Watch the Left list London broadcast
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 5:14 AM.
I am writing to encourage you to vote for Andrew Osborne and I in the local elections being held on the 1st of May 2008.
We are standing on a nation wide ‘Left List’ which includes London Mayoral candidate and convenor of the Stop the war Coalition Lindsey German. The list is fielding a full London assembly list as well as candidates around the country.
I have stood as the Romsey Respect Coalition candidate in the last two city council elections. We have received excellent support – taking 17 % of the vote at the last election. Andrew Osborne is a Local activist and events organiser. He is secretary of the strawberry fair committees and has been an active member of the Unite and Amicus union for the last 10 years. He is standing in the county council by election.
We want to see Cambridge lead the way in proving that real sustainable cities are possible – both economically and environmentally. To do this it is vital that we invest in public infrastructure.
Tackling climate change should provide the opportunity of improving our standard of living. Better public facilities make environmental and economic sense.
We need housing, transport, health and education services that are publicly owned and run. We reject the move to hand our schools, hospitals and public housing (including elderly care) over to charities and private companies.
As we enter into an economic downturn we are very concerned to see that local and national government are quick to implements cuts in services and wages whilst corporation tax falls. Working people are being expected to make sacrifices for a crisis that is not of our making.
We feel that Romsey deserves representatives who are committed to public services and raising living standards.
We ask you to stand with us
Cambridge Respect supports The Left List
We are standing on a nation wide ‘Left List’ which includes London Mayoral candidate and convenor of the Stop the war Coalition Lindsey German. The list is fielding a full London assembly list as well as candidates around the country.
I have stood as the Romsey Respect Coalition candidate in the last two city council elections. We have received excellent support – taking 17 % of the vote at the last election. Andrew Osborne is a Local activist and events organiser. He is secretary of the strawberry fair committees and has been an active member of the Unite and Amicus union for the last 10 years. He is standing in the county council by election.
We want to see Cambridge lead the way in proving that real sustainable cities are possible – both economically and environmentally. To do this it is vital that we invest in public infrastructure.
Tackling climate change should provide the opportunity of improving our standard of living. Better public facilities make environmental and economic sense.
We need housing, transport, health and education services that are publicly owned and run. We reject the move to hand our schools, hospitals and public housing (including elderly care) over to charities and private companies.
As we enter into an economic downturn we are very concerned to see that local and national government are quick to implements cuts in services and wages whilst corporation tax falls. Working people are being expected to make sacrifices for a crisis that is not of our making.
We feel that Romsey deserves representatives who are committed to public services and raising living standards.
We ask you to stand with us
Cambridge Respect supports The Left List
No Tesco – people before profit!
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 4:00 PM.
;:The ‘No Mill Road Tesco’ campaign is a fantastic illustration of how the community can work together – we must now turn the energy into victory and build the confidence to stand up for our public services and the whole communities needs.
The threat of Tesco opening a store in Mill Road has sparked a vibrant and broad campaign - which Respect fully support.
The campaign has also shown that the community can make a difference if we act together. We can stop Tesco but the battle must not stop there!
Tesco’s is just one multinational that benefits from the cosy relationship big business has with government.
Defend Public Services
New Labour touts for cash from the wealthy – In return the government continues to sell them our public services at a bargain prices. Gordon Brown has cut corporation tax, bailed out private investors and let business bosses like Digby Jones into the Cabinet.
Romsey could loose Brookfield’s Hospital. The PCT is cutting back whilst privately outsourced services reap record profits.
In Cambridge Community education and library facilities have been cut. several local schools including Parkside Federation are seeking trust status- a move that will hand over assets to business and end any democratic accountability.
Free dentistry and eye care has long gone – the government is talking about supermarkets and high street chemists like ‘Boots’ taking over other parts of our health service too.
The Lib Dems are selling the sheltered housing. It seems every last corner of Romsey is being developed for private flats, yet no investment has been made in new council housing.
6000 families are on the housing waiting list. Yet of 10,000 homes proposed at Marshall only 40% are supposed to be ‘affordable’ -none are council!
Stop Privatisation
The transport infrastructure is stretched but not satisfied with selling the buses and trains they now want to hand over the roads so we can be charged for them too.
Cost of living rises but government announces a pay freeze holding down public sector wages below inflation until 2011. In the case of the post office the government aim is to dismantle it in order to sell of the profitable bits.
Tesco maybe the most visible multinational in this process of ‘neo liberal Globalisation’ but others corporations are queuing up in order to take profit from our services and put nothing back. It is the public that looses.
Fight Back
We need to build movements that can take them on. We can fight back in community struggle like ‘No Mill Road Tesco’. Through trade union activity and in movements like Stop the War and defend council housing.
