Stand up for democracy or lose it

Democracy it seems us hanging by a thread in the United States. The administration of President Donald Trump seems to be running roughshod over the different institutions that maintain the democratic system. What will be left after four years remains to be seen? Democracy is under threat in many other places across the world, with people being squeezed out of having any meaningful say in how their lives are run. It is important to remember that democracy is a relatively recent concept. Democracy in any meaningful form has probably only been around for 200 years..and a lot less than that in most places. The idea is that everyone has the right to play a part in electing a government that then serves the people. It was a hard fought battle to win those rights. The suffragettes, civil rights protesters and trade unions were among those who fought long and hard to get the vote. Previously, it was rule by monarchs assisted by the other powerful factions in the land, who ran things just as they liked. A sort of gang warfare. Indeed, many argue, that is where things are heading now - backwards to the dictatorship of authoritarian figures ruling for themselves. The weakness of democracy today comes from ignorance. In order to put down sustainable roots and endure democracy needs an informed and educated population. It also requires people in power to deliver for the mass of people, not just a small elite of the wealthy. Both factors are lacking today. There is a disillusionment among many regarding the political class. The complaints are familiar: they're all the same, they're only in it for themselves, my vote doesn't make a difference etc. But there is a real danger that people won't realise what they have lost until it is gone. Broadly, there seems to be three groups of people - bystanders, spectators and the engaged. The bystanders are not interested, do not believe politics makes any difference to their lives and at best view it as some sort of soap opera ( this tendency is helped by much media coverage, which treats politics like a big soap). Most annoying amongst this group are those who pride themselves on not taking part and not voting. The spectators are those who keep themselves informed about what is going on. They speak out, usually via social media, from time to time and usually vote but don't get involved beyond that. Then there are the engaged. They would be members of political parties, trade unions, community groups, charities and much of civil society. This is by far the smallest group. If democracy is to survive, more people need to get actively involved. They need to be better informed and act to bring those in power to account. There has to be a plurality that allows for all sorts of different views to be represented and heard. Another problem of the present system is a morphing together of the main political parties, who all seem to be wedded to the present neo-liberal economic system, which is causing the hardship ( and so disillusion with democracy) for so many people. The voices of those who want to change, rather than just manage the present system need to be heard and represented. Some way needs to be found of getting better community representation. Political parties are. becoming increasingly insular, representing a small elite. The introduction of Proportional Representation would be one way to improve things. Also, a change in the way representatives are selected. But make no mistakes democracy is under threat. It is not perfect but as Winston Churchill said : "democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." There is a real danger today that people will only recognise the value of democracy when it is gone. So get involved in making sure you retain the right to participate

Retrograde - Sidney Poitier story - "what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul"

Retrograde Apollo, Shaftesbury Avenue This fascinating play about actor and civil rights activist Sidney Poitier grips from start to finish. Retrograde began life at the Kiln theatre in Kilburn, two years ago, prior to graduating on to the West End. Expertly direct by Amit Sharma, Ryan Calais Cameron's sharp script is brought to life by some great performances from Ivanno Jeremiah (Sidney Poitier), Stanley Townsend (Mr Parks) and Oliver Johnstone (Bobby). The witty dialogue provides a great tempo to the essential plot, which revolves around temptation and betrayal. Aged 28, Poitier is on the edge of making his acting breakthrough but in the fevered atmosphere of 1950s McCarthyite America, betrayal is required in order to make that leap. He must betray his friend Paul Robeson in order to prove himself a loyal American. The dilemma is nicely summarised with the biblical quote from Poitier as to "what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul." The play is particularly timely, given what is going on in America at the moment, the brutal condemnations and constant questioning of loyalty to the flag. Maybe, writer Ryan Calais Cameron could have slipped a make America great again into the flow of invective from NBC lawyer, Parks. Though, that may have appeared a little too trite. The three hander works well, with the constant to and fro, of the dynamic between Parks, scriptwriter, Bobby and Poitier. Parks, the cynic, prepared to do anything for a comfortable life. He threatens Poitier as to how he will end up on the black black list if he doesn't sign the loyalty oath and denounce Robeson. This means double condemnation for being black and a communist. Liberal, Bobby, who is as bad, if not worse, promoting his ideals and friendship with Poitier, but equally prepared to sell out to get on. Then, there is the moral Poitier, not prepared to sell his soul but Jeremiah superbly portrays his own struggle to do the right thing. The whole play is set in the lawyers office, with characters entering and leaving intermittently, as the dilemmas come and go. Retrograde is in many ways a tribute to one of the great civil rights activists and actors of our time. A truly moral man, who did the right thing. It is also a celebration of what was achieved by the civil rights movement over decades of struggle. But the timeliness of the play today is in providing a reminder of how dark things can become when authoritarianism takes hold as it did with McCarthyism in 1950s America and how a similar thing seems to be happening now under Trump and his Magas. Runs till 14 June

