tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234533512011-11-28T03:37:24.059-08:00Cambridge Socialist election candidate for Romsey Town, Cambridge!Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.comBlogger1131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-35302689338276473532011-11-28T03:32:00.000-08:002011-11-28T03:37:24.071-08:00

Response to Councillor Ian Manning (Lib Dem East Chesterton).  Who wanted these points answering about strike action. 1) Striking isn't consistent with its aims On your first issue. Of course you are right that some people in front line emergency jobs don't participate fully in the action. But actually many people in these jobs do take action of some sort. The recent London Fire strikes are

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-44063212283748866662011-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:14:26.893-07:00

Our Council Planning Committee (LIB DEMs)  need to be utterly ashamed of themselves. They clearly don't care about this bit of town or the environment! We need better transport and underground parking.  Then this area cound be houses and parks!! View Houses before Retail/Carparks in a larger map

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-56585929261381150202011-03-18T15:15:00.000-07:002011-03-18T15:15:37.204-07:00

Heads and Governors in Cambridgeshire schools who are falling over themselves to take up the new academy status are either naive or highly deceitful. They paint a picture of themselves as standing up for local schools and communities. They have either swallowed or are promoting David Camerons 'localism' mantra - which is a euphemism for handing public assets to the private sector and opening up

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-19772886148668114972011-03-03T01:47:00.000-08:002011-03-03T01:49:13.905-08:00

It appears that Julian Huppert is yet another one who does not understand the basic issues around the Postal Service.  He says in his response below that the volume of mail is dropping.   This is wrong on two accounts. Firstly if he cared to visit the sorting or deliveries office in cambridge and spoke to those who deliver the mail he would find out that they are working at capacity. Secondly

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-44666751057112645852009-10-25T14:27:00.001-07:002009-10-25T14:29:26.973-07:00

Following on from our successful initial meetings in July and October, at which there was a consensus to move forward with a local electoral project, we will be meeting again on Monday November the 2nd. A room in the Friends Meeting House (Jesus Lane) has been booked from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. The items we agreed to discuss are a manifesto, a constitution and a name. A draft document has been

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-25881605170828601352009-10-12T09:22:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:27:22.360-07:00

Please watch this video and then come to the stop the war meeting and Demo (see below)Thursday 15th October, 7.30pmCambridge Stop the War Public MeetingAfghanistan – Troops HomeKeynes Hall (enter via Kings Lane)Speakers:Adrian Clarke – Falkland’s veteran and Fire Brigades Union Regional SecretaryDaud Abdullah – Muslim Council of BritainAndrew Burgin – Stop the WarSaturday 24th OctoberStop the War

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-56272161242620990042009-09-11T01:58:00.000-07:002009-10-05T01:35:32.757-07:00

Following on from our successful initial meeting last July we agreed to meet again on Tuesday October 6th. A room in the Friends Meeting House (Jesus Lane) has been booked from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. The items we need to discuss are:Are we agreed that a united left alternative in the up and coming general election and the local elections in Cambridge is a good project for us?;What would be the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-34777500931330758752009-09-11T01:56:00.001-07:002009-09-11T01:56:58.620-07:00

Protest at Labour Party Conference in BrightonSUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER for:JOBS,PEACE & EDUCATIONCambridge TUC Coach leaves Queens Road (The Backs) at 8.30am – return journey leaves Brighton at 5.30pmTickets Cost £2 Unwaged/£5Waged/£10 Solidarity (get your group or union to sponsor seats) Contact: woodcocktom@hotmail.com

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-55451960714311216912009-06-05T08:32:00.000-07:002009-06-07T10:13:06.914-07:00

the result is in! We stood under the slogan 'make the bankers pay – defend jobs, public services and the environment'. Our result shows that where we put up a left fight we can win support. We need to build an alternative all over the country in order to build the resistance and challenge the major parties and the fascist BNP.Kilian Bourke (Lib Dem) 34.4% 829Chris Freeman (

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-68900414169217856852009-05-17T13:20:00.001-07:002009-05-17T13:23:15.413-07:00

Tom - supporting Postal Workers fighting to defend Royal Mail – the other Parties are keen to sell it!The three main parties have supported privatisation with disastrous effects. Tom thinks our services should be owned and run for the benefit of all of us – not for the profits of selfish bankers and billionaires.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-24897413498069712572009-05-17T05:17:00.001-07:002009-05-17T13:30:38.090-07:00

