Football in need of reform - starting with VAR, player play acting and dodgy offsides

The football season is reaching its climax. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City competing for the Premiership. West Ham and Spurs hoping to qualify for European football next season. West Ham, Arsenal and Manchester City still in the European competitions this season. So all to play for. There will be great excitement - highs and lows. But football seems to be in something of a transition period at present. The introduction of the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) was intended to improve decision making but seems to be failing in this quest. Not only are the decisions often plain wrong but the interruptions are destroying the flow of the game. At a recent West Ham game against Burnley, it took over five minutes to come up with a decision - then the wrong one in many people's opinions. It is now becoming an automatic reflex to hold back on celebrating a goal until the VAR check has been completed. It is taking the passion out of the game. VAR needs radical reform or maybe scrapping altogether. Another element of the game that needs addressing is the play acting. Players feigning injury to get an advantage in the game. It would be interesting to know if this second rate amateur dramatics is all part of the coaching of young players these days. It really does look pathetic, when players go down, apparently in agony, then get caught by the TV camera looking to see if they've got away with it. Without wishing to go down memory lane, 20 or 30 years ago, players would be embarrassed to have behaved in such a way. Offside is another part of the game in need of reform. The offside rules, almost need a high court judge to adjudicate. The football authorities do try. The penalising of time wasting has been a great innovation, largely eliminating another negative element of the game. It also has to be said that the women's game is a breath of fresh air, not suffering from many of the irritations previously cited. So let's hope as this season reaches it's climax, that things don't get spoiled by bad refereeing or gamesmanship. Then the football authorities need to look at things like VAR, the offside rule. players amateur dramatics and much else to ensure football continues to progress in the future.

Campaigns to defend the local community are vital for democracy

Campaigning has never been more important than it is today when it comes to retaining precious community assets. There is a proud tradition in Wanstead, from the campaign in the 1990s to stop the M11 Link Road (not successful) to Peace and Justice in East London during the noughties. The latter bringing together people of all faiths and none to call for peace, following the 9/11 attacks in America. There have also been individual campaigners like Sarah Hipperson, who went to Greenham Common - remaining for 20 years protesting against the placing of nuclear weapons there. Following the removal of the missiles, Sarah returned to Wanstead. More recently, the allotments in Redbridge Lane West came under threat. The multinational Cadent proposed to close the site for two years, throwing locals off carefully nurtured allotments. The allotment holders came together to campaign to save their allotments. Cadent conceded ground, agreeing to far less disruption, whilst the statutory work required on the gas works was done. A success for people power. Then, there has been the campaign to save Aldersbrook Medical Centre. The present custodians, the Richmond Road Partnership, have done an excellent job over the past five years. But now, the NHS managers want to cut the budget by 10 % making continuation not possible. The locals are understandably angry, with all opportunities to defend the present medical practice being taken up. A case of watch this space. There has been disquiet in the local community about the loss of the George as a Wetherspoons pub. Maybe, a campaign could develop here. Wetherspoons it seems do listen to local people. A Wetherspoons pub, the Rochester Castle, in Stoke Newington was under similar threat but due to protest, the chain rethought the decision, so now the pub remains. So campaigning does work. It is vital for local democracy that avenues to express concerns remain open. They are vital if community cohesion and vitality is to be maintained and increased. They do also result in the area being a better place to live. See: Save the George petition - https://www.change.org/p/save-the-george

Loss of George will be a blow for Wanstead

Many local people will have been disappointed to learn that the George pub in Wanstead is soon to cease being a Wetherspoons outlet. There are fans and foes of Wetherspoons pubs. They provide food and drink at reasonable prices. The George has been typical over the years, providing a place to go and socialise for young and old alike. Service has always been excellent. The pub has been particularly good with it's choice of beers on offer - always a good choice, sourced from local breweries. A number of snobs look down their noses at Wetherspoons pubs, most probably having never honoured such establishments with their presence. What the loss of a pub like the George does do is take away a basic rubric of the community. The pub is a community focus. Pubs generally are under pressure, with countless closures announced everyday across the country. Inflationary pressures have seen the price of drink and food head upwards. The prices have put many pubs beyond the means of some people already struggling to survive Yet, pubs are needed, especially in an increasingly atomised world. Somewhere to go and be with other people, rather than just the phone or laptop. Having a drink and some reasonably priced food. A hub, that should host local groups and community events. The appetite for such provision was evidenced with the Wanstead Beer Festival last October. Sold out early, there was certainly a great appetite for reasonably priced food and drink Hopefully, there will be similar support for our second festival this October. But can there be more? More community based pubs, prefaced on food and drink that most people can afford. Pop up pubs are a concept successfully run in many parts of the country. Maybe, there time has come here? There are ofcourse a number of local pubs in the area, offering a good service - they need support. But there needs to be more choice, especially at the lower end of the price bracket. It remains to be seen what will happen with the George. Many will miss the old place. But other new alternatives could emerge, that help foster that vital community spirit.Somewhere we can all go to eat ,drink and be merry at a reasonable price? Petition to Dave the George https://www.change.org/p/save-the-george