Excitement of watching wildlife

The bittern is an iconic bird, much admired by birdwatchers across the land. Many, though, have yet to see the bird in the wild. The bittern has featured in a number of wildlife programs recently. The presenters setting out to spot the diminutive bird but on most occasions failing - not great TV you might think! But the magic of the bird remains. A brown streaked bird that merges in perfectly amongst the reeds where it lives. The bittern is a member of the heron family, being slightly smaller in size than the grey herons that are so plentiful in Wanstead Park and along the River Roding. The bittern was threatened with extinction a few years ago but has made a great recovery with the help of conservationists. The bittern was a bird that I had longed to see for many a year. Three years ago I was lucky enough to briefly spot one at Rye Harbour in Sussex. At the time, I had almost given up hope, despite hearing the characteristic booming for days. Then, suddenly one rose out of the reed bed, flew a short distance and disappeared into another mass of reeds. All over in a minute, but what a view! It was an exciting moment. Unfortunately, that was my one and only sighting. Bitterns, though, have been seen at the Fisher Green reserve in Cheshunt, with occasional visitors at other places around London. Norfolk is a favourite place. Local birders here hold out hopes that one might one day come to reeds around Wanstead but better not hold your breath. It is a special moment, when you spot a creature in the wild that you have never seen before. A few years ago, I remember first seeing a kingfisher, that flash of emerald back and bronze chest flying down the river. Then, another, sitting on a branch. There have been a few sightings now over the years but it is still always exciting to see the little bird in action. A most recent wildlife spot was an otter, not, unfortunately on the River Roding (not for want of trying). This was an early morning in Oxfordshire, in a pool just off the Thames. Rings of water and then three otters appeared, one out of the water, the other two heads just showing - it was a great moment. I live in hope of seeing one of the Roding otters soon! There really is some fantastic wildlife around this area, so get out and have a look. Not every trip will be successful, indeed most won't. But that occasion when you see your first otter, bittern, kingfisher, or something else altogether will live with you for ever. It will be a really great moment to savour.

Review of Peak Injustice by Danny Dorling

A third of children in the UK live under the poverty line. The UK is now the second most unequal society in Europe, only Bulgaria is worse. It was not ever thus, back in 1976, the UK was the second most equal country, after Sweden, and people were happier. These are some of the salient facts brought together in this impressive work from social geography professor Danny Dorling. Dorling seeks to pull together a number of the threads that make up one of the most unequal societies in the world. Many of the arguments are familiar, from his previous works Shattered Nation, Seven Children and Slowdown. This should come as no surprise give that each chapter relates to a separate piece written at different times over the years. This can give a dated feel at times, especially, since the Labour Government came to power last year. The strength, though, is that all the works remain true, proving the correctness of the original analysis, even when a few years old. The arguments are familiar, as revealing a certain frustration in the author, as he battles to show the injustice of such an unequal society, whilst always pointing to the fact there is another better way. Hope is always there. One of the hopeful times was when Jeremy Corbyn became leader of the Labour Party, carrying the hopes of many, especially the young, with him. Another way of doing things was put on the public agenda. The 2017 general election result was a high point. The personal attacks on Corbyn, then went into over drive. Dorling, though, does think Corbyn should have hit back harder against his critics. The impression of a country drowning, as it slides down the international scale is hard to escape. The underfunding of health, education and welfare. High poverty levels. How the decay of the UK made the country more vulnerable to COVID, when it came along. There are some interesting insights on COVID, such as that between 2020 and 2023, 15% of men and 10% of women of 90 plus died earlier that they would otherwise have done. Also, that excess death levels in the population were higher in the autumn of 2015, than 2020, yet this hardly got a mention in the media, at the time. Dorling points out that austerity policies killed more than COVID and ofcourse there was cross over. He claims that: "as many as two million were killed through the actions of the government that had been in power up to 2023." Housing receives much attention, with the fact that there are enough rooms in the country to house the population but many are empty. The author suggests that a drop in prices, maybe via a housing crash, could free up property and enable a realignment. Rent controls or another event could trigger this. Dorling is a keen advocate of land and wealth taxes. He would also like to see all student debt cancelled. He points out that countries that tax at higher rates have better education, health and transport, less pollution, better housing outcomes and less use of anti-depressants. The hope that things can improve often comes from looking to other countries. Finland is a favourite, with people happy to pay taxes for public services. The society is not polarised like the UK and people are happier and healthier. Nearer to home. the Scottish government is more progressive, not having the two child benefit limit. They have also had a Scottish child payment, since 2021, of £25 a week for those in need. The result is that child poverty levels are 24% of the population and falling. By contrast, in England the level is 29% and rising. Dorling estimates child poverty costs the UK £39 billion a year. The author also applauds recent pay deals for rewarding the lowest paid with higher settlements, so closing the inequality gap a little. So it is not all bad news. Dorling believes that UK society is at Peak Injustice, so things should get better, as the country comes down from the peak.(Peak Inequality came in 2018). Peak Stupidity came in Spring 2024. Let's hope he is correct, with society moving towards being more just, cohesive and equal. Though, given the present direction of travel, I wouldn't hold your breath. Published by Policy Press, £14.99