Dear Romsey Resident,Like many of you, I am angry about MPs’ expenses. We struggle to pay household bills whilst they claim on a second home. We pay to use ‘public’ swimming pools and transport but fund some MPs to have their own.But the real hypocrisy is that all three political parties have told us there is not enough to pay decent wages, guarantee pensions or build high quality public housing.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-90643385928987626492009-05-03T03:18:00.000-07:002009-05-03T03:28:06.675-07:00

We demonstrated outside the Ford showroom in Cambridge last week to help keep up the pressure on the motor giants , who have treated Visteon workers so badly!We now have something to celebrate as Visteon workers have won a major victory against one of the biggest and most powerful multinational companies in the world – Ford. The workers used to be employed by Ford until 2000 and were sacked at

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-74388550112814786972008-04-22T05:14:00.000-07:002008-04-22T05:20:58.146-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIBKwRHvkV8

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-74012804080850510552008-04-09T07:39:00.000-07:002008-04-09T07:50:09.237-07:00

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

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-84827429687701311952007-12-14T16:00:00.000-08:002007-12-14T08:47:35.610-08:00

;: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

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-49858197743955726272007-12-14T03:40:00.000-08:002007-12-14T06:48:23.258-08:00

Defend Local Traders/defend choiceRespect 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 peopleThe 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

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-9476622749680979222007-11-28T05:29:00.000-08:002007-11-28T05:30:55.437-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-57010209026768017992007-10-01T00:14:00.000-07:002007-10-01T00:20:38.262-07:00

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.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-74690440207809546472007-05-12T02:20:00.000-07:002007-05-12T02:26:33.387-07:00

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

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-55017060895582073932007-05-04T05:03:00.001-07:002008-12-10T10:50:28.190-08:00

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

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-41100394333354272702007-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:002008-12-10T10:50:28.368-08:00

In last year's council elections, Respect made a number of spectacular breakthroughs, winning 12 councillors in Tower Hamlets and 3 in Newham.Rania Khan in Tower Hamlets became Britain's youngest councillor, while in Preston Michael Lavalette is the North-West's best known councillor. In Birmingham, Salma Yaqoob won a council seat with an extraordinary 51% of the vote.People in those areas have

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-18297034254165860302007-04-14T12:39:00.000-07:002007-04-14T12:41:18.513-07:00

Global issues are key in the local elections because climate change, war and privatisation are proving the greatest threat to our local communities. Blair’s commitment to George Bush’s Oil War is in direct contradiction to sustainable development, international relations and tackling poverty at home and abroad. Gordon Brown talks of eradicating poverty yet he offers tax breaks to corporations

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-77299360152833835782007-04-03T05:32:00.000-07:002008-12-10T10:50:28.524-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-24895981075905117762007-03-11T04:32:00.000-07:002007-03-12T15:16:38.158-07:00

I was dismayed to read (News 7th March) that Cambridgeshire County Council have not disciplined Councillor Gail Kenney for the racist and islamophobic comments she made toward the young group of Cambridge women last summer.It is a disgrace that a councillor can be so disrespectful to young people when they are trying to engage with democracy. It is further shameful that the Council should

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-21493451461027730442007-03-08T03:50:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:28.705-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-22802983490296683022007-03-06T03:23:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:28.930-08:00

Saturdays successful march and rally in Cambridge town center was an excellent start to a campiagn and movement that needs to be big enough to stop any government in their tracks. We need to make it impossible for Blair, Brown, Cameron, Ming Campbell or any one else to impliment their neo liberal 'reforms' and rip appart our Nationalised Health Service. The 350 people who formed the angry

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-57456006474378188292007-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:29.319-08:00

Last were speaking to people in Romsey about the political situation we are in nationally and globally as well as issues and concerns particular to Cambridge and to this part of Romsey.It is clear that the continuing privatisation of Public Services, made particularly obvious by the market-led cuts in the Health service, are a real concern for many of you. Respect are campaigning for a fully

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-15339993681158125122007-02-20T09:01:00.000-08:002007-02-20T09:02:40.288-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-82076087694202015502007-02-18T13:32:00.000-08:002007-02-18T14:09:16.179-08:00

phone: 0771 2893552 / 01223 328912 NOW!Saturday the 24th of February is going to be a very important day. The Stop theWar demonstrations in London and Glasgow give a great opportunity to build themovement against the economically and morally bankrupt war policies that thisgovernment continues to pursue.The Demo looks set to be big. Cambridge have 3 coaches going to London, one ofwhich is starting

