iceberg. Rape is not spoken about, it is hugely underreported. The work of Everyone’s Invited is crucial,” she said. The crescendo of voices has provided a moment of reckoning, said Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women coalition.

much more difficult to push aside, ignore and trivialize.” A report by End Violence Against Women from 2016 found “endemic levels of sexual violence and harassment in schools”, with 5,500 sexual offences and 600 rapes reported to the police as having taken place in UK schools over a period of three years.

600

In one testimony on Everyone’s Invited one student wrote that as an 11-year-old other students took topless RAPES REPORTED pictures of her, and OVER THREE said three boys would “This is not just an take turns “groping YEARS issue in private schools, her”. “I hated it but I it is every school, every day,” was made to feel like it was a she said. But the volume of compliment,” she wrote. “That voices of young women school was a race to develop as talking about their fast as possible and I’m glad I experience provided left when I did.” a real opportunity for change, she added. Latymer Upper “There is a weight in School said it took the sheer number of allegations “very women and girls seriously” and coming forward had reported and talking about the allegations their experiences to the local that makes it authority and police, and

This is not just an issue in private schools, it is every school, every day

promised review.

independent

Highgate has announced an external review saying it was “deeply shocked and horrified” by the allegations, while head Adam Pettitt, apologised to any victim who was not properly supported during their time at Highgate. Dr Gary Savage, the headteacher of Westminster school – where a 21-page dossier included allegations that students had been forced to give oral sex against their will – also apologised and promised “concrete and positive actions” In a statement the school added that all allegations would be investigated .

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

Across 1. Destitute (4-3-3) 7. Severe headache (8) 8. Head-cook (4) 9. Yellow part of an egg (4) 10. Stuck (7) 12. Everlastingly (11) 14. Story in three parts (7) 16. Moist (4) 19. Burial place (4) 20. London airport (8) 21. Early bird song (4,6) Down 1. Place where butter and cheese are made (5) 2. Songbird (7) 3. Continent (4) 4. Awful (8) 5. Male relative (5) 6. Cure (6) 11. Extend (8) 12. Talking bird (6) 13. Shoe material (7) 15. Seventh sign of the Zodiac (5) 17. Devout (5) 18. Vow (4)

Uncle Albert’s Battered Whelks INGREDIENTS The Batter 1 large egg separated 1 teaspoon caster sugar 200 grams plain flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons sunflower or pressed oil 1 teaspoon cider or white wine vinegar 100 ml sherry 120-150 ml cold water seasoning For The Rest 1 lot Market Whelks 2 tablespoons seasoned flour to dust

INSTRUCTIONS Whisk the egg white along with the sugar until firm and then set aside. Place the flour and baking powder in a bowl and then whisk through to lighten. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients, including the egg yolk apart from the egg whites in to flour, to create a smooth batter. Gently fold in the egg white, trying not to loose the lightness of the batter. Season well. Rest the batter for 10 – 15 minutes. Dip the whelks in flour first and then dip in the batter, shaking of any excess before cooking in hot oil. (Deep fry at 180 - 190*c until golden on both sides.)

1980s Quiz Questions 1. W hich 1982 album became the best-selling album of all time? 2. Student-led demonstrations in China took place in which square? 3. In which city was the television series Luo Grant set? 4. Who became the 100 metres Olympic champion at

the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics? 5. M ount St. Helens erupted in which American state? 6. In which year of the eighties did Halley’s Comet appear? 7. Who were court-martialed ‘for a crime they didn’t commit’? 8. In the eighties, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses were

popularized by which film? 9. Which eighties hairstyle was short at the front and sides and long in the back? 10. Which flamboyant American businessman produced gull-winged sports cars in Northern Ireland?

