=================================================== N E T W O R K I N G N E W S L E T T E R # 6 0 =================================================== FEBRUARY 2005 (printed/distributed: 08.02.05) Welcome to February's "Networking Newsletter" by email. A PDF version, complete with (colour) photos is available online either at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/60/networking-newsletter60.pdf (2.5Mb download) A web version of this newsletter will be available shortly at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/60 and the latest newsletter at any given time can always be found at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/latest.shtml For the very latest news remember to visit our "stop press" web page at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/stop_press.shtml and events updated daily at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar and full dates of groups are at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts Please pass this email on and encourage people to sign up to our various email lists by sending an email to signUp@networkingnewsletter.org.uk or visiting http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/feedback.html Enjoy! [Michael] ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* CONTENTS -------- 1. SPEAKING OUT FOR THE ANIMALS 2. GREENING MANCHESTER 3. CLIMATE CRISIS 4. A EUROPE FOR PEACE 5. FOOD FOR THE FUTURE 6. ANARCHY ON THE AIRWAVES 7. MINISTRY OF TRUTH 8. COUNCILLORS BACK TRADE JUSTICE 9. POLICE CRIMINALISE PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST 10. EVENTS LISTING 11. CONTACTS 12. EDITORIAL 13. WORTH WHILE WEB 14. STANDING ORDERS 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* 1. SPEAKING OUT FOR THE ANIMALS SNOW AND ROCK In mid-January, a small but enthusiastic demo was held outside "Snow and Rock" on Princess Parkway, in a bid to encourage customers to complain about the company selling real animal fur. Throughout the protest, there were many hoots of support from passing traffic - all these potential customers of Snow & Rock are now fully aware that this store is to be boycotted! Since the store is on a main road leading to the motorway, the traffic flows very quickly so cars slowing down to go into the store causes problems for the rest of the traffic. For this reason, the protesters felt it was better in terms of traffic safety to leaflet on the actual property so when the cars stop they are not stopping in the main road to get leaflets. However, the manager came out to complain to protesters about standing on about 1" of their property and stomped off to call the police! When the police arrived, they were very pleasant and tried to establish why the store was still being picketed when the manager had told them that this particular store was no longer stocking fur "because of the demos". The police were informed, as was the manager, some weeks ago, that until the company stops selling fur as a whole (and not just withdrawing it from this store) and issues a statement confirming they will not sell fur again in the future, then there would be continued demos at all their stores around the country. The police were satisfied with the response and soon left; the protest carried on as before and successfully turned away a few customers, with many more customers saying they would be complaining! Demos are still happening at Snow and Rock on a regular basis, please contact MAP if you would like to join these peaceful protests. You can also contact Snow and Rock to ask that they implement a no-fur policy as soon as possible. Explain that you will boycott them until they do so. Their head office is at The Rock, 2 Thornberry Way, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1QB (Tel: 01483 445 335, fax: 01483 445 356, email: dion.taylor@snowandrock.com) or email the Manchester manager direct on MA.Manager@snowandrock.com SPEAK OUT! Several hundred compassionate people from around the country, including Manchester, gathered in Oxford at the end of January to voice their opposition to Oxford University building a new animal lab, which will include provisions for primates. The crowd was vibrant and determined: no one in Oxford that day would be able to overlook the passion of feeling against building this atrocity. Many people were dressed as builders, highlighting the fact that anyone who has any involvement in the construction of this laboratory are not innocent by-standers but are guilty of allowing such crimes against animals to be committed. If individuals and companies alike do not condemn the horrific practices that go on inside animal laboratories, then they condone them. Oxford University has claimed that work will re-commence in the near future and even though the government are threatening to bring out more legislation to further stifle lawful protest, the animal rights movement will not sit back and let this hell hole be built. Speeches kicked off the march, and upon arrival at the site of the half-built lab, more speeches were heard. On the way back to the meeting point, the police started to get heavy-handed and were trying to ride horses into the back end of the march. This stopped the march for a while, until the police retracted slightly, but were still trying to get their feet into the backs of protesters as they peacefully marched. The march arrived back at the meeting place to the solemn pace of a single drum beating; this was highly effective to passers-by. All in all, the day was a huge success; giving out a determined message to Oxford University! Manchester Animal Protection (0845 456 2492, info@mapsoc.org.uk) http://www.mapsoc.org.uk http://www.speakcampaigns.