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-56404125084413334762007-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:002007-02-09T12:08:09.249-08:00

If you a fed up with usolicited mail try this. i would of course favour a system where you had to opt in for Junk Mail!The ‘Stop Junk Mail Today’ awareness campaign has been launched by Cambridgeshire County and the District Councils to help people prevent potential waste even entering homes.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-14117703604207883632007-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:002007-01-31T04:39:36.688-08:00

Iranian Women Photographers and Film DirectorsFriday 16 February at 8.15 p.m.Introduced by Goli Taraghi"House is Black" (1962, 20 mins) directed by Forough Farrokhzad"Old Man of Hara"(2004, 37 mins) introduced by director Mahvash SheikholeslamiSaturday 17 February at 2.30 p.m."Bou Bou in Tehran" (3 mins) directed by Maryam Mehrjui"Juste une Femme" (29 mins) directed by Mitra FarahaniSaturday 17

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-39620767695605730202007-01-30T10:51:00.000-08:002007-01-30T10:54:35.382-08:00

The suggestion in Letters 29th January that immigration is the reason for a council housing shortage is racist and ill informed. These are the lies that the BNP and other fascist parties use to divide communities who are all on the receiving end of poor policy. The shortage in council housing is because consecutive governments and councils have sold housing stock without replacing it. The

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-37158771957985087902007-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:29.756-08:00

Another eight Cambridge residents have been arrested during a protest outside the Trident Submarine Base at Faslane on the Clyde in Scotland this weekend.Those arrested were among 50 others demonstrating this at the base on Saturday and Sunday. They are the third group from Cambridge to partake in a year long blockade of the base that aims to halt government plans to replace Trident - Britain’s

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-31444304987929220882007-01-28T09:36:00.000-08:002007-01-28T13:49:48.219-08:00

On January 24, for the first time in two and a half years, MPs debated the Iraq war. Tony Blair showed his contempt for parliament and for the British people, by missing the debate and speaking instead to the Confederation of British Industries.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-15397432114225071312007-01-23T09:28:00.000-08:002007-01-23T09:39:57.793-08:00

'Keep our NHS public' have produced an excellent new report documenting the privitisation of the NHS. If you want to get involved in the local campaign to save the NHS please contact me.Read the summary of the 'Keep our NHS Public' report hereVisit the Keep our NHS Public website

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-47249165136420915872007-01-22T08:58:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:29.930-08:00

The Cambridge Stop the War Group protested in the Market Square last Saturday to raise the issue of Trident replacement, the upcoming blockage of the Scottish navel base this weekend by Cambridge people and the Stop the War/CND demonstration being held in central London on Saturday 24th February.The government is absolutely adamant that it is going to replace trident and commit Britain to a new

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-26791687352075385642007-01-17T05:14:00.000-08:002007-01-17T05:15:56.426-08:00

The government’s obsession with involving the private sector in the running of schools is set to plummet to new depths.Tony Blair announced at the end of last year that he wanted to see a massive increase in the number of city academy schools from the current 46 to 400 by 2010.Each city academy costs £25-30 million to open. Private sponsors invest up to £2 million in each school, while the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-89363386385100720212007-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:50:30.153-08:00

Some people still say that the 2 million people who marched against the invassion of Iraq in February 2003 did not make a diference. The same people aslo say that marching again on the 24th of February this year will not make a diference. This is a ridiculous idea. i will explain why!If people in every major world capitol city had not protested against the Wars on Afghanistan and Iraq then France

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-35058360950338832352007-01-11T09:32:00.000-08:002007-01-11T10:47:22.588-08:00

George Bush’s announcement this morning was inevitable. 20,000 more US marines to help ‘free Iraq’ and end the ‘civil war’.He says the majority will be used in Baghdad to work with Iraqi forces on activities like ‘neighbourhood clearance’. What a hideous concept, another act of terror dressed up in media friendly language like: friendly fire, daisy-cutters, humanitarian wars, hearts and minds and

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-64880741265111195952007-01-02T16:14:00.000-08:002007-01-02T16:18:13.686-08:00