However we also need political representation. We must link these movements as well as raising the fight in the council chambers. That is why building the Respect Coalition is a first step to closing this democratic gap.
The threat of Tesco opening a store in Mill Road has sparked a vibrant and broad campaign - which Respect fully support.
The campaign has also shown that the community can make a difference if we act together. We can stop Tesco but the battle must not stop there!
Tesco’s is just one multinational that benefits from the cosy relationship big business has with government.
Defend Public Services
New Labour touts for cash from the wealthy – In return the government continues to sell them our public services at a bargain prices. Gordon Brown has cut corporation tax, bailed out private investors and let business bosses like Digby Jones into the Cabinet.
Romsey could loose Brookfield’s Hospital. The PCT is cutting back whilst privately outsourced services reap record profits.
In Cambridge Community education and library facilities have been cut. several local schools including Parkside Federation are seeking trust status- a move that will hand over assets to business and end any democratic accountability.
Free dentistry and eye care has long gone – the government is talking about supermarkets and high street chemists like ‘Boots’ taking over other parts of our health service too.
The Lib Dems are selling the sheltered housing. It seems every last corner of Romsey is being developed for private flats, yet no investment has been made in new council housing.
6000 families are on the housing waiting list. Yet of 10,000 homes proposed at Marshall only 40% are supposed to be ‘affordable’ -none are council!
Stop Privatisation
The transport infrastructure is stretched but not satisfied with selling the buses and trains they now want to hand over the roads so we can be charged for them too.
Cost of living rises but government announces a pay freeze holding down public sector wages below inflation until 2011. In the case of the post office the government aim is to dismantle it in order to sell of the profitable bits.
Tesco maybe the most visible multinational in this process of ‘neo liberal Globalisation’ but others corporations are queuing up in order to take profit from our services and put nothing back. It is the public that looses.
Fight Back
We need to build movements that can take them on. We can fight back in community struggle like ‘No Mill Road Tesco’. Through trade union activity and in movements like Stop the War and defend council housing.
However we also need political representation. We must link these movements as well as raising the fight in the council chambers. That is why building the Respect Coalition is a first step to closing this democratic gap.
Labels: Local Respect, No Tesco
Defend Local Traders/defend choice
Respect is not opposed to those who shop in supermarkets, we are opposed to the supermarket monopoly. Their power limits choice and jeopardies diversity.
Demand good food for working people
The use of additives, colouring a flavouring has enabled supermarkets to increase profits and lower the quality of food by increasing shelf life and enhancing its taste and appearance.
Reduce food miles
The way Tesco seeks maximum profit, as well as the 'just in time' distribution strategy, increases the transportation of products all over the globe as well as up and down the country.
Solidarity with Global South
The worlds poor are getting poorer. The multinational agro-industrial complex forces many farmers off land and into sweatshops or worse. Many farmers are forced into debt and suicide is far to common. Multinationals also divert vital water sources away from local people in order to maximize farming or food production.
For Workers rights
The average Tesco employee earns £11,000 a year, the chief executive earns £4m. Tesco exploit vulnerable people - many part times, on a high turnover with little of few benifits and paid just above the minimum wage.
Stand up for migrant Labour
Supermarkets make enormous profits (Tescos up by £13bn last year) by pushing producers to cut corners, employ gang masters and create unacceptable working conditions.
Environmental Impact of Agribusiness
Intensive farming of cash crops using fertilisers and without long them planning is having a huge impact on important ecosystems. Switching crops on global demand often leads to massive over production in one crop. In the case of Bbio-fuels this has lead to staple food shortages in some countries.
Too close to government
The big supermarkets maintain and increase their monopoly through huge lobbying power and many have long histories of funding the three main parties. Tesco's fund the Lib Dem's and the Tory Party and Lord Sainsbury is in the New Labour Government.
Respect is not opposed to those who shop in supermarkets, we are opposed to the supermarket monopoly. Their power limits choice and jeopardies diversity.
Demand good food for working people
The use of additives, colouring a flavouring has enabled supermarkets to increase profits and lower the quality of food by increasing shelf life and enhancing its taste and appearance.
Reduce food miles
The way Tesco seeks maximum profit, as well as the 'just in time' distribution strategy, increases the transportation of products all over the globe as well as up and down the country.
Solidarity with Global South
The worlds poor are getting poorer. The multinational agro-industrial complex forces many farmers off land and into sweatshops or worse. Many farmers are forced into debt and suicide is far to common. Multinationals also divert vital water sources away from local people in order to maximize farming or food production.
For Workers rights
The average Tesco employee earns £11,000 a year, the chief executive earns £4m. Tesco exploit vulnerable people - many part times, on a high turnover with little of few benifits and paid just above the minimum wage.
Stand up for migrant Labour
Supermarkets make enormous profits (Tescos up by £13bn last year) by pushing producers to cut corners, employ gang masters and create unacceptable working conditions.
