Transnational Day of Solidarity

 Saturday 7th May 2016

  We Do Not Call for A Time Limit on Detention, We Demand an End to Detention!

  The last few years have seen an immense rise in protests inside and outside of detention centres. On Saturday May 7th, simultaneous demonstrations will be held around the UK and beyond, to protest against the existence of immigration detention centres and show solidarity with the 30,000 adults and children who are being detained against their will under the Immigration Act every year in the UK – without judicial oversight, a time limit, or adequate access to legal support, translation, and healthcare. We will come together with people inside detention to demand the closure of all detention centres and an end to border and migration controls! 

 May 7th is part of a wider transnational campaign to shut down detention centres and end the inherently abusive and violent system of immigration detention that criminalises, detains, and imprisons people simply because they have chosen or been forced to migrate. Actions also take place in solidarity with wider struggles against borders and migration controls and with people who are living in detention without walls, from Calais to Idomeni. So far actions have been planned across the UK and in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Iceland. 

 The detention estate in the UK has been expanding for many years, often run by private companies such as G4S, Serco, and GEO, who profit from the imprisonment of people considered to be “illegal” by governments. Detention centres are rarely discussed in the media or on the street, with the Home Office banning the UN from entry into Yarl’s Wood, but May 7th plans to bring to attention their existence and the dehumanising conditions for people imprisoned within them. Along with constant physical and sexual abuses of detainees by detention staff, there have been 2,230 attempted suicides since 2007 (an all-time high), and 26 deaths across the UK detention estate since 1989 – showing the devastating effects of detention on physical and mental health. Despite claiming not to, the Home Office consistently ignores its own guidelines and detains pregnant women, children, or survivors of torture, all continue to be detained at one point or other. We want to challenge the inaction taken by many organisations and charities, who so often rely on having good working relationships with the government.

These demonstrations take place directly in organisation and solidarity with the very people who are currently detained, or who have lived experiences of detention and the actions they take daily to protest their imprisonment and deportation, such as yard occupations, hunger strikes, riots, and resistance to forced removals. We want to let people held inside detention centres who face state violence on a daily basis know that their struggles are not unheard, that people on the outside are listening and want to come together in fighting against detention and deportation.

 Demonstrations will be held at:

Dungavel detention centre (Scotland, UK)

Morton Hall detention centre (Lincoln, UK)

Yarl’s Wood detention centre (Bedfordshire, UK)

Cedars detention centre (West Sussex, UK)

Campsfield detention centre (Oxfordshire, UK)

Brook House detention centre (Gatwick, UK)

Tinsley House detention centre (Gatwick, UK)

Harmondsworth detention centre (Middlesex, UK)

Colnbrook detention centre (Middlesex, UK)

The Verne detention centre (Dorset, UK)

Detention centre near Schiphol Airport (The Netherlands)

Reykjavik (Iceland)

127 bis detention centre (Steenokkerzeel, Belgium)

Coquelles detention centre (near Calais, France)

Märsta detention centre (Sweden)

 Exhibition at ex-detention centre, focusing on deportations and conditions inside detention centres (Frankfurt, Germany)

This day of protest has been called for and supported by groups across borders: Movement for Justice, Leeds No Borders, We Will Rise, The Unity Centre, No Borders Iceland, SOAS Detainee Support, Black Women’s Rape Action Project, Brighton Migrant Solidarity, Campaign to Close Campsfield, Manchester Migrant Solidarity, Anarchist Group of Amsterdam, No Borders Sussex, Migrant Solidarity Group of Hungary, Getting The Voice Out, Faites Votre Jeu!, No Borders Frankfurt, No One Is Illegal Stockholm, Borderline-Europe, Calais Migrant Solidarity, Anti Raids Network, No Borders Women and Non-binary folk, Shake! – Young Voices in Arts, Media, Race & Power, Detained Voices, Close the Verne, Shut Down Morton Hall, South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group, Barbed Wire Britain, Migrant Rights Network, Right to Remain, Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants, No Deportations-Residence Papers for All, Welcome to Hungary, SOS Racismo Madrid, Aktion Mot Deportation, All African Women’s Group, Payday, Women Against Rape, Women of Colour in Global Women’s Strike.

  For stories, experiences, and demands by people held in UK detention centres visit ‘Detained Voices’

  What You Can Do - Join us in organising a demonstration, action, or activity for May 7th

-           Circulate and translate this message across borders

-           Send a message of solidarity and support

-           Cover this story to help awareness of the detention estate and actions spread

-           Connect with people inside detention and let them know about May 7^th

 Detention Centres - 2016 Is The Year We Shut Them Down!