Councillor Alan Baker’s inability to state a clear political position when discussing planning has led to a debate in the letters page about population, the environment and sustainability. Unlike Councillor Baker I have stated over and over that the health, education, transport and other infrastructure in Cambridge are stretched beyond their limits – as they are in many other parts of the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-26142496208147380372006-12-26T08:27:00.000-08:002006-12-27T03:01:18.133-08:00

‘An eye for an eye’ does not explain this war - pre emptive revenge was one of Bush and Blair's excuses not a motive. However if you go in for numbers or are lucky enough to have your dead counted this is a significant milestone. www.usatoday.com

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-22575475239380533432006-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:002006-12-10T13:48:11.689-08:00

Please come and support Cambridge Stop the War and enjoy an evening of Comedy and Music.There are three fantastic acts on the bill and a number of other suprises. The comedy will be followed by a 'Drop Beats Not Bombs' session so that you can groove the night away until 2pm.The Romsey Labour club is on the corner of Mill Road and Collerage Road and the venue has a good value bar. Please try nd

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1164283990983145522006-11-23T03:59:00.000-08:002006-11-23T04:13:11.020-08:00

The rejection of the Parkside Fire Station re-development is a victory for the community and a condemnation of privatisation and cuts to public services. The proposals would have given the private company, Revurban, a prime site from which to make millions in profit. In return, the community would have received a sub-standard fire station and poor quality housing. Liberal Democrat Councillors on

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1163934509719629452006-11-19T03:07:00.000-08:002006-11-19T03:08:29.733-08:00

Check out the new Cambridge Stop the War website here

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1162939674463972332006-11-07T14:45:00.000-08:002006-11-07T14:49:54.320-08:00

I don't know which pro-market, no policy, spin master this little bit of video says less about...but you might enjoy it!

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1162148001578143462006-10-29T10:51:00.000-08:002006-10-30T05:28:20.866-08:00

This week I was arrested for participating in a Faslane 365 blockade. It was the first time I have taken part in non-violent direct action and, for any one who wants to give it a go, hurling yourself head first into the state apparatus sure feels good. But is it really going to reverse New Labour’s Nuclear obsession?Last Thursday morning at 7.15am Jill and I tried to cash in a giant cheque at

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1161556847005554262006-10-22T15:20:00.000-07:002006-10-22T18:08:46.026-07:00

I will be part of a group of Cambridge peace activists from the Stop the War coalition will this week and will join with 100 others from the region to campaign against the replacement of Trident Nuclear weapons. On Thursday and Friday the 26th and 27th of October the group will take part in a peaceful blockade by chaining ourselves together at the Scottish naval base which is home to Britain’s

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1161536144544080132006-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:002006-12-10T14:10:55.138-08:00

Pete Seeger’s songs are as meaningful today as when he wrote them. They have been sung by many since and you should come and sing them with us . This week George Bush admitted that Iraq could now be compared with the Tet offensive when 10s of thousands of Vietnamese joined the fight back against the US troops in 1968. The events turned US public opinion against the occupation. We have to make

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1160944567257187192006-10-15T13:34:00.000-07:002006-10-22T09:56:36.200-07:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1160319692769938582006-10-08T03:17:00.000-07:002006-10-08T08:05:50.406-07:00

The threatened closure of Hinchingbrooke Hospital is the latest crisis to face the NHS. The cuts are a result of debts accumulated by New Labour and Tory commitment to privatisation and the market. The dismantling of public services cost lives and leave the many area under resourced. But muli-nationals and big businesses see public services as industries from which profit can be sucked. We have

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1159731949779737562006-10-01T12:42:00.000-07:002006-10-01T12:47:13.390-07:00

When, as from time to time I have heard people say ‘we marched against the but they didn’t listen’ I think they are wrong. It is true that we have had to put up with a government that ignores the majority of the people when it matters most but over the last five years the mass mobilisations of people around the Stop the War coalition have acted as a beacon of hope for not just the people of

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1157921469818998252006-09-10T13:47:00.000-07:002006-09-10T13:51:09.836-07:00

Click here for a report on Blair's unsuccessful trip back to school!