World peace means confronting warmongers

The geopolitical map has certainly been shaken since Donald Trump began his second term as President. He said in the campaign for office that he would resolve the war in Ukraine. Moves do appear to be being made in that direction. Most concerning for Europeans, though, is what that peace will look like. It has been interesting to see the question of Ukraine's mineral wealth suddenly being raised by President Trump. Over the previous three years of war, these resources rarely got a mention in the media discourse. Despite, ofcourse, being a crucial part of the war equation. Indeed, that discourse was one of unending war, causing death and destruction whilst the cash tills of the arms companies rang ever louder. At least now some of the issues are up front. The concerns for European countries and particularly the UK is a new defence burden that it seems will be placed on them. The new US administration expects Europe to pick up the bill for it's defence. In the Ukraine context, this could mean a peacekeeping force. This will cost billions. That money will come from other areas of government. It will mean less money for essential services at home and abroad. Already, Prime minister Kier Starmer has declared aid to the poorest in the world will be cut to make up the defence budget rise. The UK is in a very vulnerable position, out of the EU, and in a different relationship with America. Potentially a small isolated country in the north of Europe. How the UK government plays it's hand will have serious consequences for now and future generations. The present government would do well to remember the warning of a former US President, Dwight D Eisenhower, who on leaving office in 1961, warned of the power and growing influence of the military industrial complex. A group who profit from war. They have grown as President Eisenhower warned, wielding huge influence. And for every penny spent on war there is less for everything else. Eisenhower declared: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." He went on, describing this, as "not a way of life at all." "Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron." Good politicians know when to stand up to the generals and arms companies. We desperately need peace in the world but must not mortgage the future to the weapons industry and those who depend for their existence on war. It is a fine line to tread but all must proceed with care in order to ensure a peaceful future.

Life beyond the mobile phone

A friend of mine recently had her phone stolen. She had just returned from some time away and was caught unawares at the airport. The loss, threw her life upside down for a few days, until she got a replacement organised. It is only when such unpleasant things happen that it becomes apparent how dependent people have become on mobile phones and other technology. Walking along the street people are engrossed in their phones. Some are so much in the virtual world that they are likely to physically bump into others in the real world. How long before the generation arises that can only communicate by phone? It is not an unusual sight to see a number of people meeting socially together, sitting at a table, all on the phone - supposedly not to each other! There was a recent interesting comment from writer and comedian Ben Elton, who said smart phones had stolen children's childhoods. He has a point. Maybe the effort of some schools to ban mobiles in school is an effort to reclaim some of that childhood. That is not to say that the mobile phone is not a fantastically useful device that has revolutionised the way we live. There is so much information available via the phone. It is a way to stay connected to others. A protection for many. But has it not also fostered a strange dependency. In the days before mobiles (yes, there was a time), people could go out, navigate their way around and come home without the phone. Now, separation from the device seems to have a traumatic effect on many. The mobile phone companies have done a great job in selling their product. It has fostered dependency, as well as providing an important social service. The mobile is not going away and nor should it. But the push to have literally everything on the phone maybe going a bit too far. The phone opens up services and information but a rush to only on phone info will exclude some. There are people who refuse to have phones. I have to admit to a sneaking admiration. But what happens to such independent spirits as phone dependency increases. There is talk of phasing out landlines. Where does that leave such people? My friend, who lost her phone, does not have a landline -the absence, makes the feeling of being isolated and cut off all the greater, without the mobile. Landlines must stay. We all also need a break from the phone and maybe other technologies. It must be good to zone out for a while now and again. Also, why not make some person to person contact, not always via phone? To paraphrase the old BT advert, it's good to talk but add in person.