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Answers: 1. Thriller 2. Tiananmen Square 3. Los Angeles 4. Allan Wells 5. Washington 6. 1986 7. The A-Team 8. Top Gun 9. The mullet 10 . John DeLorean

POLITICS AND EVENTS

PRITI SPENT £77,000 ON PAMPERING

PRITI GREEN EYES-OR BROWN

Whether or not she common one running through them. is involved in threading is not Take great care, known, but pulling but enjoy the read. the wrong thread Link one: can have disastrous consequences, as h t t p s : / / Daphne Caruana bylinetimes. Galitzia who was com/2021/03/24/ the journo behind APPOINTMENTS h o m e - o f f i c e - f a i l s the Panama papers A WEEK FOR THE to-explain-strangefound. WHOLE OF HER expenses/ CAREER There are three h t t p s : / / threads you can follow should you be interested f inancefeeds.com/85-year- they are all long but if you look o l d - w o m a n - b e h i n d - f a k e through london-binar y-optionsBeautiful Brows Ltd, was wound them all f irm-addresses- exposed/?f might b c l i d = I w A R 2 O x w d X Fd C 3 I up in 2018 round about the time you b e g i n QXwkxlaVGjlyF_nj9hjpmS the founding diretor retired to find a mCnDVjQ1mgyN4sw-g9A5egE

he trouble is that the company our government minister was thought to have paid, Beautiful Brows Ltd, was wound up in 2018, round about the time that founding director, 82 year old Barbara Kahan finally retired. Babs is an interesting old girl. Named as founding director of 28,000+ companies, all at the same address, she must have got at least 6 appointments a week for the whole of her career. Her son is also part of this project.

Sit-down protest halts city trams Manchester Police arrested 18 people after protesters were accused of blocking city tram lines.

After repeated warnings from officers, the protesters were removed and the arrests made, the spokesman said.

The “kill the bill” protest Footage and pictures – held on Saturday, from earlier in the to oppose the afternoon showed government’s new p r o t e s t e r s police, crime, marching through ARRESTED sentencing and city centre AT MANCHESTER the courts bill – was and taking the KILL THE BILL described by knee in front of a PEACEFUL police as “largely mural of George peaceful”. Floyd. PROTEST

A force spokesman said most of the crowd had left by 4pm, but some of those who remained sat on the Metrolink line in St Peter’s Square, causing “significant disruption” to transport networks.

Chief Supt Andy Sidebotham said: “ I understand the desire to peacefully protest but by blocking trams this smaller group prevented passengers from travelling to work for essential journeys, including health and care workers.”

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

Solfeggio and Cymatics, the science of sound and vibration

usic speaks to us, that is a given. But if I were to say that it literally speaks to the very atoms that make up our bodies and touches our souls, would you think me mad? I have spoken before of the power of music, how it can convey a message in a way that breaks down all linguistic barriers, and ‘Touches’ something inside each and every one of us. Indeed, music can lift, empower and motivate in ways that no other medium ever can. And yet most of us fail to understand how or why it can do that. Consider a tone of a precise frequency. A low bass perhaps,

The sheer amount of political changes unfolding in the Middle East in the past few months will make logic wobbly tilting between belief and scepticism. For as long as I can remember and for as long as any Levantine can remember this little part of the Middle East never missed its spot on the world stage. It has served as a constant arena where world “isms” fight, quarrel and kill each other. Arabs and Israelis found themselves entangled in a complicated and deeply rooted relationship of religious, political and ethnic nature. Wars, distrust, mutual hate escalated over generations parading in many forms the most drastic of which was the founding of the state of Israel in 1948 and the expulsion of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.

resonating so deep that you feel it inside you creating an eddy of emotion that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Now consider that tone as a vibration that bends water and creates precise patterns in sand and fluid mediums.