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hello Michael. Just to say that your site is looking better than ever. Good looking, easy to navigate, complete and very sensitive to the needs of those who consult. It is an amazing achievement, especially as it created in your spare time. I always tell people about it." Mike, Campaign for a Hydrogen Economy --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. GREENING MANCHESTER Following on from our recent relevation that Manchester City Council's Labour Group are aiming to make it the "greenest in the land", we've received plenty of comment. We'll round up your comments next issue so keep emailing views and suggestions to gauntlet@networkingnewsletter.org.uk (let's have some positive ones too!). Meanwhile, the Council are currently writing their energy and biodiversity strategies (available from their website www.manchester.gov.uk) so please have your say! --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. CLIMATE CRISIS A public meeting was held in Manchester in late January to alert people to the climate crisis that is facing us. Steven Durrant from the Green Party began by speaking about the likely effects of climate change and what needs to be done to address the problem. Dave Coleman from Manchester Friends of the Earth then explained why nuclear power simply isn't a viable option, and Chris Davies MEP gave an overview of the impact that the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and other forthcoming European legislation will have on reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Finally, Graham Thompson from the Campaign against Climate Change closed the meeting by encouraging people to travel down to London on Saturday 12 February to join the Kyoto Climate March in protest against the failure of the US to subscribe to the Kyoto carbon dioxide targets (see p6 for transport info). The main march will involve a parade of the flags of all 129 countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and will go from Lincoln's Inn Fields via the ExxonMobil offices and the Australian embassy to end at the US embassy for speeches at around 2pm. Speakers will include Caroline Lucas MEP (Green Party), Tony Juniper (Friends of the Earth), Norman Baker MP (Lib Dem Shadow Environment Minister) and Muzammal Hussein (Islamic Foundation for Ecology and the Environmental Sciences). For more information on the Kyoto Climate March, please visit http://www.campaigncc.org or phone 07903 316331 Ali Abbas, Manchester FoE (0161 834 8221, ali@manchesterfoe.org.uk) http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. A EUROPE FOR PEACE This year sees the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States. Despite all the consequent death, devastation and suffering the world has not yet achieved a ban on nuclear weapons. Although at the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in 2000 the nuclear weapons states made an "unequivocal undertaking" to take positive steps to nuclear disarmament, very little has happened. This year we must press governments to carry out their legal obligations to achieve global nuclear disarmament. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the military alliance which includes the USA and Canada, has been expanded to 26 states across Europe. Yet NATO is a block to the furthering of the aims of the NPT as it still holds policies of retaining nuclear weapons, of using nuclear arms first and a policy of nuclear sharing so that the US can store nuclear weapons at bases on the land of non-nuclear weapon states. The new European Constitution includes articles which support a European army, support for selling more arms from Europe and recommendations that member states should spend more on defence. The above issues are urgently in need of public debate, because there is no doubt that people are seeking ways to achieve peace and human security. Will they find it through military security? Can governments still threaten the use of nuclear weapons? What is the effect of the spending of huge amounts of money on more advanced technological, including nuclear, weapons? If we are to change hearts and minds, how will we do it? CND will raise these questions in the workshops at the "Europe for Peace" conference on Saturday 5 March (see p9). The conference speakers are Tobias Pflueger (Member of the European Parliament), Jeremy Corbyn MP, Arielle Denis (co-president, Mouvement de la