  Contact shutdowndetentioncentres@riseup.net or 07440435814

for more information.

https://shutdowndetentioncentres.wordpress.com/

France: Police Evict Asylum Seekers!

Protesters in Paris have been tear-gassed as they demonstrated against the decision to evict at least 277 asylum seekers who had been living in a high school. Almost three hundred refugees had camped out in an empty high school that was due to reopen after renovation. 

Demonstrators, wearing masks and hoods, formed a human chain to stop officers fro entering the building. But police deployed tear gas on the rally and managed to remove each one of the migrants living in the school. 

The refugees, who were mostly from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia, started occupying the Jean Jaurès School on April 21 to 22. Huge crowds of protesters linked arms to guard the gates this morning after the authorities ruled that the asylum seekers must be removed to allow the school to open. 

But the rally turned violent when police decided to use teargas to disperse the crowd as they tried to stop them from entering the building, Paris police chief Michel Cadot said. According to Eric Coquerel, from the Left Party, who took part in the protest, the police use of force was “unjustified.”

Read more: Vickiie Oliphant, Express 04/05/2016

Open-up on Orgreave!

THE Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign has asked that the new interim chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, Dave Jones, open up the force's archives into the police action at the Orgreave coking plant during the 1984 miners' strike .

The challenge from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign came the day after Dave Jones marked the moment he took over temporary control of the South Yorkshire force by offering to listen to the activists, as well as families of the 96 people who died in the Hillsborough disaster.

The Yorkshire Post news correspondent, Mark Casci, reported today: 

'Campaign secretary Barbara Jackson said they will take up Mr Jones's offer but said they did not want it to be a "token gesture".  Mrs Jackson said they want the chief constable to intervene in their legal bid to push Home Secretary Theresa May to hold a public inquiry into the events at Orgreave 32 years ago. '

This call from campaigners comes on the heals of the findings in the Hillsborough inquest last week which found that the South Yorkshire Police had lied and fabricated evidence.

The events of the 'Battle of Orgreave' came to symbolise the 1984 Miner's strike.   It took place at a coking plant on the borders of Rotherham and Sheffield, when large numbers of pickets were confronted by around 6,000 police from all around the UK.

A total of 95 miners were charged following the disturbances but their trial collapsed.

Blacklist Trial on 7th, June

IN the High Court yesterday (Wed 4th May), Lord Justice Supperstone ruled that the blacklisting High Court trial start date will be postponed until 7th June. This is after Anthony Hudson QC representing the remaining UNITE claimants requested the delay.  The multi-million pound settlement of several hundred claimants last Friday means that Guney, Clark & Ryan solicitors, GMB and UCATT have now withdrawn from the group litigation, meaning Thompsons solicitors will now have to carry out all of the tasks which until last week had been divided between all 4 legal teams.  

The confirmation of the new timetable means that Cullum McAlpine, the disgraced businessman at the centre of the blacklist scandal, will be forced to give evidence on Tuesday 21st June.  The public and press gallery will be packed for that day of the show trial - especially after McAlpine refused to answer so many pertinent questions when appearing before a Select Committee investigation into blacklisting in 2013. 

In total there are 97 UNITE claimants still involved in the litigation including 7 lead cases that will be used to assess the value of the compensation for all remaining blacklisted workers in the litigation. The High Court was also told that there is one blacklisted construction worker who is now participating in the trial as a 'litigant in person'.

It was also confirmed that the Information Commissioners Office has only in the past day or so released further additional documents seized during the 2009 raid on the notorious Consulting Association as part of a Third Party Disclosure Order.  This evidence was supposed to have been fully disclosed years ago - not less than a week before the trial was due to start. 

Steve Kelly, blacklisted electrician from Essex and Blacklist Support Group co-chair commented:

'My claim is still live in the High Court and I cannot wait to see Cullum McAlpine squirm in the dock. In his lust for profit, that pillar of the establishment has violated our human rights:  he deserves to pay for what he has inflicted upon our families.

'The British legal system has always been stacked in favour of big business and because of the destruction of mountains of documents, some blacklisted workers have been forced to accept settlements that fall a long way short of justice. But our fight has never just been about compensation. 

'Even to this day, workers are victimised for standing up for their basic legal rights by the very same companies that have publicly apologised for their role in the blacklist.  We demand jobs for blacklisted workers on major projects.  We demand our rights on sites.  Until we get proper justice, we will mobilise to fight them industrially and campaign politically for a public inquiry.  I make a promise, whatever happens in the High Court, the fight against blacklisting isn't over.' 