Environmental Impact of Agribusiness
Intensive farming of cash crops using fertilisers and without long them planning is having a huge impact on important ecosystems. Switching crops on global demand often leads to massive over production in one crop. In the case of Bbio-fuels this has lead to staple food shortages in some countries.
Too close to government
The big supermarkets maintain and increase their monopoly through huge lobbying power and many have long histories of funding the three main parties. Tesco's fund the Lib Dem's and the Tory Party and Lord Sainsbury is in the New Labour Government.
Labels: Local Respect, No Tesco
No Mill Road Tesco March
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 5:29 AM.
Labels: Local Respect, No Tesco
Oppose tesco on Mill Road
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Monday, October 01, 2007 at 12:14 AM.
Tesco has put in 3 planning applications fo work on the old Wilco site. The first task for the anti Tesco campaign is to get as many objections in as possible.
Planning application ref. 07/0809/ADV [PDF scan]
“Installation of one double sided illuminated fascia sign”
Planning application ref. 07/0810/FUL [PDF scan]
“Installation of a new shop front including an ATM”
Planning application ref. 07/0811/FUL [PDF scan]
“Single story rear extension and installation of plant”
Deadline for comments
The deadline for comments is 12th October 2007.
Who to write to
Letters of objection should go to:
Mrs Angela Briggs
Angela Briggs,
Environment and Planning,
Cambridge City Council,
The Guildhall,
Cambridge,
CB2 3QJ.
Her phone number is: 01223 457173.
Have a look at the No Mill Road Tesco Website
Defend cyclists rights to ride on the road!
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 2:20 AM.
Please support this petition, tell others and raise this issue with your elected representitives
"The new highway code requires cyclists to use cycle facilities 'wherever possible'. Many facilities are of poor standard, or just plain dangerous. cyclists should not be forced to use such facilities against their better judgment. In short, cyclists should be allowed to use the road."
British Cycling believes that we need to protect the right to ride and race bicycles on the highway whether for sport, active recreation and transport. We also need to promote mutual respect amongst all road users to ensure that the we create a safe environment for the most vulnerable users. Plus we should encourage the development of complimentary traffic free cycling networks and facilities as these will encourage more people to participate in cycling as a sport, as active recreation and as active living. For your chance to sign the petition, please visit:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
"The new highway code requires cyclists to use cycle facilities 'wherever possible'. Many facilities are of poor standard, or just plain dangerous. cyclists should not be forced to use such facilities against their better judgment. In short, cyclists should be allowed to use the road."
British Cycling believes that we need to protect the right to ride and race bicycles on the highway whether for sport, active recreation and transport. We also need to promote mutual respect amongst all road users to ensure that the we create a safe environment for the most vulnerable users. Plus we should encourage the development of complimentary traffic free cycling networks and facilities as these will encourage more people to participate in cycling as a sport, as active recreation and as active living. For your chance to sign the petition, please visit:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
Cambridge Result Reflects National Gains for Respect
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Friday, May 04, 2007 at 5:03 AM.
Respect proves we can build an electoral challenge to privatisation and war!
Respect campaigns around the county have shown that center right mainstream politics can be challenged from the left. By this morning Respect had won council seats in Preston, Chesterfield and Birmingham and a host of excellent second and third places across England. Counts in other parts of the country are still to be announced. Respect has shown that we do well where we put a socialist argument for better public services and for a planned and collective approach to tackling climate change, poverty and war.
Our candidates and campaigns have presented a positive alternative whilst center right politics has led to low turn outs and a further undermining of the established electoral process.
In Romsey ward, where we stood in Cambridge, the Respect campaign has helped move the political agenda back towards the left by creating a real debate around how we tackle housing, health, education and transport. We have put forward a robust opposition to privatization. We have started a fight back and a platform from which we can gain confidence to mount a real challenge to Gordon Browns Pay freeze and New Labour continuing cuts and marketisation of health and education.
Our 17%, up from 12% last year, has established Respect as a credible force in Cambridge . All of the other parties lost votes to us because we had a clear analysis of how local politics and national and international issues are related. The Labour vote continued to collapse in an area that was once known as Red Romsey, the heart of the local Labour movement. We feel we are begining to rebuilding the links and spirit of trade unionsim in the ward and real socialist principals go down well amoungst a constituency that has a high proportion of public sector workers, council tenants, students and pensioners.
What is significant is that we have picked up votes form across the board - with the exception of the Tories - whos vote stayed static at 11%. The Liberal Democrats are finding that the gains they have made at the expense of Blairism and Iraq have been short lived. They must now look over their slopy shoulders to find us mounting a fight against their complience with New Labour's cuts and privativation and short sited apporach to local government.
Labels: Local Respect
