Stop the forced academisation of Byron Court Primary School, Monday 2.45pm

 

Asylum seekers' protest outside Wembley's Holiday Inn: Homes not Hotels

 

 

When asylum seekers currently accommodated at the Holiday Inn, Wembley, protested yesterday they were joined in solidarity by local people sick of the anti-refugee propaganda put out by the Government and much of the press.

In a leaflet given out at the protest they said:

Homes Not Hotels: The vast majority of us have been waiting for over 9 months for a decision - many of us for two years and more. Imagine what it is like, waiting with daily anxiety and sleepless nights to know if you are safe. With no right to work, nutritionless food, a few pounds a week, guards at the door. Theses are more like prisons than hotels. But with no fixed sentence or check out time.

Compassion not Cruella: We know we're not the only group in need. Other people are using food banks, struggling with rents and health services. When our claims are processed that will be us too! But asylun seekers are being blamed for all the problem of this country. We hope that everyne can see that this is the divisive strategy of Home Secretary Suella Braveman.

Support Wembley Asylum Seekers on Monday - Holiday Inn, Empire Way, Wembley Park 6-7pm

 From Wembley Asylum Seekers (click on image to enlatge)

The Holiday Inn is off Empire Way - walk from Wembley Central or Wembley Park stations or 18, 83  or 182 bus.

November 5th - Join the demonstration demanding a General Election NOW!

 

All quiet at the Ealing Road Mandir earlier today

 

The Mandir and its compound

Earlier what appeared to be a briefing took place in a corner of the compound

Police at the entrance

I visited the Mandir in Ealing Road when social media had said a demonstration was due to take place. All was quiet and although there were many people in the compound at first, they dispersed when no demonstrators turned up. 

Police told me that they were there to reassure the temple worshippers. Some stayed near the entrance and others patrolled nearby parts of Ealing Road. 

Across the road a minister and some of the congregation from the church that is opposire the Mandir were keeping a sympathetic eye on events. A local stopped to ask me what was going on and he firmly rejected divisive religious politics, pointing to all the different places of worship for different religions on Ealing Road. He added that what was going on in India should not be imported into Wembley.

I left at 1pm and I hope that things remained peaceful.

Demonstrate tomorrow against takeover of our GP practices by private US health company - Willesden Centre 2-3pm

 

Local Demonstration - Willesden Centre, Robson Avenue tomorrow 2-3pm

 

49 GP practices in England have been taken over by a private health company based in the United States. The decision was made, very quickly and quietly, at a Brent Clinical Commissioning Group  meeting in December. 

 

The GPs who had been on the board have resigned and been replaced by appintees from the insurance company. Three of the GP practices are in Brent and one of them is in Willesden Green - The Burnley practice based at Willesden Centre for Health & Care in Robson Avenue. 

 

There are London wide demonstration against the takeover planned for Thursday 22nd April. The local demonstration Outside Willesden Centre for Health & Care, Robson Avenue, NW10 3RY - where the Burnley GP practice is based. Time 2-3pm Stay for 5 minutes, stay for an hour. Wear a mask, keep socially distanced. 

 

If it gets too crowded we may have to do a walking march / demo along Robson Avenue! 

 

Bring a home made banner with you. Bring a friend. (You can go to Roundwood Park after the demo!) In Central London - there is a demonstration outside Centene headquarters, the details are: Address: Operose Health HQ, 77 New Cavendish St, W1 6XB Time 3-4pm 

 

 

 

The Background 

 

Green Left the eco-socialist group in the Green Party has issued the following statement in sypport of tomorrow's demonstrations:

 

Green Left urges Green Party members and supporters to join the campaign against the takeover of General Practice surgeries by Operose Health, owned by Centene, a US health company.  The campaign includes a demonstration outside Operose Health HQ in Central London on Demonstration outside Centene headquarters on Thursday 22^nd April 2021 3-4pm (Operose Health, 77 New Cavendish Street, W1 6XB) and in other areas of London as well as Nottingham and Leeds. Details here: https://keepournhspublic.com/event/stop-corporate-take-over-gp-surgeries/

 

Green Left notes that 70 GP practices in the UK, 49 of them in London, have been taken over by the Centene Corporation, a major US health insurer, through its UK subsidiary, Operose. These were approved by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) without consulting the public or local councils and with minimal oversight of the effect on NHS staff and quality of service. 

 

We demand that CCGs prohibit any further takeovers by Centene or other for-profit companies; and that all such existing for-profit contracts be terminated as soon as legally possible. 