Time to renounce the migrants hate rhetoric and tell another story

The ongoing demonisation of migrants and refugees continues to pick up pace. The return of Donald Trump as US President has enhanced the process, as he talks in terms of invasions and enemies of America. Walls are to be built, migrants incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay and other detention centres. This country is not much better. Migrants have been vilified for many years, even whilst so many staffed the care homes and hospitals, built the houses, harvested the crops and worked in hospitality. Instead of gratitude, there is an ongoing hostility, seeking to criminalise and stigmatise, those who have in the main contributed to the betterment of society. On the refugee side, the small boats saga has been blown out of all proportion, by spineless politicians egged on by a racist media selling it's own products on the back of fuelling hate. Most of those coming across the Channel are desperate, fleeing for their lives. It is not coincidental that most also come from war torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. In terms of economic migrants, the country needs a steady flow to make the economy grow. The UK has a rapidly ageing population, with over 65s increasingly outnumbering under 16s. The government continually talks of the millions of economically inactive people, then, about growth. So, how in a country, with so many inactive, are we going to get that magic growth without migrants? This country desperately needs migrant labour, vilifying them, whilst creating a different kind of hostile environment, will not encourage people to come. The fruits of attacking migrants and refugees was seen last summer with the riots across the country. The government responded firmly, with heavy punishments delivered by the courts. In Walthamstow, among other places, people came out to say no. But since then, the cowardice of the political class has resurfaced. The anti- migrant rhetoric of Reform, with Kemi Badenoch's Tory Party running to keep up. And, the other parties have shown worrying tendencies to emulate, rather than stand up to, the Reform agenda. The result of such an approach will deliver Nigel Farage as the next Prime Minister. The time now is to state a clear pro-migrant, inclusive narrative, not retire into the tired recesses of racism and hate. Let's be bold renounce anti-migrant based racism and tell another story.

Animal Farm - Stratford East

This excellent adaptation of George Orwell's iconic book gives a real contemporary feel to proceedings. The original book published in 1945, saw Orwell drawing what he saw as lessons from the early years of the Russian revolution. This Tatty Hennessy adaptation centres more on power dynamics, manipulation of group situations and inequality. In places there is more than a hint of the recent history of the Labour Party, with a popular leader ousted and a manipulative shadowy figure putting his man into the top job. The role of manipulative pig, Squealer (Tom Simper), has certainly been made far more prominent than in the original book. A cross between Peter Mandelson and Uriah Heep. There is some blurring of lines, possibly due to having to compact so much narrative into the limited time frame. For example, the dogs appear a far more terrifying force, serving the pigs, in the book. In the play, the single dog is an enforcer but also seems an ambivalent part of the group at times. Hayley Grindle, set & costume designer, does an excellent job, with the split stage. The animals below, whilst power resides in a sealed board room structure above.The pigs move to inhabit the board room. There is also a factory farm feel to the set. Tachia Newall nicely builds the role of Napoleon, overthrowing his rival, Snowball, and taking power. The effort to control the group, with fear engendered regarding traitors and enemies outside, also has a nice contemporary feel. The line :"All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others,"rings as true today, as in the 1940s. Napoleon's tour de force is a final speech where he displays the contempt of the ruling elite for the workers that they exploit. There is a real energy about the play throughout, conveyed by clever choreography of movement. A great strength of this production is that it can stand alone, relatable to life today. This owes much to Hennessy 's adaptation and the direction of Amy Leach. It keeps the audience engaged throughout. Well worth seeing. Runs till 8 March, then Leeds Playhouse 12 to 29 March and Nottingham Playhouse 2 to 12 April.