Review of Wild Men by David Torrance

published by Bloomsbury. £20 The main achievement of the first Labour Government of 1924 proved to be demonstrating that they were not wild men at all. The establishment clearly saw the mixture of working class representatives, elected in 1923, as a potential revolutionary threat to its existence. The British version of the Bolsheviks in Russia. What David Torrance clearly demonstrates is that they were anything but. There were the initial niceties of dress, certain suits for different occasions. The Prime Minister having to personally fund the furnishing of Downing Street. The lack of trust of the first Labour administration is amusingly illustrated with the story of four splendid silver candlesticks, which reappeared in the colonial office, as Labour minister Jimmy Thomas left. Central to the book is the figure of Ramsay Macdonald. The first Labour Prime Minister, he also took on the role of Foreign Secretary as well. It is the weaknesses of Macdonald that chart, to a large degree, the fate of the government. Torrance sets the scene in the early chapters before moving onto case studies of the main players. So there is the conservatism of characters like Macdonald and Chancellor Phillip Snowden balanced against the more radical Education Secretary, Charles Trevelyan and Health and Housing minister, John Wheatley. Wheatley's housing reforms, which led to 100,000s of new homes being built over the following years were one of the big successes of the government. The government only lasted nine months before largely self destructing due to Macdonald's bad decision making. The mishandling of a case against, John Campbell, the editor of the the Workers' Weekly, effectively saw the government fall. It didn't have to happen. Then, the infamous Zinoviev letter helped ensure defeat in the October 1924 election. But Torrance offers a shrewd assessment of the government's achievement. It proved it could govern, without upsetting the monarch the City or the general populace. That achievement - if it can be called such - set the blueprint for Labour Government's going forward, enthralled to the establishment, ever keen to please. Labour could be trusted. Macdonald's preference for the aristocracy and Conservatives began here, being later consummated with his role in forming the National Government in 1931. Perhaps, the most significant outcome of the first Labour Government was that in electoral terms it marked the replacement of the Liberals. So the decision of the combined Liberals of Herbert Asquith and David Lloyd George to support and at first sustain this Labour administration lead in the end to their own demise. And the formation of the two party system we still have today. Torrance provides an excellent accessible analysis, whilst also disproving the title. These were not wild men at all but easily mouldable future pillars of the establishment - as such they proved their worthiness to govern.

Skylarks need protection

The skylarks of Wanstead Flats have been an important part of the biodiversity of the area for many years. If you are taking an Easter walk across Wanstead Flats you may be lucky enough to hear and see one. That mesmeric song, as they ascend helicopter like into the air. Wanstead Flats has been an important site for the little bird for many years. However, together with many of our other native birds, the skylarks numbers have been dwindling. Some remain but they need help and protection, if numbers are to be restored. It was this challenge that led a few years ago to a small part of the Flats being cordoned off for the nesting season (between March and August). The temporary fence around a few acres adjacent to the Centre Road car park helped skylark numbers recover. It has been a slow process but progress has been made. This year, however, some human beings have decided that despite the huge space available, they want to walk through this specific area. It is not clear why, whether they are anti-skylark or anti-nature generally. Or maybe anti-people? They have repeatedly cut and vandalised the fence put up by the City of London Corporation (COLC) to protect the skylarks. It is all very frustrating but also difficult to fathom. There has never been a problem before. There are notices explaining what is going on. The local Wren Group are regularly in the area, explaining why the fences are up for this limited period. But it seems this year, some just don't want to co-operate. The Flats and Wanstead Park form a large part of the biodiversity mosaic of the area. We are lucky to have so many migrant birds coming through Wanstead. The rewilding efforts, the fantastic cows in the park - all is to be applauded. Local people love the area but we are the custodians for the future. It will be a sad legacy for future generations, if we destroy the habitat and presence of skylarks and other wildlife. There is already the scourge of rubbish dropped and dumped everywhere. It is only due to the heroic efforts of volunteers and the COLC that this is kept under control. If recent years have taught anything then it must be that no one is an island. All are dependent on each other and need to co-operate to survive. To a large extent, this is what happens but some, for whatever reason, seem determined to destroy things. The destruction will in the end take us all under, so let's come together to look after our precious Flats and Park, ensuring it lives on into the future.

Assisted dying debate

The debate over assisted dying has once again been hitting the headlines recently. Always, a difficult subject to discuss, it often splits opinion. A survey conducted by Dignity in Dying found 75% of the public in favour of assisted dying. The present situation, where assisted dying is against the law in the UK has caused much distress. Some, suffering, who can afford it, have been forced to go to Dignitas in Switzerland to die. Even then those accompanying can face legal consequences when they return home. This situation has led to the call for a similar service to be available at home. Why, those in favour ask, should people suffering terminal diseases not be allowed to decide when they want to die? Why should they be made to unnecessarily suffer? Good points. But on the other side, there are those who warn of a slippery slope to euthanasia, just getting rid of people deemed to not be of any use to society anymore or the old and vulnerable, unable to defend their basic right to life. The euthanasia point is particularly concerning, given the seeming ever lower value put on human life. Quotes from political leaders about letting the bodies pile high, during the recent COVID pandemic, betray an underlying tendency towards euthanasia. Older people being somehow seen as more expendable. Then, there is the role of the medical profession, who argue they are there to save, not take, life. The pressure that can be put on people by relatives and friends, consciously or unconsciously, is another worry. The debate needs to be had but it is a very difficult one to resolve. Some sort of restricted form of assisted dying with lots of checks in place maybe the way forward. But once on the statute book, these things can be relaxed and broadened over time. The major concern is over sanctity of life. No one should be made to go through unnecessary suffering and should be able to choose how they want to die. But nor should people deemed by others to lack value to society be simply disposed of. It is a very complex question, which it must be hoped is fully debated by Parliament before any binding decisions are made.