Paix). Kate Hudson (chair, CND) and Roger Cole (Peace and Neutrality Alliance). GLASTONBURY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED GM&D CND need nearly 40 volunteers at this year's Glastonbury Festival to help with the left luggage service. Last year they raised over UKP1,800. If you are interested contact the office (see below) for an application form. You must be available from 21-27 June, willing to work a total of 28 hours including a nightshift, able to lift heavy rucksacks, have excellent people skills, be prepared to deal with rain, mud and sun, in possession of a tent, sleeping bag etc, literate, numerate and 16 or over. You will get a free ticket and camp in staff fields with better facilities. CND will provide a subsidised minibus from Manchester to the site. Volunteers' children under 12 years of age get in free. Jacqui Darbyshire, Greater Manchester & District CND (273 8283, gmdcnd@gn.apc.org) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. FOOD FOR THE FUTURE At the end of January, over 80 people gathered at organic bar-restaurant "Nectar" in Hale to attend Manchester Friends of the Earth's "Food for the Future" event. The group campaigns for "Real Food" (defined as foodstuffs which are organic, GM Free, locally sourced, fairly traded and often vegetarian) and launched its Real Food Guide to Manchester website http://realfoodguide.org.uk in March 2004. Intended both as a campaign fundraising event and an evening of fun and interest regarding food issues, the audience heard speakers such as Michele Barlow from the Slow Food movement, Brigid Benson talking about the bid for Altrincham to become a Fair Trade town and Dave Coleman highlighting the links between thinking global when looking at our environmental impact and acting local in terms of making conscious decisions as to how we live and where we buy our food and drink. The audience then enthusiastically tucked into an organic and fairly traded gourmet buffet provided by Nectar and many took time out to sign up to food, corporate and other related environmental actions at the campaign stalls or take part in the raffle for organic goodies donated by local ethical investment advisors The Gaeia Partnership, Duchy Originals, Green And Blacks and Doves Farm. Organiser Dave Coleman commented, "Running this event has highlighted not just that people in Manchester are really passionate about their food and where it comes from, but just how many people are passionate about the organic movement and keeping our food free of GM contamination". In fact the event was so popular it was sold out well in advance and many applicants had to be turned away. "It's revealed a real appetite for these issues", Coleman commented, "and this event has been so successful we intend running another similar one in the next few months". Sounds like you will need to get your orders in early! Dave Coleman, Manchester FoE (0161 834 8221, dave@manchesterfoe.org.uk) http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. ANARCHY ON THE AIRWAVES Under the Pavement is a groundbreaking radical alternative radio show broadcast every other Monday 9-11pm on South Manchester's ALL FM 96.9 community radio station and with highlights from the shows available online at http://www.underthepavement.org The show, which reports on Manchester's diverse radical and activist actions and campaigns, originally started broadcasting in July 2002. "Guests on the show have included Boff and Alice of Chumbawamba, Gee Vaucher of Crass, comedian Mark Thomas, American singer David Rovics, peace campaigner Bruce Kent talking about Ray Gilbert's prison campaign and The Beautiful South's Paul Heaton", says co-presenter/co-producer David. "We've also had people in from a variety of campaigns and action groups. Topics we've covered in the last six months include Peace Brigades International, gay rights, vegan organics, independent media, underground/activist video and films, anti-deportation campaigns, Palestine, anti-war, prisoner solidarity, cycling, radical bookfairs, critical mass, anti-quarry campaigns, veganism, DIY gig promotion and squatting". As well as regular guests and interviews it features a fortnightly news round up from Indymedia, a What's On Guide with Manchester's Networking Newsletter project, reviews, a DIY gig guide plus an eclectic mix of thought provoking music. David, Under the Pavement (radio@underthepavement.org) http://www.underthepavement.org/ ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* 7. MINISTRY OF TRUTH Citizens of Manchester were astonished to see the Ministry of Truth on the streets again in January. This time there was no escape from the information about what the government says on ID cards; the costs, penalties and types of data that will be collected on you and used. The Ministry dictates that all good citizens will carry ID cards at all times, allow businesses access to their personal data, pay for their own card and always believe the government - you know they have your best interests at heart. The Ministry added, "We need more than your