Pontiffs, politics and power

Vatican Spies by Yvonnick Denoel Anyone who had their appetite wetted for more Vatican intrigue, after seeing the film Conclave, will love this book. Vatican Spies reveals much about how the Catholic Church developed it's own intelligence network, often with the help of other agencies such as the CIA, French and Italian security services. The interactions with the Mafia during the World War II period at the behest of America, and getting caught up with the Mob through various dodgy financial dealings, makes for a fascinating read. The Catholic Church with it's universal reach to 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, connected by a network of parishes and dioceses, amounts to a spy masters dream. On the face of it virtuous and God serving, below the surface as ruthless and brutal as any other intelligence operation. The author charts the development of the Church's intelligence capabilities through the popes from World War II up to the present day. Pope Pius XII (1939 - 1958) really got things moving. Prior to the war the Church mobilised against the Soviet Block. Anti-communism was the watchword. The Nazis, then, became the focus during the war, with Pius XII developing strong links with US President Franklin Roosevelt and the CIA. The President used the Church to bring the Mafia in on the allies side in Italy. The Church seemed to have a mixed war. Pius XII was sympathetic early on to those among the German military who wanted to overthrow Hitler. The Vatican also sheltered Jews and ensured safe passage. Irish priest Father Hugh O'Flaherty oversaw this work. On the debit side was an odd relationship with the Ustasha Croats, who killed thousands. After the war, the Church helped a number of these Nazis find their way to sanctuary in Argentina. Post war, the Vatican's intelligence focus swung back towards the anti-communist, anti- Soviet stance. Pius XII joined in with the Americans to oppose the Communist Party coming to power in Italy. The Church's financial institutions were a conduit for US sourced millions to be pumped into the Christian Democrats, so ensuring their electoral success. Catholics were told they must not support the Communists. A panic about the Communists potentially coming to power in Italy during the late 1940s saw the Irish government consider the Pontiff taking refuge in Ireland. Author, Denoel examines the formation of the different Popes, among the Curia and operating as Secretaries of State in the Vatican before getting the big job. After Pius XII came the more liberal John XXIII (1958 - 1963) and Paul VI (1963-1978). The 33 day papacy of John Paul I in 1976 is dealt with in an even handed way. Denoel does not buy into the popular view that he was murdered, more that he just wasn't cared for. John Paul II (1976-2005) is the ultimate spy masters Pope, involved at every level in a crusade against the Eastern Block, most predominantly relating to his native Poland. The author highlights the contradiction in John Paul II that saw him totally back the Solidarity trade union in Poland, whilst siding with the most brutal American backed dictators in Latin America, against the liberation theology of the people, embracing the church of the poor. Denoel states that: "for the Reagan administration, no battle was more important than that against the theology of liberation." This reached a crescendo against the Sandinistas in Nicaragua and the murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero in El Salvador. The relationship between the Vatican and a US President was never closer than between John Paul II and Reagan. The author, though, does dismiss the socialist inspired liberation theology movement far too easily. An interesting section of the book looks at the strained relationship between the Vatican and Israel, compared to the warmth of relations with the Palestinians. It was not until 1993 that the Catholic Church recognised Israel. The wind tended to go out of John Paul II's sails after the Eastern Block collapsed, with the various scandals, particularly around Vatican finances, deaths and paedophiles, embracing his papacy. The present Pope Francis is seen as trying to modernise and clean up the Vatican His dislike of the Curia is well documented. He is credited for bringing together US President Barack Obama and Cuba's Raul Castro to improve relations between the two countries. Yvonnick Denoel has produced a comprehensive, very detailed account of how the Vatican has operated since the 1930s. It will amaze and appall readers at the same time. What is clear is that the Catholic Church developed a capability to interfere in sovereign countries affairs at least as much as any of the Eastern or Western intelligence agencies, often involving one or the other and sometimes both of these. Certainly a good read. Published by Hurst, £25 Published - Irish Post - 8/2/2025

How civilised is a society where a woman is killed by a man every three days?

A woman has been killed by a man once every three days in the UK over recent years. The Guardian newspaper has been reporting the deaths that have occurred over the past 12 months, which total 80. These are extraordinary and shaming figures. Can this country seriously describe itself as in any way civilised, as long as this level of abuse goes on? Domestic abuse rose significantly over the period of the COVID pandemic. It has been the case that such abuse also goes up at time of failure in major sporting events, such as football tournaments. Again, civilised? The problems of such abuse, very much lie with the male, who it seems, in some cases, has not progressed far beyond the cave man stage. Too many males seek to replace their mother with partners. Someone to run around, taking care of their every need - a servant. If the partner fails in this role retribution of varying types results. A lot of men still seem to regard marriage as some sort of property deal. They are not just getting a wife but a possession. Things are not as bad as they used to be. When the male was the sole breadwinner in most households, the females were far more powerless. There was a strict division of labour, males did not cook, do housework and in some cases even have much to do with the children. That was women's work. The abuse went on behind closed doors but was less acknowledged than today. Fortunately, there is now greater equality between the sexes. Female and male can get out of relationships that aren't working. More and more single parents do heroic work in bringing up children. Yet, still there is a long way to go. Women remain poorer paid than men in the workplace and the parent role is more likely to fall to the woman in the event of relationship break up. The struggle for equality needs to step up a gear. The pay gap must close. The parent responsible for bringing up the children should get a living wage for doing so. This work must be recognised. There is childcare benefit but this is limited - more so over recent years. There also needs to be more funding for refuges and other support mechanisms for those seeking to get out of abusive relationships. Leaving an abusive relationship needs support from many areas. Finally, males need to grow up and take responsibility. Stop behaving like adolescents. Relationships need to become partnerships of equals not the subjugation of one to the immature other. Things have improved but as the Guardian figures and rising levels of domestic abuse show there is still a long way to go.