Wanstead High School memories

The 100th anniversary of Wanstead High School in 2024 is a momentous event. The school became Wanstead High when it turned comprehensive in the early 1970s. Previously, a grammar, the school was known as Wanstead County High School. Something some ex- pupils from that era like to emphasis. I went to Wanstead High from Aldersbrook Primary in the September of 1973. At the time the school was still split over two sites Wanstead and Aldersbrook - the school having been created, bringing together Wanstead County High School and Aldersbrook Secondary Modern. The first year, we were at Wanstead, second Aldersbrook and in the third term the whole school came together on the one site at Redbridge Lane West. A whole new building had been created, including sports hall, science labs, library, music area, theatre and humanities area. The school offered a great chance, especially for those who wanted to work and take the opportunities offered. The head was Donald Mackay, who had a rather austere persona. I tended to bracket him with Mr Mackay, the prison governor character (played by the actor Fulton Mackay) in the Ronnie Barker comedy Porridge. Mackay was ably supported by deputies Michael Jones and Nick Wheeler-Robinson. The team had a real commitment to the ideal of comprehensive education, giving everyone a chance, regardless of background. The austere image, though, did come crashing down, early on, when a relationship between Mackay and a former sixth former was revealed. The national media were out around the gates of the school. We pupils were told not to speak to them. Mackay left the school. He remained together with the former sixth former for some years thereafter. After an interim period when Jones was in charge, Phyllis Taylor took over as head, She remained head for the rest of my time at the school. The school had a number of characters over the years among staff and pupils. Sports and geography teacher Brian Arkle was a favourite - firm but fair. Brian loved a good cross country around Wanstead Park. He sadly died a couple of years ago, after retiring having spent his whole career at the school. He was a deputy for a number of years. Head of English, Bernard "Bugsy" Doyle was someone many ex-pupils will remember. A small, at times rather angry, aggressive man. Unsurprisingly, the Bugsy nickname came from his resemblance to a rabbit. Whilst English could be testing with Doyle, he knew his stuff and there were never any disciplinary issues in his classes. History teacher and cricketer, Paul Smethurst, was another from the era. A thorough teacher, who was another Wanstead lifer. He was at the school when Churchill visited in the early 1960s. The last big celebration at the school was for the 75th anniversary in 1999. It was fascinating to go back for the day, meeting staff and pupils - seeing how things had worked out. One conversation I remember in the main building that day was with Daniel Levy - now chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. Daniel was in my year, a member of House 4. His rise to fame and fortune came after he left Wanstead High. At the 75th, he was relaxed and chatting about the old days. He had yet to take over at Spurs at that point. Another, who rose to fame and fortune from my time at the school was Nick Berry. Nick was a couple of years younger than the rest of us but came to play football on the top field during the lunch times. Nick ofcourse went on to find fame as an actor in EastEnders (Wicksy), Heartbeat and Harbour Lights. He packed up acting a while ago but still lives in Essex. There are many more characters and tales to tell about times at Wanstead High. It was a great place to be educated, with good committed teachers and pupils who mostly wanted to learn. I still meet up for drinks with friends from those school years. There are also a number of groups, whereby people re-connect and share old memories. The present custodians appear to be carrying on the school traditions. Long may it last - looking forward to the 100th anniversary celebrations.

Review of Nye

Olivier Theatre, NT Michael Sheen stars in this timely account of Aneurin Bevin's transformative life, culminating in the creation of the NHS. The narrative is centred on looking back from Nye's deathbed, fittingly set in an NHS hospital ward. In fact the hospital aroma permeates throughout, when it is even a nurse serving the drinks in the House of Commons when Nye first meets Jenny Lee. The play, by Tim Price, looks back at the different experiences that formed Nye Bevan, from his time in the pits and local council to the House of Commons and ultimately battling the doctors over NHS contracts. There are great performances throughout, none more so than Sheen, who brings forth the vulnerabilities of the man, as well as his explosive energy and passion - all done whilst wearing pyjamas. The character of Winston Churchill looms large (literally), played by Tony Jayawardena. So, there is the joust during the war, with Nye a constant and almost solitary critic of Churchill's performance. There are illuminating lines,such as when he accuses Churchill of helping create the conditions that brought the rise of fascism.The paralleling of Churchill and Hitler is a refreshingly original slant. Also, Churchill's virulent opposition to the creation of the NHS as a socialist construct. A criticism is that there could be a little too much Churchill? Sharon Small is excellent as the sparky Jenny Lee, looking back with best friend Archie Lush (Roger Evans), on the years with Nye. Supporting his career, whilst always somewhat in the shadow. In some ways, it was only after Nye's death in 1960, that Lee came more into her own, as Minister for Arts under Harold Wilson, helping create the Open University. The diminutive Attlee is well portrayed (Stephanie Jacob), shrewd and at times seemingly attached to his desk. The dialogue is superb throughout, with Attlee rationalising how he can have Bevan, Ernest Bevin and Herbert Morrison in the same Cabinet (note to Kier Starmer). The right /left struggle is typified in a battle between Morrison and Bevan over the Act creating the NHS - Morrison opposed and representing "the Labour Party." There is also plenty of humour, a memorable quip when Nye admits he'll have to break the doctor's union to secure the NHS. Questioned by Morrison, he says it'll be fine, they're middle class. Nye is a memorable and timely production brought together by director Rufus Norris. There is a growing momentum throughout the play, possibly a little slow in the first half. But it explodes in the second, culminating in the creation of the NHS. At this point there were a few tears in eyes. The production shows what an impact one socialist can have in shaping genuine change. Whilst celebrating a truly remarkable life, the play also offers a challenge to the politicians of today, as to how they will take forward the great legacy of the NHS. So many who have attempted to stand on the shoulders of Nye Bevan have come tumbling down. *Nye, a co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre, runs at the Olivier theatre till 11 May (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk). *There will be a live performance broadcast worldwide on 23 April marking 100th National Theatre Live title (www.nye.ntlive.com) *Nye transfers to Wales Millennium Centre from 18 May to 1 June 2024 (www.wmc.org.uk)