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1157453303718573212006-09-05T03:47:00.000-07:002006-09-05T08:37:27.470-07:00

http://www.channel4.com/player/v2/player.jsp?showId=1339http://www.channel4.com/news/special-reports/special-reports-storypage.jsp?id=3076

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1157327904631633222006-09-03T16:57:00.000-07:002006-09-06T14:07:04.833-07:00

The ‘crisis’ in working class representation and the trade union leadership was exposed In a bizarre episode at a rural Trade Union Rally Sunday last.Derek Simpson, Amicus General secretary, lapsed into an awkward defence of his unions support for scores of labour party MP’s. Prompted by a quite but visible counter demonstration from his own members (over his sacking of three full time officials)

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1157316603764360542006-09-03T13:46:00.000-07:002006-09-03T13:59:06.316-07:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1157307143811502822006-09-03T11:09:00.000-07:002006-09-03T12:05:07.073-07:00

John Stewart is helping give me some hope that the US people hold some power to resist. This show is going someway to unpicking the mine field of US corporate network news.Check out John Stewart and the Daily Show as Key words on You Tube

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1159729475499763402006-08-24T11:43:00.000-07:002006-10-01T12:04:35.516-07:00

Cambridge Stop the War collected 2000 names on a petition calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Cambridge Stop the War handed the petition to David Howarth MP who signed the petition and agreed to arrange for representatives from Cambridge to deliver the petition to 10 Downing Street. The date set for this is the 18th of October.Respect fully support the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1159727938804091682006-08-24T11:27:00.000-07:002006-10-01T11:38:58.823-07:00

Amicus members staged a one day strike at Oakington Detention Centre near Cambridge on Tuesday 22nd August. Amicus members, employed by the Refugee Legal Centre (RLC’s) to provide legal representation to asylum seekers detained at Oakington will be striking in protest at the RLC’s failure to abide by its Redundancy Policy. 95% of Amicus’ members at Oakington voted in favour of industrial action

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1155204707570366972006-08-10T03:10:00.000-07:002006-08-17T10:10:51.576-07:00

DEMONSTRATIONUNCONDITIONAL CEASEFIRE NOWJUSTICE FOR LEBANON AND GAZASTOP BLAIR'S SUPPORT OF BUSH'S WARSJoin the protestCambridge Market Square12.30pm Saturday 19th August

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1155136789833518902006-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:002006-08-09T08:25:41.840-07:00

Why is every MP not calling for Isreal to get out of Lebanon?

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1155002069611847312006-08-07T17:01:00.000-07:002006-08-07T19:00:20.586-07:00

These montages are of TV new programmes from around the middle east. They provide an interesting and important incite into the way in which this currant escalation of the US 'The war on Terror' is being reported in the region.The first is particularly horrific, showing pictures that would illustrate to British news viewers a more balanced idea of events and the realities people are dealing with

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1154623354884388042006-08-03T09:41:00.000-07:002006-08-03T09:42:34.900-07:00

Dear editor,I am appalled with the British governments continuing complicity with the US foreign policy. The ongoing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan are counter productive and threaten ‘lasting global stability’. Further to New Labours refusal to withdraw the troops the British Government is now supporting a new war on a new front in Gaza and Lebanon, Tony Bair is also threatening Iran and

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1154362900778111842006-07-31T09:08:00.000-07:002006-07-31T11:04:34.323-07:00

You could not make it up! Tony Blair is acting with such arrogance. He is once against showing how out of touch he is with the overwhelming public opinion. It is clear that he does not care and he has completely given up on trying to be influencial in anyway. One wonders if he ever tried! He is now clearly protecting himself and lining his own pocket. Blair was not in the US negotiating a

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1154344727195138122006-07-31T04:18:00.000-07:002006-07-31T04:18:47.206-07:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1151105720959235032006-06-23T16:23:00.000-07:002006-06-23T16:41:10.690-07:00

Developers are set to build 100 luxury flats and a sub-standard private fire station on Parkside. It illustrates both national and local government’s lack of commitment to public services. The County Council is intent on giving away the land and vital resource. RESPECT is campaigning for a publicly owned and run fire station which will enable the fire fighters to continue to serve the public in

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1150977436865899572006-06-22T04:49:00.000-07:002006-06-22T04:57:16.866-07:00

Stop the War public meetingBring the troops home and building for the Manchester DemoFriends Meeting HouseMonday 3rd July @ 7.30pmWe hope Rose will be joined by local military families campaigner Sarah Chapman as well as a member of Stop the Wars national committee.ROSE GENTLE’S SON WAS KILLED IN IRAQ AGED 18. SHE HAS SINCE HELPED SET UP MILITARY FAMILIES AGAINST THE WAR, STOOD AGAINST ARMED