Unite statement on High Court ‘blacklisting’ trial adjournment

Unite director of legal services, Howard Beckett said: 

'Unite applied for an adjournment at the High Court today (Wednesday 4 May) and this was granted by Lord Justice Supperstone until Tuesday 7 June.  The reason for the application was that the four claimant teams have now become one which meant that it was impractical for the trial, estimated to take 11 weeks, to start on Monday 9 May. In addition, some late disclosure has come in from the Information Commissioner’s Office and this evidence needs to be considered and evaluated by our legal team.  Unite understands that the date for Cullum McAlpine, the alleged architect of the "blacklisting" scandal, to give evidence is Tuesday 21 June.  Unite still represents about 90 members whose jobs were ruined and lives turned upside down by the ‘blacklisting’ scandal.  Unite has not reached any settlement although we continue to negotiate to achieve justice.  The key question that has to be asked of the construction firms, which made an unprecedented admission of guilt last October, is why have they not yet settled?  Unite continues to seek maximum compensation and justice on behalf of our members following those admissions.'

Blacklist Support Group

'Dare Devil Rides To Jarama'

Townsend Productions in association with Harrogate Theatre and The Place Bedford  'DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA' A new play by Neil Gore TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR AUTUMN 2016 UK TOUR. View this email in your browser

Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now

DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA:  A new play by Neil Gore Spain 1936: Speedway star and daring Wall of Death motorcycle rider Clem "Dare Devil" Beckett felt his place was with Spanish people defending freedom and democracy against Franco's rising fascist armies. Commissioned by the International Brigades Memorial Trust, this play tells his extraordinary story as part of the 80th Anniversary of the Spanish Civil War and the formation of the International Brigades. AUTUMN TOUR DATES 2016:  TICKETS NOW ON SALE!!!!! SEPTEMBER 24 The Place Bedford (Box office: www.theplacebedford.org.uk; 01234718112) 26 -30 Harrogate Theatre (boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk; 01423502116) OCTOBER 1 Harrogate Theatre (boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk;01423502116) 4 Loganlea Miners Welfare (Box office: The Pitstop, 01501-763354) 5 North Edinburgh Arts   (Box office: 0131 315 2151; northedinburgharts.co.uk)    6 -7 Lowry Salford (Box office: 0843 208 6000; Groups Line: 0843 208 6003) 8 Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury  (Box office: 08448717607; www.atgtickets.com/shows/aylesbury) 11 Guildhall Derby (boxoffice@derby.gov.uk; 01332 255800) 12-15 Oldham Coliseum (Box office: 01616242829; www.coliseum.org.uk) 18-19 Castle Wellingborough   (Box office: 01933270007; www.thecastle.org.uk) 20 Chilwell Arts Centre Beeston (Box office: 07861 308044) 21 The Lansdown Hall Stroud (Box office: The Subscription Rooms 01453 760900) 22 The Seagull, Lowestoft  (Box office: 01502 589726; www.theseagull.co.uk) 24- 29 The Bussey Building Peckham (Box office: online www.clfartcafe.org; 02077325275) 30 The Marx Memorial Library London [extracts & songs] (Box office: 02072531485; www.marxlibrary.org.uk)                                                                                                     NOVEMBER 1 Hertford Theatre (Box office: 01992 531500; www.hertfordtheatre.com) 2 Wedgwood Rooms, Southsea (Box office: Wedgewood Rooms 02392863911  Kings Theatre 02392828282) 3 The Plough Arts Centre, Gt Torrington (Box office: 01805624624; www.theploughartscentre.org.uk)                                                                        4 Dorchester Arts Centre (Box office: 01305 266926; www.dorchesterarts.org.uk) 5 Bridport Arts Centre (Box office: www.bridport-arts.com; 01308 424204 7 Theatre Royal Margate (boxoffice@margatewintergardens.co.uk; 01843 292795) 10 Barnsley Civic (Box office: 01226 327000; enquirie@barnsleycivic.co.uk) 12 Cast Doncaster (Box office: 01302 303 959; castindoncaster.com) 13 Severn Theatre Shrewsbury (Box office: 01743 281281; www.theatresevern.co.uk) 14 -19 Lantern Theatre Sheffield (Box office: 0114 255 1776; www.lanterntheatre.org.uk) 22 -23 St Michaels Irish Centre, Liverpool (Box office: Box Office: 0151 263 1808 / www.stmichaelsirishcentre.org ) 24 - 26  Yorkshire rural touring scheme www.blaize.uk.net  dates to be announced. 29 Lighthouse Poole (Box office: 0844 406 8666; www.lighthouse poole.co.uk) 30 The Place Bedford (Box office: www.theplacebedford.org.uk; 01234718112) DECEMBER 1 Square Chapel Halifax (Box office: 01422349422; www.squarechapel.co.uk) 2 The Hat Factory Luton (Box office: 01582 878100; http://www.lutonculture.com/hat-factory) 3 Ruskin College Oxford (Box office: 01865 759600; www.ruskin.ac.uk)