Just for one day - Live Aid to foodbanks

The Old Vic production of Just for One Day focuses on the Live Aid concert of 13 July 1985. It was a momentous occasion, as leading musicians from across the world came together to put on a momentous show. The aim to raise money to alleviate famine in Ethiopia. David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Queen were among those who performed. The hits ring out in this great celebration. The story is also of how Boomtown Rats lead singer, Bob Geldof, moved heaven and earth, with the help of a few others, to make it happen. A shout out here for Wanstead resident, Jackie Clune, who plays a central role, as narrator, Suzanne, in the production. Just for One Day brought back memories of the 1980s, raising money to try to alleviate poverty around the world. People coming together to get change. Yet, these actions by thousands of young people were rather against the political narrative of the time. It was the decade of Margaret Thatcher, the mantra of greed is good and there is no such thing as society. The response of the Thatcher government to crises like the famine in Ethiopia was grudging to put it mildly. The musical covers how Thatcher was literally dragged along with the popular clamour to act. Never slow to see a good PR opportunity, she clambered aboard. The Thatcher government though was always happier selling weapons around the world than promoting peace - a tradition that her successors in government today have continued. The Live Aid/Band Aid extravaganzas bred a whole plethora of charitable enterprise headed by celebs looking for good PR - from Comic and Sport Relief to Children in Need. All do great work but all are about charity. They are not about changing the unjust structures that create the crises in the first place. At best, they are a plaster on the wound (a band aid), at worst an excuse to not really act. The charity versus justice question was illustrated to me a few years ago, when campaigning for refugees locally. A church congregation reacted with great generosity to a call for clothing, foodstuffs etc to support refugees. There was, though, decidedly less interest in examining why the refugees had fled their own countries seeking sanctuary elsewhere. Today, things seem to have come full circle since 1985. The country is richer now than then, yet foodbanks proliferate. Feeding the world has taken on a whole wider meaning. Tory politicians praise the institution of food banks rather than hang their heads in shame that they have become necessary here. Charity will always be needed but charity must never obfuscate the need to attain justice. Only then can the real obstacle to a more equal, just world be attained. Just for One Day is on until 30 March

Saving Aldersbrook Medical Centre

The role of the GP has changed dramatically over the years, not always for the better. I remember when growing up we had an excellent GP, Dr Sheila Griffith's. She ran a practice together with her husband, Ronald, based in East Ham. Dr Sheila was almost a member of the family, always there to help. In those days, I'm sure there was none of the anodyne services on offer these days when booking an appointment. Ring at 8am, no matter how ill you are, to have any chance of a same-day appointment. There is almost an expectation that your illness should be timetabled - scheduled for a convenient slot. A lot of the personal touch from GPs in days gone by has been lost. That said, we are very lucky in Wanstead with the GP surgeries, most of which offer an excellent service. One practice that seems to be very popular is the Aldersbrook Medical Centre. Previously, there had been complaints about the service on offer to the 4,000 residents of the Aldersbrook Estate. That was until the Hackney-based Richmond Road Partnership arrived and took over five years ago. It has really gone the extra mile. The satisfaction level has seen the practice take on another 1,700 patients. The Richmond Road Partnership expected to roll its contract on for another five years. But in the usual let's try to get a quart out of a pint pot approach, NHS managers want the same service to be provided for up to 10% less. The Richmond Road Partnership is already stretched, so cannot provide the same service for less. This bureaucratic bean counting that assumes that public services can always be done for less is nonsensical. The services may be cut but that usually impacts staff, cutting numbers or terms and conditions. In the end, if you continue down this crazy cuts route, the service simply cannot be provided. We are seeing the results of this madness in local government across the land. The people of Aldersbrook though are not to be trifled with. A campaign has begun to keep the Richmond Road Practice managing Aldersbrook Medical Centre. A well-attended meeting was held last week, where members of the Aldersbrook Medical Centre Patient Participation Group and doctors from the practice spoke. The petition (https://openletter.earth/aldersbrook-medical-centre-funding-cuts-e5bc13a1) calling for the same service to remain has already gathered hundreds of signatures. Let's hope the managers are listening to the people. They have an excellent GP practice, so why not allow it to continue? Listen to the doctors and patients, not the faceless bean counting bureaucrats.

Have football fans changed?