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Q3oItpVa9fs This is Cymatics in action. Going back to this tone though, there was just something about it that initially drew you in and relaxed you, and that Ladies and Gentlemen was likely one of Solfeggio frequencies, sacred frequencies that are said to heal, rebalance and cleanse, and which can be used in study, to aid

What Israeli Jews celebrate and hold dearly, the Arabs lament, are ashamed of and call the great disaster “al nakba.” That was until very recently when not one but two Gulf states signed a peace treaty with Israel to be joined later by Morocco. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain took a step down the peace road and engaged in relations with Israel. The UAE initiated trade, even exchanged ambassadors and that is just the beginning. In fact, there is also a humanitarian side to this agreement. The other day I was watching the

sleep, and to open up pathways to our higher selves. These are as follows -

174 Hz, 285 Hz, UT 396 Hz, RE 417 Hz, MI 528 Hz, FA 639 Hz, SOL 741 Hz, 852 Hz, 963 Hz So what exactly are the Solfeggio frequencies? Derived from the original Ut, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, and La, which we more often recognise as Do, Re, UAE news and there was this story of how the latter helped reunite Yemeni Jews with their relatives living in the UK having been apart for decades. About eight Arab countries now have either a peace agreement or some form of relations with the Jewish state, leaving behind less than a handful of Arab states with no formal or official relations with Israel. Despite its proclaimed no relation status with its Golan Heights occupation, Syria’s president expressed his willingness to come to an agreement and join the rest of the league.

Mi, Fa, So, La, and Ti, in ancient times these pure tones were most often manifested in chants such as the famous Gregorian chants that for most people sound pleasant and strangely calming. You’ll also find them in the Throat Singing techniques of the indigenous tribes of Mongolia and Tibet, and also in the tones produced by Tibetan Singing Bowls.

So how then do the frequencies apply to modern music and how can you access them today? Well, you can find performers such as Steven Halpern and Nigel Stanford, New Age and experimental musicians that create music using these frequencies and who experiment with sound vibration, or you can simply listen to specially arranged performances on YouTube using ‘Solfeggio’ or ‘Cymatics’ as search strings.

Lebanon considered to be the weakest link among his Arab counterparts due to its fragmented social structure whereby allegiance is not to Lebanon but to foreign powers.

enemy cannot remain your enemy for ever and neither can your friend for that matter.

Unfortunately, cursed with its history, geography and corrupt politicians, Lebanon shares its southern border with Israel. This has been a constant source of tension yet after the 2006 war the area is now controlled by the United Nations peace forces under security resolution 1701. I asked a friend of mine his opinion on the matter, he replied and I quote “A short reply with 6 words we do not have relations with Israel.” Simple answer? Realistic? Pragmatic? I’m afraid not. This is more burying your head in the sand, turning a blind eye or ignoring the elephant in the room. Your

Have a listen and perhaps do a few experiments yourself. It may well help you find yourself and open you up to a whole new musical experience… Adrian Angel

At some point change happens, circumstances dictate a different view and a new chapter will be written. Israel is holding its fifth election in three years with no clear cut winner, the Arab states more disjointed than ever before and the region living its yet another conflict. The future is bleak and uncertain. I wonder who betrayed the cause, was it wealthy Palestinians living in the Gulf states who bought Saint Kitts and Nevis passports? Or some nations’ political agenda hiding behind religious curtains? By MARIAM LABBAN

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AT LEAST THE POLICE OWNED UP MORE THAN ANGELA EAGLE DID

LIES AND LABOUR

olice and politicians have at least one thing in common – they both lie to the public when it suits. Avon and Somerset police have admitted their claims that two officers had suffered broken bones and a third a punctured lung during Sunday night’s Bristol Kill the Bill demonstration was untrue. (See page 10.) Days after their exaggeration had grabbed the headlines

they quietly revealed that not only was there no broken bones but no punctured lung either. This did not grab the headlines. In fact it is pretty hard to find anywhere. Which is much the same as right-wing Labour MP Angela Eagle’s claim that just as the left was about to throw her out as MP an “attempt was made on her life” because a brick had been thrown through her constituency window.

THE BRICK THAT NEVER WAS!

There was widespread outrage on both occasions.

overwhelming she has never owned up, because blatant lie saved her seat.