Kelvin MacKenzie & 'The Truth'

A SHAMEFACED Kelvin MacKenzie, the former editor of The Sun, was ambushed by the media last week following the finding of an inquest jury that the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough were unlawfully killed and went on to pinpoint police failures before and after the 1989 FA Cup semi-final. 
Mr. MacKenzie, when The Sun editor in 1989, had printed a front page which wrongly accused the Liverpool fans’ hooliganism and as a contributing factor to the death of 96 people.
Now, it seems, Kelvin MacKenzie regards himself as 'a victim' of Hillsborough in so far as he claims that he was duped into believing the police accounts at the time. 
Last Friday, on the News Quiz on Radio Four Jeremy Hardy said MacKenzie was taken-in because at the time 'he had wanted to believe' the false police accounts that some Liverpool fans had urinated on police and had picked the pockets of the dead.
According to the Huffington Post the former Sun editor, MacKenzie told an ITV reporter who cornered him at Weybridge station in Surrey:

'It’s been an absolute disgrace what the police have done in South Yorkshire these last 27 years.

'I feel desperate for the families and I also feel that in some strange way that I got caught up in it. I feel terrible for them.'


This is a rather poor response from one of the gentlemen of the press, who should have known better.

Meanwhile, last week, the Daily Mirror, a rival to The Sun, was gloating:

'Former newspaper editor Kelvin MacKenzie claimed he “got caught up” in the Hillsborough cover-up.  Mr MacKenzie signed off on the The Sun’s shameful ‘The Truth’ front page in the wake of the 1989 disaster. '

Events at Salford Working Class Library

150 years of the Manchester and Salford Trades Council - exhibition
A new exhibition at the Library, To Make That Future Now!, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Manchester and Salford Trades Council.
For 150 years the Trades Council has fought, not only for socialism and trade union rights, but also against injustices such as poverty, discrimination and unemployment - and, as two separate institutions since 1975, it still carries on the struggle.
Open Wednesdays to Fridays 1-5pm and the first Saturday in May, June and July 10am-4pm. The exhibition runs until 26 August.

Frow Lecture this Saturday

A reminder that Richard Cleminson will give the Library's 7th annual lecture in honour of Library founders Edmund and Ruth Frow in the Old Fire Station, University of Salford on Saturday 7 May at 2pm. His topic is “A new world in our hearts”: anarchism and the Spanish Civil War.
Admission free; light refreshments after.  All welcome.

Ruth and Eddie Frow

Salford's Sarsaparilla Sounds
 

Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Islington Mill and ourselves join forces to fly the flag for Salford on the evening of Thursday 12 May as part of Manchester After Hours 2016. Using WCML and Salford Museum as locations, Islington Mill will curate a live programme of music and spoken word.

The night starts 5pm onwards at WCML with spoken word performances from:
Louise Woodcock / Sue Fox / Bob Clowrey / Lauren Bolger / Alex Cook / Rachel Margettes / Rebecca Hurst - and more TBA.
In keeping with the ethics of the library founders there will be no alcohol served for the spoken word performances -  instead Steep Soda will be running a temperance bar, serving delicious and unusual soft drinks.

After 7pm the audience will head across the road to Salford Museum & Art Gallery where Islington Mill will produce a live music programme, and there will be a bar serving alcohol and other refreshments.

More information here.

A one night only, city-wide social. A mix of odd couplings and unexpected partnerships. A chance for you to get into places and spaces not normally open after hours. It’s Museums at Night, it’s Manchester After Hours. Events across the city, Thursday 12 May.  For more information visit manchesterafterhours.com.