What is going on with football fans these days? The thought occurred following West Ham's recent 6-0 defeat against Arsenal at the London Stadium. West Ham were four down at half time, igniting a mass exodus from the ground. Every time a goal went in more people headed for the exits. By the end of the game, the stadium was less than half full. Ok, the fans were disappointed and could see no way back. But leave? Many is the game over the years, when fans crammed into the old Upton Park.The days when much of the attendance was standing. Few would leave, no matter what the score. Now, things have only got to start going the wrong way and some fans are on their way back to Westfield. So have the fans changed. Back in the 1970s and 80s, fans would queue for hours just to get in. Yet today, lots of fans routinely turn up late and leave early. Lots go early to get refreshments at half time. Amazingly, many leave early, with the result of the match very much in the balance. The game can be finely poised, on level terms or one side in the lead by a goal but there are still a bunch of fans that favour the early dart. Then, there is the posing. It seems very important to fans today to take selfies of themselves with the stadium providing the backdrop. In short, there seem to be quite a lot of fans attending today, whose least concern is the football. And, it is not just West Ham. The managers of other teams have commented on the lack of atmosphere and passion - the failure of the fans to get behind the team. So have things changed? Well, the cost certainly has - most of those attending will be paying upwards of £50 for a ticket . Even, in these inflationary times, the cost of attending a football match has far outstripped rises in the cost of living. Many of those who used to attend football have been priced off the terraces. Have the middle classes taken over - maybe? Yet, the transformation in football since the advent of the Premier League has been dramatic. The game is more popular than ever, helped by the mass TV exposure. It is safer and more comfortable to attend. It is also more of a family entertainment, with men, women and children attending. The growth of women's football has been a breath of fresh air. So plenty of positives. No doubt, things ain't what they used to be and that in many ways is a good thing. The violence that marred football matches in the past has practically been eradicated. The game has become a trailblazer, rather than a backwater, when it comes to confronting racism, sexism and homophobia. So, many many positives. The worry has to be whether the modern game has lost some of its soul. Is it still for working people? Is the loyalty and passion of the football supporter still there? Do fans just want to physically get together with their phones? Everyone will have an opinion but one thing for sure is that the game is a changing.

Vengeance based criminal justice system is just storing up problems for the future

Some years ago a neighbour, Gladys Cornwall, was confronted by an intruder in her house. It was late at night, when she literally bumped into the man in her house. He fled. The police arrived, taking a statement and providing support. Well into her 70s at the time, Gladys lived on her own but did not want to stay in the house alone that night. She stayed at mine, returning the next day. I had known Gladys (Mrs Cornwall to us) all my life. What was amazing about Gladys was how she bore no malice towards the intruder. She forgave him unconditionally. No need for vengeance or retribution. She was able to carry on with life, rather than getting eaten up with vengeance. Today, vengeance and punishment seems to be the all encompassing motivation relating to offenders. There seems to be an attitude, particularly in the media lexicon on crime, that catching and punishing criminals is all that matters. Fill the prisons up, build more when necessary. Crime and punishment has become a nice little earner for the private sector. The concepts of vengeance and justice seem to have got mixed up. They are different things. When someone loses someone or is violated in some way, most people want some recompense. This maybe the perpetrator being caught and punished, compensation for a wrong done or whatever. Justice though encompasses far more than vengeance. The situation needs to be made better for all concerned. At a popular level, there is a belief that once someone is locked away out of sight and out of mind, that is job done. All can move on. This is simply not the case. The victims have to live with the consequences of the crime - as does the perpetrator. Restorative justice schemes are a way of trying to get justice on all sides. Bringing victim and perpetrator together in the right circumstances to try to get some resolution. Rehabilitation of offenders is also vital. Many lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. They need these and other skills, if they are going to pursue a different productive route when they leave confinement. And most do come out. All but a handful will come out and could be living next door to anyone. Better surely that they have the skills needed to pursue a legitimate path in life, rather than a criminal one, negatively impacting others all over again. What society needs is to address the causes of crime and deal with perpetrators in a way that ensures they do reoffend. A vengeance based system, putting people out of sight and out of mind with little rehabilitation, just stores up bigger problems for the future.

Time is running out, as climate clock climbs toward 1.5 degrees

There have been many warnings about the need to stay below 1.5 degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels, if the world is to avoid climate disaster. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned of the need to stay below 1.5 degrees, declaring that going beyond that level would bring on famine, droughts, floods and devastation. The Paris UN Climate Conference in 2015 called for a 45% cut in carbon dioxide emissions from the 2010 level by 2030, proceeding on to net zero by 2050. Guess what, last year was the warmest in recent history, with the climate clock moving perilously close to the 1.5 degree warming target. We have seen 40 degrees temperatures in this country. Drought and floods are commonplace. Rising sea levels are becoming the norm, as we seem to be sleep walking towards the crisis. As the crisis deepens, we are served by a back to the future government, putting it's head in the sand. The Tory government is going backwards on climate agenda - handing out fossil fuel extraction licences like confetti. It is notable while the government is letting oil companies drill across some of our most outstanding landscapes, it continues to be less than enthusiastic about renewable onshore wind. Still let’s hope a Labour Government, with a green agenda, will soon come to office. Against this background, it has been great to see progression on the climate and biodiversity agenda in the borough over the past four years, since Councillor Jo Blackman and myself brought the Climate Emergency Motion to the council. There is a climate action plan with 114 targets, some 85 of these are well on track. The use of more renewable sources of energy, converting council vehicles to sustainable sources and more active travel options are among the highlights. Progress has been steady. On biodiversity, there has been extensive tree planting, the extension of the wild grow zone areas, the advance of pollinator pathways and tree pit developments. Exciting plans are afoot at Fairlop and Hainault Forest. In our borough, the climate and biodiversity agenda is advancing, the main problem being speed. The lack of government funding to address this emergency is breathtaking. An emergency needs real investment from central government. Climate and biodiversity really need to come up the agenda. We need to see the whole culture change to one of sustainability. The streets around us need to change, more active travel must be embraced. The dominance of the car needs to be confronted. The climate crisis is way past the point when a bit of recycling is enough. Not to devalue such activity, which ofcourse has a vital role. But much much more is needed. Less driving, flying, eating meat and just throwing things away. There needs to be a community and individual conversion to living more sustainably and treading lighter on the earth. We have begun this journey in Redbridge but need to speed up in all directions over the coming months and years if the planet is to be saved.