In Bristol the police claimed that “ 20 ofKevin Blowe, the ficers (now updatco-ordinator of Net33 POLICE ed to 40) were pol, which camTREATED BY THEIR paigns around assaulted or injured, two sufthe policing of MEDICAL UNIT: 3 fering broken protest, said poWITH TOOTHACHE, bones, one a lice exaggerated 6 INSECT BITES, A punctured lung.” claims of injuCUT FINGER AND A ries were “par for HEADACHE On Wednesday, the course.” the force admitted this was not true. He said the claimed 70 officers injured at the As for Angela Eagle there Kingsnorth, Kent, climate never was a brick, the change protest turned out to be broken win- insect bites and heat exhausdow had tion.” nothing to do with Other reported injuries her office. included “stung on finger by T h o u g h possible wasp”; “officer injured the ev- sitting in car”; and “officer suci d e n c e cumbed to sun and heat”. proving her a liar is One officer cut his arm on a

70 police ‘injured’ at the Kingsnorth, Kent, climate protest turned out to be insect bites and heat exhaustion

fence when climbing over it, another cut his finger while mending a car, and one “used his leg to open door and next day had pain in lower back”. Of the 33 patients treated by the police tactical medicine unit at the climate camp shows three officers had succumbed to heat exhaustion, three had toothache, six were bitten by insects, and others had diarrhoea, a cut their finger and headaches.

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

DOG BITES AND BATON BODY INJURIES ON WOMAN PEACE MAKER

Kill the Bill cops beat Mirror reporter

olice have come under fire for their treatment of a reporter at demonstrations in Bristol on Friday night, during violent clashes between officers and protesters, amid wider demands for an investigation into the handling of the protests.

Daily Mirror journalist Matthew Dresch shared video footage that appeared to show police pushing him and hitting him with a baton as he shouted that he was a member of the press. He Tweeted: “Police assaulted me at the Bristol protest even though I told them I was from the press. I was respectfully observing what was happening and posed no threat to any of the officers.” Twitter users described the incident as outrageous and appalling.Avon and Somerset police tweeted: “We’re aware of a video showing a journalist being confronted by officers during last night’s protest in Bristol.

We’re making efforts to contact him. A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we fully respect the media’s vital role in reporting events fairly and accurately.” In an open letter, Labour candidates in the city joined calls for a full and independent investigation, saying they were “deeply concerned about the videos circulating on social media which appear to show police using excessive force against protesters”. “Of particular concern are the reports of multiple journalists being intimidated and in some cases assaulted by the police. We condemn all violence. These scenes are chilling and should be of great concern to anyone who cares about civil liberties, regardless of views on the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill or the demands of the protests.” Police were criticised for alleged heavy-handedness to-

wards protesters. Jasmine York, 25, was among those said to have been hurt by police on Friday night. She said she had been trying to stay out of the way of police after receiving injuries, including from a dog bite and baton strike, during protests last Sunday.

There have been a series of protests in Bristol against the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill, which would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on peaceful protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance. This is not the first time that officers have been criticised for their treatment of the press at kill the bill demonstrations.

She said: “A policewoman barged me with her shield and I tripped. I fell to the floor and I went on to my On Tuesday, Adam back. My phone Cantwell-Corn and I’M ON went and my keys Alon Aviram of YOUR SIDE, went [out of my Bristol news webI’M HERE TO pocket]. I had my site the Cable said ST OP ARSEHOLES they were threatknees up to my THROWING SHIT ened with force chest and my arms over my head. I had by a police officer AT YOU two policewomen while covering the on my left using their protest. The officer in shields to batter me, and question ordered them to two men on my right and they leave, appeared to push them were hitting me with batons. and denied that they were journalists. “The irony was that they kept asking me to get up. I was “Press card fully on show, like: ‘I can’t’; and I was saying: Just got threatened with dogs ‘I’m on your side, I’m here to and force by an officer despite stop arseholes throwing shit at telling him we are journalists. A you.’” senior officer later stepped in to tell him to back off,” CantwellYork said officers dragged Corn tweeted at the time. her up and when she tried to tell them she needed to pick up her In the video the officers tell keys a policewoman told her: the reporters to disperse, to “Fuck your keys.” But another which they replied: “We’re jourofficer picked them up and gave nalists and we’re covering your them to her and apologised for actions.” the way she had been treated.