People need to stand up for the River Roding

A walk along the River Roding is an exhilarating experience. The emerald flash of a kingfisher heading down stream, a buzzard drifting overhead and maybe an otter passing through. The Roding is the third biggest river in London, with huge potential. It begins out in Essex wending its way to Redbridge, then onto Barking Creek and out into the Thames. It is a major waterway, with the potential to become one of the London Mayor’s swimmable rivers over the next decade. The biodiversity potential is huge. The river is loved by local people. Volunteers from the River Roding Trust work to bring the river back to its former glory. Recently, they did some work on a stretch near Woodford, creating wildlife habitats, planting willow trees and picking up endless litter. Yet all of this is threatened by the negligence of those charged with custody of the river. A citizens scientist study undertaken under the aegis of Thames 21 and the River Roding Trust, between May and September last year, found dangerous levels of ecoli and intestinal enterococci. There are 9 combined sewer outflows, which discharged untreated sewage for 316 hrs over the surveyed period. Recently, Paul Powesland, founder of the River Roding Trust, discovered oil dumped in the river. Detriment also runs off the roads polluting the river. One outfall at the Aldersbrook tributary is severely impacting water quality in Ilford – with ecoli spikes of 19 times safe limits in the centre of Ilford. This outflow was discovered, four years ago, by Powesland – yet still Thames Water has done nothing about it. And here is the nub of the problem – a private company that puts shareholder dividends ahead of public service provision relating to our waterways. Add to that, the problem of an under resourced Environment Agency. There needs to vigorous enforcement against those who would destroy the waterway. The London mayor, local politicians and regulatory agencies need to step up for the River Roding before it is too late.

Act to avert biodiversity crisis

Remember those days of driving down country lanes, then having to clear the insects that smothered the windscreen. There haven't been many of those days recently. It is rare now to get an insect build up on a car windscreen. This has something to do with the destruction caused to insect populations by human beings. Some 59% of the insect population was lost between 2004 and 2023. Yet, still humankind blunders on destroying fellow species that are key to its own existence. The last biodiversity illiterate government allowed farmers to use the previously banned neonicotinoids pesticide for the past four years. These pesticides do incredible damage, especially to the bee population. The campaigning group 38 degrees claim that just a teaspoon full of neonicotinoids pesticide can kill 1.5 billion honey bees. The group are seeking to get the present government to ban neonicotinoids. Nearly one in six species in the UK are threatened with extinction. Some 19% of species have become extinct since the 1970s. These are just some of the statistics that highlight the climate and biodiversity crisis that has engulfed us over recent times. The devastation caused by the destructive way in which we live becomes more evident everyday. The fires, droughts and floods. Soaring food prices. (Food production will become ever more difficult and expensive if we go on destroying insects and other life). Human beings have to change the way they live. How can 35% of food produced in this country be thrown away? Human beings have to collectively wake up to the damage being done and take radical action. The sort of sustained action that was taken to counter the COVID pandemic - it is that kind of emergency. Instead, there seems a collective form of amnesia, as humanity creeps ever closer to the abyss. It is quite disillusioning to attend talks on this crisis and be reminded of the ineptitude of the political class. The failure to act, the creeping back from hesitant commitments, the catch all cop out 'it can't be afforded." Always putting off to another distant day the need to act now. Yet, on a more upbeat note, there have been positive things done. The saving of bird species like the red kite, sea eagles and the osprey. There have been great initiatives. Some farmers are leading the way, producing food, whilst fostering the environment. There is much happening but it needs to happen more quickly and on a bigger scale. It is important that more people get involved. This can mean volunteering in groups to work on the land. Locally, the Wren Group does work every week in Wanstead Park or on the Flats. The Friends of Wanstead Park do monthly litter picks. The councillors also do a monthly litter pick on the third Saturday of each month. The River Roding Trust do periodic work on the river. There are tree pits and pollinator pathways that local people can become involved with. Also, those who have gardens can make them more nature friendly. Join different groups like the wildlife trusts, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust and RSPB. Locally, there is the Wren Group, River Roding Trust, Wanstead Climate Action, Wanstead Community Gardeners and the Friends of Wanstead Park to name but a few. Put forward contributions to consultations. Open a dialogue with politicians to engage them with the issues. Don't stand for excuses like it cannot be afforded. So there is much that can be done. Everyone needs to get more involved take responsibility for the way they behave. Then just maybe the climate and biodiversity crisis can begin to turn around.