Birds of prey exhilerate the senses

Birds of prey exhilarate the senses The sight of birds of prey soaring across the skies really is one of the most exhilarating things to experience, when watching wildlife. The peregrine falcon at full speed (up to 200mph) diving in pursuit of prey. Or the red kite simply drifting across the breeze looking for carrion on the ground. The local area is good for raptors (birds of prey). If lucky, a peregrine maybe seen above Wanstead Flats, the park or golf course. A smaller bird, the kestrel is another local regular. It's distinctive brown back and curved beak, though, the giveaway usually is to see the kestrel hovering above potential prey in the grassland below. Buzzards are also a regular around these parts. On one memorable walk on Wanstead Flats a few years ago, there was a buzzard and red kite soaring above it, in the August sun. A personal favourite is the marsh harrier, about the size of a red kite, the multi-coloured bird soars across the air streams, ready to take rabbits or other prey below. Marsh harriers are rarely seen around here but regularly appear on the RSPB reserve at Rainham Marshes. Further afield, they are plentiful around Rye in Sussex. These big birds of prey show their agility doing an aerial mating dance. Love of raptors was brought home in a recent program by wildlife cameraman and Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yunis. The program, called Hamza: Strictly Birds of Prey saw the photographer tracking his favourite birds around the country. The peregrine hunting along the seashore but also in an urban environment. Hamza's favourite raptor seemed to be the eagles. He filmed some fantastic shots of golden and white tailed eagles. Hamza's excitements and exhilaration at seeing these birds was palpable. Owls also featured, with some intimate filming of a tawny owl in a garden. There are a number of owls around this area, with the tawnys, seen in Wanstead Park and Bush Wood. Little owls regularly appear on the Flats. Also, a few migrating short eared owls sometimes come across the area. These nocturnal operators though are often difficult to seek out. Exciting, though, if you are lucky enough to see one. So, when your out and about, always look up in the sky to see what might be drifting above. If your lucky it may be one of the many raptors, seeking to track down prey or just drifting on the thermals.

Power of trees

Trees have a vital role in the battle to overcome climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide and contribute much to biodiversity. The true complexity of how trees operate is revealed in a fascinating new book, the Power of Trees, by German forester and teacher Peter Wohlleben. Wohlleben describes the intricate, interdependent world of the ancient woodlands. How trees are linked together and provide mutual support. The connected fungi and micro-organisms. He is very critical of the forestry industry across Germany and beyond. Many of the old deciduous forests have been cleared, being replaced with conifers and other fast timber producing trees. Cutting down the trees, destroys the forests as carbon sinks and sources of cooling. Then, many of the trees cut go to create wood pellets for fuel, thereby releasing more carbon. The answers really come from the rewilding school of thought, namely to leave the ancient woodlands that remain alone to regenerate. Then, when planting new trees make sure the type and conditions are right to replicate what has gone before. What is heartening is to see how forest lands are managed in the local area. The fantastic trees in local woodlands like Wanstead Park , Bushwood and Hainault Forest are all managed in the sustainable style. When trees fall or have to be felled, they are left to become part of the regenerative process. Insects, fungi and much else vital to progressing the biodiversity prosper. It becomes a virtuous circle. The challenge going forward is how to expand the tree cover. It is something being promoted by the Mayor of London. There has been much planting of new areas in Redbridge. This work must be ongoing, it also has to be done in an appropriate way that gives the time and longevity to be of real biodiverse value. But also remember the best way of advancing woodland is to leave what is already there alone. Trees are great at regenerating and spreading, when left to their own devices. Let the woods regenerate and spread. In the end, they might just save us all.