Not the first time officers have been criticised for their treatment of the press at kill the bill demonstrations

The case for an independent investigation into the policing of the Bristol protests is clear

The officer said: “No you’re not,” and despite the reporters showing press cards and saying they were accredited members of the National Union of Journalists, later said “it doesn’t matter if you claim to be journalists because you’re studying journalism”. Aviram later said that a “high-ranking officer with Avon and Somerset has now extended apologies for this incident”. Cantwell-Corn said: “It’s to be expected that a police officer in that situation would confront somebody… But once you’ve identified yourself as a journalist and showed credentials, he should have changed his approach. He obviously didn’t.” “It shows a serious lack of training. It’s a heated moment, but if officers can’t control themselves, absorb information and respond to it, then you have to ask questions about their fitness to be there.” Cantwell-Corn said the escalation with police began only when officers decided to forcefully remove the demonstrators around 10pm. Before the arrests, protesters could be seen dancing despite heavy rain and handing out flowers.

POLITICS AND EVENTS

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1st April 2021

FURY AS PSC DISTANCES ITSELF FROM ATTACK ON BRISTOL PROFESSOR

PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN IS BLASTED as cowardly and treacherous

eading anti-Zionist commentator and A founder member of the activist Tony Greenstein PSC, but since resigned, Mr has unleashed a furious Greenstein says he emailed Ben attack on the Palestine Jamal, PSC Director and Ben Solidarity Campaign for its Soffa about a concerted attempt alleged lacklustre support by a host of Zionist organisafor a Bristol University tions to have (Prof Miller) Professor David dismissed adding that Miller who is it was his hope that PSC facing possible STATEMENT IS PSC would issue a dismissal for press statement. A NONE TOO alleged antiVEILED ATTACK semitism. Jamal reON PROFESSOR pliedBensaying PSC MILLER In his online had put out a stateblog Mr Greenstein ment which addressbegins by saying “a es the broad context of more cowardly, timorous and the attempts to delegitimise treacherous leadership than activism and puts the attack on that which presently runs PSC” David Miller in that context.” is beyond his imagination.

Attacks against Miller are part of a chilling wave of intimidation sweeping across British universities, targeting critics of Israel

Mr Greenstein complains that the statement “failed in one key respect. To offer unconditional or indeed any support to” Professor David Miller, but it mirrored the Zionists’ criticisms by suggesting Professor Miller lacked depth and clarity in the way he has couched his remarks.’

The campaign to dismiss Prof David Miller has reached Parliament where more than 100 MPs and Lords including Green MP Caroline Lucas, signed a petition calling on Bristol University to “act before any further damage is done.” Yet a petition supporting Miller has been signed by 315 academics, but notably not by Professor Kamel Hawwash, who is chair of PSC.

This, Mr Greenstein said is “a none too veiled attack on Professor Miller. This statement is like crossing a picket line. It is scabbing. PSC has no expertise Aljazeera, which on the question of links ACADEMICS produced The Lobby SUPPORT expose of Israeli embasbetween Zionist groups. Professor Miller is an PROF MILLER: sy targetting of unsym100 MPS international expert” pathetic British MPs CALL FOR HIS and involvement with who had played a cruDISMISSAL Labour Party Zionist cial part in exposing fake evidence used in an attempt to groups described, the current block an Israeli-Palestinian cler- “attacks against Miller are part ic’s entry to Britain. of a chilling wave of intimida-

315

A cowardly, timorous and treacherous leadership presently runs PSC

tion sweeping across British universities, targeting critics of Israel. Years of onslaughts by the British government and the Israel lobby on Palestine solidarity movements in UK universities have led us to this point.” The Palestine Solidarity Campaign was invited to present its case and rebuttal of Mr Greenstein’s criticisms but has not replied. Tony Greenstein’s complete blog is here.