Our third film mini-festival

A trio of films to make you think...
The Working Class Movement Library is delighted to announce details of its third film mini-festival. In keeping with the Library's eclectic collections we have a range of screenings on offer - there's a radical history flavour as you'd expect.   All the screenings are free – and there will be popcorn...
Wednesday 18 May  6.30pm
In the company of Joan - première showing
Wendy Richardson’s documentary takes a look at the influence that those who spent time in the company of theatre director Joan Littlewood had on working class actors and audiences alike.  It covers her early days touring Northern communities with Ewan McColl through to the Theatre Royal Stratford East years, and the work with young people in the East End of London.
Wednesday 25 May 6.30pm
Watford's quiet heroes: resisting the Great War - NB CHANGE OF PROGRAMME
A film made by members of the Quaker Meeting in Watford, one of whom is a retired professional film-maker. It tells the stories of three local conscientious objectors but aims to frame them within an explanation of the national context and to generate interest in the legacy and relevance of war resistance today.
Wednesday 1 June 6.30pm
To begin the world over again: the life of Thomas Paine 
This film of Ian Ruskin’s one-man play addresses a multitude of contemporary issues that challenge us today. The story of Paine, ‘a man who changed the world with his pen’, also inspires us to always speak the truth as one sees it, no matter the consequences’.


Talkin' 'Bout That Representation
In 1969 the Representation of the People Act, which allowed people aged 18, 19 and 20 to vote in elections, was passed. During the 2014 Scottish Referendum 16 year olds were allowed to vote for the first time.
The People’s History Museum and the Working Class Movement Library want to bring together the youth of the 1960s and today’s young people to discuss all matters relating to the right to vote and youth culture. We’re holding a joint event on Friday 3 June at 2pm at the Library, as part of the Manchester Histories Festival.

To book a ticket for the event visit https://representation.eventbrite.co.uk.

This is a Manchester Histories Festival event -
Manchester Histories Festival 3-12 June 2016
Ten days  of  events  celebrating  the  familiar  and  revealing  the  new  and hidden  histories  and  heritage  from  across  Greater  Manchester.  Whether people  would  describe  themselves  as  histories  fans  or  not,  MHF2016  will have something for everyone. manchesterhistories.co.uk


Fishing in the Dustbowl fundraising concert
The Library's second musical fundraising concert takes place on Sunday 5 June from 2-4pm in Peel Hall, University of Salford, in conjunction with the University, and features Will Kaufman, performing and talking about some of his Woody Guthrie songs, and John Conolly performing and talking about  his own songs about life and work in the east coast fishing industry. This event is also part of the Manchester Histories Festival and as such we are promised a couple of Ewan MacColl’s songs as well...

Tickets at £10 (£8 concessions) will be available very soon from the University online shop at shop.salford.ac.uk.


Cotton famine talk
On Wednesday 11 May at 7.30pm, Saddleworth Historical Society is hosting a lecture by Dr. David Brown of Manchester University, "Distress in Lancashire": the Cotton Famine and British Intervention in the American Civil War.

The American Civil War (1861-65) had a profound influence on British politics and society. Abraham Lincoln’s naval blockade drastically curtailed cotton supplies, and the ensuing Cotton Famine caused a devastating downturn in the Lancashire textile industry and severe unemployment among cotton operatives. Could the Famine have forced the British government to break its policy of neutrality?

The talk takes place at the Conservative Club, High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6AP (the Society has no political affiliation...).  Admission £3.

Conscientious Objectors Day
The Friends of Manchester Peace Garden are holding an event 'to mark the quiet heroism' of those who followed their own consciences by refusing to take part in any killing during a time of war.  On Sunday 15 May at 4pm people are invited to gather in the former Apple Market between the Cathedral and Chetham's School of Music, which is the Friends' preferred site of the future Peace Garden.  The Open Voices choir will sing and  names of local COs will be read out.  All welcome.

And on Tuesday 17 May at 6.30pm Dr Clive Barrett will give a talk, Subversive Peacemakers, at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum alongside their exhibition dedicated to COs Percy Redfern and George Dutch.  He will highlight a strong strand of anti-war sentiment in the Church of England during WW1, which was opposed to the dominant theology of the Establishment. This was partly based on traditional Christian pacifism, but included other religious, social and political influences.

General Strike anniversary

90 years since the 1926 General Strike – learn the lessons to fight back!

NINETY years ago today, millions of workers were taking part in the General Strike to defend the miners from a brutal Tory government.  The NSSN along with militant unions has championed the idea of generalised strike action to face down Tory austerity and their planned anti-union laws. 

The PCS National Vice-President John McInally celebrates the 1926 General Strike and draws out the lessons for today’s generation of trade union fighters:

'The 90^th anniversary of the general strike of 1926 allows us to reflect on the potential of the working class through their own organisations - the trade unions - to organise and fight back against attacks on their terms and conditions.