We believe that Centene has made its large investment in UK NHS GP practices, through Its UK subsidiary Operose, in the expectation that Operose will in future pay dividends to the parent company. Operose has contracts to digitalise the NHS, transferring various patient-physician interactions to online only, with serious implications for future quality of care. It is clear from the business model that dividends will involve the closure of non-profitable parts of its business. This could include closure of GP practices that remain unprofitable despite "rationalisation" through cuts in staff, wages and services to patients. Local GP practices in deprived communities, or with a large number of older patients, may be particularly vulnerable to closure and transfer of patients to large area GP hubs. This will create difficulty for patients with impaired mobility to reach a doctor. 

 

We cannot trust   the 'due diligence' of CCGs who permitted the sale of independent-provider contracts to a new corporate owner, while apparently ignoring that Centene is accused by the Attorney General of defrauding Ohio of millions of dollars of Medicaid payments.

 

Unless these profit-driven takeovers are stopped, our NHS GP Services will be commercialised and taxpayers will pay more for a reduced service, the profits ending up in the US.

 

More information is available here: https://weownit.org.uk/blog/3-reasons-centene-bad-your-local-gp-practice

 

 

Greens to join NHS Demo on Saturday

Our NHS is on its knees, thanks to ideological attacks and cuts from this Tory Government. In the 70th year of our health service, let's take to the streets to defend it.

The People's Assembly have organised this demonstration, and the Green Party is proud to support it. Join our bloc outside Waterstones, 82 Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6EQ from 11.30am.

Our co-leader Jonathan Bartley will be speaking at the rally at the end of the march, so make sure you stick around. More details on the demonstration can be found HERE

This NHS winter crisis isn't the fault of the immigrants, the disabled, the elderly or the nurses. It's the fault of our Government. This Saturday, join us to defend our NHS.

Sink the Ark! Hendon Town Hall October 25th

From Barnet Parents Defending Education

ARK want the old Barnet football ground at Underhill, for a computer-based learning system which reduces the need for teachers so the academy chain makes savings by staffing cuts and supersize classrooms. 

Blended learning technology was commissioned by venture capitalists in the USA who hope to see ARK trial it in a London school. 

Is this what we want for our young people and staff?

• Residents are seriously concerned about the narrow, bendy, country roads around Barnet Lane and Mays Lane which become congested as it is.

• Two large secondary schools opposite each other is unwelcome. The Totteridge Academy is rapidly improving and is linked to the community.

Why sell our Greenbelt? 

• Barnet Council sold our Greenbelt land, to Tony Kleanthous, of Barnet Football Club for the price of a basic car - 14 years ago.

Government Education Dept. paid Tony £14.2 Million to buy it!

• Why was public money spent before planning permission was granted and at a time when existing schools are suffering cuts and have had cuts year on year, to their education budgets?

• Now ARK Pioneer propose to change the roads to two lanes which overall is unlikely to help and costs Millions from the Education budget and Barnet Council will have to pay almost half of the costs. Is this what local residents want? Is this best for our Borough?

Come to Hendon Town Hall on Wed. 25^th Oct

The ARK PIONEER planning permission meeting is

on: Wednesday 25^th Oct. 2017.

Start:7.00pm. But even 8ish will show you care. All Welcome. 

It is your right to attend and hear what is planned.

They Hoped YOU would not find out that this was coming to the Town Hall on Wed.

Even the local Councillors were only informed a few days ago about Wed. 25^th Oct

Show you care about a residents voice and education across the whole borough.

500 responses to the consultation on Ark Pioneer only 35 in support.

Contact: Barnet Parents Defending Education at: b.p.d.education@gmail.com

 The Council are proclaiming a need for more school places but this is related to the whole Borough in the future.

There is no need for a new school in Underhill and the seven surrounding Wards.

Over the whole borough, several schools have spare places, including Bishop Douglas and Christ College in Finchley as well as Whitefields and others.

 

Saracens have land and will shortly open through school in Mill Hill/Colindale area.

The Totteridge Academy last year raised exam results by 20% so that 67% of pupils got 5 A - C grades. But this school needs continued support NOT competition from ARK pioneer.

The Borough of Barnet has 10 academy companies currently. Most are small and some have excellent policies. But Ark are so powerful it will greatly distort and damage current and future relationships between schools and the Council.

Let us know if you want info regarding how ARK plough extra private funding currently into some of their Ark schools to raise exam results. Additionally exclusions are higher than usual in Ark schools. 

But Ark Pioneer is not related to extra private funds but starts a trend towards fewer teachers and the disruption of classroom structure..

Surely, Barnet would  be better off without an 11th Academy Company.