A Century of Labour by Jon Cruddas

Labour MP Jon Cruddas has produced a timely account of the 100-year history of the Labour Party. The retiring MP for Dagenham and Rainham poses a number of challenging questions throughout, not the least being does the party have a purpose? He is pretty scathing of the present leader Keir Starmer, noting that "apart from his actual name, little ties Starmer to the ethical and spiritual concerns of Labour's early founders, figures such as Keir Hardy and George Lansbury." Though, whilst critical of Starmer's ditching of his 10 pledges, from the original leadership contest, that presented him as the unity candidate, he intriguingly suggests if anything his program is Wilsonian. So neither Corbynism or New Labour restoration but a program seeing an active state role in increasing investment and growth. Cruddas runs through the history of the Labour Party, from its formation, examining the different governments of Ramsey MacDonald in 1924 and 1929. Then, the 1945, Clement Attlee government, Harold Wilson and James Callaghan and finally the Tony Blair/Gordon Brown years. Interestingly, he always seems to see the party reverting to a gradualist, utilitarian approach, too often shaped by events rather than taking charge of them. There seems to be a constant tendency to revert to austerity based policy or seeming just to represent a lighter shade of blue conservatism Cruddas identified three traditions of justice in the party, which he constantly refers to throughout the book.These are human welfare, freedom and virtue. The three traditions were best interwoven with the Attlee government. One criticism of the book is that the style of writing can be somewhat turgid. One wonders, as the author labours through various academic theories whether readers maybe lost. Once, through this early part of the book, the narrative relatively gallops along but many could fall at the early fences. Other themes that could have been developed a little more are the what ifs, such as if Callaghan had gone to the country in autumn 1978, if John Smith had lived, if Al Gore had won the 2000 US Presidential election and if Gordon Brown had called an election in autumn 2007. Cruddas never stakes out his own position clearly, though at a guess John Smith may well most closely represent his views. This book though is full of excellent analysis of the first 100 years of the Labour Party. Thorough, it also poses many questions. The retiring MP seems no fan of Starmer but also seems to suggest the jury is out in terms of what sort of Labour government he is likely to lead. One theme that runs through the book is that of the death of the Labour Party lurking never far from the surface. The question ofcourse is most prevalent during the long periods out of power. The Party, though, has proved remarkably good at reinventing itself and will need to do so again over future years. Cruddas suggests that finding or refinding its purpose will be fundamental to the future of the Party - what that cannot mean is being a lighter shade of blue. Published by Polity £25 Review published in Morning Star - 25/1/2024

Mr Bates v the Post Office shows what can happen when people come together to fight injustice

The recent ITV dramatisation Mr Bates versus the Post Office highlighted a huge miscarriage of justice. The ongoing injustice has been running for more than 20 years, since the Post Office introduced it's Horizon computer system. The malfunctions in this system saw 100s of sub-postmasters and mistresses recording deficits on their accounts. None could understand what was going on.Some frightened people used their savings to make up shortfalls. The inhuman Post Office managers seemed happier to believe that hundreds of their loyal staff were dishonest, than they might have a malfunctioning computer system. They pushed on prosecuting hundreds of people. Some went to prison, a number committed suicide, others had mental breakdowns. It was a truly scandalous story. The drama tells how Alan Bates refused to break under Post Office intimidation. He lost his business but continued the fight against injustice. The key to the successful campaign was bringing people together. The Post Office repeatedly told those they were accusing that no one else was being effected in the same way. This made people feel powerless, isolated and alone. Once there was some media coverage, the dots began to be joined, with Bates bringing the people together. Then, lawyers became involved plus Parliamentarians joined the effort to get justice. Former Conservative MP for Wanstead and Woodford (1987 to 1997) James Arbuthnot played a key role in advancing the case in Parliament and bringing the Post Office to account. He was MP for North East Hampshire, when advancing the cause. What the case proved is how important an effective campaign is in attaining justice. Miscarriage of justice cases succeed when people come together in an effective collective campaign. Lawyers, politicians and journalists all have a role to play but the campaign is essential. Bates played a vital role in getting the sub-postmasters campaign underway. There is still a long way to go, lots more penalised sub-postmasters have come forward, since the drama was aired. Many have still not been compensated or had their convictions quashed. Those who committed suicide will never be compensated. A terrible loss. There are lessons to be learned in terms of bringing corporate power to account. Bringing people together in a collective voice is key. Something else to keep in mind is that more such computer based scandals are likely to occur, as we all blindly bow to the power of the machine over people. People need to come together in opposition, refusing to be isolated, atomised and made to feel powerless at the behest of some bottom line defined dystopia. Power to the people!!

