I watched a talk yesterday by a respected philosopher. At first, I found his straightforward, gentle but firm presentation of evidence that humanity is unlikely to save itself from extinction, at worst; or face unprecedented and awful challenges, at best, to be a relief. There are fearless witnesses to our predicament out there - the … Continue reading Why ending of freedom of movement is not the right response to climate breakdown
‘You won’t succeed’
I wrote to the Home Office about Sajid Javid's question: why, if people trying to cross the channel are 'genuine' asylum seekers, don’t they claim asylum in the first country to which they fled? Apart from a lack of understanding of the importance when seeking a new life of family connections and a knowledge of … Continue reading ‘You won’t succeed’
Refugee news summary: the Stansted 15 and Europe’s hostile envrionment
This month has seen yet more toxic other-ing of refugees and migrants. The Stansted 15 were found guilty of endangering the safety of an airport, under legislation designed to counter terrorism, and face possible life sentences. The Attorney General hasn't answered questions on why the charge was changed from trespass. The case is a worrying … Continue reading Refugee news summary: the Stansted 15 and Europe’s hostile envrionment
Broken trust – by all of us
This week, it seems, has seen a series of broken contracts between us/our communities/our government/the companies: the Norfolk and Suffolk mental health trust still in special measures the continued stonewalling of real fears and concerns about Bexit by the government the rise of knife crime the knowing use of painful, damaging mesh surgery the weak … Continue reading Broken trust – by all of us
At Wagen bei Dübendorf in October
At Wagen bei Dübendorf In October Our hosts - she, American Irish; he, Swiss - And their dogs – Bernese Mountain - Took us to their local fete. With us were Jim – Florida, by way of Iowa and Jane – Florida, by way of Japan. We – me: Suffolk, England by way of Brockham … Continue reading At Wagen bei Dübendorf in October
UK-France border force
..and is by magic, five minutes after posting, the reply from the Border Force landed in my inbox. (My blog was also, suddenly, 'closed', but that's another story...) "1. What proportion this is spent on policing No UK funding was used to fund French police resources. 2. What other areas are covered (fencing etc) – … Continue reading UK-France border force
Caroline Nokes’ pride is misplaced
Picture copyright Auberge des Migrants It should be - it is - good news that children refused refugee status in 2016 have now been offered 'Calais leave' : "the right to study, work, and have access to public funds and healthcare, with the option to apply for settlement after 10 years." But it's not good … Continue reading Caroline Nokes’ pride is misplaced