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1150933488873586402006-06-21T23:30:00.000-07:002006-06-21T16:44:48.886-07:00

The decision by Cambridge Regional College to end it’s A level provision is an attack on comprehensive education. The cuts will most affect those who are economically less well off by further limiting access to a broad and inclusive curriculum. Lecturers from the new university and Colleges Union and the Association of teachers and Lecturers held a one day strike last Tuesday and are

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1150729999779647662006-06-19T07:47:00.000-07:002006-10-08T09:38:07.576-07:00

Cambridge has now set up a faslane365 group. The intention is to get 100 people from Cambridge together in order to spend two days blokading the Nuclear Submarine Base in Faslane, Scotland. The Cambridge group is organised on geographical lines and will brind together a number of different campaign and individuals. Other groups from around Britain and as far away as Sweeden will take other

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1148241733202590532006-05-21T12:37:00.000-07:002006-05-21T13:08:09.253-07:00

There have been a flurry of Love Music Hate Racism gigs in and around the area in recent weeks. The repeat fanzine nights have been a constant presence and the recent junction gig was a fantastic advert for anti racist activity through music. However there are a number of other events emerging in Cambridge. Tonight at the man on the moon and on Monday at the junction some excellent artists

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1147884251244995102006-05-17T17:41:00.000-07:002006-05-17T09:45:51.356-07:00

The NUT has set up an easy way to lobby your MP on the education bill.4 easy steps:1. Copy this link in to your internet browserwww.teachers.org.uk/story.php?id=36612. Go to the bottom of the letter and enter your postcode.3. Click search and then enter your name details.4. Click send.The system will personalise the letter for your MP and e-mail it to them.This is urgent!The education and

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1147514016777455112006-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:002006-05-13T03:15:40.600-07:00

Tomorrow Londoners will welcome Hugo Chavez with open arms. A constant thorn in the Neo-Conservatives side, Chavez is leading the way as a number of Latin American countries resist the constraints and demands of the Washington led, corporate driven, global economy.In contrast Blair continues to butter his bread on the side of Big Business. His Hypocrisy is reaching the heights of George Bush.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1147193966412695752006-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:002006-05-09T10:03:34.426-07:00

The decision by Cambridge Regional College’s to end it’s A level provision is an attack on comprehensive education. The cuts are going to effect hundreds of students and will most affect those who are economically less well off. The FE sector in Cambridge is already divisive and the latest cuts will deny A level education hundreds of students - including those who are studying as part of a mix

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1146837229648076692006-05-05T06:50:00.000-07:002006-05-05T07:08:11.620-07:00

you can link to the Results on the Respect site.I am tired and will comment on what a great acheivment the campaign has been a little later.Thanks for visiting the site. Thanks for all the help you have put inThanks for voting and supporting what we are doing. Please stay involved or get involved.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1146670407228490892006-05-03T07:43:00.000-07:002006-05-03T08:47:38.246-07:00

Over the last 6 weeks the Romsey Respect team has put out three excellent leaflets, we have knocked on every door and spoken to one third of the electorate in Romsey. We have also collected over 200 signatures from council tenant, so that Tenants Against Privatisation could present the case to the council against closing sheltered housing. Sam and I have asked questions at full council meetings

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1146435006971121222006-04-30T13:48:00.000-07:002006-05-03T07:43:11.473-07:00

For the last few week Respect members in Cambridge have been leafleting for a demonstration against privatisation and cuts in public services. The demo happened this Saturday and was called by the local trades council. Many Respect members have been involved in the organisation. There was a good turn out and we built further links between the different trade unions in Cambridge and service users

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1146058983094350872006-04-26T06:39:00.000-07:002006-05-02T04:30:40.073-07:00

Public Services owned by and run for the public we will campaign against the sale of public property to developers and oppose the three main parties privatization of schools, hospitals, public housing and emergency services. Independent councillors accountable to local people Unlike the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dem's Respect are not funded by big business. The role of a councillor is to

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1145830448526134062006-04-23T15:10:00.000-07:002006-04-23T15:14:08.536-07:00

