Councillors support bid against growth of nuclear power in UK

Published on Friday 27 July 2012 13:30 from The Kilkenny People acknowledgements A.Greagsby

Members of Kilkenny County Council have expressed concerns about the proposed expansion of nuclear power on the UK’s west coast and the implications it could have for Ireland and the Irish Sea, writes Tess Felder.

Cllr Malcolm Noonan (Greens) raised the issue at this month’s meeting of Kilkenny County Council, including plans for several new reactors.

Cllr Noonan asked his fellow members to support the work of the group Nuclear-Free Local Authorities, and he said the issue had implications for the security and health of Ireland.

“This programme is going to place a further threat directly to the Irish people,” he said, noting that Ireland’s nuclear-free status “has been long-held and valued by Irish people for decades.”

Cllr Tomas Breathnach (Lab) agreed with his concerns about further nuclear developments in the UK, including the possibility of increased shipments of radioactive materials in the Irish Sea as a result.

Cllr Pat Crowley (FG) recalled visiting the Chernobyl area in 1995 in the wake of the nuclear disaster there.

“I have seen directly what nuclear power can do,” Clllr Crowley said. “Nuclear power, when it goes wrong, the radiation from it affects everybody, but particularly children.”

Cllrs Michael O’Brien (Lab) and Sean Treacy (FF) meanwhile said it was an opportune time to promote the development of wind farms around the county, particularly where interested parties have already expressed a desire to do so.

“Wind energy is a natural resource and it should be progressed as far as possible and get away from nuclear as much as possible,” Cllr Treacy said. He said there was no reason Ireland shouldn’t be self-sufficient in generating its own energy.

Coalition of Resistance calls for support to the TUC march on 20 October and the European Anti-Austerity Conference on 21 October

On Saturday October 20th the British Trades Union Congress is holding a march against austerity 'For a future that works'. Hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets of London to oppose the cuts being forced upon them. The Coalition of Resistance will be at the heart of this demonstration with its message of 'No Cuts'. The participation of delegations from across Europe will hugely strengthen the significance of what will be a massive mobilisation.

In 2011 our organisation initiated the Europe Against Austerity conference which issued a call for joint action against austerity throughout Europe. More than 600 people attended the conference in October 2011, with 150 coming from other parts of Europe.

Since that conference we have seen big struggles in Greece where there have been many days of general strike action and in Spain where the Asturian miners have inspired the support of millions throughout Europe. The nature of the onslaught on the peoples of Europe means that such actions will continue and escalate. Further solidarity work and coordination is now urgently needed.

We appeal for anti-austerity organisations throughout Europe to come to London on 20th and 21st October to participate both in the London demonstration and to meet the following day to discuss common action to turn back the tide of austerity. We must build co-ordinated action to enable victories against a common enemy.

There will be an open preparatory meeting in early September to prepare for the October 21st conference and all those who wish to be involved are welcome, whether or not they attended last year's event. The date and venue will be notified shortly. Please contact us if you plan to attend.

We urge organisations and organisations from across Europe to come to London in October - to show that the strength of the working class movement is in its unity and solidarity.

Let's make October 20/21st the next step in our common struggle against austerity.

Andrew Burgin

Secretary, Coalition of Resistance

coalitionofresistance@mail.com

news from Brent a victory (?) more cuts and a party

aknowledgments to Martin Francis


NEWS

WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT PLANS WITHDRAWNFollowing the energetic campaign by Keep Willesden Green and hundred of objections to the demolition of the Old Victorian Library, loss of the Willesden Bookshop and the loss of Open Space, Galliford Try withdraw their proposals earlier this week to allow for further consultation and redesign. Having won Round 1 to get the Council to 'Stop, Listen and Reflect' KWG are meeting on Tuesday evening to celebrate and discuss strategy for Round 2.  http://www.keepwillesdengreen.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/galliford-withdraw-willesden-green.html

Statement from Darren Johnson, Green Party Assembly Member for London:
'I would like to congratulate the Keep Willesden Green campaigners on their victory in forcing Brent Council and Galliford Try to 'pause, listen and reflect' on their controversial Willesden Green Library redevelopment proposals.  Brent Council, bearing in mind their new responsibilities under the Localism Act, must now ensure that there is a full consultation  to ensure that any new development incorporates both what local people hold dear about their local area and their aspirations for the future.' 

CLOSURE OF CENTRAL MIDDLESEX A&ENorth West London NHS has confirmed that retention of this department is not an option in any of their plans and a campaign has been launched to save the department. A march from Harlesden to the hospital is planned for Saturday September 15th. http://brentfightback.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/damning-report-on-nw-london-nhs.html

WEMBLEY PLANThe new Wembley Plan has now been published. Brent Green Party contributed to the consultation on this and there are several areas that may be of particular interest to BGP members including climate change, open spaces and bio-diversity. http://www.wembleymatters.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/new-wembley-plan-sets-out-future.html

FUND-RAISING GARDEN PARTYI have advertised this for the last 5 years and no Green Party member has ever turned up. That's a shame because it is a great opportunity to meet other local people involved in campaigning  and the garden is absolutely stunning - and the food and entertainment is pretty good too.  This year Debbie Fink, a Green Party member, is singing so it would be good for her to have some local support.