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

PREDICTABLE EASY WIN FOR ENGLAND IN OPENING QUALIFIER

England Expects Nothing LESS AGAINST MINNOWS

t’s said having the best defence are domestic based. players in the world The big achievement of the in the English other centre back, BrolPremier League li, is that he has reggives our young istered four own IT WOULD players the goals at internaHAVE BEEN best training tional level. NICE TO SEE A to reach their REAL DESIRE TO potential. A young E n g l a n d PRODUCE A The San Maside did not DOUBLE FIGURE rino goalkeeper, need BrolSCORELINE and centre back li’s assistance, Rossi, will hardly Ward-Prowse, Calhave the same experivert-Lewin (2), Raheem ence in the third tier of Italian Sterling, and a goal on his defootball, and the rest of their but for young Villa player Ollie Watkins, gave them a routine 5-0 win. The minimum exBrolli... has it would have been registered four pected, nice to see a real desire to proown goals at duce a double figure scoreline.

international level

By Mo Rehman

POLITICS AND EVENTS

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BIG NIGHT FOR STEVEN DAVIS ENDS IN HONOURABLE LOSS

Davis matches Shilton with th 125 Cap for NORTHERN IRELAND

taly controlled the early part of the game, as goals from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile made this their twenty-third consecutive game without defeat. Solid at the back, and the skill and creativity of Lorenzo Insigne in attack were a combination that was always just a bit too much for Northern Ireland. Italy had a side of experience and talent. Northern Ireland were competitive and functional, but playing against Italy must have had them

Goals from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile made this their twentythird consecutive game without defeat

THE 2-0 VCTORY WAS A FAIR RESULT

harking back to the 1980s, when they had top flight players like Martin O’Neill, Gerry Armstrong and Norman Whiteside available to select. Not to say the Northern Irish do not have some players of real ability now. Steven Davis, playing his part in his 125th full international, Gavin Whyte and Josh Magennis were all in a side which showed real fight and desire. But there was just a certain edge to the Northern Irish side at the 1982 World Cup that just hasn’t materialised in the modern generation yet. The experience of this match itself might bode well for the younger players when they come up against lesser teams. The 2-0 vctory was, despite Italian manager Roberto Mancini’s belief they should have scored more, a fair result. By Mohammed Reshman

Top Class Friendly Opposition Provides Top Class Result

With the exceptions of Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter, who became the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps, this was a young, inexperienced Welsh side, and one completely changed from the one fielded four days earlier. The opportunity to experiment looked a risk against a highly accomplished Mexico side

currently in the top ten teams in the world. But if gamble it was, it paid off with a narrow but morale-boosting Welsh victory. The opportunity for the youngsters was taken, and not least by Kieffer Moore, who showed maturity and skill to score with aplomb, almost casually, the only goal of the

match.

like a team of 100 caps’ experience each.

Mexico dominated A NARROW possession, and had With these upBU T MORALE- coming far more attempts players in BOOSTING on goal, but they reserve showing WELSH lacked the cutting such maturity, the edge and somehow medium term future VICTORY never looked likely of Welsh football looks to score, against a hardbright. working, disciplined Welsh side who defended as a unit, By Mohammed Reshman

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POLITICS AND EVENTS

6 NATIONS ENDS WITH A DELAYED THRILLER

SCOTLAND WIN IN PARIS TO HAND TITLE TO WALES FRANCE 23-27 SCOTLAND

he postponed postscript to Rugby’s oldest international tournament, France against Scotland, previewed with constant repetition of the question, “Will this French team full of such talent and potential, beat Scotland by the needed 21 points to pip Wales to clinch the Championship?” In the event, the answer was an emphatic “No,” as a Scotland team, clearly irritated at being somewhat overlooked throughout the build-up, secured their first win in Paris in 22 years - a sweet addition alongside their first victory over England at Twickenham since 1983. The Scots started well, pressuring a French defence that

had been lauded throughout the tournament, but that looked a bit leaden in this match. Duhan van der Merwe scored early on, although there is considerable suspicion that he put the ball down short of the line. Penalties from both sides took the score to 10 – 3 to Scotland, before France took control of the second quarter of the game. The Scots conceded an alarming 11 penalties, but the ill-discipline was seldom punished by the French as it should have been. Still a try converted from a difficult angle, and a penalty had France leading 13 – 10 at the half. To add to their worries, Scotland started the second half a man down, their talisman captain Stuart Hogg in the sin bin for persistent infringements. Hogg

had admitted during the week that he was getting ‘hacked off’ at how conversations always seemed to be about how much France would win by, and that may have affected his discipline. France began the second half on the front foot, a brilliant kick-and-chase try by Penaud making it 18-10.