We have had another successful weekend. The stall on Saturday was buzzing and lots of people wanted to talk to us.We canvassed 200 houses on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and the positive responses have really increased. We spoke to 40 new definite RESPECT voters on the doorstep this weekend alone and over 60 more who are possible RESPECT voters. The canvas returns show that we are now well

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1145575290166201802006-04-20T16:10:00.000-07:002006-04-20T16:22:50.673-07:00

The Lib Dem Councillors voted unanimously against a motion to reconsider the sell off of the three sheltered housing schemes at Simon's house, Seymore Court and Tiverton House. Their disregard for the current and future tenants in these schemes shows a lack of commitment to affordable publicly run housing. They clearly have no commitment to the integrated and affordable way in which these

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1145540786929240412006-04-20T06:40:00.000-07:002006-04-20T06:49:23.460-07:00

Here is a picture of the three Cambridge candidates. We are in the area all of the time. Please stop to talk to us or ask questions. We will come and visit you if you get in touch. We are also outside the Co-op on Mill Road between 10.30 amd 12.30 on Saturday mornings.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1145398894559959382006-04-18T15:16:00.000-07:002006-04-19T07:41:21.203-07:00

I took a break from canvassing this weekend to attend the National Union of teachers conference. Respect is different from our political rivals because we are actively involved in the trade union movement. Campaigning for stronger trade unions in order to create better conditions of service and, amongst teachers, for better investment and a more radical approach to schooling.It is always a joy

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1144982474953940652006-04-13T19:39:00.000-07:002006-04-13T19:41:14.966-07:00

Cambridge RESPECT have launched two addition candidates for the Romsey ward By- Elections. Denise Knowelden and Sam Caldwell have joined me to create a full slate in the ward. We have stepped up our activities in Romsey over the last 6 weeks and have canvassed a large part of the ward. We are getting an excellent response and feel if we can visit the rest of the ward then we stand a good

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1144670475850709512006-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:002006-04-13T19:23:26.500-07:00

Tony Blair has refused to meet the families of those killed in Iraq. He has not visited the many hundreds of soldiers wounded in his war nor attendedany of the funerals of those killed.The families are demanding a meeting with Tony Blair because they need an accounting for the reasons the country was taken to war and the reasons why they have suffered so much.On Wednesday April 26 the military

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143760198079667172006-03-30T14:32:00.000-08:002006-03-31T12:31:45.470-08:00

The issue of pensions is coming up regularly on the doorstep in Romsey. Many people at, or close to, retirement age face adverse prospects. The government – backed up by the Tories and the Lib Dems – are trying to divide working people in two ways on this issue. One is by ripping apart pension agreements with each section of the workforce separately. The other is by trying to divide public and

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143493629394116982006-03-27T12:46:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:17:01.913-08:00

For eight years Janet has been fighting for justice in the case of her brother Christopher, who died in police custody. I have met Janet twice whilst campaigning with Respect (Janet stood for Respect in Tottenham in the general election) and she is a truly remarkable and courageous woman. She has been up against an obstructive police force who have destroyed evidence and closed ranks to protect

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143329233360666962006-03-25T15:20:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:18:40.150-08:00

Canvassing has been a joy today, 40 more votes and a lot of very good responses. There is clearly no appetite for Labour or the Liberal Democrats. They have blown all of their credibility with council tenants and there is an awful lot of ill feeling about privatisation and the war.

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143327427504369112006-03-25T14:37:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:20:10.370-08:00

Thursday's local paper presented us with the news that Joanna Toomey and Iain Coleman, Lib Dem County and City Councillors for Romsey Ward, have fallen in love and decided to move to Scotland. The truth is that Romsey residents and others in Cambridge would not have been worse off if the Love birds had been in Scotland for the duration of their time on the council. In fact it would be fair to

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143068199610479072006-03-22T14:32:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:27:10.703-08:00

The Cambridge Lib Dems like to make out that they are a caring party who look after the old and those with specific needs. They rightly point out that cuts in services are a disgraceful result of New Labour policy. It is indeed true that increased privatisation and the claw back of debt clocked up by privatisation policies, are the root of cuts in vital services. However, this week the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1143035129867067762006-03-22T05:42:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:15:40.256-08:00

Tony Blair's analysis in parts was spot on . . but he didn't believe what he said. "According to [opponents of the war], the policy of America since 9/11 has been a gross overreaction; George Bush is as much, if not more of, a threat to world peace as Osama bin Laden; and what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else in the Middle East, is an entirely understandable consequence of US/