'But the current generation of conservative union leaders will also no doubt use this anniversary to expound a defeatist narrative, best expressed at the 2012 TUC Congress during a debate on the feasibility of calling a general strike, that “..we tried that once and it didn’t work”.  This cynical, ignorant statement seeks to re-write history as a series of defeats to prove industrial action is pointless and that gains made through generations of struggle were actually gifted to us by a munificent ruling class.

'In fact in 1972 the very threat of a general strike forced the government to resurrect archaic legal procedures in order to release jailed Dockers from Pentonville prison.  In 2011 public sector workers saw a glimpse of their massive latent strength during the two million strong N30 pensions strike that was sold out by cynical “leaders” who choreographed a “settlement” with Tory ministers that robbed them of pension rights.  The 1984-85 Miners strike is also cited as “proof” that struggle is useless and only “diplomatic” entreaties can restrain the bosses from implementing the worst aspects of a never-ending race to the bottom.  But with solidarity action from the rest of the union movement, Thatcher could have been defeated then.

'Leadership now as then is critical.  In 1926, the Daily Mail accurately described the  general strike as a “revolutionary move” but with the purpose of frightening the Labour Party and union leaders, which it did.

'Jeremy Hunt’s imposition of unacceptable contracts on junior doctors is a key stage in privatising our National Health Service and he seeks to intimidate them but also warn off right-wing union leaders by claiming the strikers aim to overthrow the government.

'My union PCS along with the Fire Brigades Union called on the TUC general council to call a day of action in support of the junior doctors. The TUC must, as a matter of priority, reconsider their decision not to support this call.

'The real lesson of the general strike is not that we can’t win but with determined leadership, workers can secure priceless victories.'

The horrors of the English medical profession!

Stephen Bolsin from Whistleblower Interview Project on Vimeo.

Watching this video is the stuff of nightmares and not just for parents. It was George Bernard Shaw, who once said that "all professions are a conspiracy against the laity" and watching this video shows why.

Dr Stephen Bolsin is the British anaesthetists and 'whistle-blower', who exposed the scandal about the deaths of babies at Bristol Royal Infirmary in the 1990s. Over a six-year period, Dr Bolsin, sought to show and identified how too many babies were dying at Bristol Hospital, following cardiac surgery (arterial switch operation). At the time he said:

"In the end, I just couldn't go on putting these children to sleep, with their parents present in the anaesthetic room, knowing that it was almost certain to be the last time they would see their sons or daughters alive."

Despite bringing this to the attention of hospital management, the Department of Health, and the attention of three Presidents of Royal Colleges, nothing was done. It was later discovered that the Department of Health had filed away his letter notifying them of the high-rate of baby deaths, without taking action, because it didn't want to get involved in clinical matters. 

Although Dr Bolsin put his career at risk in exposing this scandal, these operations were eventually suspended and an investigation was launched by the General Medical Council (GMC). Two surgeons, Dr Wishart and Dr Dhasmana, were found guilty of serious professional misconduct for continuing to operate on children despite the alarming mortality rate. The hospital's Chief Executive, John Roylance, was struck off the medical register for covering up the surgeon's inadequacies.

Bury Bin Boss Bans Bad Publicity!

Daily Mail reports on how Labour Council Clamps Down on Truth

HE is the man behind the UK’s first three-weekly rubbish collection service, a scheme that has left angry residents picking their way through stinking heaps of refuse. 

And now Glenn Stuart, waste ‘tsar’ for Bury, Greater Manchester, has revealed how he cracked down on negative publicity for the controversial scheme – by trying to stop photographs like (the one below) of the town’s overflowing bins.

Mr Stuart’s positive spin on his unpopular decision has gone down well in the waste-collection world.  At a conference in London last week, he was applauded by local authority executives as he boasted:

‘Any problem was nipped in the bud.  We didn’t allow photographs of overflowing bins.’

He claimed this had been achieved by showing families how to deal more efficiently with their rubbish.

But campaigners said the Labour council had tried to banish damaging images by warning people that only those bins where the lids closed fully would be emptied – a threat that had forced some families to keep rubbish indoors until the dustcart’s next visit, or take it to the tip themselves.

And despite Mr Stuart’s attempts to impose a positive spin, local activists have shared with The Mail on Sunday these pictures of Bury’s rubbish piles, two years after the scheme was introduced.

Jason Turner, who organised a 6,000-signature petition against the idea, said:

‘The council has duped the public all the way along and this latest news smacks of a cover-up. I’m all in favour of recycling but I’ve been making several trips each month to the tip since this scheme started. I’m doing the council’s job for them.’