Where is the voice of peace?

The Christmas season is one of peace and harmony. It centres on what happened 2000 years ago, far away in a Bethlehem stable, where a child was born. Those attending churches over the period will have heard of migrations, poverty and celebration all centred on the Middle East. Few, will have heard anything that relates these events to what is going on in the same area today. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and beyond, the thousands killed and injured. The demolition of neighbourhoods - the suffering has been and continues to be unbearable. Yet, during our celebrations here little if any of this is related. It's all a bit rose tinted. All prefer to continue gazing back 2,000 years to another sanitised version of truth - the poverty and suffering of those days is also downplayed. Stables are not great places to give birth to children It would have been good to hear much louder unified calls across the faiths for peace in our world - from the Middle East to Ukraine and beyond. The faiths can provide an important voice and lead. And it has been done before. Back in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers in New York, people of faith and none in this area came together to form Peace & Justice in East London. The Christian churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras all joined together to call for peace. We ran many public events, with speakers across the Redbridge area and beyond. The biggest meeting took place in Parliament on the night that MPs were debating in the chamber whether to go to war in Iraq. The Peace & Justice event took place in one of the larger committee rooms. It was addressed by bishops, rabbis and Parliamentarians among others. The case for peace was being made. The Peace & Justice group went onto expose the injustice of a system that saw individual foreign nationals being detained without trial under immigration law. The group made a significant contribution to those calling for peace around the world. So where is the equivalent today? Where are the voices for peace? There are many marching and protesting against the ongoing bloodshed but their voices are being increasingly screened out by a supine media. The conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine seem to have drifted down the news agenda, with the ongoing horror almost being normalised by omission. The voices for peace need to be heard loudly. Among these, those of local faith leaders should be loud and clear. They need to reflect on the history and teaching of their faiths and use that analysis to speak out in the present context for peace. It has been done before and should be happening now. Silence is not an option.

Graham Potter can do well at West Ham but he will need time

So West Ham have appointed former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter as their new manager. Fans will be hoping the new incumbent does better than outgoing manager Julen Lopetegui. Lopetegui never really seemed to fit at West Ham. Appointed last May to replace David Moyes, suddenly funds became available for players. More than £130 million was spent on nine players. There was some real talent amongst the incomers, with Aaron Wan Bissaka and Crysencio Summerville particularly impressive. But the team failed to get a top line striker. German international, Niclas Fullkrug, promised much but was then injured for a long period. General manager, Tim Steidten should have signed Colombian international Jhon Duran from Aston Villa. He was all set to come but the deal faltered at the last hurdle. Since, Duran has scored a bucketful of goals at Villa, most coming on as sub. Steidten did the deals late, so Lopetegui was weeks behind where he should have been when the season kicked off in August. The team was a work in progress and it showed, as the new manager rang the changes. The failure to fully utilise Summerville and weird substitutions, (like bringing on defenders for attacking players, when already three down) did not impress fans. Neither did Lopetegui inspire confidence on the PR front, often appearing bemused in front of the post match press conferences. There was certainly no confident narrative. Nor were the promising group of homegrown youngsters given a chance, with the likes of George Earthy and Freddie Potts sent out on loan. Lopetegui ofcourse was brought into replace Moyes - one of the most successful managers in the clubs' history Some of us warned it was a mistake at the time, getting rid of a manager who saved the club twice from relegation, then qualified for Europe three seasons running - winning the Europa Conference League in 2023. How distant those days now seem. Hopefully, Potter will hit the ground running. Time is not a commodity in ready supply for managers of Premiership football clubs. It is ironic to think back to the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He didn't win anything for four years, then things came good and the rest is history. No manager in the Premier League would be given that length of time today to get things right. Though, West Ham to be fair do usually give their managers more of a chance to settle. Had Lopetegui not looked so out of sorts, sustaining heavy defeats on a weekly basis, he would have been given longer. So Potter has the chance. There are a good squad of players, including some young home grown youngsters, who can prosper if handled properly. A few additions are needed, especially amongst the strikers, but the fundamentals are there for success. So let's hope Potter gets off to a good start to his West Ham career and European football can return in the not too distant future.