BRENT STOP the WAR & BRENT PSC

Summer Fundraising Garden Party

Sunday July 22^nd 4.00 – 10.00 pm

In a beautiful garden near Willesden Green Station (Jubilee line)

to get the full address, buy or reserve a ticket:

Reserved in advance £12 waged, £8 concessions

On the door £15 waged, £10 concessions

Price includes food- a delicious buffet with plenty of vegetarian options and scintillating entertainment including:

IAN SAVILLE Socialist Magician & Master of Ceremonies

Cuban classical guitarist AHMED DICKINSON

KARINA FRIES Juggling with Crystals

FINNISTERRE Alan & Alison with Folk and Golden Oldies

DEBORAH FINK the Diva with the Difference: Political Cabaret

Organised by Brent Stop the War and Brent Palestine Solidarity Campaign brentpsc.blogspot.com For more information or to reserve your ticket please email scox05@btinternet.com or ring / text 07951 084 101

Martin Francis
Brent Green Party Communications Officer

Climate activists going to court 10/7/2012

Phil Thornhill  and other climate activists involved with this will be appearing at Westminster Marylebone Magistrates Court,  181 Marylebone Rd at 9.30 am on Tuesday 10 July. Supporters are urged to attend their hearing. for further info see http://www.climate-siren.com/action23-6-12.html

PARAGUAY: EMERGENCY PUBLIC MEETING!

PARAGUAY: EMERGENCY  PUBLIC MEETING! Behind the  “Express Coup D’Etat” - What Does it Mean for  Paraguay & the Region? Thursday July 12, 6.30-8.30pm At the ‘Discus’ Room, Unite House,  128 Theobalds Road,  London, WC1X 8TN   Please circulate widely – come  &; show your support for democracy  &; social progress in Latin America!
Speakers to include: ·         Ricardo Medina,   Front for the Defence of Democracy in Paraguay (GB), ·         Richard Gott, writer ·         Jeremy Corbyn MP ·         Tony Burke, Assistant General Secretary,  Unite the Union ·         Francisco Dominguez,  Venezuela Solidarity Campaign ·         Lindsey German,  Stop the War Coalition (pers cap) ·         Plus a short film showing  &; more to be confirmed
Called by the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign.  Supported by Unite the Union with thanks to Thompsons Solicitors.
Please register in advance if possible to  info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk and  sign up plus invite people on Facebook here

PCS is the first major union to have a policy of backing candidates who stand against the party.(Labour)

see http://gptublog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/pcs-to-support-anti-austerity-cndidates.html

If your Unite branch meets before July 13th please nominate Raj,

from derek wall and jerry hicks

IIf your Unite branch meets before July 13th please nominate Raj,, details below. Please circulate this email to all your contacts as we do not have much time to secure the required number of nominations.........Keep on keeping on, Jerry. [07817827912] 
From Mr B. Gill [commonly know by my nick name as Raj].
Seeking your Nomination for the coming NEC election ‘Food Drink and Tobacco seat’
Membership 15437016 / 1393 Hotel Workers Branch
I have been a active trade unionist for more than 30 years continuously, since my early 20’s. My earlier years were spent working for Ford Motor Co for 12 years where I was a member of TGWU 1/1231 Branch during which time I was elected as a Senior shop-steward and H&S Rep.
I was made redundant from the motor industry as were 10,000’s others and I took a job in the Security Industry for G4S where I worked for 21 years. This sector was unregulated, with long hours and low pay and became a union rep and Branch Secretary and help improve TC's. After I was victimized there I had to leave the Industry.
I have accompanied members at hearings in B&Q, IKEA, TESCO, ASDA, and gave representation to workers at food preparation and packing company called Bakkavor as well as advicing catering staff at Harrods and Restaurant Associates and Pizza Express etc
Currently I dedicate my time to helping low paid workers in Hospitality sector, that included brand name companies such as Guoman, Thistle, Hilton and other Hotel Chains.
I support public sector workers fighting to retain their pensions provision and am involved in a campaign to stop the merger of NW Hospital Trusts and in defence our NHS. I believe Bankers who abuse the system should be punished and sent to jail.
I believe we have a duty to protect the old and Disabled workers, and all Remploy factories kept open and no cuts to DLA benefits.
In order to fight austerity we need a united front, between private, public and all our communities.
If I am successful in achieving the required number of nominations I shall be standing as a Grass Roots Left candidate and will fight for:
· Members in the food drink and Tobacco industry and all other Unite members
·  Retention and reinvestment of jobs in our industry and fighting to ensure no jobs are exported overseas.
·   Unite Officers to be elected by the members, not appointed.
·   Confronting anti-union and other unjust laws both UK and EU.
·   A fighting union not just campaigning, for jobs, terms and conditions and also at a political level for the working class.
    *  Public ownership and keeping public services.
    *  A General Secretary and other National Officers wages are pegged closer to that of members average earnings and not company Directors pay rates.
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!
I ask for your nomination.
_______________________________________________