name." Many citizens on the Manchester streets stopped to read the information and talk to the Ministry. Some reprobates posing as Ministry employees (easily spotted because they were not wearing Ministry regulation suits) said negative things about ID cards and many of our good citizens were shocked. On the previous day, the Manchester Defy-ID group visited the offices of PA Consulting Group and Siemens Business Services to draw attention to both the ID scheme and the companies that stand to make a massive profit from this gross infringement of our civil liberties. Manchester Defy-ID representative Tim Stockton told journalists, "The only way we'll be able to stop this vile scheme is if ordinary people have the courage to stand up to the government and these companies and say enough is enough. Everyone has something that they want kept private, and this scheme is going to expose all our day to day activities to surveillance - not just by the state but by private companies too. We will have to resist this scheme when it becomes law and that not only includes refusing to register or carry a card, but includes targeting the companies who will make millions from the government spending taxpayers money on something we don't want." A public meeting to talk with Manchester citizens is planned and the Ministry fears the intention will be to persuade otherwise upright citizens to refuse to carry ID cards. In the interests of every good citizen avoiding the public meeting, the Ministry of Truth feels dutybound to announce it is on Thursday 3 March (see page 9). Big Brother is watching you. You have been warned. Manchester Defy-ID (manchester@defy-id.org.uk) http://www.defy-id.org.uk/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- "This is a very well networked and linked org. Nice one." K. Parkinson, new e-subscriber --------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. COUNCILLORS BACK TRADE JUSTICE Manchester development campaigners from Cafod, Christian Aid and World Development Movement, balloted city Councillors to get a just trade deal for the world's poor. The action was facilitated by Councillor Sue Murphy, Chair of the Fairtrade Manchester steering group, who had visited the Trade Justice stall in the pre-Christmas farmers' market and saw the coincidence of their campaigns. A majority of the councillors, Labour and Lib Dem, voted positively and the endorsement of the campaign enables the Trade Justice group to reassure the party faithful of the acceptability of the campaign as it seeks to "support" politicians doing good and to "develop" them where they need further guidance. Manchester Trade Justice have built links with local politicians and hope to further involve them in future actions relating to topics to be addressed this year by the umbrella Make Poverty History campaign. Stephen Pennells, of Manchester Trade Justice, said, "It's good that Manchester's councillors meet across party divisions to champion the poor. Although Manchester has a 'Free Trade' history, its leaders realise that, nowadays, developing economies should not simply be ripped open to 'Free Trade' piracy where the rich and powerful can plunder for their own selfish ends. Successful developing nations such as India, China and Brazil have developed their own economic bases behind measured and careful protection; just as Europe, the US and Japan did earlier. We just want justice, so that poor nations in our times of unparalleled global wealth can do the same without being bullied by the rich." Stephen Pennells, Manchester Trade Justice Movement (pennells@fish.co.uk) MOTIV8 4 G8 30,000 people die each day from extreme poverty, 19,000 are children. 2005 is a crucial year for making poverty of this scale a thing of the past. It is the UK's turn at the head of the G8 and thus is a year to make history, to Make Poverty History. Join hundreds of others from the North of England for the "Motiv8 4 G8" conference at New Century House on April 9 (put the date in your diary now - full details next month!) as we prepare to travel to Scotland in early July to make sure world leaders Make Poverty History at the G8 Summit. At Motiv8 you can learn all you need to know about Make Poverty History and the Edinburgh mobilisation for the G8 and hear from actor, presenter and campaigner Tony Robinson, the Friends of the Earth Trade Campaign Manager, a Cafod rep and international speakers from countries like Brazil. Chris Worrall, Oxfam (0161 838 5620, cworrall@oxfam.org.uk) http://www.tjm-manchester.org.uk/motiv84g8.htm --------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. POLICE CRIMINALISE PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST Greater Manchester Police are actively attempting to criminalise pro-Palestinian protest in Manchester. In the 3 weeks since the end of their ban on the regular Saturday picket of Marks and Spencer in Market Street, they have seized a Palestinian flag on the grounds that a police officer found it "offensive", seized 2 placards because they had "Victory to the Intifada" written on them