'Not One Day More' Say NO to austerity: BBC Broadcasting House Saturday

From the People's Assembly Against Austerity

We're pleased to announce that Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at our NotOneDayMore #ToriesOut - National Demonstration Sat 1 July, Assemble 12pm, BBC Broadcasting House - March to Parliament. The Tory/DUP coalition can't last, they represent some of the most reactionary elements of British and Irish politics, are committed to austerity and defending their privilege at the expense of the many. The Tories actually CHEERED when they successfully voted against a pay rise for our hard-working and brave emergency services. We Say, Not One Day More. Jeremy Corbyn will join a fantastic line up of political speakers from the Labour Party, the Green Party and many more campaigns and trade unions, along with an amazing line up of performers and artists. Speakers include (more tba): Representatives from the Labour Party front bench include, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Diane Abbott MP, John McDonnell MP, Siân Berry from the Green Party, from the Trade Unions, Len McCluskey (Unite), Mark Serwotka (PCS), Frances O’Grady (TUC), Dave Prentis (UNISON), Matt Wrack (FBU) and more... Other speakers include Owen Jones (journalist), Dr Aislinn Docherty (Health Campaigner), Jacqueline Berry (Nurse and Health campaigner), along with representatives from many other campaigns including, The People's Assembly, Momentum, Stop the War Coalition, Stand Up to Racism, Fast food Workers campaigns, and more... Performers include (more tba):Shy FX, Wolf Alice, Peace, Captain Ska, Sink the Pink, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly and more... It's still not too late to volunteer! We need hundreds of people to help us make sure the day runs smoothly. We rely entirely on our supporters to volunteer as stewards. We'll have a stewards briefing in the morning of the demonstration at 10am at the assembly point - no prior experience or training needed. If you're up for joining our team for the day please emailoffice@thepeoplesassembly.org.uk  You can find all the info you need about the march here, and you can take a look at the march route here: See you there! The People's Assembly Against Austerity http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/

Demonstrate for #OurNHS on Saturday - we have too much to lose if it goes

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend this demonstration as I am currently unwell but I  hope as many Wembley Matters readers as possible will attend. Our NHS is worth saving.

My current illness has enabled me to see the NHS at first hand as my condition was investigated. Doctors, nurses and auxillary staff in Northwick Park A&E, Ambulatory care, Ultra Sound and CT departments have been amazing. They take care to ensure that procedures are as painless as possible and they gave full explanations of what they were doing, giving me a chance to ask questions.   Appointments were made quickly and communication between the deparrttments and with my GP was excellent.

All  this is under threat, not just from funding cuts and closures, and privatisation, but from the impact of Brexit.  Northwick Park has an extremely diverse staff who work smoothly together as a team.

The i reports a TUC analysis today that one 4.5% (54, 985) NHS workers are from the European Economic Area (EAA) while 90,200 (7%) of adult care workers are from the EAA. In London  9.8% of NHS staff and 18% of the adult social care workforce are from the EAA.

TUC General Secretary, Frances O'Grady, condemned the uncertaintly being created by the government:

It's a terrible way to treat dedicated public servants. And if Brexit means they have to leave our health and social care services will struggle to cope.

She called on the Prime Minster to guarantee EU citizens living and working in Britain  the right to remain and to do soe ahead of negotiations.

Unfortunately there is no Metropolitan Line services between Baker Street and Aldgate and no Hammersmith and City Line service between Edgware  Road and Barking on Saturday.

Keep up the pressure on Trump's Muslim Ban - Saturday US Embassy 11am

DEMO AGAINST THE MUSLIM BAN OUTSIDE DOWNING STREET AND ACROSS THE UK, MONDAY JANUARY 30TH

Donald Trump has imposed a ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.

That includes people who helped the US army. That includes people on holiday trying to get home via the United States. That includes people trying to be reunited with their dying parents.

it also includes Britons with dual nationality. Like our national hero Mo Farah. Even the Iraq-born Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi.

Theresa May has decided to ally herself with Donald Trump's bigoted, misogynistic government.  It is not only weak, it is a matter of national shame - disgracing our country across the world.

There are moments of terrible injustice throughout history where we look back and rightly ask - what did people do? Future generations will look back at the targeting of Muslims - as we look back at the targeting of Jews - with disgust, horror and shame. If we do not speak out, we are complicit.

Theresa May has betrayed her own people. That doesn't mean we have to. Let's stand in solidarity with those targeted by Donald Trump's hateful government, including the people of this country, outside Downing Street and all over Britain.

Other governments - like Canada, like France, like Germany - have spoken out. Our weak, cowardly government has refused to. Let's not have the same cowardice and betrayal as our own government.

A demonstration was held opposite Downing Street from 6pm-9pm on Monday.