Last night, an unrepentant Mr Stuart warned that an emptying service every three weeks – already adopted by other councils – would soon be standard practice across Britain, adding:

‘I have had lots of requests for information from colleagues in other authorities.’

And he warned that he may get tougher still to force the people of Bury into recycling, saying: ‘People have been given ample opportunity to fall in line.  We need to formulate a plan of action in terms of enforcement.’

The scheme’s opponents claim it has led to an increase in rat infestation.  Iain Gartside, leader of the Conservative group on Bury council, said:

‘It’s an absolutely disgrace, with overflowing bins and increased fly-tipping.’

Despite Mr Stuart’s attempts to impose a positive spin, local activists have shared the above image with The Mail on Sunday of one of Bury’s rubbish pilesRead more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3567680/Bin-tsar-slashed-collections-one-THREE-WEEKS-tries-crack-opposition-banning-photographs-overflowing-bins.html#ixzz47bjt5PZs
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3567680/Bin-tsar-slashed-collections-one-THREE-WEEKS-tries-crack-opposition-banning-photographs-overflowing-bins.html#ixzz47bdC1gdS

Blacklist Firms' Pay-Out Millions!

1. HIGH COURT: 

Construction firms pay out millions to settle more blacklisting claims but the fight for justice continues. 

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-5820-Blacklist-wretches-pay-250m#.VyhdvfkrLs0

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/apr/29/blacklisted-workers-secure-compensation-construction-firms

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britains-biggest-building-firms-agree-7864460

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36173104

http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/contractors-settle-blacklisting-litigation

http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/unite-statement-on-blacklisting/

2. Hillsborough 

Blacklist Support Group would like to pay tribute to the tremendous campaign by the families and supporters of the 96 football fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough.  Their 27 year campaign for justice has finally been vindicated in court with the verdict of unlawful killing.  The Hillsborough campaigns are an inspiration to millions around the world and prove that when we are steadfast in our fight for the truth, even the rich and powerful will be brought to account in the end. 

3. Third elected MSP found on blacklist

https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/3906/rosie-kane-former-msp-was-on-blacklist-of-trade-unionists-and-activists

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/its-sinister-ex-socialist-msp-7817196#ICID=sharebar_facebook#TVowEfMjw34m2vp4.97

Academic who criticized Police Scotland is on blacklist - but his file has been destroyed

http://m.heraldscotland.com/news/14464136.Blacklisted__Scots_law_lecturer_named_in_

secret__do_not_employ__dossier/

4. Workers Memorial Day

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/construction-workers-queensferry-crossing-vote-7858841#RQygmlqMZ2EWHuV8.97

5. Scottish Labour Election Manifesto: 

'A Scottish Labour Government will stand up for citizens’ individual rights and protect the Human Rights Act.  We will right the wrongs for the people denied that basic human right to work — a Scottish Labour Government will deliver a full inquiry into the practice of blacklisting trade unionists in Scotland.'

6. 'Blacklisted' is shortlisted for the Bread & Roses book award 2016 

Sat 7th May at London Radical Bookfair 

http://www.bread-and-roses.co.uk/

7. Strikes & Protests

North Sea 

http://www.oilandgaspeople.com/news/8253/breaking-industrial-action-in-north-sea-as-63-sea-shell-workers-down-tools-and-demand-choppers/

https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/42608/Unofficial%20strike%20on%20the%20North%20Sea%20rigs:%20send%20solidarity

Solidarity with scaffs and labourers striking for one rate for the job at the Polmadie waste-to-energy site, Glasgow. Next 48 hour strike Tuesday 3 May

NG Bailey - direct employment 

Victimized union activists:

https://camdenunison.org.uk/2016/04/27/camden-unison-members-vote-for-strike-action-in-defence-of-victimised-steward/

http://www.uniteforoursociety.org/page/speakout/justice-for-alison-

8. Undercover police 

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/25/woman-who-lived-with-police-spy-criticises-bbc-drama-undercover?CMP=share_btn_tw

Blacklist Support Group

book: http://newint.org/books/politics/blacklisted-secret-war/

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlCa8yQmZ70

blog: www.hazards.org/blacklistblog

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/blacklistSG/

Cullum McAlpine Coy About Going to Court

‘Blacklisting mastermind’ refuses to give evidence
Shaun Noble, Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

The alleged architect of the construction ‘blacklisting’ scandal, Cullum McAlpine, has declined to give evidence in the High Court case, due to start next month, to establish the extent of wrong-doing in the industry.