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142805392616072712006-03-19T12:17:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:45:04.153-08:00

I believe that the US neo-cons have no intention of leaving Iraq without first imposing an economy that serves American big business interests. They will almost certainly leave air bases to watch over 'their' interests, as they have elsewhere in the world. By taking control of Iraqi oil and awarding contracts to US companies, they are ensuring that the Iraqis pay for the occupation.Many people I

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142529446402723942006-03-16T08:51:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:52:15.070-08:00

The bill encourages the market to make further inroads into education and will lead to more testing, streaming and selection on ability. Where Foundation schools and city academies – the forerunners to trust schools – have been set up, it has led to more exclusions, less pay for teachers, more involvement in a profit-driven ethos, and falling rolls in neighbouring schools. However the passing

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142042109300165612006-03-10T17:43:00.000-08:002006-03-27T14:54:00.323-08:00

I am hoping that there will be a lot of people from Cambridge on the Stop the War demo, called for Saturday the 18th of March. We are getting a good response for the coaches. Opposition to the occupation of Iraq is at an all time high both in Iraq and here. Now the US government is busy bullying its way round the UN and the international community trumping up the case against Iran whilst

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141960434274589922006-03-09T19:00:00.000-08:002006-03-10T01:54:14.096-08:00

The Cambridge County Council are making one of their worst decisions ever by proposing to give away Parkside Fire Station. The decision will give developer Revurban the land in return for a smaller, less well equipped station and some undersized over priced yuppy flats. It is a completely undemocratic move. Not only has the contract not been out to tender, but the station once built will no

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141822845318933572006-03-09T00:35:00.000-08:002006-03-08T16:30:11.390-08:00

It is clear from talking to Romsey residents that the council is failing to provide enough activities for young people of all ages. Romsey Mill and the Ross street community centre have some organised activities and these are invaluable resources. However Teenagers and younger children need to have sports and social activates that are properly funded and organised. Many parents seem to be willing

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141556110894734562006-03-05T02:37:00.000-08:002006-03-05T04:03:02.536-08:00

Welcome to the Blog. Over the next two months I will be posting about the Cambridge Respect local election campaign in the Romsey ward for 2006. I hope to share my experiences and hope that you free you can comment. If you are able to vote in Romsey I hope that the blog might aid you in making an informed decision about the candidate you chose to Represent you. For other visitors I hope that

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141951177574852492006-03-02T04:30:00.000-08:002006-03-09T16:40:12.393-08:00

Sent to Cambridge Evening News 2/3/06Not Published!The proposed redevelopment of Cambridge fire station is a disgrace. Job losses at the station already mean that they rescue teams can not crew both special appliances at the same time. The new development will further reduces the services that the fire fighters can provide, by removing training facilities and other vital resources, but it is also

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141954895633195782006-02-01T17:40:00.000-08:002006-03-09T18:03:09.733-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142023841240679482006-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:002006-03-10T17:18:19.366-08:00

Sent to the Cambridge Evening News on 13/1/06Not PublishedGeorge Galloway will not be missing an important “debate vital to the capital” on Crossrail as implied by Bill Jacobs (news on the 11th of January). Your ‘journalist’ was obviously involved in a bit of cut and paste with a New Labour press release. The Select Committee is having a meeting on Thursday, of which no other MPs can attend. In

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1141950347099184542006-01-02T16:22:00.000-08:002006-03-09T16:25:47.100-08:00

Letter to the Cambridge Evening News sent 2/1/06PublishedYet another rise in rail fares is an unbelievable insult to the public who already subsidise the private rail companies to a far greater tune than when we owned them. It is also utter madness in light of the environmental crisis we face. Britain has the technological ability to develop fast, cheap, comfortable, safe and reliable train

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142100945132584122006-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:002006-03-11T10:15:45.140-08:00

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23453351.post-1142021549955839812005-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:002006-03-10T12:19:21.953-08:00

David Howarth has written a positive response and signed the early day motion.Dear David Howarth MP,I am writing on behalf of Cambridge Respect in the hope that you will support theEarly Day Motion 1197 sponsored by Michael Meacher MP and entitledReplacement of Trident Weapons, which reads:That this House believes there should be the fullest possible public debate on a decision to replace the

Tom Woodcocknoreply@blogger.com1