Heathrow 13 Demonstration on Wednesday in Willesden details

Heathrow 13 Demonstration tomorrow morning from 9am Willesden Magistrates Court. 448 High Road, NW10 2DZ Neasden or Dollis Hill Tube

For all those joining us WEAR RED, and together we will form a massive #redline on aviation expansion!! solidarity http://350.org/heathrow-13-the-uks-first-climate-prisoners/

Final line-up from 9am to 12 noon
9:00-9:25 Heathrow13 interviews, singing, solidarity
9:25-9:30 Heathrow13 Statement
9:30-9:45 Heathrow13 Go in to court
9:45-10:23 Speeches
9.45: Intro by John Stewart
9.47: Caroline Lucas, MP
9.51: John McDonnell, MP
9.55: Tracy Howard (Heathrow resident)
9.59: Andy Slaughter
10.03: Wretched of the Earth
10.07: Sian Berry, Green Mayoral Candidate
10.11: Christine Taylor, Jane Taylor (Heathrow residents)
10.15: Asad Rehman, Friends of Earth
10:19: Neil Keveren (Heathrow resident)
10:23+ Live updates for supporters who can stay outside until sentencing, expected 11.00-12.00.
+ music, samba and much more!!!

Make no mistake, HOUSING is THE issue in London elections

Huge turnout for Climate Change demonstration

A large contingent of London Green Party members joined thousands of climate change campaigners on today's demonstration in London.

Vote NO to British airstrikes in Syria - join the demonstration today

DON'T BOMB SYRIA DEMONSTRATION SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH 

12-2PM DOWNING STREET

Next week MPs are likely to vote on whether the UK should carry out airstrikes on ISIS in Syria. The Green Party stands united on this issue – dropping bombs is not the answer.

Sign this petition urging MPs to vote against British bombing in Syria: http://bit.ly/1Ncy6WK

We cannot ignore recent history and the consequences of our previous military intervention in the Middle East. The government has not given clear answers to questions over how British airstrikes in Syria will increase our security here in Britain or help bring about peace in the region.

Instead of escalated military invention we need to step up our diplomatic efforts to choke off ISIS's finances, weapons, and recruitment. We should also suspend British arms sales to the Middle East and keep to our commitment on taking in Syrian refugees.

 If you'd like to know more about why we're against bombing Syria Caroline Lucas was on BBC PM yesterday explaining why she'll be voting no, you can listen to that here: https://t.co/RjTe5rd8XV (about 39 minutes in).

There is a protest tomorrow in London where Shahrar Ali Deputy Leader Green Party will be speaking. Details here, feel free to share details of local events also: https://www.facebook.com/events/1520504624933948/

Green Bloc & other Bloc meeting points/route for June 20th End Austerity Now! demo

The Green Bloc meeting point has been changed for tomorrow's demonstration. The Green Party will now meet at Cornhill/Royal Exchange for 11.30am.

This interactive map should be helpful:

 
Details of Short March and other information for people with disabilities HERE (Thanks to Alan Wheatley for prompt)

Join the Green Bloc on 'End Austerity Now' demonstration June 20th

National Demonstration for Gaza Saturday 9th August

From Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Brent residents attending the demo are welcome to meet up with others at Kilburn Jubilee Line station (southbound platform) at 11.30 am on Saturday.

National Demonstration for Gaza Saturday 9 August. Assemble 12 noon outside BBC, Portland Place (tubes: Great Portland Street/Oxford Circus) marching to rally at Hyde Park via US Embassy

Please ask all your family and friends to join the demonstration on Saturday. Be a part of it! At the time of writing (Tuesday) over 1,814 Palestinians have been killed and 9,536 injured.  UN OCHA says "Children continue to bear the brunt of the crisis". The number of children killed stands at 408 with at least 2,877 children injured.

An Israeli missile attack on Sunday against an UNWRA school has been condemned by the UN  as 'criminal act.' Yesterday (Monday), Israel broke its own ceasefire, killing an eight year old Palestinian girl and flattening her family home. The Israelis then launched an attack on another home> Whole neighbourhoods have been flattened, and almost half of the Strip was already a 'no go zone', before the bombardment of Rafah. Palestinians are struggling to dig out the bodies of the dead, hospitals struggling to cope with the bloodshed and death, and shelters struggling to cope with the hundreds of thousands attempting to seek refuge. Ambulances, hospitals and UN schools sheltering refugees have all been targeted by Israeli bombs. International outrage has escalated, with thousands blocking the streets outside the Israeli Embassy in London over the weekend, and protests taking place across Britain. But even now, the BBC is determined to 'defend Israel'>  We need to increase the pressure even further - and ensure that our voices are heard. Please ensure that nobody can say that they didn't know about the demonstration this coming Saturday - forward this email on to family and friends, and bring them along. Tell Cameron - NOT IN MY NAME! STOP ARMING ISRAEL! STOP THE MASSACRE! Take action - sign our letter to the Prime Minister>  Join us on Saturday - and spread the word! Click here for the facebook event page.

Details for People's Assembly March Saturday June 21st