Unite condemned the decision by Cullum McAlpine not to take the witness box as ‘a further gross insult’ to the thousands of construction workers who have lost their jobs because of the machinations of the secretive Consulting Association and Services Group of the Economic League.

The revelations about Cullum  McAlpine, a director of Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, came when the companies’ evidence was filed for the High Court  trial which is due to start on Monday May 9 – and is expected to last 11 weeks.

The complex multi-strand case will centre on a number of key legal issues, including defamation, breaches of the 1988 Data Protection Act, conspiracy and misuse of private information. The outcome of the trial will determine the level of compensation those ‘blacklisted’ may receive.

Unite is supporting the claims of about 290 construction workers for damages for years of lost income because they were ‘blacklisted’. The claims are against Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and more than 30 other firms.

Unite also pledged to challenge Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd every time that the company tenders for future public procurement contracts, unless Cullum McAlpine gives evidence at the High Court.

'Despite last October’s unprecedented admission of guilt by construction firms involved in blacklisting, those that masterminded this campaign of blacklisting are still twisting and turning to avoid appearing in court where the media and public will be present,' said Unite director of legal services Howard Beckett.

'It is Unite’s belief that that Cullum McAlpine, as founder chairman, was the key architect in the operation of the Consulting Association until it was raided by the Information Commissioner in 2009.

'The fact that he is refusing to give evidence to help bring closure for the suffering that our members and their families have endured is shaming.

'You judge the character of a person if they are prepared to stand up and defend their actions in open court – you don’t skulk in the legal twilight protected by a platoon of expensive City lawyers,' Beckett added.

'How can a company run by a man who hides from his victims and the justice system ever hope to convince ministers that they have learnt from the sins of the past and deserve to be involved in public procurement contracts.

'Unite says loud and clear to Cullum McAlpine: Turn up and give evidence or expect your dispute with us to go on long after this litigation has concluded. We will object at every turn to your company benefiting from public procurement contracts.

'It is only now after sustained legal action, with the support of Unite, that the lid is being finally lifted on a scandal which has ruined countless lives and led to hardship for many more,” Beckett noted.

'However, the stain of blacklisting won’t be removed until there is a full public inquiry and the livelihoods of the blacklisted are restored by the firms involved giving them a permanent job,' he added.

'Many Unite members, who are the victims of blacklisting, have rejected the employers’ financial offers. The employers make mention of headline figures in regard to their top offers, but the reality is that they continue to attempt to buy off the majority of claims with low offers.

'The employers need to understand that compensation is only one part of the blacklisting struggle and until the employers are prepared to issue unreserved admissions as to the practices they undertook, prepared to disclose all documentation they hold regarding the blacklist and show a willingness to positively intervene in favour of employing victims then the fight goes on.'

Unite statement on 'blacklisting'

UNITE director of legal services, Howard Beckett said:

'Unite is continuing to litigate on behalf of those construction workers whose lives were ruined by the 'blacklisting' scandal.

 'Unite has issued a witness summons for Callum McAlpine, the alleged architect of 'blacklisting' and a named defendant, to give evidence at the High Court trial next month. He has, so far, steadfastly refused to give a statement in response to the serious allegations made against him.

 'Last October, the construction firms involved in blacklisting made an unprecedented admission of guilt and Unite intends to seek justice and compensation to the maximum extent on behalf of our members following those admissions.'

29/04/2016 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 29/04/2016 19:23  

Vote For Who Does The Cuts!

Letter to Rochdale Observer:

20^th, April 2016.

 

Dear Editor,

 

READING Phill Bethell and Stewart Robinson's letters (Your Views April 16^th, and 20^th) mocking Councillor Andy Kelly and defending the local Labour-controlled Council, is like perusing the script of a performance of the Theatre of the Absurd.  It smacks of desperation, and by ignoring the Conservatives and concentrating on the Liberal Democrats, it makes Councillor Andy Kelly seem like a Giant among Pygmies.

 

In his own column, Simon Danczuk, still suspended by the Labour Party, writes:

'The big decisions might be made in Westminster but it is in town halls up and down the country where these polices become reality.'

 

The 'reality', which the honourable member for Rochdale does not spell out, is that the town's citizens may have the luxury of choosing between whether in future the council cuts are to be imposed by an administration led by Labour Councillor Richard Farnell or perhaps alternatively by Ashley Dearnley for the Tories.

 

In that context, it may well be that Councillor Andy Kelly's early departure from the town hall chamber was a rational move.

 

If my branch was based in Rochdale, I would fear for my members whoever gains power.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Brian Bamford:  Secretary Bury Unite Commercial Branch.