At that point, Hogg was still two minutes from returning from the bin, though there was still some consolation for the Scots, in the shape of a missed conversion. Once Hogg was back on the field, the Scots rallied. Firstly, a Finn Russell penalty dragged them back to within one score. Then on the hour, a rugged try by Dave Cherry from an attacking line-out brought the Scots level, despite, again, suspicions of a knock-on by one of his team-mates just before Cherry gathered the ball. The conversion put the Scots ahead, 20-18. For all the talk of playing the team in front of you, one game

at a time, France must have been aware of the history at stake, as Wales had been against them six days previously. They stepped it up again, and a missed tackle by van der Merwe near the Scots’ goal-line proved costly, allowing Rabadj to walk in comfortably after the ruck. But again Ntamack missed the conversion. France thus led 2320 with about 12 minutes to go. Then came a blow to the Scots that might have proven decisive; a somewhat unlucky sending-off for Finn Russell. There was no malice in his attempt to hand off a tackler, but by the rules of the modern game, an elbow even accidentally to the throat area is a red card. Even down to 14 men for the second time in the game, Scotland courageously pressed again. France conceded penalty

after penalty for infringements at the breakdown. The Scots could have kicked a number of them for three points to pull level. But perhaps sensing that the French, even with an extra man, were showing signs of exhaustion, the Scots would kick to touch, and push for the try from the line-out. And sure enough, the French finally did break, although the try, when it arrived, was well past 80 minutes, and had a farcical element to it. The Scots knocked the ball on inside the French 22. French hands scooped up the loose ball, just needing to hoof it into touch to end the game, but then they fumbled too, and in the melee, the Scots were awarded a penalty. Scotland took the tap, and there followed over two minutes of phase-afterphase of Scotland hammering on the door. Then a long pass reached van der Merwe in space on the left, and he skillfully sidestepped away from two French tacklers to barrel over and touch the ball down. Adam Hastings converted. So Scotland take the Auld Alliance trophy with them from Paris for the first time in a generation, 27-23, and elsewhere, Wales take the 6 Nations Championship. By Sue Port

POLITICS AND EVENTS

1st April 2021

THE

WORD

FRANK WORTHINGTON DIES AT 72

FAREWELL, FRANK!

he former England i n t e r n a t i o n a l footballer, Frank Worthington, considered one of the great characters and entertainers of the British game throughout the 1970s, has died of illness at the age of 72. Nicknamed ‘Elvis’ due to his love of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Worthington was a player of unorthodox skill, maverick vision, and boundless imagination. Born in Halifax in 1948, Worthington made his Football League debut with Huddersfield Town in 1966. His playing career lasted until 1987, and included spells at twenty different clubs, including over 200 appearances for a fine

Leicester City team between 1972 and 1977. Worthington retired after scoring 266 goals in 882 appearances in all competitions. Perhaps his most celebrated goal is one he scored during a spell playing for Bolton Wanderers, a strike that is still rated by some as the finest scored in a televised English match. Playing against Ipswich Town, and on the edge of their penalty area, Worthington demonstrated his outrageous skills with his back to goal. With half the opposing players between him and the goal, Worthington juggled the ball for several kicks, then chipvolleyed it back over his head