and allowed Zionists to hound, abuse and harass picketers with impunity claiming that this was acceptable behaviour on a public demonstration. The picket, which calls for a boycott of M&S because of the store's political and financial support for the Israeli state, has taken place weekly since the start of the Intifada in Sept 2000. Chief Constable Michael Todd banned the picket for 5 weeks over Christmas under the Public Order Act, a ban which is now subject to Judicial Review. Nine people were arrested in December when they attempted to continue the protest. GMP actions since then show that they have dropped any pretence at impartiality. We demand an end to this censorship, and an end to the attempt to criminalise lawful protest in support of the Palestinian people. Defend the Marks & Spencer Picket Campaign (07816547066) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. EVENTS LISTING Since the events listed is updated so often and a mailing containing latest dates was sent out to the netNews-action list recently, we've not repeated the information here. The latest dates are on web site http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar or email us and we'll send them to you. REGULAR EVENTS ARE LISTED SEPARATELY Please see the online listing at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar/regular.html --------------------------------------------------------------------- "We continue to promite the Networking Newsletter every show, giving out the web address on each and every show (as the What's On Calendar is such a great resource)" David, Under the Pavement, ALL FM --------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. CONTACTS Space is too limited to list all our contacts here, so we humbly suggest you visit our web page http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts An email or paper copy is available upon request by emailing contacts-request@networkingnewsletter.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Thanks for the help; someone told me told in Levy that they had seen your publicity for us" Stephen P., Manchester Trade Justice --------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. EDITORIAL This month we're proud to announce we've moved to The Co-operative Bank. So now only are we more ethical than before, but you can also now join by standing order (complete the form below now before you forget). It's always a rush to get out the printed newsletter and there's never enough space so check our web site (www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk) which is updated almost daily and has more in-depth, searchable, coverage of the issues (& corrections to mishtakes.). Money is always tight (see below) so if you're not already a subscriber please use the form below to help us continue (or we could get a few million of the likes of BNFL or Shell.) Please pass this newsletter on when you've finished reading it to let others know of the Networking Newsletter. TAKE THE GREEN OPTION You can now save paper by getting the Networking Newsletter and updates delivered by email. We can either email you a text-only version of the newsletter or a PDF as soon as it comes out (sometimes the day before it's even printed!). To join up visit the website or email subs@networkingnewsletter.org.uk saying which format you prefer, and whether you wish to go on the "actions" list. The latter allows people to swap information on forthcoming events. ACCOUNTS In 2004, we spent UKP1,110 printing newsletters & UKP20 on web hosting (www.redblackandgreen.net - well worth a look!). We obtained UKP766 in subscriptions, UKP295 from adverts and earned UKP200 by designing web sites. Unfortunately, it's not a profit of UKP131 since the outstanding printing bills total UKP169. SEND US YOUR NEWS! Articles for the next newsletter should be sent by Mon 28 Feb to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS, email info@networkingnewsletter.org.uk or fax 0161 834 5797 (marked FAO: Networking Newsletter). Articles should be 50-200 words, preferably with a picture or other hi-res colour graphic & include full contact details. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. WORTH WHILE WEB The Networking Newsletter web site, with over 180 visits (that's over 1000 hits) each day, on average, is well worth while visiting. Not only does it have updates on news and events but it has a very comprehensive resources list - with details as varied as free laptops, meeting rooms, media tips, reviews and recycling fridges - and contacts list with over 350 groups listed. So, if you have Internet access, why not make your home page: http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- 14. STANDING ORDERS The Networking Newsletter has moved to The Co-operative Bank so you can now join by electronic transfer or standing order. Our sort code is 08-92-99 and account number is 65159721. If you wish join by standing order please let us know how much and the frequency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - *********************************************