John Pilger - a hero to the end

The world will be a worse place, without journalist and peace advocate, John Pilger, to shine the light of truth on injustice. Australian by birth, Pilger died on 30 December 2023, at the age of 84. He, initially, rose to fame, for his international reporting on the Vietnam War, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Burma, East Timor, Australia and the Middle East. Together with filmmaker David Munro, he broke the news of devastation in Cambodia, caused by four years of tyrannous rule by Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge. In America, Pilger was accompanying Robert Kennedy on his Presidential campaign in 1968, when the senator was shot in the Ambassador hotel. Reporting for the Daily Mirror on 5 June 1968, Pilger wrote: "He's the next President Kennedy! said a woman standing next to me. She then fell to the floor, with a bullet wound to the head (she lived)." He also did much to bring to light, the inhuman treatment of indigenous people in Australia. Born in Bondi, New South Wales, Pilger moved to Britain in 1962. The multi-talented journalist, communicated stories of injustice via his work for the Daily Mirror newspaper (1962 to 1986) and documentary films, mainly for ITV. He was also, later, a columnist for the Guardian and New Statesman. Pilger also wrote many books. On the domestic side, Pilger brought the story of the struggle of children to get compensation in relation to the damage done by the drug Thalidomide to national attention. He won a stream of national and international journalistic awards, being declared Journalist of the year in 1967 and 1979. Pilger, though, remained a true advocate of speaking truth to power, a real seeker after justice. "Secretive power loathes journalists who do their jobs, who push back screens, peer behind facades, lift rocks. Opprobrium from on high is their badge of honour," said Pilger, who remained a stern critic of the mainstream media to the end. He particularly loathed those who used their positions to parrot establishment PR, rather than doing the job of bringing the powerful to account. He warned of fake news long before it became a term. Pilger was a peace campaigner throughout his life. Over recent decades, he exposed the tragedies of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Long before the last Gulf War of 2023, he was writing about the crippling sanctions on Iraq, that were killing thousands of children. Always an advocate for the Palestinians, he was campaigning to the end for recognition of the crimes being committed by the present onslaught. He was a passionate supporter of the Stop the War Coalition, regularly addressing rallies down the years. In later years, Pilger stood by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, as he was persecuted, standing bail and visiting him at the Ecuadorian embassy and prison. Unlike, many media people, Pilger stood by Assange till the end. Typically in his final published piece, a month before he died, Pilger, called on everyone to stand up to authority. He called Assange a Spartacus figure. "The Palestinians are Spartacus. People who fill the streets with flags, and principal and solidarity are Spartacus. We are all Spartacus, if we want to be." On a personal note, John Pilger was a great inspiration, friend and support, particularly when starting out in journalism. It was his work that played a major part in inspiring me to want to write. Later, I did research on his films, books and columns. The generosity of time, encouragement and support given by John over many years are something that I will never forget. He was also a strong supporter of the Star, which ran his columns for a number of years. He often contrasted the content of the paper with much of the sycophancy found in the mainstream media. A truly inspirational journalist and human being, he will be sorely missed. A man who remained true to his principles to the end, admired and respected internationally, the body of work he leaves behind will stand the test of time. He was also an inspiration to so many, some of whom he helped along the way.

Democracy under threat

The coming year will see a general election, with the possibility of a new government. Many expect (and hope) Labour will win. Whatever the outcome, things have to change, if our democracy is to sustain. The antics of the present Conservative administration have brought the whole political class into disrepute. The Downing Street parties during COVID stand out in the hall of infamy. Then, there is our unfair and unrepresentative electoral system. The last election saw just 14 million vote for the Conservative Party, yet it won a majority of 80 seats. Some 17 million voted for the other parties and 23 million did not vote at all. The system is so skewed that the election is really decided in a few marginal seats. Political commentator, Ian Dunt, has highlighted the better deployment of resources in these constituencies. Better to get ill in a marginal, they have more hospitals etc. There needs to be a change in the electoral system to Proportional Representation. This would see a fairer reflection of how people vote in Parliament. Everyone would believe their vote counted. Then there is selection. Are the people representing the electorate really the best on offer? Are they people from the communities, campaigners, those prepared to stand up for others? Do they have skills that can be utilised and when they do, are those skills used? There needs to be change made in the selection processes of all parties to encourage people with the skills from all backgrounds to come forward and represent their communities - at the moment this is not happening. Also, at the top in terms of leadership elections something needs to change. The merry go round of incompetent leaders to take up the role in the Tory Party has not served the country well, from David Cameron and Theresa May to Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. On the subject of selection processes, a look across to the US shows what can happen. There, former President Donald Trump stands indicted with a number of criminal and other charges. Yet, even if convicted, it seems possible he will go forward as the Republican candidate at the next Presidential election. If Trump wins that will effectively be the end of democracy in America. So there is much that needs to change to restore, if not save, out democracy. There needs to be leadership that looks outward to embrace change, not inward, struggling along with more of the same.

New Year must bring peace in Gaza and Ukraine

The major hope for the New Year must be for peace in the world. The ongoing human catastrophe in Gaza should be brought to a halt, with an immediate ceasefire Some 20,000 have been killed in Gaza, since the Israeli military action began - more than half of them children. Disease, caused by the destruction of the infrastructure, is now also claiming many lives. The Israeli hostages, taken on 7th October, by Hamas need to be released. What has been breathtaking over these months has been the way Western leaders have sat on their hands and supported the violence. The UK and US have actively encouraged Israel to use violence to right the wrong of 7 October. Vengeance has been encouraged, as British and American arms have flowed into the region. No doubt at a later date, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with be bleating about a few desperate souls seeking asylum here. No reference to the very culpable role his government has played in help cause their plight. The regular marches for peace in Gaza, through London and other cities across the country, have shown how disgusted the mass of British people are about the situation and the role of their government. Literally, millions have taken to the streets, as part of these protests. The shame is that mass media has at best offered sporadic coverage. Many of the protest have been virtually ignored or covered totally in public order terms. There was a time when 100,000s of people marching through major cities, on a weekly basis, calling for peace, would have merited some serious consideration but not in 21st century Britain, apparently. Whilst, the atrocities in Gaza have dominated, the conflict in Ukraine has slipped down the news agenda. The main concern seems to be that the flow of arms from Britain and America to the Ukraine side continues. The conflict is coming up to the two year anniversary but still little talk of a ceasefire or peace. All sides seem happy with perpetual war. This really cannot go on - the voices for peace need to be heard and acted upon. It must be hoped that peace comes about in Gaza, Ukraine and right across the world in 2024. We all have a role to play in articulating the need for that peace. Sitting by, doing nothing, whilst the bloodshed continues is morally unacceptable. Doing nothing enables the slaughter. There must be action now to bring peace in all the theatres of war.