and beyond the Ipswich back blood pressure. Bill Shankly, four, who were completely the Liverpool manager, sent wrong-footed. He chased him to Spain to train and get in down the ball himself, which shape. Worthington, a playboy he had played with exactly the at heart, partied hard into the right weight of touch Spanish nights instead, to land in his stride. with antics in both He then steered and A PLAYER OF barrooms an immaculate bedrooms. When UNORTHODOX half-volley SKILL, MAVERICK he returned to unerringly past Merseyside, his VISION, AND the goalkeeper. blood pressure BOUNDLESS was found to be IMAGINATION Wo r t h i ng t o n even higher, and ended that season Shankly cancelled with the Division the transfer. Given One Golden Boot. But the success Liverpool major silverware eluded him, were to have through the partly due to a blunder on 1970s, one rather wonders his part in 1972. Close to a what might have been for move from Huddersfield to Worthington had he knuckled Liverpool, a medical check down for just ten days. Trophyshowed Worthington had high wise, Worthington had to make

do with two Second Division Championship medals – one with Huddersfield in 1968-69, and one with Bolton in 1977-78. He also won 8 caps for England, all in 1974, scoring twice. Worthington’s career had a surprising ‘journeyman’ quality to it for such an iconic player, including brief spells playing club football in the USA, South Africa, and Sweden. But even if he never seemed to stay long at one club, and did not always behave as he should have offfield, there was still one thing he did that every footballer should do more often; He always played with a smile on his face. Rest in peace, Elvis! By Martin Odoni

Frustrating start for Scotland In a strange match, the Scots opened their World Cup qualification campaign coming from behind twice to force a draw, but may come away thinking that they have dropped two points rather than gained one.

After a sadly sterile first half, Austria took the lead through man-of-the-match Sasa Kalajdzic on 55 minutes. Scotland pulled level through Grant Hanley with 19 minutes left to play, only for Kalajdzic to nod home an apparent winner in the last ten minutes. But

A spectacular overhead strike by John McGinn with five minutes left salvaged a point Scotland just about merited

a spectacular overhead strike by John McGinn with five minutes left salvaged a point Scotland just about merited. But it is a home game chalked off without a win, which was not really what the Scots would have been hoping for as a first step to making a World Cup appearance for the first time since 1998. By Martin Odoni

2-0 WIN OVER ALBANIA ALMOST POINTLESSLY STRAIGHTFORWARD

ANOTHER COMFORTABLE

WIN FOR ENGLAND L

et’s have a cliche, perhaps, “You can only play the team in front of you.”

Some Effort but Not Enough to Avoid Embarassment

The team in front of England was Albania, a country that has never exactly been scintillating, and they were feeble on this occasion. England were businesslike, professional, solid, but played very much within themselves, offering nothing exceptional. It is difficult to draw any conclusions about what this performance means for the long term, or even the medium term, and equally it is difficult to judge what smaller countries like Albania can ever take from these matches either.

to head home a well the penalty area by delivered ball in Raheem Sterling THE POLES, by Luke Shaw. set up a fine INSPIRED BY The second finish by Mason BAYERN MUNICH’S goal, shortly Mount. after the SUPER-STRIKER hour, was S a n ROBERT LEWANDOSK I, Marino and the result of WILL BE A FAR an error by Albania both M ORE DIFFICULT the Albanians, beaten, as PROSPECT giving the ball they should The first goal came from away in their be really. The Harry Kane late in the first half, own defensive third. next opponents, the nipping in front of a defender But the quick move into Poles, inspired by Bayern Munich’s super-striker Robert Lewandoski, will be a far more First goal came from Harry Kane difficult prospect.

late in the first half, nipping in front of a defender to head home

By Mo Rehman

There were times when the Eirean players showed genuine desire, and an appetite for goals. But, in one of the most awful results Ireland have registered in the modern era, they looked remarkably toothless for long stretches. Given they are a side with some genuine creative talent the Irish attack was alarming in its lack of threat. Luxembourg, on the other hand, had already drawn two high class saves from debutant Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunun when the Manchester City teen was finally beaten by Gerson Rodrigues, five minutes from time, giving Luxembourg an historic 1-0 victory. Frankly it is difficult to argue that the minnows did not deserve it. By Mo Reshman