Need for real change of mindset on transport

The role of cars in our society has become increasingly contentious over recent years, with the growing threat of climate change. Cars and other vehicles have helped cause much damage. There have been efforts as a result to restrict their usage, as well as provide less damaging vehicles, powered by electricity. The progress of the electric car has been a major step forward over recent years, though critics point to the damage in climate terms that producing such a vehicle can cause. The car ofcourse has become a major mode of transport over the past 100 years. It has liberated so many people's lives but at a cost. In the intolerant, divided society of today, it is often difficult to have a reasoned debate about car usage. It rapidly descends into a pro and anti debate. The way forward is probably a middle way. We cannot go on destroying the air that we breath and the life source that we depend upon. Nor can there be a sudden withdrawal of a means of travel that so many still depend upon. Other forms of getting around need to be improved to help reduce the need for car usage. The London Mayor's active travel target of 80% of journeys being by foot, cycle or public transport by 2041 is something all must get behind. People will only get out of their cars, though, if these other means of transport are made cheaper and easier. The recent rearrangement of the bus timetables in this area have not helped. Transport For London (TFL) claim numbers using the old routes are down on pre-Covid levels, while the costs of providing the service are up. Data drives change. Critics claim that TFL have not listened and people who used the bus as a vital means of travel are now unable to do so. Hopefully, matters can be resolved. Councillors and our Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey have been involved in trying to get TFL to adjust it's plans. A great plus in public transport has been the addition of the Elizabeth Line. Quick, efficient and comfortable, it has to represent a travel model for the future. Cycle infrastructure has been rolling out across London, making this form of transport more accessible and safer. Clean air ofcourse is an important catalyst in encouraging more people to cycle. The introduction of congestion and the Ultra Low Emission Zones have been important moves in progressing the cause of clean air. So too have been school streets schemes. So there is much going on to encourage more active travel, which will also bring a fitter, healthier population as well in the long run. So there are many positive things happening to encourage a real modal change in how people get around. But there is still a long way to go if that 80% target is to be achieved.

England will win World Cup in 2026

Football fans will enjoy a new book from West Ham legend and World Cup winner Geoff Hurst titled Last Boy of 66. The title of ofcourse draws attention to the fact that Hurst is the last of the players remaining alive from that momentous day 60 years ago, when England won the World Cup at Wembley. That in itself is surprising. All would be in their 80s, if alive today. Hurst is 83. In these days of living longer, the law of averages would suggest more should remain alive. Many have drawn attention to the disproportionate number of the team who got dementia. The book offers some fascinating incites, especially for West Ham fans. The prominence of Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst in the team. (West Ham fans like to claim they won the World Cup, with Hurst and Peters scoring all four goals) .)The revelations that Peters always carried a certain resentment over being left out of the West Ham FA cup winning team of 1964. Also, that he wanted the team to do better in the league. Peters joined Spurs in 1970. Then, Moore being in dispute with West Ham as the World Cup finals began. It seems, he probably played the final thinking he'd be a Spurs player afterwards. Later, Hurst found out that Manchester United wanted to sign him in 1968. The response from West Ham manager Ron Greenwood to his Manchester United counterpart Matt Busby was a telegram reading "No, regards, Greenwood." Player power was very much less than today. Indeed, the treatment of the players in that team down the years has been pretty appalling, particularly from the FA. Instead, of being lauded, they and their wives were often snubbed. One of the endearing themes of the book is that these were just a bunch of ordinary blokes, brought together to create a great football team. They got plenty of fame but little of the riches of players today. Most, went into other trades, after football. Hurst sold insurance, as did Peters. Roger Hunt went into the family haulage business, whilst Ray Wilson became an undertaker. A number sold their medals to make ends meet. Yet, the achievements of the team have lived on for 60 years. To a degree they represent a ghost that has haunted every England team put out since that famous day in July 1966. The game has changed dramatically since that time, in some ways for the good, in others less so. But still England have not won the World Cup. A couple of semi- final appearances is all England has to show for 59 years of effort. This, though, maybe about to change, with the stars seemingly aligning. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of that win, England have the players to win, as proven in recent tournaments. To top it all, they have a manager, Tomas Tuchel, from the country, Germany, that England beat in 1966. So, yes all is set for England to once again win the World Cup in 2026. But in the meantime, Geoff Hurst's book offers a great insight to those who did it the first time around in humbler but great days. * Geoff Hurst - Lost Boy of 66 Published by Ebury Spotlight, £22